This Beef Orzo with Cream Sauce is the ultimate comfort food—a warm, creamy dish that’s packed with tender beef, perfectly cooked orzo pasta, and a savory cream sauce. It’s the kind of meal that feels like a big hug after a long day, ideal for a cozy weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
1 lb ground beef
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 small onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup orzo pasta
2 cups beef broth
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1/4 teaspoon paprika
Salt and pepper to taste
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
I start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, I add the ground beef and cook it, breaking it up with a spoon as it browns. This takes about 5 minutes.
Then, I add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes, until the onion becomes soft and translucent.
Next, I stir in the orzo pasta, beef broth, dried oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper. I bring everything to a boil.
After it boils, I reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let it simmer for about 10-12 minutes. I stir occasionally until the orzo is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed.
I stir in the heavy cream and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, just until the sauce is creamy and heated through.
Finally, I taste the dish and adjust the seasoning if necessary. I garnish with fresh parsley and serve it hot.
Servings and Timing
Servings: 4
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Variations
For a lighter version, I can substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half or use a plant-based cream for a dairy-free option.
If I want to add more veggies, I can throw in some spinach or bell peppers along with the onions and garlic for extra flavor and color.
To make the dish spicier, I can add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the beef mixture.
I can swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a leaner alternative.
If I want more of a Mediterranean flavor, I can add a handful of Kalamata olives and feta cheese on top before serving.
Storage/Reheating
To store leftovers, I place the Beef Orzo with Cream Sauce in an airtight container in the fridge. It should keep for up to 3 days.
When reheating, I add a splash of beef broth or water to the skillet to loosen the sauce. I heat it over low heat, stirring occasionally, until it’s heated through.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta instead of orzo?
Yes, I can substitute orzo with small pasta like farfalle or penne. The cooking time may vary depending on the pasta, so I’ll just adjust it accordingly.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, I can prepare it ahead of time and store it in the fridge. To serve, I just reheat it on the stove with a little extra broth to prevent it from drying out.
Is there a vegetarian version of this dish?
Yes, I can use plant-based ground meat and vegetable broth to create a vegetarian version of this recipe. I would also use a dairy-free cream alternative.
How do I make the sauce thicker?
If I want a thicker sauce, I can reduce the beef broth by simmering it longer before adding the cream. I can also add a teaspoon of cornstarch mixed with water to thicken the sauce.
Can I freeze Beef Orzo with Cream Sauce?
While I recommend eating it fresh, I can freeze the dish for up to a month. To freeze, I let it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. To reheat, I thaw it overnight in the fridge and then heat it on the stove, adding extra liquid if needed.
Conclusion
Beef Orzo with Cream Sauce is an incredibly satisfying and easy dish that I can throw together for a cozy dinner any night of the week. The rich and creamy sauce pairs perfectly with the tender beef and orzo, making it a meal that everyone will love. Whether I’m cooking for myself or for friends and family, this dish is sure to become a go-to favorite.
Recipe:
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Beef Orzo with Cream Sauce
This Beef Orzo with Cream Sauce recipe is a comforting, easy-to-make dish featuring tender ground beef, creamy sauce, and orzo pasta. Perfect for cozy weeknight dinners, it’s a hearty meal that is full of flavor, quick to prepare, and loved by everyone. With a few simple ingredients like beef broth, garlic, and heavy cream, this dish delivers rich taste in just 30 minutes. Ideal for family meals, and can easily be customized with veggies or different meats. Enjoy this indulgent comfort food tonight!
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients
1 lb ground beef
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 small onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup orzo pasta
2 cups beef broth
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1/4 teaspoon paprika
Salt and pepper to taste
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
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Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned (about 5 minutes).
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Add chopped onion and minced garlic. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the onion softens.
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Stir in orzo pasta, beef broth, dried oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil.
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Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
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Stir in heavy cream and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the sauce is creamy and heated through.
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Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.
Notes
You can swap out the heavy cream for half-and-half or a dairy-free cream alternative for a lighter version.
Add spinach, bell peppers, or other veggies to increase flavor and color.
Use ground turkey or chicken for a leaner alternative to ground beef.
For a Mediterranean twist, top with Kalamata olives and feta cheese.
Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat with a splash of broth or water.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 servings
- Calories: 450 kcal
