Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce Recipe
Looking for a tasty Italian meal that’s quick to make? This ground beef orzo with tomato cream sauce is your go-to. It’s a comforting dish with ground beef, tender orzo pasta, and a creamy tomato sauce.
It’s a hit for anyone looking for a fast, satisfying meal. With just a few ingredients, you can turn a simple dinner into a gourmet experience. Every bite is packed with flavor, bringing Italy right to your table.
This recipe is great for families and cooking fans. It’s packed with protein from the ground beef and has a fun texture from the orzo. It’s a dish that will quickly become a favorite, making Italian food easy and fun to enjoy.
Essential Ingredients and Kitchen Preparations
Making a tasty one-pot pasta dish needs careful planning and the right ingredients. This ground beef orzo recipe is quick and healthy. It combines simplicity with amazing flavor. Let’s look at the key ingredients and how to prepare them for a smooth cooking experience.
Key Ingredients for the Perfect Orzo
Choosing high-quality ingredients is key for a great meal. For this ground beef orzo, pick fresh, flavorful items:
- Lean ground beef (85% lean recommended)
- Orzo pasta
- Fresh tomatoes or high-quality canned tomatoes
- Garlic and onions
- Herbs like basil or oregano
Required Kitchen Tools and Equipment
This one-pot pasta recipe needs just a few kitchen tools. It’s great for cooks of all levels. You’ll need:
- Large skillet or Dutch oven
- Sharp chef’s knife
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Cutting board
Prep Work and Ingredient Organization
Good prep work makes cooking easy and stress-free. Mise en place – having all ingredients ready – helps a lot. Chop veggies early, measure spices, and have your ground beef ready before cooking.
Pro tip: Preparing ingredients beforehand makes cooking fun and enjoyable.
Recipe card
Creating a delicious meal needs careful planning and the right approach. This recipe card will guide you through making Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce.
Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need
- Large skillet
- Wooden spoon
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Cutting board
- Sharp chef’s knife
- Colander
Fresh Ingredients List
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves minced garlic
- Garlic bread crumbs for topping
- Salt and pepper to taste
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
- Brown ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat
- Drain excess fat and return meat to pan
- Add marinara sauce and simmer for 5 minutes
- Cook orzo separately according to package instructions
- Stir in heavy cream and parmesan cheese
- Combine beef mixture with cooked orzo
- Sprinkle garlic bread crumbs on top before serving
Pro tip: For an extra flavor boost, toast the garlic bread crumbs in a separate pan until golden brown before sprinkling over your dish.
Cooking is about passion, creativity, and bringing people together through delicious food!
Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce Recipe
Making a tasty tomato basil sauce is all about choosing the right ingredients and knowing how to cook them. This recipe turns simple parts into a meal that’s both cozy and fancy.
Start by seasoning your ground beef well. Heat a big skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the meat until it’s brown and has a nice, caramelized look. Then, get rid of any extra fat to keep the flavor strong.
- Brown ground beef until no pink remains
- Season with salt, pepper, and dried herbs
- Remove excess fat for optimal texture
To make the tomato basil sauce, pick ripe tomatoes or use good canned ones. Cook minced garlic and onions first. This adds a deep flavor. Then, add tomatoes and fresh basil leaves to make the sauce even better.
“The secret to an incredible sauce lies in layering flavors and using fresh ingredients.”
When cooking orzo, pay close attention. Put the pasta right into the sauce. This lets it soak up all the flavors as it cooks. You can also use grilled chicken breast instead of ground beef for a different twist.
- Stir orzo frequently to prevent sticking
- Cook until pasta is al dente
- Consider grilled chicken breast as an alternative protein
Finally, add cream to the dish. This makes the sauce creamy and smooth. Top it off with fresh parsley or more basil for a fancy finish.
Conclusion
The Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce is more than a meal. It’s a way to dive into Italian cooking at home. With simple ingredients and easy steps, you can make a dinner that wows everyone.
Looking for more recipe ideas? Try a bruschetta chicken pasta dish. It has the same bright Mediterranean tastes. These recipes let you play with fresh ingredients and grow your cooking skills.
Adding a crisp green salad or warm garlic bread can make your meal even better. Feel free to add your own flair, like fresh basil or red pepper flakes. Home cooking is all about being creative and flexible.
We encourage you to put your own spin on this recipe. Cooking is a journey, and every meal is a chance to make something special in your kitchen.
FAQ
Can I substitute ground beef with another protein in this recipe?
Absolutely! You can swap ground beef for ground turkey, chicken, or even grilled chicken breast. Each protein adds its own flavor to the dish. The tomato cream sauce remains delicious.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Yes! It’s perfect for meal prep. Store it in the fridge for 3-4 days in an airtight container. Reheat gently, adding a bit of extra tomato sauce or cream to keep it moist.
How can I make this recipe more healthy?
Use lean ground beef or turkey, add extra veggies like spinach or zucchini, and use reduced-fat cream. Control portion sizes and serve with a fresh green salad for a healthier meal.
What can I serve as a side dish with this orzo recipe?
It goes well with a light Caesar salad, garlic bread, or roasted veggies. A crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio also pairs well with the creamy tomato sauce.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Use gluten-free orzo made from rice or corn. Make sure all ingredients, including seasonings and cream, are gluten-free for a celiac-friendly dish.
How long does it take to prepare this Ground Beef Orzo?
It’s a quick and easy one-pot meal! Preparation and cooking take about 30-35 minutes. The hands-on cooking time is around 20 minutes, ideal for busy weeknights.
Can I freeze this Ground Beef Orzo recipe?
Yes, you can freeze it! Store it in an airtight container for up to 2-3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat gently, adding a bit of extra cream or tomato sauce.
ground beef orzo with tomato cream sauce
Equipment
- Large skillet
- Wooden spoon
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Cutting board
- Sharp chef's knife
- Colander
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves minced garlic
- Garlic bread crumbs for topping
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Brown ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat
- Drain excess fat and return meat to pan
- Add marinara sauce and simmer for 5 minutes
- Cook orzo separately according to package instructions
- Stir in heavy cream and parmesan cheese
- Combine beef mixture with cooked orzo
- Sprinkle garlic bread crumbs on top before serving
