Easy Beef Orzo in Creamy Tomato Sauce

Key Ingredients & Substitutions

Ground Beef: I recommend using lean ground beef for less grease. You can also swap it with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option, or even use lentils for a vegetarian version.

Orzo: This small pasta is perfect for the dish. If you can’t find orzo, try using small pasta shapes like ditalini, or even rice will work, although the cooking time will differ.

Canned Crushed Tomatoes: Opt for quality tomatoes for better flavor. If you prefer fresh, use about 2-3 cups of chopped fresh tomatoes but cook them down a bit longer for a thicker sauce.

Heavy Cream: To lighten it up, use half-and-half or a dairy-free cream alternative if you’re looking to avoid heavy dairy. You could also use Greek yogurt, but mix it in at the end to prevent curdling.

Dried Oregano: Dried herbs are a great time-saver. If you have fresh, feel free to substitute; just use about three times the amount since fresh herbs are milder.

How Do I Make Sure My Orzo Turns Out Perfectly Cooked?

The key to perfect orzo is paying attention while it cooks! Remember, cooking orzo is similar to cooking rice. Keep an eye on the liquid level and stir occasionally to prevent it from sticking.

• Start with enough liquid—if it looks like it’s drying out, add a bit more broth or water.
• Cook until just al dente, which is about 10-12 minutes. It will continue to cook in the creamy sauce.
• If you accidentally overcook it, you can add a splash more cream or broth to loosen it up.

These tips will help ensure that your orzo is perfectly tender and delicious in this creamy sauce!

Easy Beef Orzo in Creamy Tomato Sauce

Ingredients You’ll Need:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 medium carrot, finely diced
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup orzo pasta
• 1 (14 oz) can crushed tomatoes
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• Fresh basil leaves, thinly sliced, for garnish
• Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving

Time Needed:

This recipe takes about 5-10 minutes to prep and around 15 minutes to cook, giving you a total of 25 minutes from start to finish. It’s a quick and easy meal perfect for busy weeknights!

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Sauté the Beef:

Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet or saucepan over medium-high heat. Once it’s hot, add the ground beef. Cook it until it’s browned, breaking it up into smaller pieces with a spatula as it cooks. This should take about 5-7 minutes.

2. Add Veggies:

Next, stir in the finely diced carrot, chopped onion, and minced garlic. Continue to cook for another 4-5 minutes, until the vegetables are softened and they smell delicious!

3. Toss in the Orzo:

Add the orzo pasta to the skillet and give it a good stir to mix it with the beef and veggies. This will coat the pasta with all those tasty flavors.

4. Make the Sauce:

Pour in the crushed tomatoes and beef broth. Sprinkle in the dried oregano, and if you like a little heat, add the crushed red pepper flakes. Season with salt and pepper. Stir everything together until well combined.

5. Cook the Orzo:

Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover it. Let it simmer for about 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally. The orzo should be tender and most of the liquid will be absorbed.

6. Finish with Cream:

Once the orzo is cooked, stir in the heavy cream and warm it through for an additional 1-2 minutes. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.

7. Serve It Up:

Dish out the creamy beef orzo into bowls. Garnish with fresh basil slices and a generous sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese on top. Enjoy your comforting meal!

Dig in and savor this delicious, homemade dish that’s sure to please the whole family!

FAQs for Easy Beef Orzo in Creamy Tomato Sauce

Can I Use Different Pasta Instead of Orzo?

Absolutely! If you can’t find orzo, small pasta shapes like ditalini or even couscous work well. Just adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions for the pasta you choose.

How Can I Make This Recipe Vegetarian?

To make it vegetarian, simply replace the ground beef with cooked lentils or mushrooms for a similar texture. You can also use vegetable broth instead of beef broth and skip the cream or use a plant-based alternative.

What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, add a splash of broth or water to loosen the sauce and warm on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally for even heat.

Can I Add Other Vegetables to This Dish?

Absolutely! Feel free to toss in other veggies like bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach. Just adjust the cooking time slightly if you’re adding harder vegetables, cooking them until they’re tender before adding the orzo.