Description
This Ground Beef Orzo Tomato Cream Sauce is a warm, hearty dish that brings the whole family together. With tender ground beef, perfectly cooked orzo, and a rich, creamy tomato sauce, it’s comfort food at its finest.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 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
- 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.
- 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, cooking for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- 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.
- Pour in the tomato sauce, stirring to combine. Let it simmer for about 5 minutes to meld the flavors.
- Lower the heat and slowly stir in the heavy cream. Allow the mixture to simmer for another 3-5 minutes, letting it thicken slightly.
- Stir in the cooked orzo, mixing until everything is well coated. If the sauce is too thick, add some reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
- Add salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning to taste. Stir in any fresh herbs if using.
- Plate the dish and garnish with extra herbs or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese if desired. Enjoy your hearty meal!
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 30 mins
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg
Keywords: Feel free to mix in other proteins like Italian sausage or a plant-based ground meat for a vegetarian option. Incorporating vegetables like spinach, bell peppers, or zucchini can enhance nutrition and flavor.