Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce: A Cozy Comfort Food Delight
As the leaves turn golden and a gentle chill whispers through the air, my kitchen transforms into a warm haven filled with the promises of comfort food. One of my favorite recipes that embodies this cozy atmosphere is my Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce. This dish has a way of wrapping you in its creamy embrace, evoking memories of family meals during crisp Autumn evenings. It’s simple enough for an easy weeknight dinner, yet rich enough to make you feel like you’ve just settled into your favorite place with a good book.
Trust me, this is one you’ll definitely want to pin for later!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy! This recipe comes together in just about 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Creamy and comforting, it’s a warm hug of a meal that everyone in the family will adore.
- A one-pot wonder: save time on both cooking and cleaning!
- Versatile and customizable, it can be adapted with your favorite ingredients or whatever you have on hand.
- Ideal for meal prep, you can make a big batch to enjoy throughout the week or share with friends.
What You’ll Need
Gather these simple ingredients for a heartwarming dish of Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 1 can (15 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- Fresh basil leaves, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil for cooking
How to Make Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce
Let’s make it together! Follow these simple, sensory-rich steps to create your cozy dish:
In a large pot, heat a splash of olive oil over medium heat and add the ground beef. Cook until browned and fragrant, the sizzle filling your kitchen with mouthwatering aromas.
Stir in the orzo and crushed tomatoes, and then add enough water or broth to cover the orzo. The colors will brighten and blend, making everything look inviting.
Bring to a simmer, cover, and let it cook for about 10 minutes, until the orzo is tender and the flavors meld beautifully.
Stir in the heavy cream and mozzarella cheese. Mix gently until the cheese has melted and the sauce becomes rich and creamy, clinging lovingly to the orzo.
Season with salt, pepper, and a generous handful of fresh basil. The aroma of basil adds a fresh brightness to the dish, making it irresistible.
Serve hot, garnished with additional basil if you like, and watch your loved ones dive into this delightful bowl of comfort!
Delicious Variations to Try
Zesty Spinach and Feta: For a Mediterranean twist, throw in some fresh spinach and crumbled feta cheese. The zestiness will perfectly complement the creamy sauce.
Mushroom Madness: Sauté some mushrooms along with the beef for an earthy depth, adding a umami richness that elevates the dish.
Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat, making this cozy meal a bit more zesty and exciting!
Veggie Delight: Replace half of the beef with diced vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers for a delicious vegetarian option that everyone will love.
Chef Emma’s Helpful Tips
Meal Prep: This dish stores beautifully! Make a big batch and divide it into individual containers for an easy lunch option during the week.
Ingredient Swaps: You can use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a lighter option. Just make sure to adjust cooking times slightly!
Cooking Time: For a chewier bite of orzo, check it a couple of minutes before the suggested cooking time, as the cooking times can vary depending on the brand.
Storage Suggestions: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days, or freeze portions for an easy reheat meal later on!
What’s Inside – Nutrition Breakdown
Calories: 550 per serving
Serving Size: 1 cup
Carbs: 35g
Sugar: 6g
Fat: 32g
Protein: 30g
Sodium: 700mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this ahead?
Absolutely! This dish is perfect for meal prep and tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together.
Can I use different ingredients?
Yes! Feel free to swap in other proteins or veggies you have on hand. This recipe is flexible!
How do I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for 3 days, or freeze for up to a month. Just reheat gently!
How long does it last?
When properly stored, this dish can last up to 3 days in the refrigerator and about a month in the freezer.
Wrapping It Up
This Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce is not just a meal; it’s an experience wrapped in layers of warmth and comfort that you’ll want to enjoy again and again. Perfect for busy evenings or gathering around a cozy table, it brings smiles with every bite.
Save this Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce to your Pinterest board so it’s ready when you need a cozy treat! I can’t wait for you to experience this delightful recipe; it’s truly a keeper!
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Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: None
Description
A creamy and comforting one-pot meal that combines ground beef, orzo pasta, and a rich tomato cream sauce, perfect for a cozy dinner.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 1 can (15 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- Fresh basil leaves, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil for cooking
Instructions
- In a large pot, heat a splash of olive oil over medium heat and add the ground beef. Cook until browned and fragrant.
- Stir in the orzo and crushed tomatoes, and then add enough water or broth to cover the orzo.
- Bring to a simmer, cover, and let it cook for about 10 minutes, until the orzo is tender.
- Stir in the heavy cream and mozzarella cheese until melted and creamy.
- Season with salt, pepper, and fresh basil. Serve hot, garnished with additional basil if desired.
Notes
This dish is perfect for meal prep and can be customized with different proteins or veggies.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keywords: Ground Beef, Orzo, Tomato Cream Sauce, Comfort Food