Perfect Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce: Incredible Recipe!

Hey, fellow food lovers! Nyla here from Grill Drip, ready to welcome you into my delicious corner of the internet! I’m so excited to share one of my all-time favorite comfort food recipes: Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce. This isn’t just any meal; it’s a flavor adventure that turns ordinary dinners into something truly special.

I’ve always been obsessed with taking classic dishes and giving them a bold twist. What started as a simple craving for pasta quickly morphed into something truly extraordinary. The Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce became a weeknight staple.

What I love most about this Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce is how easily it comes together. It’s the perfect balance of comforting and exciting. If you’re ready for a dish that will have everyone doing a happy dance, keep reading!

INGREDIENTS You Need

This Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce ingredient list is all about bold flavors that actually work together! You can grab most of these during your normal shopping trip. Here’s what you’ll need:

• 1 pound ground beef: I prefer using lean ground beef, but any kind works!
• 1 tablespoon olive oil: For sautéing the veggies and browning the beef.
• 1 medium onion, chopped: Adds a sweet and savory base to the sauce.
• 2 cloves garlic, minced: Because garlic makes everything better, right?
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano: This Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce gets its amazing taste from herbs like this!
• 1/2 teaspoon dried basil: Another layer of herbaceous goodness.
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes: For a little kick (adjust to your spice preference).
• 1 (14.5 ounce) can crushed tomatoes: The base of our luscious tomato sauce.
• 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce: Adds richness and depth.
• 1 cup orzo pasta: The star of the show!
• 2 cups beef broth: Adds flavor as the orzo cooks.
• 1/2 cup heavy cream: For that creamy, dreamy texture.
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Because cheese makes everything better, right? I love adding extra Parmesan to my Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce for that extra cheesy deliciousness.
• Salt and pepper to taste: Don’t forget to season!
• Fresh basil leaves, for garnish: Adds a pop of color and fresh flavor.

No worries if you don’t have beef broth – I use chicken broth all the time in my Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce. It still tastes incredible! Store any leftover ingredients in airtight containers in the fridge to keep them fresh.

Let’s Make Some!

Alright, fellow food lovers, let’s dive into the delicious magic of making Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce! I’m walking you through it step-by-step like we’re cooking together in my kitchen.

1. Brown the Beef: In a large skillet or pot, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain off any excess grease. This is the flavor foundation for our creamy beef orzo recipe!
2. Sauté the Aromatics: Add the chopped onion to the skillet and cook until softened, about 3-5 minutes. Then, add the minced garlic, dried oregano, dried basil, and red pepper flakes. Cook for another minute until fragrant. Your Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce should smell absolutely incredible right now.
3. Simmer the Sauce: Pour in the crushed tomatoes and tomato sauce. Stir to combine, then bring to a simmer. Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally. This is where the magic starts happening! Simmering deepens the flavors and creates a richer sauce.
4. Add the Orzo and Broth: Stir in the orzo pasta and beef broth. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the orzo is cooked through and the liquid is absorbed. In my kitchen, this Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce usually takes about 18 minutes.
5. Stir in the Cream and Cheese: Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. This is my favorite part of making Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce – watch the magic happen!
6. Garnish and Serve: Garnish with fresh basil leaves and serve immediately. Don’t worry if your Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce looks a little saucy – the orzo will continue to absorb the sauce as it sits.

How to Serve Up This!

People literally do happy dances when this Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce hits the table! It’s incredibly versatile. I love serving it with a simple side salad and some crusty bread to soak up all that delicious sauce. A sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese never hurts, either!

This easy beef orzo dinner is perfect for those weeknight dinners that need to be special. But it’s also fancy enough to serve to guests. For a bolder flavor pairing, try serving it with roasted vegetables like broccoli or Brussels sprouts.

If you have any leftover Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce, it’s amazing reheated for lunch the next day. You can even add a little extra broth to keep it creamy. Want to get creative? Try stuffing bell peppers with the leftover orzo mixture and baking them for a fun twist!

You can make this Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce even more exciting by adding different cheeses. Try mozzarella, provolone, or even a little bit of goat cheese for a tangy kick. If you’re loving this comfort food twist, you’ll go crazy for One-Pot Beef Pasta with Garlic Butter from Grill Drip.

FAQs:

Here are some frequently asked questions about making Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce, based on real cooking concerns and my own kitchen experiments:

Q: Will kitchen newbies succeed with this Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce?

A: Absolutely! This recipe is super straightforward. If you can brown beef and boil water, you can make this! Don’t be intimidated – I’m here to guide you every step of the way.

Q: What if I mess up my Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce? (Spoiler: it’ll still taste incredible!)

A: Honestly, it’s hard to mess this up! If you overcook the orzo, it will still taste amazing. And if your sauce is too thick, just add a little more broth.

Q: How can I prep this Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce for busy weeknights?

A: You can brown the beef and chop the veggies ahead of time. Store them in separate containers in the fridge, and you’ll be ready to go when dinner time rolls around.

Q: Can I make this Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce vegetarian?

A: Of course! Just swap the ground beef for plant-based crumbles. You can also use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.

Q: What other vegetables can I add to this Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce?

A: The possibilities are endless! Try adding diced bell peppers, zucchini, mushrooms, or spinach.

Q: Can I freeze this Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce?

A: Yes, you can! Let it cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. It’s best to use it within 2-3 months.

Q: How can I make this Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce spicier?

A: Add more red pepper flakes! You can also use a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce.

CONCLUSION:

This Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce brings me so much joy because it’s the perfect combination of comfort and flavor. It’s a dish that always satisfies. I love knowing that I can whip it up on a busy weeknight.

My Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce Flavor Secrets:

1. Don’t skimp on the aromatics: The onion, garlic, and herbs are essential for building flavor.
2. Use good quality tomatoes: This makes a big difference in the taste of the sauce.
3. Taste and adjust seasoning: Salt and pepper are your friends!

Here are a few delicious Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce variations I’ve tested:

• Spicy Beef Orzo: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper and a dash of hot sauce.
• Cheesy Beef Orzo: Use a blend of Parmesan, mozzarella, and provolone cheese.
• Vegetable Packed Beef Orzo: Add diced bell peppers, zucchini, and mushrooms.

Trust your taste buds and get creative! Cooking should be fun, so don’t be afraid to experiment. For more weeknight winners that don’t sacrifice on taste, check out Egg Muffins with Spinach and Feta from Grill Drip. I’m so excited for you to try this easy beef orzo dinner and create your own flavor adventure. Happy cooking! Also, here is a great recipe for orzo pasta with ground beef you can try!

For another beef orzo recipe with tomato cream sauce, check out Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce • Salt & Lavender. Check out another delicious recipe! Creamy One-Pot Beef Orzo Recipe | The Kitchn is a fun one to try. If this recipe for Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce is a hit, maybe try Hawaiian Pineapple Carrot Cream Cake for dessert.

Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce

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This Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce is a comforting and flavorful dish, perfect for a weeknight meal. Tender beef and pasta are coated in a rich, creamy tomato sauce for an easy and satisfying dinner.

• Author: Nyla
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Skillet
• Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
• 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 pound orzo pasta
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
• Fresh basil leaves, for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

1. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain off any excess grease.
2. Add chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
3. Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, oregano, and basil. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Bring to a simmer and cook for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
4. While the sauce is simmering, cook orzo pasta according to package directions. Drain well.
5. Stir heavy cream into the tomato sauce and heat through. Do not boil.
6. Add cooked orzo pasta to the sauce and toss to coat. Stir in Parmesan cheese.
7. Serve immediately, garnished with fresh basil leaves and extra Parmesan cheese, if desired.

Notes

For an extra touch of flavor, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce. You can also substitute ground turkey or Italian sausage for the ground beef.