Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce and Fresh Basil

If you’re looking for a comforting and delicious meal that pleases the whole family, you’ve come to the right place! My Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce and Fresh Basil is a go-to recipe in our home. It’s rich, creamy, and packed with flavor, making it perfect for busy weeknights or even family gatherings. The best part? It all comes together in just one pan, so cleanup is a breeze.

This dish has earned its spot as a favorite because it’s both easy to make and utterly satisfying. With every bite, you get tender orzo drenched in a luscious tomato cream sauce, complemented by fresh basil. Trust me; you’ll find yourself reaching for seconds!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• One-pan wonder: Fewer dishes mean more time to relax after dinner!
• Family-friendly: Even picky eaters will love the creamy tomato flavor.
• Quick preparation: Ready in just 35 minutes; perfect for busy evenings.
• Comfort food classic: Hearty and satisfying, this dish warms the soul.
• Make-ahead option: Prepare it ahead of time for an easy meal later.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Cooking should be fun and accessible! For this Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce and Fresh Basil, you’ll need some simple and wholesome ingredients that you probably already have on hand. Let’s gather everything we need!

For the Main Dish

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 small onion (finely diced)
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 14 oz can crushed tomatoes
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 tbsp tomato paste
• ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and black pepper (to taste)
• 1 ½ cups orzo pasta
• 2 ½ cups beef broth
• ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh basil leaves

Variations

This recipe is wonderfully flexible! You can easily adapt it to suit your tastes or dietary preferences. Here are some fun ideas to switch things up:

• Swap the protein: Try using ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
• Add veggies: Toss in some spinach or zucchini for added nutrition.
• Make it spicy: Increase the red pepper flakes for a kick of heat.
• Creamy alternatives: Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream for a dairy-free version.

How to Make Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce and Fresh Basil

Step 1: Brown the Beef

Start by heating a large skillet over medium heat. Add your ground beef along with the finely diced onion. Cook these together for about 6-8 minutes, breaking up the beef as it cooks until it’s nicely browned and softened. Adding the onion at this stage helps build a flavorful base for our dish.

Step 2: Add Garlic and Seasonings

Next, stir in your minced garlic along with tomato paste, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if you’re feeling adventurous! Cook this mixture for another 1-2 minutes. This step is crucial as it allows the garlic to soften and infuse its wonderful aroma into the meat.

Step 3: Combine Tomatoes and Broth

Now it’s time to bring in the tomatoes! Pour in your crushed tomatoes along with the beef broth. Give everything a good stir to combine before bringing it all to a simmer. This will create that rich sauce we love so much!

Step 4: Cook the Orzo

Add your orzo pasta to the skillet next. Reduce the heat to medium-low and cover it up. Let it cook for about 10-12 minutes while stirring occasionally until the orzo is tender and most of that delicious liquid has been absorbed.

Step 5: Stir in Cream

Once your orzo is cooked perfectly, stir in that lovely heavy cream. Allow it to simmer gently for an additional 2-3 minutes until everything is beautifully creamy. Don’t forget to taste and adjust seasoning if needed!

Step 6: Finish with Cheese and Basil

Finally, sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over your dish and garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving warm. The cheese adds an extra layer of richness while the basil brings freshness—what a perfect combo!

And there you have it—your very own Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce and Fresh Basil! Enjoy this delightful dish with your loved ones; I know they’ll appreciate every bite just as much as I do!

Pro Tips for Making Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce and Fresh Basil

Cooking can be a breeze, especially when you have a few handy tips up your sleeve! Here are some pro tips to elevate your Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce:

• Use high-quality beef: Choosing fresh, high-quality ground beef will enhance the flavor of your dish and make it more satisfying. Grass-fed beef, for example, often has a richer taste.

• Don’t skip the garlic: Garlic adds depth and aroma to your sauce. The longer you cook it, the more intense the flavor becomes, but be careful not to burn it!

• Adjust the creaminess: If you’d like a lighter version, feel free to reduce the amount of cream or substitute part of it with vegetable broth. This keeps the dish rich without being too heavy.

• Experiment with spices: While red pepper flakes add a nice kick, consider incorporating other spices like Italian seasoning or dried oregano for added warmth and complexity.

• Let it sit before serving: Allowing the dish to rest for a few minutes after cooking helps the flavors meld together beautifully. It also gives you time to set the table!

How to Serve Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce and Fresh Basil

Serving this delicious one-pan meal can be just as delightful as making it! Here are some ideas to present your Ground Beef Orzo beautifully.

Garnishes

• Fresh basil leaves: A handful of torn fresh basil leaves adds vibrant color and a burst of flavor that complements the creamy tomato sauce perfectly.
• Grated Parmesan cheese: A sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan on top adds an extra layer of richness and an appealing visual element.

Side Dishes

• Garlic Bread: Crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, garlic bread is perfect for mopping up any leftover sauce from your plate. It’s an easy crowd-pleaser!

• Steamed Green Beans: Bright green beans add a pop of color and freshness. Simply steam them until tender-crisp and season with a little salt or lemon juice for a refreshing contrast.

• Mixed Green Salad: A light mixed greens salad with cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and a simple vinaigrette balances out the richness of the orzo dish.

• Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted vegetables such as zucchini, bell peppers, or carrots can provide additional nutrients and flavors while enhancing your meal’s presentation.

By following these tips and serving suggestions, you’ll create an unforgettable dining experience that everyone at your table will love! Happy cooking!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce and Fresh Basil is perfect for meal prep! You can easily make it ahead of time, allowing you to enjoy a delicious dinner even on your busiest nights. Here’s how to store it properly:

Storing Leftovers

• Store any leftovers in an airtight container.
• Refrigerate for up to 3 days.
• Ensure the dish has cooled completely before sealing the container.

Freezing

• Allow the dish to cool completely before freezing.
• Use freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving some space for expansion.
• Freeze for up to 2 months for best quality.

Reheating

• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator if frozen.
• Reheat in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of beef broth or cream to restore creaminess.
• Alternatively, microwave in short intervals, stirring frequently until heated through.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about this recipe that might help!

Can I use other types of pasta instead of orzo?

Yes! While this recipe calls for orzo, you can substitute it with other small pasta shapes like ditalini or even whole wheat options for added nutrition.

How can I adjust the flavor of the Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce and Fresh Basil?

You can customize the flavor by adding herbs like oregano or thyme, or by incorporating vegetables such as spinach or bell peppers for extra nutrition and taste.

Is the Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce good for meal prep?

Absolutely! This dish stores well and makes excellent leftovers, which is perfect for busy weeknights when you want something quick yet satisfying.

What can I serve with Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce and Fresh Basil?

A simple side salad or some garlic bread pairs perfectly with this dish, adding a fresh touch without requiring much extra effort!

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making this comforting Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce and Fresh Basil as much as I do! It’s one of those recipes that brings warmth and satisfaction to any table. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or sharing it with family, this dish is bound to be a hit. Happy cooking, and don’t forget to share your experience!