Description
This One-Pot Orzo Bolognese recipe is a hearty and comforting Italian-inspired dish that combines tender orzo pasta with a rich, flavorful ground beef and vegetable sauce. Perfect for a quick weeknight meal, it’s cooked entirely in one pot for easy preparation and minimal cleanup. The dish features classic aromatic vegetables, savory herbs, and a creamy finish with Parmesan cheese, garnished with fresh basil for a bright touch.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium carrot, finely diced
- 1 celery stalk, finely diced
Meat and Seasonings
- 1 pound ground beef (extra lean, if preferred)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Liquids and Pasta
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 3 cups low-sodium or no-sodium beef broth
- 1 cup orzo pasta
Finishing Touches
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the vegetables and sauté: Heat olive oil in a large pot or skillet over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion, minced garlic, diced carrot, and diced celery. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables have softened, about 5 minutes.
- Cook the ground beef and season: Increase the heat to medium-high. Add the ground beef to the pot and cook until browned and no longer pink, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Season with dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and black pepper to taste.
- Add tomato paste and liquids: Stir in the tomato paste until well combined with the meat and vegetables. Then add the drained diced tomatoes along with their juice. Pour in the beef broth and bring the mixture to a boil.
- Cook the orzo: Stir in the orzo pasta. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Cook until the orzo is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
- Finish with cheese and garnish: Remove the pot from heat and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it melts and the sauce becomes creamy. Serve the Bolognese ladled into bowls and garnish each serving with chopped fresh basil.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
- For a vegetarian version, replace ground beef with lentils and use vegetable broth.
- Adjust seasoning to taste, especially salt depending on broth used.
- To add extra flavor, consider a splash of red wine when adding broth.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
