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To make this dish, you need the following ingredients: - 1 lb ground beef - 1 cup orzo pasta - 1 can (15 oz) crushed tomatoes - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 medium onion, diced - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning - ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional) - Salt and pepper to taste - 2 tablespoons olive oil - Fresh basil leaves for garnish - Grated Parmesan cheese for serving You can swap some ingredients for different flavors: - Use ground turkey instead of beef for a lighter option. - Try a different pasta shape if you don’t have orzo, like penne or macaroni. - Substitute coconut milk for cream for a dairy-free version. - Use fresh tomatoes if you prefer, about 4-5 medium-sized will work. - For herbs, fresh oregano or thyme can replace Italian seasoning. To ensure the best taste, follow these tips: - Choose ground beef that is bright red with minimal fat. - Look for firm, ripe tomatoes without blemishes. - Select heavy cream that is cold and has no lumps. - Pick onions that feel heavy for their size and have dry skins. - Fresh garlic should have a firm bulb and no green shoots. - For basil, look for vibrant green leaves without browning. These ingredient tips help create a tasty Tomato Cream Beef Orzo that you will enjoy! {{ingredient_image_1}} 1. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. 2. Add 1 medium diced onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until it softens. 3. Stir in 2 minced garlic cloves and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. 4. Add 1 pound of ground beef to the skillet. Break it up with a spoon. Cook until browned for about 5-6 minutes. Drain any excess fat if needed. 5. Stir in 1 can (15 oz) of crushed tomatoes, 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning, and ½ teaspoon of red pepper flakes (if using). Add salt and pepper to taste. Let it simmer for about 10 minutes. 6. While the sauce simmers, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 1 cup of orzo and cook according to package instructions, usually 8-10 minutes. Drain the orzo and set it aside. 7. Lower the heat and stir in 1 cup of heavy cream into the tomato-beef mixture. Let it warm for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally. 8. Mix in the cooked orzo until everything is well combined and heated through. 9. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve hot with fresh basil leaves and grated Parmesan cheese on top. - When sautéing the onion, keep an eye on it. You want it soft but not brown. - Stir the garlic constantly. It can burn quickly and ruin the dish. - Break the ground beef into small pieces for even cooking. It helps with texture. - Let the sauce simmer without rushing. This lets the flavors come together. - Salt your water for the orzo. It enhances the pasta's flavor. - Avoid boiling the cream. Stir gently to keep it smooth and rich. - Mix the orzo in slowly. It helps distribute the flavors evenly. - Don’t skip draining the fat from the beef. It can make the dish greasy. - Avoid overcooking the orzo. It should be al dente for the best texture. - Don’t rush the simmering step. It’s key for flavor development. - Forgetting to taste and adjust seasoning can lead to blandness. - Skipping the garnish can make the dish less appealing. Fresh basil and cheese add great flavor and color. To make Tomato Cream Beef Orzo truly shine, use fresh herbs. Fresh basil adds a bright taste. Chop it just before serving for the best flavor. You can also add a splash of balsamic vinegar. This little twist brings out the tomato's sweetness. For a hint of heat, sprinkle in red pepper flakes. Adjust the amount to your taste. Remember to season well with salt and pepper. This makes every bite pop! Using the right tools makes cooking easier. A large skillet is key for browning the beef. Choose one with a sturdy base for even heat. A wooden spoon works well for mixing. It helps break up the beef and stir the sauce. Use a pot for boiling the orzo. Make sure it’s large enough so the pasta doesn’t stick. A colander is vital for draining the orzo. Lastly, grab a good knife for chopping. A sharp knife saves time and effort. Serve your dish hot for the best experience. Garnish with fresh basil leaves for color and flavor. Grated Parmesan cheese adds a creamy touch. You can also pair it with crusty bread. This is perfect for soaking up the sauce. A simple side salad balances the richness of the dish. For a fun twist, add a sprinkle of lemon zest. It brightens the flavors and makes it special. Enjoy your comforting meal! Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh herbs and ripe tomatoes will enhance the flavor profile of your dish significantly. Cook Orzo Perfectly: Make sure to cook the orzo until al dente; it will continue to absorb liquid while mixed with the sauce. Adjust Spice Level: Feel free to modify the amount of red pepper flakes based on your heat preference. Leftovers Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days; reheat gently on the stove. {{image_2}} To make a tasty vegetarian version, swap the ground beef for lentils or mushrooms. Use one cup of cooked lentils or two cups of chopped mushrooms. Both options add a nice texture. Keep the rest of the recipe the same. You can still enjoy the creamy tomato sauce and orzo. This change makes the dish rich in plant protein. If you like heat, try adding more red pepper flakes. Start with one teaspoon in the sauce. You can also add diced jalapeños or crushed chili peppers. This will bring a vibrant kick to your meal. Serve with a sprinkle of spicy cheese for extra flavor. The heat balances well with the creamy sauce. You can use various proteins in this dish. Chicken or turkey works great. For chicken, use one pound of cooked and shredded meat. For turkey, choose ground turkey instead of beef. Both options will give you a lighter dish. Adjust the cooking time as needed, but follow the same steps. Each protein brings a unique taste and texture to the creamy tomato orzo. To keep your Tomato Cream Beef Orzo fresh, store it in an airtight container. Let it cool to room temperature before sealing. Place it in the fridge if you plan to eat it within three days. If you want it to last longer, consider freezing it. When you're ready to enjoy your Tomato Cream Beef Orzo again, reheat it in a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of water or broth to help with moisture. Stir it often to heat evenly. You can also microwave it in short bursts, stirring in between, until hot. To freeze your Tomato Cream Beef Orzo, portion it into freezer-safe bags. Press out the air and seal tightly. This dish can last up to three months in the freezer. When you're ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge. Then, reheat using the skillet method for the best flavor. To make this dish gluten-free, swap orzo pasta for gluten-free orzo. Many stores sell it. You can also use rice, quinoa, or another gluten-free pasta. Just ensure your crushed tomatoes are gluten-free too. This dish pairs well with a fresh salad. A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette works great. You can also serve garlic bread or a warm baguette to soak up the sauce. For a fun twist, offer some roasted vegetables. Yes, you can prepare the dish ahead of time. Make it and let it cool. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in a skillet, adding a splash of cream or water to keep it moist. To adjust servings, simply multiply or divide each ingredient by your desired number. For example, if you want to serve eight, double each ingredient. If you want to serve two, halve the amounts. This way, you can always make the right amount for your guests. You learned about making Tomato Cream Beef Orzo, from ingredients to storage tips. Choosing fresh ingredients is key for great taste. Follow the steps to avoid common mistakes when cooking. Don’t forget the variations to suit everyone's taste. With these tips, you'll create a dish that delights all. Enjoy being creative in the kitchen and share your tasty results!

Creamy Tomato Beef Orzo

A delicious and creamy dish featuring ground beef, orzo pasta, and crushed tomatoes, perfect for a comforting meal.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4
Calories 600 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 cup orzo pasta
  • 1 can (15 oz) crushed tomatoes
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • to taste Salt and pepper
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • for garnish Fresh basil leaves
  • for serving Grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions
 

  • In a large skillet or saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until softened.
  • Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
  • Add the ground beef to the skillet. Break it apart with a spoon and cook until browned (about 5-6 minutes). Drain excess fat if necessary.
  • Stir in the crushed tomatoes, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Simmer for about 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
  • While the sauce is simmering, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the orzo and cook according to package instructions until al dente (usually about 8-10 minutes). Drain and set aside.
  • Reduce the heat to low and stir the heavy cream into the tomato-beef mixture. Let it warm through for about 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  • Add the cooked orzo into the skillet and mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well combined and heated through.
  • Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil leaves and grated Parmesan cheese on top.

Notes

Feel free to adjust the level of spice by adding more or less red pepper flakes.
Keyword beef, creamy, orzo, pasta, tomato