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

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

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

  1. Can I make this ahead of time?
    Yes! The flavors deepen as it sits—just add broth when reheating.
  2. Can I freeze One-Pot Orzo Bolognese?
    It freezes well, but the orzo may soften a bit. Reheat with extra broth.
  3. What if I don’t have orzo?
    You can use ditalini or small shells instead.
  4. 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!

Print

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

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

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

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

Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 pound (450g) ground beef or Italian sausage
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 can (14.5 ounces) crushed tomatoes
  • 4 cups beef broth
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1 1/2 cups orzo pasta
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Fresh basil, for garnish

Instructions

  1. 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.
  2. Sauté the Aromatics: Add diced onion and cook until softened, about 3 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
  3. Incorporate Tomato Paste: Stir in tomato paste and cook for another minute to enhance its flavor.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 484
  • Sugar: 10g
  • Sodium: 565mg
  • Fat: 15g
  • Saturated Fat: 4.5g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 9g
  • Trans Fat: 1g
  • Carbohydrates: 49.5g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 35g
  • Cholesterol: 86mg
0 0 votes
Article Rating
Subscribe
Notify of
guest
0 Comments
Oldest
Newest Most Voted
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments