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- 1 lb ground beef - 1 cup orzo pasta - 2 cups diced tomatoes (canned or fresh) - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 medium onion, finely chopped - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon dried basil - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional) - Salt and pepper to taste - 2 tablespoons olive oil - Fresh basil leaves for garnish Gathering the right ingredients is key to a tasty Tomato Cream Beef Orzo. Start with the ground beef, which gives the dish a hearty base. The orzo pasta is small, tender, and cooks quickly. It soaks up flavors well, making every bite delicious. Diced tomatoes add a sweet and tangy note. You can use fresh or canned ones based on what you have. Heavy cream brings richness to the dish. It makes the sauce creamy and smooth. For added flavor, finely chopped onion and minced garlic are a must. They create a great aroma as they cook. Dried basil and oregano give a classic Italian taste. The red pepper flakes add a little heat, which you can skip if you prefer milder. Don't forget your salt and pepper! These basic seasonings enhance all the flavors. Olive oil helps cook the onion and beef, giving a nice golden color. Finally, fresh basil leaves make a lovely garnish and boost the dish's look. These ingredients together turn a simple meal into a cozy comfort dish. {{ingredient_image_1}} - First, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. - Add 1 finely chopped medium onion. Sauté it until soft, about 3-4 minutes. - Then, add 3 minced garlic cloves to the skillet. Cook them for 1 minute. - Next, include 1 pound of ground beef. Break it apart as it cooks. - Season the beef with salt, pepper, 1 teaspoon of dried basil, 1 teaspoon of dried oregano, and optionally, ½ teaspoon of red pepper flakes for some heat. - Cook until the beef is browned, about 5-7 minutes. - Now, stir in 2 cups of diced tomatoes. You can use canned or fresh ones. - Bring this mixture to a gentle simmer for about 5 minutes. - Then, add 1 cup of orzo pasta and stir to combine. - Pour in 2 cups of water or broth. Bring everything to a boil. - Reduce the heat to low and cover the skillet. Cook for about 10-12 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. - Once the orzo is tender and most liquid is gone, reduce the heat to low. - Stir in 1 cup of heavy cream. Mix well until the cream is fully incorporated. - Adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. - Allow the mixture to simmer for an extra 2-3 minutes until heated through. - Finally, serve hot, garnished with fresh basil leaves for a nice touch. To make your Tomato Cream Beef Orzo shine, start with salt and pepper. Adjust these to taste. If you want more flavor, don’t hold back on spices. Try adding extra red pepper flakes for heat. You can also use smoked paprika for a nice twist. Getting the cream into your dish is key. Pour the heavy cream slowly while stirring. This helps mix it in well and keeps it smooth. To prevent sticking, stir the orzo often as it cooks. Adding a splash of water can help if it gets too thick. Garnishing your dish makes it special. Use fresh basil leaves to add color and freshness. Serve it in a nice bowl to impress your family or guests. You can even pair it with a side salad or crusty bread for a complete meal. Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Whenever possible, opt for fresh tomatoes and herbs. They enhance the flavor and freshness of the dish significantly. Adjust Creaminess: For a lighter dish, you can substitute half of the heavy cream with low-fat milk or chicken broth without losing too much flavor. Don't Overcook Orzo: Keep an eye on the orzo as it cooks; overcooked orzo can become mushy. Aim for al dente for the best texture. Customize Your Spices: Feel free to adjust the spices according to your taste. Adding a pinch of smoked paprika can give it a nice depth of flavor. {{image_2}} You can switch up the meat in this dish. Ground turkey or chicken works well. They both have a lighter taste but still pack a punch. If you want a veggie twist, try lentils or chickpeas. These add protein and a nice texture. Want more veggies? You can add spinach or bell peppers. They add color and nutrition. Zucchini or mushrooms are great too. They soak up flavors and make the dish heartier. Just chop them small and toss them in. You can mix it up with sauces. Use tomato sauce instead of heavy cream for a lighter meal. If you want a richer taste, add cheese. Cream cheese or parmesan can make this dish even creamier. Each option gives a new way to enjoy this comfort food. To store leftovers, put them in an airtight container. This keeps the dish fresh. You can keep Tomato Cream Beef Orzo in the fridge for up to three days. Just make sure it cools down before you seal it. When you want to eat it again, check for any signs of spoilage. Always trust your nose! To freeze this dish, let it cool completely. Then, place portions in freezer-safe bags. Squeeze out the air before sealing. This helps prevent freezer burn. Tomato Cream Beef Orzo stays good for about three months in the freezer. When you’re ready to eat, let it thaw in the fridge overnight. You can reheat it in a pot on low heat or in the microwave. Stir it well to make sure it heats evenly. You can prepare some parts in advance. Cook the ground beef and store it separately. Chop your onions and garlic ahead of time, too. This saves time during the week. When you want a quick meal, just combine the cooked beef with orzo and sauce. It’s a fast way to enjoy this comforting dish! Yes, you can use different pasta shapes. Here are a few good options: - Penne - Fusilli - Farfalle - Shells Each of these shapes will soak up the tasty sauce well. Just adjust cooking time based on pasta type. To make this dish dairy-free, swap out heavy cream. Here are some alternatives: - Coconut milk - Cashew cream - Almond milk with a thickener These options keep it creamy without dairy. You can also skip cheese or use a dairy-free brand. Pair this dish with simple sides to enhance your meal. Here are some ideas: - Garlic bread - Steamed broccoli - Mixed green salad - Roasted vegetables These sides add freshness and balance to the rich flavors of the orzo. Enjoy! This blog post covered how to make a delicious Tomato Cream Beef Orzo. We looked at the key ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and tips for the best results. You can explore variations like using different proteins or adding veggies for extra flavor. Proper storage and meal prep ideas help you enjoy this dish later. My final thought is, no matter how you make it, your version will surely impress. Enjoy your cooking!

Tomato Cream Beef Orzo

A creamy and flavorful dish featuring ground beef, orzo pasta, and tomatoes.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 cup orzo pasta
  • 2 cups diced tomatoes
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 0.5 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • for garnish fresh basil leaves

Instructions
 

  • In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté until soft and translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
  • Add the minced garlic and ground beef to the skillet, breaking the beef apart as it cooks. Season with salt, pepper, dried basil, oregano, and red pepper flakes. Cook until the beef is browned, about 5-7 minutes.
  • Stir in the diced tomatoes and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer for about 5 minutes.
  • Add the orzo pasta to the skillet, stirring to combine. Pour in 2 cups of water or broth and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to low and cover the skillet. Cook for about 10-12 minutes or until the orzo is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
  • Once the orzo is cooked, reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream. Mix well until the cream is fully incorporated and the sauce is creamy. Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if necessary.
  • Allow the mixture to simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes until heated through.
  • Remove from heat and serve hot, garnished with fresh basil leaves.

Notes

Adjust the red pepper flakes for desired spiciness.
Keyword beef, creamy, orzo, pasta, tomato