Description
This Delicious Ground Beef Orzo in Creamy Tomato Sauce is a comforting, hearty dish perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. Tender orzo pasta is cooked to perfection and combined with savory sautéed ground beef, onions, and garlic, all enveloped in a rich and creamy tomato sauce infused with Italian seasoning and fresh herbs.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein and Pasta
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1 cup orzo pasta
Sauce and Flavorings
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
- Italian seasoning to taste
- Fresh herbs like basil or parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Orzo: Start by boiling a large pot of salted water. Add the orzo and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving a cup of pasta water for later use.
- Sauté Onions and Garlic: In a large skillet, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onions and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until translucent. Stir in minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Brown the Ground Beef: Increase the heat slightly and add the ground beef to the skillet. Cook until browned, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon, about 6-8 minutes. Drain any excess fat if necessary to reduce greasiness.
- Add Tomato Sauce: Pour in the tomato sauce and stir to combine with the beef mixture. Let it simmer for about 5 minutes to meld the flavors together thoroughly.
- Incorporate Heavy Cream: Lower the heat and slowly stir in the heavy cream. Allow the mixture to simmer for another 3-5 minutes, letting it thicken slightly and become creamy.
- Combine Orzo and Sauce: Stir in the cooked orzo, mixing until everything is well coated with the creamy tomato sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add some reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
- Season and Garnish: Add salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning to taste. Stir in any fresh herbs like basil or parsley if using for added freshness and aroma.
- Serve: Plate the dish and garnish with extra herbs or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese if desired. Enjoy your hearty and delicious meal!
Notes
- You can use any pasta similar to orzo if unavailable.
- Adjust seasoning according to your preference for spiciness or saltiness.
- Heavy cream can be substituted with half-and-half for a lighter option.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stove or microwave.
- Add a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad to balance the meal.
