This One Pot Orzo Bolognese combines all the rich, hearty flavors of a classic Bolognese sauce with the convenience of orzo pasta—all cooked in a single pot! It’s a perfect weeknight meal that takes just 30 minutes from start to finish, delivering deep, slow-simmered taste with minimal cleanup.
Personal Story & Background:
Bolognese has always been a favorite in my house, but sometimes I just don’t have the time for an hours-long simmer. That’s when I started experimenting with ways to streamline the process while keeping all the comforting flavors intact. Enter orzo—a tiny pasta that cooks quickly while absorbing all the richness of the sauce.
This one-pot version keeps things simple, creamy, and incredibly satisfying. The pasta soaks up the savory tomato and beef mixture as it cooks, giving it a risotto-like texture that feels extra indulgent. Whether you’re feeding a busy family or just craving a comforting bowl of pasta, this dish is a game-changer!
Ingredient Notes:
- Ground Beef (or Italian Sausage) – Adds deep, savory flavor. You can also use ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a lighter version.
- Onion & Garlic – The base of any great Bolognese, adding sweetness and depth.
- Crushed Tomatoes & Tomato Paste – Creates a thick, rich sauce. If you like a little kick, use fire-roasted tomatoes.
- Orzo Pasta – A small, rice-shaped pasta that cooks quickly and absorbs all the delicious sauce.
- Beef Broth – Enhances the depth of flavor while helping cook the orzo.
- Milk or Heavy Cream – Adds a touch of creaminess to balance the acidity of the tomatoes.
- Italian Seasoning & Red Pepper Flakes – Brings warmth and a little spice to the dish.
- Parmesan Cheese – A salty, nutty finishing touch.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
- In a large pot or deep skillet, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium heat.
- Add ½ diced onion and cook for 3 minutes, until softened.
- Stir in 2 cloves minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, until fragrant.
Step 2: Brown the Meat
- Add 1 pound ground beef (or sausage) to the pot.
- Cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and no longer pink.
- Drain excess fat if needed.
Step 3: Build the Sauce
- Stir in 1 tablespoon tomato paste, cooking for 1 minute to deepen the flavor.
- Pour in 1 can (15 oz) crushed tomatoes and 2 cups beef broth.
- Add 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, ½ teaspoon salt, and a pinch of red pepper flakes (optional).
Step 4: Cook the Orzo
- Stir in 1 cup dry orzo pasta and bring to a gentle simmer.
- Cover and cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender and has absorbed the sauce.
Step 5: Finish with Cream & Cheese
- Stir in ¼ cup milk or heavy cream for extra richness.
- Sprinkle in ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until melted and creamy.
Step 6: Serve & Enjoy!
- Garnish with fresh basil or parsley for a bright finish.
- Serve hot with extra Parmesan on top!
Expert Tips for the Best Results:
- Stir Often – Orzo can stick to the bottom of the pot, so stir every few minutes as it cooks.
- Adjust the Liquid – If the pasta absorbs too much liquid, add ¼ cup more broth at a time until you reach your desired consistency.
- Let it Rest – Allow the dish to sit for 5 minutes before serving; the flavors meld together, and the sauce thickens beautifully.
Serving Suggestions:
- Garlic Bread – Perfect for soaking up any extra sauce.
- Side Salad – A simple arugula or Caesar salad adds freshness.
- Roasted Veggies – Try roasted zucchini or bell peppers for extra nutrients.
Storage and Reheating Tips:
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freeze: Freeze in a sealed container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
- Reheat: Warm on the stove over low heat with a splash of broth or milk to restore the creamy texture.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I make this vegetarian?
Yes! Use plant-based ground meat or lentils, and swap the beef broth for vegetable broth.
Can I use another pasta?
Absolutely! Small pasta shapes like ditalini or small shells work well.
What if my sauce is too thick?
Just add a bit more broth or a splash of milk until you reach the desired consistency.
Conclusion:
This One Pot Orzo Bolognese is proof that comfort food doesn’t have to be complicated. With just one pot and 30 minutes, you get a meal that’s hearty, flavorful, and totally satisfying. Try it for your next busy night, and let me know how you make it your own!
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One Pot Orzo Bolognese: A Comforting, Easy Dinner
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 5 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: One-Pot
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
Description
This One Pot Orzo Bolognese combines all the rich, hearty flavors of a classic Bolognese sauce with the convenience of orzo pasta—all cooked in a single pot! It’s a perfect weeknight meal that takes just 30 minutes from start to finish, delivering deep, slow-simmered taste with minimal cleanup.
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lb ground beef (or Italian sausage)
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 can (15 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 cup dry orzo pasta
- 1/4 cup milk or heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish
Instructions
Sauté the Aromatics
- Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large pot or deep skillet over medium heat.
- Add ½ diced onion and cook for 3 minutes until softened.
- Stir in 2 cloves minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
2. Brown the Meat
- Add 1 lb ground beef (or sausage) to the pot.
- Cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and no longer pink.
- Drain excess fat if needed.
3. Build the Sauce
- Stir in 1 tbsp tomato paste and cook for 1 minute to deepen the flavor.
- Pour in 1 can (15 oz) crushed tomatoes and 2 cups beef broth.
- Add 1 tsp Italian seasoning, ½ tsp salt, and a pinch of red pepper flakes (if using).
4. Cook the Orzo
- Stir in 1 cup dry orzo pasta and bring to a gentle simmer.
- Cover and cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender and has absorbed the sauce.
5. Finish with Cream & Cheese
- Stir in ¼ cup milk or heavy cream for extra richness.
- Sprinkle in ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until melted and creamy.
6. Serve & Enjoy!
- Garnish with fresh basil or parsley.
- Serve hot with extra Parmesan on top!
Notes
- Stir Often – Orzo can stick to the bottom, so stir every few minutes as it cooks.
- Adjust the Liquid – If the pasta absorbs too much liquid, add ¼ cup more broth at a time.
- Let it Rest – Let the dish sit for 5 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken.
Nutrition
- Calories: ~450
- Sodium: ~700mg
- Fat: ~15g
- Carbohydrates: ~50g
- Protein: 30g
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