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For this dish, you’ll need 1 pound of ground beef. This will give your meal a rich flavor and protein boost. Choose lean ground beef for a healthier option. You will need 1 cup of orzo pasta. This small pasta cooks quickly and soaks up the sauce well. It adds a nice texture to the dish. The creamy tomato sauce needs 1 can (14 oz) of diced tomatoes that you will drain. You will also use 1 cup of heavy cream. This cream makes the sauce rich and smooth. You’ll want 1 medium onion, finely chopped, and 2 cloves of garlic, minced. Add 1 teaspoon of dried oregano and 1 teaspoon of paprika for flavor. Don't forget to season with salt and pepper to taste. Lastly, have 2 tablespoons of olive oil on hand for cooking. Fresh basil leaves and grated Parmesan cheese will add the perfect finishing touch to your dish. {{ingredient_image_1}} Start by grabbing a large skillet. Add two tablespoons of olive oil and heat it over medium heat. Toss in one medium onion that you have finely chopped. Sauté the onion for about 3-4 minutes. You want it to be soft and see-through. Next, add two cloves of minced garlic. Cook the garlic for one minute until it smells great. Now, increase the heat to medium-high. Add one pound of ground beef to the skillet. Use a wooden spoon to break it apart. Cook the beef for about 6-8 minutes until it turns brown. If there is too much fat, drain it off. This step keeps your dish from being greasy. Once the beef is browned, stir in one can of drained diced tomatoes. Add one teaspoon of dried oregano and one teaspoon of paprika for flavor. Don’t forget to sprinkle in salt and pepper to taste. Allow this mixture to simmer for 5 minutes. This lets all the flavors blend nicely. While the beef simmers, grab a pot. Cook one cup of orzo pasta according to the package instructions. Aim for al dente, which means it should still have a little bite. Once cooked, drain the orzo and set it aside for later. Lower the heat on your skillet. Pour in one cup of heavy cream and stir it into the beef mixture. Let it simmer for another 3-4 minutes. The sauce should thicken slightly. Now, add the cooked orzo to the skillet. Gently mix everything together until the orzo is fully coated. Taste your dish and adjust seasoning if needed. Now you’re ready to serve! To make this dish your own, start with salt and pepper. Add a little, then taste. If you want it spicier, add more paprika or chili flakes. Fresh herbs, like basil, can add a nice kick too. Always remember, you can add more but can’t take it out. Cook orzo in boiling water. Follow the package instructions closely. Check it a minute or two early. You want it al dente, not mushy. Drain it well, but do not rinse. Rinsing removes the starch that helps the sauce stick. Serve the orzo in wide, shallow bowls. This lets the sauce shine. Top each serving with fresh basil leaves. A sprinkle of grated Parmesan gives it a rich finish. For added flair, drizzle a little olive oil on top. This not only looks nice but boosts flavor too. Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic and herbs elevate the flavors of your dish significantly. Whenever possible, opt for fresh over dried. Rest the Dish: Allowing the dish to sit for a few minutes after cooking helps the flavors meld together, making each bite more delicious. Mix Well: Ensure the orzo is well coated with the beef and cream mixture for a harmonious taste in every bite. Customize Seasoning: Don't hesitate to adjust the seasoning to your taste. A pinch of red pepper flakes can add a delightful kick! {{image_2}} You can easily make this dish vegetarian. Use lentils or mushrooms instead of ground beef. Both options add great texture and flavor. Lentils provide protein, while mushrooms give a hearty feel. Cook them until soft to match the beef’s cooking time. This change keeps your dish rich and satisfying. Boost the nutrition by adding vegetables. Spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers work well. You can sauté these with the onions. This step adds color and vitamins to your dish. Cut the veggies into small pieces so they cook quickly. Add them to the skillet before the tomatoes for the best flavor. Enhance the flavor with fresh herbs and spices. Try adding fresh basil or parsley at the end. They add a burst of freshness. For a bit of heat, include crushed red pepper flakes. You can also experiment with thyme or rosemary. These spices bring depth to the tomato cream sauce. Adjust to your taste for a dish that’s uniquely yours. After enjoying your Ground Beef Orzo, store leftovers in an airtight container. Let the dish cool before sealing. This helps keep it fresh. Place the container in the fridge. It stays good for 3 to 4 days. If you want to eat it later, freezing is a great option. When ready to enjoy again, take the leftovers out of the fridge. Heat them in a pan over medium heat. Stir often to warm it evenly. You can add a splash of water or cream to keep it creamy. If using a microwave, cover the dish to avoid drying it out. Heat in short bursts, stirring in between. To freeze, divide the orzo into portions. Use freezer-safe containers or bags. Squeeze out as much air as possible before sealing. Label with the date. The dish can last up to 3 months in the freezer. When ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating. This keeps it tasty and fresh! Yes, you can use whole wheat orzo. It adds fiber and a nutty flavor. Just remember, the cooking time may change slightly. Check the package for directions. To spice it up, add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños. You can also use spicy paprika instead of regular. Start with a small amount and taste as you go. If you want a lighter option, use half-and-half or full-fat coconut milk. For a dairy-free choice, cashew cream works well too. Blend soaked cashews with water until smooth. Leftovers stay good for about three to four days. Store them in an airtight container. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave. This blog post covered how to make a delicious dish with ground beef, orzo, and creamy tomato sauce. We discussed how to prepare and cook each ingredient, along with useful tips for seasoning and presentation. You can even explore vegetarian options and add veggies for more nutrition. Proper storage tips will help keep your leftovers fresh. Remember, cooking is about trying new things. Don’t be afraid to make this recipe your own! Enjoy your cooking adventure.

Ground Beef Orzo Bliss

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

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 cup orzo pasta
  • 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes (drained)
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • for garnish fresh basil leaves
  • for serving grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions
 

  • In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until translucent.
  • Add minced garlic to the skillet and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.
  • Increase the heat to medium-high and add the ground beef to the skillet. Cook until browned, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon, about 6-8 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.
  • Stir in the diced tomatoes, dried oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper. Allow the mixture to simmer for 5 minutes, blending the flavors.
  • Meanwhile, in a pot, cook the orzo according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  • Lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream into the beef mixture. Let it simmer for another 3-4 minutes until slightly thickened.
  • Add the cooked orzo into the beef and cream mixture, and gently mix until the orzo is well coated.
  • Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.

Notes

Serve warm garnished with fresh basil and grated Parmesan cheese. A drizzle of olive oil enhances flavor.
Keyword creamy, dinner, ground beef, orzo, pasta