Easy Beef Orzo with Creamy Tomato Sauce

Key Ingredients & Substitutions

Ground Beef: This is the star of the dish! You can use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option. For a vegetarian twist, try using lentils or plant-based meat alternatives.

Orzo Pasta: I love orzo for its unique shape that mimics rice. If you don’t have orzo, you can substitute it with small pasta shapes like ditalini or even rice, but adjust the cooking time accordingly!

Heavy Cream: This adds a wonderful creaminess. If you need a lighter option, use half-and-half or even a non-dairy milk like coconut milk, though this might change the flavor slightly.

Marinara Sauce: Feel free to use homemade sauce or any jarred version you have. For something spicier, add a bit of diced tomatoes with green chilies.

How Do I Cook the Perfect Orzo?

Cooking orzo is straightforward, but you want it to be perfectly tender. Here’s how to do it right:

• First, stir the orzo into the beef mixture, letting it soak up the flavors for a minute or two.
• Next, be sure to bring the broth and sauce to a rapid boil before covering and reducing heat. This ensures the orzo cooks evenly.
• Keep an eye on it! Check the pasta around the 10-minute mark by tasting a grain. You want it just tender, not mushy.

Finishing with a splash of heavy cream and simmering for a couple of minutes gives that lovely thick sauce. Enjoy the simplicity and warmth of this dish! 😊

Easy Beef Orzo with Creamy Tomato Sauce

Ingredients You’ll Need:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 small onion, finely diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 medium carrot, finely diced
• 1 cup orzo pasta
• 1 cup marinara or tomato sauce
• 2 cups beef broth (or water with bouillon)
• 1/4 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
• Fresh basil leaves, thinly sliced, for garnish
• Grated Parmesan cheese, for garnish

How Much Time Will You Need?

This delicious dish takes about 15 minutes to prep and around 20 minutes to cook, giving you a total time of about 35 minutes. It’s a quick and hearty meal perfect for weeknight dinners!

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Sautéing the Veggies:

Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet on medium heat. Once hot, add the finely diced onion and carrot. Cook them together for about 4-5 minutes until they’re softened and fragrant.

2. Adding Garlic and Beef:

Next, add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for about 30 seconds until it smells amazing! Then, add the ground beef. Break it up with a spoon as it cooks, letting it brown for about 6-8 minutes. Season with salt, pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes if you’re feeling a little spicy!

3. Mixing in the Orzo:

Once the beef is cooked through, add the orzo pasta to the skillet. Stir everything together, allowing the orzo to mix with the beef and veggies for about 1-2 minutes.

4. Combining with Sauces:

Now it’s time to pour in the marinara (or tomato) sauce and beef broth. Give it a good stir to combine everything nicely.

5. Cooking the Orzo:

Raise the heat to medium-high and bring the mixture to a boil. After it’s boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let it simmer for about 10 minutes. You want the orzo to be tender and most of the liquid absorbed.

6. Creamy Finish:

Take off the lid and stir in the heavy cream. Let the sauce thicken for about 1-2 minutes. This is where the magic happens!

7. Final Touches:

Give your dish a taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. Then, it’s time to serve!

8. Garnish and Enjoy:

Serve your beef orzo hot, garnished with freshly shredded Parmesan cheese and sliced fresh basil on top. Enjoy the creamy, comforting goodness!

This Easy Beef Orzo with Creamy Tomato Sauce is sure to become a family favorite. Happy cooking! 🍽️

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Beef?

Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken works great for a lighter version of this dish. Just keep in mind that cooking times might vary slightly, so make sure to cook until the meat is no longer pink.

Can I Make This Dish Vegetarian?

Yes! To make a vegetarian version, you can replace the ground beef with lentils or some plant-based meat alternatives. You can also add more vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers for extra flavor and texture!

How Do I Store Leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to eat, simply reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of broth or cream to loosen the sauce if needed.

Can I Freeze This Dish?

Definitely! This dish freezes well. Allow it to cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw it overnight in the fridge and warm it up gently on the stove!