Creamy Tomato Ground Beef Orzo

$- 1 pound ground beef - 1 cup uncooked orzo pasta - 2 cups beef broth - 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes (with juices) - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 small onion, finely chopped - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning - ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional) - Salt and pepper to taste These main ingredients create a rich and creamy dish. Each component plays a key role. The beef adds protein and flavor. The orzo acts as the comforting base. Diced tomatoes bring acidity and sweetness. Heavy cream gives it that luxurious texture. Onion and garlic build a strong flavor foundation. - ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes - Additional spices like oregano or thyme Red pepper flakes add heat. Adjust this based on your taste. Extra spices can boost the flavor profile. Feel free to experiment! - Fresh basil leaves - Grated Parmesan cheese Garnishes elevate your dish. Fresh basil adds a pop of color and freshness. Parmesan cheese adds a savory note and creaminess. Together, they make your creamy tomato ground beef orzo look and taste gourmet. {{ingredient_image_1}} Start by heating two tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add one small onion, finely chopped. Sauté the onion for about three to four minutes. You want it to turn translucent and soft. Next, add three cloves of minced garlic and cook for one more minute. This will make your kitchen smell amazing. Now it’s time for the star of the show: the ground beef. Turn the heat up to medium-high and add one pound of ground beef to the skillet. Season it with salt, pepper, one teaspoon of Italian seasoning, and half a teaspoon of red pepper flakes if you like a bit of heat. Cook the beef for about six to eight minutes, breaking it up as it cooks. Once the beef is browned, drain any excess fat from the pan. Next, stir in one can of diced tomatoes with their juices and two cups of beef broth. Bring this mixture to a boil. When it’s boiling, add one cup of uncooked orzo pasta. Lower the heat and let it simmer without a lid for about ten to twelve minutes. Stir occasionally until the orzo is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed. Once the orzo is cooked, reduce the heat to low and mix in one cup of heavy cream. Cook for another two to three minutes until everything is creamy and heated through. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. Let it sit for a couple of minutes before serving. To boost the flavor of your creamy tomato ground beef orzo, try adding fresh herbs. Basil or parsley adds brightness. A splash of balsamic vinegar can also deepen the taste. If you like it spicy, add more red pepper flakes. This dish loves bold flavors. Sauté the onion and garlic in olive oil for sweetness. Be sure to brown the ground beef well. This adds a rich flavor. Stir the orzo often as it cooks. This prevents it from sticking. Cooking it uncovered helps the liquid reduce, making it creamy. Serve your orzo in deep bowls. This makes it look nice. Top each bowl with fresh basil and grated Parmesan cheese. A drizzle of olive oil adds a nice touch. Pair it with a simple green salad for a complete meal. Enjoy! Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Opt for fresh basil and high-quality canned tomatoes for the best flavor. Control the Creaminess: Adjust the amount of heavy cream based on your preference for creaminess. Perfectly Cooked Orzo: Stir the orzo occasionally while it simmers to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the skillet. Customize the Heat: Adjust the red pepper flakes according to your heat preference or omit them for a milder dish. {{image_2}} To make a vegetarian version, swap the ground beef for a mix of mushrooms and lentils. Use 1 cup of finely chopped mushrooms and 1 cup of cooked lentils. Sauté the mushrooms until soft, then add the lentils. This adds great flavor and texture while keeping it hearty. For a spicy kick, keep the red pepper flakes and add chopped jalapeños or diced green chilies. You can also use spicy Italian sausage instead of ground beef. This adds heat and depth to the dish without overpowering the creamy sauce. Feel free to swap ingredients based on your taste or what you have. Instead of beef broth, use vegetable broth for a lighter taste. If you want a dairy-free option, replace heavy cream with coconut milk. This change gives a unique flavor and keeps the dish creamy. You can also swap orzo for another pasta, like penne or fusilli, to change the shape and texture. Store leftover creamy tomato ground beef orzo in an airtight container. It stays fresh for up to three days. Make sure to let it cool completely before sealing. This helps prevent moisture buildup, which can make your dish soggy. When you’re ready to eat, just take it out and enjoy! You can freeze creamy tomato ground beef orzo for up to three months. Use a freezer-safe container or bag to keep it safe. Before freezing, let it cool completely. Portion it into smaller servings for easy thawing later. When you’re ready to cook it, move it to the fridge overnight to thaw. To reheat, you have a few options. The microwave works well; just heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between. You can also use a skillet on low heat. Add a splash of beef broth or cream to keep it moist. Stir often until it’s heated through. Enjoy your meal just like it was fresh! Yes, you can use other pasta! Short pastas like penne or fusilli work well. Just adjust the cooking time as needed. Check the package for cook times. You want the pasta to be tender but not mushy. If you need a lighter option, try half-and-half or whole milk. You can also use coconut milk for a dairy-free choice. For a thick texture, blend silken tofu with a bit of milk. This keeps the dish creamy without the heavy cream. To boost nutrition, add more veggies like spinach or zucchini. You can use lean ground turkey instead of beef. This cuts down on fat while keeping flavor. Also, try whole grain orzo for extra fiber. You can reduce the cream or use low-fat options too. This blog post covered a tasty recipe using simple steps. We looked at key ingredients, ways to cook, and tips to boost flavor. You can customize the dish with fun variations and store leftovers easily. My final thought? Cooking is for everyone, so do not be afraid to try! Enjoy making this dish your own.$

Creamy Tomato Ground Beef Orzo

A delicious and creamy dish featuring ground beef, orzo pasta, and tomatoes, perfect for a comforting meal.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 20

Total Time 30

Course Main Course

Cuisine Italian

Servings 4

Calories 500 kcal

Ingredients

1 pound ground beef
1 cup uncooked orzo pasta
2 cups beef broth
1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes (with juices)
1 cup heavy cream
1 small onion, finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
to taste Salt and pepper
for garnish Fresh basil leaves
for serving Grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes or until translucent.
Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Increase the heat to medium-high and add the ground beef. Season with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes (if using). Cook until browned, about 6-8 minutes, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain the excess fat.
Stir in the diced tomatoes (with their juices) and beef broth. Bring the mixture to a boil.
Once boiling, add the uncooked orzo pasta. Lower the heat and let it simmer, uncovered, for about 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally until the orzo is cooked and most of the liquid is absorbed.
Reduce the heat to low, and stir in the heavy cream. Cook just until the cream is heated through and the mixture is creamy, about 2-3 minutes. Adjust seasoning if necessary.
Remove from heat and let it sit for a couple of minutes before serving.

Notes

Serve the creamy orzo in deep bowls, garnished with fresh basil leaves and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese on top for a delightful finish.

Keyword creamy, ground beef, orzo, tomato