This Easy Beef Orzo in Creamy Tomato Sauce is a winner for dinner! It combines tender beef and orzo pasta in a rich, creamy tomato sauce that’s simply delicious.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: The star of this dish! Ground beef adds great flavor. If you’re looking for a leaner option, you can substitute with ground turkey or chicken. For a vegetarian twist, try using lentils or a plant-based meat alternative!
Orzo Pasta: Orzo is a small rice-shaped pasta that cooks quickly. If you’re out of orzo, you can use other small pasta shapes like ditalini or even quinoa for a gluten-free option!
Heavy Cream: This gives the sauce its creaminess. If you’re cutting calories, you could substitute with half-and-half or a light cream. For dairy-free, try using coconut milk or a plant-based cream substitute.
Crushed Tomatoes: They form the base of the sauce. You can also use tomato sauce or diced tomatoes if you prefer a chunkier texture. If fresh tomatoes are available, about 2 cups of chopped ripe tomatoes work great, too!
How Do You Make Sure the Orzo Doesn’t Stick Together?
Cooking orzo can be tricky if you want it to stay separate and tender. Follow these tips to get it just right:
- Stir well after adding the orzo to the pan to coat it with the sauce.
- Make sure to keep the heat low during simmering to avoid overcooking.
- Stir occasionally, especially in the last few minutes of cooking, to prevent clumping.
- If it becomes too thick, a splash of broth or water can help loosen it up.
With these tips, you’ll have perfect orzo every time!
Easy Beef Orzo in Creamy Tomato Sauce
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 medium carrot, finely diced
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning (or a mix of basil, oregano, thyme)
- 1 cup orzo pasta (uncooked)
- 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes or tomato sauce
- 2 cups beef broth (or water)
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Fresh basil leaves, sliced thinly for garnish
- Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious meal will take about 10 minutes to prepare and around 15-20 minutes to cook, making it ready in about 30-35 minutes total. Perfect for a weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Brown the Beef:
In a large skillet or saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until it’s browned, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. Aim for an even color all around!
2. Sauté the Vegetables:
Once the beef is browned, add in the finely diced carrot, onion, and minced garlic. Cook everything together, stirring occasionally, for about 5 minutes or until the veggies are soft and the kitchen is smelling great.
3. Season It Up:
Stir in your Italian seasoning and season with salt and black pepper to taste. This adds lovely flavors to your dish!
4. Add the Orzo:
Next, toss in the uncooked orzo pasta and stir it well so it gets nicely coated with the beef and veggies.
5. Combine the Sauces:
Now pour in the crushed tomatoes (or tomato sauce) and the beef broth or water. Give this all a good stir to mix everything together well.
6. Simmer Away:
Bring the mixture to a boil. After that, reduce the heat to low, cover the pan, and let it simmer gently for about 12-15 minutes. Stir occasionally, and keep an eye on it to make sure it doesn’t stick.
7. Stir in the Cream:
When the orzo is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed, stir in the heavy cream. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.
8. Serve It Up:
Remove the pan from heat, and it’s time to serve! Scoop the orzo into bowls, garnish with freshly sliced basil, and top with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese. Enjoy your creamy, comforting dish!
FAQ for Easy Beef Orzo in Creamy Tomato Sauce
Can I Substitute Ground Beef with Another Protein?
Absolutely! You can use ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option. For a vegetarian dish, try swapping the meat for lentils or a plant-based meat alternative, which will work great in this recipe!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm on the stovetop or in the microwave, stirring occasionally. If it seems dry, add a splash of broth or water to revive its creamy texture!
Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
Yes! Just replace the orzo with a gluten-free pasta option, like rice pasta or quinoa. Adjust the cooking time accordingly since different gluten-free pastas may have varying cook times.
Can I Prepare This Dish in Advance?
You can prepare the beef and vegetable mixture ahead of time! Simply cook until step 6, let it cool, and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days. When ready to serve, reheat and then add the cream and cook the orzo as directed.
