Creamy Tomato Ground Beef Orzo Delight

$- 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 - Fresh basil leaves, for garnish - Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving You can swap the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken. This keeps it lighter. If you want a vegetarian version, use mushrooms or lentils. You can also use vegetable broth instead of beef broth. For a creamier taste, add more heavy cream or use cream cheese. If you don’t have fresh basil, dried basil works too. Just use less, as dried herbs are stronger. This dish serves four people. Each serving has about 500 calories. You get protein from the beef and carbs from the orzo. The heavy cream adds fat, making it rich and satisfying. You’ll also find vitamins and minerals in the tomatoes and herbs. This meal is hearty, filling, and perfect for a family dinner! {{ingredient_image_2}} Start by heating 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add 1 small onion, finely chopped. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes until the onion is soft and translucent. This step builds a good flavor base. Next, stir in 3 cloves of minced garlic. Cook for one more minute until the garlic smells amazing. Now, raise the heat to medium-high. Add 1 pound of ground beef to the skillet. Season it with salt, pepper, and 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning. If you like some heat, add ½ teaspoon of red pepper flakes. Cook the beef for 6-8 minutes. Break it apart with a spatula until it is evenly browned. Drain any extra fat from the skillet to keep your dish light. Pour in 1 can of diced tomatoes with their juices and 2 cups of beef broth. Stir it well and bring the mixture to a boil. This helps all the flavors come together. Once boiling, add 1 cup of uncooked orzo pasta. Lower the heat to a gentle simmer and leave the pot uncovered. Cook for about 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally. The orzo should be tender, and most of the liquid should be absorbed. Next, reduce the heat to low and fold in 1 cup of heavy cream. Let this heat through for about 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently. This makes the dish creamy and delicious. Taste it and adjust the seasoning if needed. Finally, remove the skillet from the heat. Let it rest for a few minutes to thicken slightly before serving. Enjoy your flavorful dinner! To make the best orzo, use a large pot. This gives the orzo space to cook. Always stir the orzo while it cooks. This keeps it from sticking together. Add salt to the boiling water before cooking. This enhances the pasta's flavor. Monitor the cooking time closely. Orzo cooks fast, usually in about 10-12 minutes. Check for doneness by tasting a piece. It should be tender but still firm. To boost the flavor, use fresh herbs. Basil and parsley add brightness to the dish. You can also add a squeeze of lemon juice. This gives a nice tang to the creamy mix. Try mixing in some sautéed mushrooms or spinach. These add extra nutrients and taste. For a kick, increase the red pepper flakes. Adjust the salt and pepper to your liking. Taste as you go for the best results. If your sauce is too thin, use a few tricks. Let it simmer longer to reduce the liquid. This concentrates the flavors and thickens the sauce. You can also add a bit more cream. If you want a healthier option, try a cornstarch slurry. Mix equal parts cornstarch and cold water, then stir it in. Cook for a few minutes until it thickens. This gives you a creamy texture without adding too much fat. Pro Tips Quality Beef: Use a good quality ground beef for the best flavor and texture. Lean beef will produce a less greasy dish. Herb Variations: Feel free to experiment with fresh herbs like thyme or oregano for added freshness. You can also add a bay leaf while simmering for depth of flavor. Perfectly Cooked Orzo: Keep an eye on the orzo as it cooks; stirring occasionally will prevent it from sticking together and ensure even cooking. Serving Suggestions: For extra creaminess, stir in a knob of butter right before serving. Pair with a crisp green salad for a complete meal. {{image_4}} You can make Creamy Tomato Orzo without meat. Use mushrooms instead of ground beef. Mushrooms give a nice texture and flavor. You can also add spinach for extra nutrients. Just toss in fresh spinach when you add the cream. It will wilt down and mix in well. Try using vegetable broth to keep it vegetarian. To make this dish lighter, use lean ground turkey or chicken. These meats have less fat than beef. You can swap heavy cream for half-and-half or a fat-free alternative. This will cut calories but still keep it creamy. Use less oil when cooking the onion. It helps reduce fat without losing flavor. If you like heat, add more red pepper flakes. Start with one teaspoon and taste as you go. For a milder dish, skip the red pepper flakes. You can also add a dash of hot sauce at the end. If you want a different flavor, try smoked paprika for warmth without too much heat. After enjoying your creamy tomato ground beef orzo, let it cool first. Place it in an airtight container. This keeps it fresh and tasty. Store it in the fridge for up to three days. Make sure to label the container with the date. This way, you won’t forget when you made it. When you’re ready to enjoy leftovers, reheat them on the stove. Pour the orzo into a pot over low heat. Add a splash of beef broth or cream to help revive its creamy texture. Stir gently until it’s heated through. You can also use the microwave if you’re in a hurry. Just heat it in a bowl for one to two minutes, stirring halfway. To freeze your creamy tomato ground beef orzo, use a freezer-safe container. Let it cool completely before sealing. It can last for up to three months in the freezer. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge. Reheat it on the stove or in the microwave, adding a bit of liquid as needed. Enjoy the flavors just like the first time! Yes, you can make this dish ahead of time. It tastes great even after a day or two. Just cook it and let it cool. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge. When you're ready to eat, heat it on the stove or in the microwave. You may need to add a splash of broth or cream to keep it creamy. If you can't find orzo, don't worry! You can use other small pasta shapes. Ditalini, couscous, or even small shells work well. Each option will change the texture a bit, but they will still taste good. Just follow the same cooking steps as for orzo. Absolutely! This recipe is perfect for meal prep. It makes four servings, so you can enjoy it throughout the week. Just divide it into meal containers after cooking. Pair it with a fresh salad or some bread for a complete meal. You will have a delicious dinner ready in no time! You learned about the key ingredients and how to prepare a tasty Creamy Tomato Ground Beef Orzo. I shared tips for perfecting your dish, along with delicious variations to suit your taste. Storing leftovers and reheating them correctly ensures you enjoy every bite. Remember, you can easily adapt this recipe to fit your needs, whether it's meal prep or dietary choices. Cooking should be fun and flavorful, so get creative with your ingredients and enjoy your tasty creation!$

Creamy Tomato Ground Beef Orzo Delight

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 600 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 the olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the finely chopped onion and sauté for approximately 3-4 minutes until it becomes soft and translucent.
Stir in the minced garlic, cooking for an additional minute until it releases its aromatic fragrance.
Raise the heat to medium-high and introduce the ground beef to the skillet. Season with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes (if you like a bit of spice). Cook the beef for 6-8 minutes, breaking it apart with a spatula until it's evenly browned. Drain any excess fat from the skillet.
Pour in the diced tomatoes along with their juices and the beef broth. Mix well and bring the mixture to a boil to integrate the flavors.
Once boiling, stir in the uncooked orzo pasta. Lower the heat to a gentle simmer, leaving the pot uncovered. Cook for about 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender and the majority of the liquid has been absorbed.
Reduce the heat to low and gently fold in the heavy cream. Allow the mixture to heat through for about 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently until it becomes luxuriously creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning as necessary.
Remove the skillet from the heat and let it rest for a couple of minutes to thicken slightly before serving.

Notes

Serve in warm bowls garnished with fresh basil and Parmesan cheese.

Keyword creamy, ground beef, orzo, pasta, tomato