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
Scale
- 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