Description
This One-Pot Orzo Bolognese is a comforting and hearty Italian-inspired dish that combines ground beef with a medley of sautéed vegetables, rich tomato flavors, and tender orzo pasta. Perfect for a weeknight dinner, this recipe is easy to make, requiring just one pot and 35 minutes from start to finish. The dish is finished with creamy Parmesan cheese and fresh basil for a deliciously satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium carrot, finely diced
- 1 celery stalk, finely diced
Main Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef (extra lean, if preferred)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 3 cups low-sodium or no-sodium beef broth
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Garnish
- Fresh basil, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Sauté Vegetables and Brown Beef: Heat the olive oil in a large pot or skillet over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion, minced garlic, diced carrot, and celery. Sauté the vegetables until they are softened, about 5-7 minutes. Increase the heat to medium-high, add the ground beef, and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Season the mixture with dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and black pepper to taste.
- Add Tomato and Broth: Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1-2 minutes to deepen the flavor. Then add the canned diced tomatoes along with their juice. Pour in the beef broth and bring the mixture to a boil.
- Simmer with Orzo: Stir in the orzo pasta. Once added, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer gently for about 10 minutes or until the orzo is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
- Finish and Serve: Remove the pot from heat and immediately stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy. Serve the Bolognese in bowls, garnished with freshly chopped basil for a fresh finish.
Notes
- For a leaner option, choose extra-lean ground beef or substitute with ground turkey or chicken.
- You can use vegetable broth instead of beef broth for a lighter version.
- If you prefer a spicier flavor, add a pinch of red pepper flakes during seasoning.
- Ensure to stir occasionally during simmering to prevent the orzo from sticking to the bottom.
- This recipe keeps well and tastes even better the next day; refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
