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one pot orzo bolognese in a skillet garnished with fresh basil.
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5 from 6 votes

One Pot Orzo Bolognese

One Pot Orzo Bolognese is a hearty, comforting dish made with tender orzo pasta, savory ground beef, and a rich tomato sauce. It's a perfect weeknight meal that's easy to make and all done in one pot, saving you time on cleanup.
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time25 minutes
Total Time35 minutes
Course: Dinner, Lunch
Cuisine: American, Italian
Keyword: one pot orzo bolognese, one pot recipes, orzo bolognese
Servings: 6
Calories: 350kcal
Author: Joanna Cismaru

Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 medium onion finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 medium carrot finely diced
  • 1 celery stalk finely diced
  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • ½ teaspoon dried basil
  • salt and black pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 14.5 ounces diced tomatoes 1 can
  • 3 cups beef broth low sodium or no sodium added
  • 1 cup orzo pasta
  • 1 cup Parmesan cheese grated
  • fresh basil chopped, for garnish
US Customary - Metric

Instructions

  • In a large skillet or pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion, garlic, carrot, and celery. Sauté for about 5 minutes until the vegetables are softened.
    process shots showing how to make orzo bolognese in one pot.
  • Increase the heat to medium-high and add the ground beef to the pot. Break it up with a spoon and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Season with oregano, dried basil, salt, and black pepper.
    process shots showing how to make orzo bolognese in one pot.
  • Stir in the tomato paste until well combined with the meat, then add the diced tomatoes along with their juice. Mix well to integrate all the flavors.
    process shots showing how to make orzo bolognese in one pot.
  • Add the beef broth to the pot and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, stir in the orzo. Reduce the heat to a simmer, cover, and let cook for about 10 minutes, or until the orzo is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
    process shots showing how to make orzo bolognese in one pot.
  • Remove the pot from heat. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it melts into the Bolognese, creating a creamy texture.
    process shots showing how to make orzo bolognese in one pot.
  • Ladle the orzo Bolognese into bowls and garnish with fresh basil.

Video

Notes

  1. Use extra lean ground beef to reduce fat and keep the dish lighter.
  2. Opt for low sodium beef broth to control the overall saltiness.
  3. Stir the orzo occasionally while simmering to prevent it from sticking to the pot.
  4. Freshly grate the Parmesan cheese for the best flavor and texture.
  5. Garnish with fresh basil just before serving to keep it vibrant and aromatic.

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 350kcal | Carbohydrates: 26g | Protein: 28g | Fat: 15g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 6g | Trans Fat: 0.5g | Cholesterol: 60mg | Sodium: 692mg | Potassium: 824mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 2027IU | Vitamin C: 10mg | Calcium: 254mg | Iron: 3mg
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