If you’re craving a cozy, comforting dish that’s both rich and satisfying, this Beef Orzo with Cream Sauce is exactly what you need. Tender beef, perfectly cooked orzo, and a creamy, dreamy sauce come together to create a meal that’s simply irresistible. It’s the kind of dish that makes you want to curl up with a bowl and savor each bite, and trust me, once you try it, it’ll become a weeknight staple. It’s easy to make, packed with flavor, and guaranteed to make everyone at the table happy.
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Why You’ll Love Beef Orzo with Cream Sauce
This recipe is a perfect blend of indulgent and simple. Whether you’re cooking for your family or hosting friends, it’s a dish that always delivers on flavor and comfort. Here’s why this recipe will quickly become your favorite:
Versatile: This dish can be served for any occasion, whether it’s a busy weeknight, a cozy dinner with loved ones, or even a casual get-together. It’s easy to make and always a hit.
Budget-Friendly: With just a few affordable ingredients, you can make something that feels like a gourmet meal. It’s a great way to make the most of your grocery budget without compromising on taste.
Quick and Easy: You won’t have to spend hours in the kitchen to make this meal. In under an hour, you’ll have a hearty, comforting dish that’s perfect for any night of the week.
Customizable: You can easily adjust the flavor to your liking. Want a bit of heat? Add red pepper flakes. Love garlic? Throw in a little extra. It’s a dish you can make your own!
Crowd-Pleasing: Beef and cream—what’s not to love? This dish is universally loved by both kids and adults, making it a fantastic choice for family meals or gatherings.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this creamy beef orzo dish:
Beef: Ground beef is the star of this dish. It cooks quickly and adds that savory, juicy flavor that pairs perfectly with the creamy sauce.
Orzo: This rice-shaped pasta soaks up all the flavors in the sauce, making each bite satisfying and hearty.
Onion: A bit of onion adds sweetness and depth to the savory meat and cream sauce.
Garlic: A couple of cloves of garlic bring a fragrant, savory punch that elevates the whole dish.
Heavy Cream: The rich and silky base of the sauce. It’s what gives this dish that luscious, creamy texture.
Parmesan: Freshly grated Parmesan adds a salty, nutty flavor that perfectly complements the beef and cream.
Broth: A splash of beef or chicken broth helps create the perfect consistency for the sauce while adding extra flavor.
Spices: A pinch of dried oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper for a well-seasoned, flavorful sauce.
Olive Oil: To sauté the beef and onions, helping to bring out their natural flavors.
(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Let’s get cooking! Here’s how to make Beef Orzo with Cream Sauce:
Cook the Orzo: Begin by boiling a pot of salted water. Add the orzo and cook according to the package instructions, usually about 8-10 minutes. Drain and set aside.
Brown the Beef: In a large skillet, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through. Drain any excess fat, if needed.
Sauté the Aromatics: Add the chopped onion to the skillet with the beef and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
Make the Cream Sauce: Pour in the beef broth and bring it to a simmer. Let it cook for 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to combine. Then, add the heavy cream and bring the mixture to a simmer. Stir in the Parmesan cheese, and cook until the sauce thickens slightly, about 5 minutes.
Combine with Orzo: Add the cooked orzo to the skillet, stirring it into the creamy beef sauce. Let everything cook together for another 2-3 minutes so the orzo can absorb the sauce and all the flavors meld together.
Season and Serve: Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or additional herbs if needed. Serve hot and enjoy!
How to Serve Beef Orzo with Cream Sauce
This creamy beef orzo dish is hearty on its own, but it pairs beautifully with these sides:
Green Salad: A fresh green salad with a tangy vinaigrette is a perfect contrast to the richness of the cream sauce.
Garlic Bread: Serve with warm, crunchy garlic bread to scoop up any extra sauce.
Roasted Vegetables: Roasted carrots, zucchini, or asparagus would be a lovely accompaniment to this creamy dish.
Steamed Greens: A side of lightly steamed spinach, broccoli, or kale adds a nutritious touch and balances the richness of the meal.
Additional Tips
Here are some tips to make this dish even better:
Spice It Up: If you like a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a spicy kick.
Make It Lighter: You can use half-and-half instead of heavy cream for a lighter version without sacrificing too much of the creaminess.
Add Vegetables: Sneak in some extra veggies like mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach to make the dish even more hearty.
Storage Tips: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the fridge. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.
Freezing: This dish freezes well! Allow it to cool completely, then store in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stove.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I use a different type of pasta instead of orzo?
A1: Yes, you can use any small pasta, like ditalini or shells, as a substitute for orzo.
Q2: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
A2: Yes, you can prepare the dish in advance and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days. Just reheat before serving.
Q3: Can I use a leaner cut of beef?
A3: Absolutely! You can use ground turkey or lean ground beef to make the dish lighter.
Q4: How do I store leftovers?
A4: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove.
Q5: Can I freeze Beef Orzo with Cream Sauce?
A5: Yes, this dish freezes well! Allow it to cool completely before freezing in an airtight container. To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat on the stove.
Q6: Can I add more vegetables to the dish?
A6: Yes! Try adding mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers for added flavor and nutrition.
Q7: Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
A7: Yes, you can make the sauce ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready, just reheat and add the orzo and beef.
Q8: Can I use a non-dairy substitute for the cream?
A8: Yes, you can use coconut cream or a plant-based cream to make this dish dairy-free.
Q9: How do I make the sauce thicker?
A9: If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can simmer it for a few extra minutes or add a tablespoon of flour or cornstarch mixed with water to help it thicken.
Q10: Can I double the recipe?
A10: Yes, this recipe is easy to double. Just make sure to use a larger skillet or pan to accommodate the extra ingredients.
Conclusion
Beef Orzo with Cream Sauce is a comforting, delicious dish that brings joy to the table. With rich, creamy sauce and savory beef paired with tender orzo, it’s the perfect meal for any night. So gather your ingredients, get cooking, and indulge in a bowl of pure comfort. You’re going to love it!
Print
Beef Orzo with Cream Sauce
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 2
- Total Time: 12 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Skillet, Sautéing, Simmering
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
A creamy and savory ground beef orzo, simmered in a rich tomato cream sauce, and topped with Parmesan cheese. Perfect for a quick and satisfying dinner!
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
- Grated Parmesan cheese for serving
Instructions
- Sauté Onions and Garlic:
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing for 2-3 minutes until the onion is translucent.
- Cook Beef:
- Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spatula. Cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
- Add Tomatoes:
- Stir in the diced tomatoes with their juices and bring to a simmer. Let it cook for about 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Cook Orzo:
- Meanwhile, cook the orzo pasta according to package instructions in a separate pot. Drain and set aside.
- Add Cream:
- Once the beef mixture has simmered, reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream. Allow it to heat through for about 2-3 minutes.
- Combine Orzo:
- Add the cooked orzo to the skillet, stirring to combine everything evenly. Cook for an additional 2 minutes to warm through.
- Serve:
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese.
Notes
- Spice it Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a bit of heat.
- Add Veggies: Stir in some spinach or mushrooms to the beef mixture for extra flavor.
- Make it Lighter: Swap heavy cream for half-and-half or milk for a lighter sauce.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 80mg