Name: Quick Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 pound ground beef; 1 cup orzo pasta; 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes; 1 cup heavy cream; 1 onion, chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; Salt and pepper to taste; Fresh basil for garnish

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

Why Make This Recipe

Quick Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce is perfect for busy weeknights. This dish comes together in less than 30 minutes, making it a fantastic option for families or anyone looking for a quick, hearty meal. The combination of ground beef, creamy tomato sauce, and tender orzo pasta is delicious and satisfying. Plus, it uses simple ingredients you might already have in your kitchen!

How to Make Quick Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce

Ingredients

1 pound ground beef
1 cup orzo pasta
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
1 cup heavy cream
1 onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh basil for garnish

Directions

In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat until fully cooked. Drain excess fat if necessary.
Add chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet and sauté until softened.
Stir in the diced tomatoes, heavy cream, and Italian seasoning. Allow the mixture to simmer for about 5 minutes.
Meanwhile, cook the orzo pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
Mix the cooked orzo into the skillet with the beef and sauce, stirring to combine.
Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Serve warm, garnished with fresh basil.

How to Serve Quick Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce

This dish is best served warm. You can place a generous portion on each plate and top it with fresh basil for a burst of flavor. It makes a great main meal and can be accompanied by a simple salad or garlic bread for a complete dinner.

How to Store Quick Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce

If you have leftovers, cool the dish to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in the microwave or on the stove over low heat until heated through.

Tips to Make Quick Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce

For a healthier version, use lean ground beef or substitute ground turkey.
Add any veggies you have on hand, like bell peppers or spinach, to boost the nutrition.
If you like a little spice, add red pepper flakes to the sauce for a kick.

Variation

You can switch up the protein by using ground chicken or ground pork. Additionally, for a vegetarian option, use plant-based ground meat or skip the meat entirely and add more vegetables.

FAQs

Q: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can prepare the beef sauce ahead of time. Store it in the fridge, then cook the orzo and mix it just before serving.

Q: What if I don’t have orzo?
A: You can use any small pasta shape, like macaroni or ditalini, as a substitute.

Q: Can I freeze this recipe?
A: Yes, you can freeze the beef sauce without the pasta. Cook and stir in the orzo after thawing and reheating the sauce.