If you love rich, meaty Bolognese sauce but don’t want to wait hours for it to simmer, this One-Pot Orzo Bolognese is for you. It has all the deep, savory flavors of traditional Bolognese but cooks up in just 30 minutes, thanks to the tender, pasta-like orzo. Plus, since everything cooks in one pot, cleanup is a breeze!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

One-pot magic – Fewer dishes, same great flavor.
Quick and easy – Perfect for busy weeknights.
Rich and comforting – Like classic Bolognese, but faster!

Ingredients

(A quick preview—find the full ingredient list below!)

Ground beef or Italian sausage
Onion and garlic
Crushed tomatoes and tomato paste
Orzo pasta
Beef broth and Italian seasoning

Directions

Step 1: Brown the Meat

Heat a drizzle of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the ground beef (or sausage) and cook until browned, breaking it up as it cooks.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

Stir in the onion and garlic, cooking until soft and fragrant. Add the tomato paste and cook for another minute to deepen the flavor.

Step 3: Add the Liquids and Orzo

Pour in the crushed tomatoes, beef broth, and Italian seasoning. Stir in the orzo and bring everything to a gentle simmer.

Step 4: Let It Simmer

Cook for about 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender and the sauce has thickened. Add more broth if needed.

Step 5: Finish and Serve

Stir in some grated Parmesan and a splash of cream if you want extra richness. Serve hot with fresh basil on top.

Expert Tips and Tricks

Toast the orzo first – A quick toast in olive oil before adding liquid enhances the flavor.
Use a mix of meats – A combo of ground beef and sausage makes it extra savory.
Don’t skip the tomato paste – It adds depth and richness to the sauce.

Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions

Make it spicy – Add red pepper flakes for heat.
Go vegetarian – Swap meat for lentils or mushrooms.
Try different cheeses – A little ricotta or burrata on top is amazing!

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

This dish goes perfectly with:

Garlic bread – To soak up all that delicious sauce.
A simple green salad – For a fresh contrast.
A glass of red wine – Like a Chianti or Sangiovese.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Reheat on the stovetop with a splash of broth to loosen the sauce.

FAQs

Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! The flavors deepen as it sits—just add broth when reheating.
Can I freeze One-Pot Orzo Bolognese?
It freezes well, but the orzo may soften a bit. Reheat with extra broth.
What if I don’t have orzo?
You can use ditalini or small shells instead.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Absolutely—just skip the cheese or use a dairy-free alternative.

Conclusion

This One-Pot Orzo Bolognese is hearty, flavorful, and unbelievably easy to make. It’s got everything you love about classic Bolognese, but with less time, fewer dishes, and a fun orzo twist. Try it once, and it’ll be in your regular dinner rotation!

One-Pot Orzo Bolognese – A Cozy Twist on a Classic

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This One-Pot Orzo Bolognese offers all the rich, savory flavors of traditional Bolognese sauce but is ready in just 30 minutes. The tender orzo pasta absorbs the hearty sauce, making it a comforting and satisfying meal perfect for busy weeknights. Plus, with only one pot needed, cleanup is a breeze!

Author: Touria Elkoudssi
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Category: Main Course
Method: One-Pot Cooking
Cuisine: Italian-Inspired

Instructions

Brown the Meat: In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add ground beef or sausage and cook until browned, breaking it up as it cooks.
Sauté the Aromatics: Add diced onion and cook until softened, about 3 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
Incorporate Tomato Paste: Stir in tomato paste and cook for another minute to enhance its flavor.
Add Liquids and Orzo: Pour in crushed tomatoes, beef broth, and Italian seasoning. Stir in orzo pasta and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
Simmer: Cook for 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender and the sauce has thickened. If needed, add more broth to achieve desired consistency.
Finish and Serve: Season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir in grated Parmesan cheese. Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil.

Notes

Meat Options: Using a combination of ground beef and Italian sausage can enhance the dish’s flavor.
Vegetarian Version: Substitute meat with lentils or chopped mushrooms for a vegetarian alternative.
Consistency: If the mixture becomes too dry before the orzo is fully cooked, add a splash of water or broth.