This Easy Beef Orzo with Creamy Tomato Sauce is a cozy, comforting dish that brings together tender beef, chewy orzo, and a rich, creamy sauce. It’s a real winner at dinner time!
Who can resist a meal that’s ready in a flash? I always love how this dish makes everything feel warm and homey. Plus, it’s a one-pot wonder, making cleanup a breeze! 🎉
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: I recommend using lean ground beef to keep it a bit healthier. If you want a different flavor, try ground turkey or chicken. They work well too!
Orzo Pasta: Orzo is perfect here for its small, rice-like shape. If you can’t find orzo, you could substitute with any small pasta like ditalini or even rice if needed.
Crushed Tomatoes: For that rich tomato flavor, crushed tomatoes are essential. If you have fresh tomatoes on hand, chop them up and use them! Just cook them down a bit longer.
Heavy Cream: While heavy cream makes it creamy, you can swap it out for half-and-half or even a plant-based cream for a lighter version. I’ve used Greek yogurt as a healthier alternative too; just add it at the end to avoid curdling!
Fresh Basil: Fresh basil elevates the dish, but dried basil works too if that’s all you have. I often add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a touch of heat!
What’s the Best Way to Cook Orzo Without Overcooking It?
Cooking orzo can be a bit tricky if you’re not paying attention. The trick is timing and keeping an eye on it closely.
- Cook orzo uncovered in simmering liquid so it can absorb the flavors. Keep stirring occasionally to prevent clumping.
- Check for doneness around the 8-minute mark; it should be al dente, tender but still with a little bite.
- Remember, it will continue to cook a bit from residual heat even after you take it off the stove, so aim for just shy of fully cooked.
This method will help you achieve creamy, delicious, perfectly-cooked orzo every time!
Easy Beef Orzo with Creamy Tomato Sauce
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef (preferably lean)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium carrot, finely diced
- 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 2 cups beef broth or water
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 1/4 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning (or a mix of oregano, basil, thyme)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, thinly sliced (for garnish)
- Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and roughly 20 minutes to cook. You can have a delicious, creamy meal on the table in about 35 minutes—perfect for busy weeknights!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Start by Sautéing Your Veggies:
In a large skillet or saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and diced carrot. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes until they become softened and fragrant. This is where a lot of the delicious flavor comes from!
2. Add the Garlic:
Next, stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, just enough time for it to release its fantastic aroma.
3. Cook the Ground Beef:
Add the ground beef to the pan, breaking it up with your spoon or spatula. Cook until it’s browned and no longer pink, which should take around 5-6 minutes. If there’s any excess fat, you can drain that out now.
4. Build the Sauce:
Now, stir in the crushed tomatoes, beef broth (or water), and that lovely Italian seasoning. Bring everything to a gentle simmer. This is where the flavors start to come together!
5. Cook the Orzo:
Add the orzo pasta to the mixture and stir to combine. Cover the skillet and let it simmer for about 8-10 minutes. Make sure to stir occasionally, so the orzo cooks evenly and absorbs most of the liquid.
6. Make It Creamy:
Once the orzo is tender, stir in the heavy cream (or half-and-half). Cook for another 2 minutes to warm it through. You want everything to be nice and creamy!
7. Season to Taste:
Salt and pepper are key here; give your dish a taste and adjust the seasoning as necessary to make sure it’s just right.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Dish the orzo into bowls and top with fresh sliced basil and a generous sprinkling of grated Parmesan cheese. Serve hot, and enjoy your creamy, delicious meal!
There you have it—an easy, comforting one-pot dish that’s ready in no time. Enjoy every bite! 🍽️✨
FAQ for Easy Beef Orzo with Creamy Tomato Sauce
Can I Use Different Types of Pasta Instead of Orzo?
Absolutely! While orzo is perfect for this recipe, you can substitute it with any small pasta like ditalini or even elbow macaroni. Just adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions.
How Do I Store Leftover Beef Orzo?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of beef broth or water to loosen it up if needed.
Can I Make This Recipe Dairy-Free?
Yes! You can easily make this dish dairy-free by using a plant-based cream like coconut milk or cashew cream instead of heavy cream. You’ll still enjoy a creamy texture without the dairy!
Can I Add Vegetables for Extra Nutrition?
Definitely! Adding vegetables is a great idea. You can stir in some spinach, bell peppers, or zucchini during the last few minutes of cooking. Just make sure they’re chopped small enough to cook quickly!
