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Get ready for a cozy dinner with my One Pot Orzo Bolognese. This hearty dish combines tender orzo, savory ground beef, and a rich tomato sauce, all in one pot. Ready in just 35 minutes, this simple and comforting dish is perfect for a weeknight meal.
Before You Start
- Prep All Ingredients: Chop the vegetables and measure out all your ingredients before you begin. This ensures a smooth cooking process and helps you avoid any last-minute scrambling.
- Choose Quality Beef Broth: Opt for low sodium or no sodium added beef broth. This allows you to control the saltiness of the dish more effectively.
- Use Fresh Parmesan: Freshly grated Parmesan cheese melts better and adds a richer flavor than pre-grated or powdered cheese.
- Simmer Gently: When cooking the orzo, keep the heat at a simmer to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
- Season as You Go: Taste and adjust the seasoning at each stage of cooking to make sure your dish is perfectly seasoned.
- Avoid Overcooking Orzo: Keep an eye on the orzo as it cooks; it should be tender but not mushy. Overcooking can result in a sticky texture.
Main Ingredients You’ll Need
- Ground Beef: Use extra lean ground beef to keep the dish lighter and reduce excess fat. You can substitute with ground turkey or chicken for a healthier option.
- Beef Broth: Choose low sodium or no sodium broth to control the overall saltiness and enhance flavors without overpowering them.
- Orzo Pasta: Orzo absorbs the flavors of the sauce and provides a tender texture. If you don’t have orzo, use any small pasta shape like ditalini or small shells.
- Parmesan Cheese: Always grate fresh Parmesan for best results. Avoid pre-grated or powdered varieties for the best results.
- Tomato Paste: Add concentrated tomato paste to deepen the tomato flavor and thicken the sauce, giving it a rich, robust taste.
- Diced Tomatoes: Use canned diced tomatoes to add a fresh, tangy tomato flavor and a bit of texture to the sauce. Substitute with fresh tomatoes if you prefer.
- Onion, Garlic, Carrot, and Celery: These vegetables combined create a flavorful base for the sauce. Finely chop the onion, mince the garlic, and dice the carrot and celery.
In a large skillet or pot, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add 1 finely chopped medium onion, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 finely diced medium carrot, and 1 finely diced celery stalk. Sauté for about 5 minutes until the vegetables are softened. Tip: Make sure to cut the vegetables evenly to ensure they cook at the same rate.
Increase the heat to medium-high and add 1 pound of ground beef. Break it up with a spoon and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Season with 1 teaspoon of dried oregano, ½ teaspoon of dried basil, salt, and black pepper to taste. Browning the beef adds depth to the flavor. Tip: Breaking the beef into smaller pieces helps it cook more evenly.
Stir in 2 tablespoons of tomato paste until well combined with the meat. Then, add 14.5 ounces of diced tomatoes along with their juice. Mix well to integrate all the flavors. The tomato paste thickens the sauce while the diced tomatoes add texture. Tip: Stirring the tomato paste thoroughly prevents it from burning and ensures it’s evenly distributed.
Add 3 cups of beef broth to the pot and bring to a boil. Once boiling, stir in 1 cup of orzo pasta. 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. Simmering allows the orzo to absorb the flavors. Tip: Keep an eye on the orzo and stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
Remove the pot from heat. Stir in 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese until it melts into the Bolognese, creating a creamy texture. Tip: Stirring in the cheese off the heat prevents it from clumping and ensures a smooth texture.
Ladle the orzo Bolognese into bowls and garnish with freshly chopped basil. Serve and enjoy!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the Orzo Bolognese ahead of time. Cook the dish as directed, let it cool completely, and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of broth to maintain the creamy texture.
How can I make this dish gluten-free?
To make a gluten-free version, substitute the orzo with gluten-free pasta or rice. Ensure that all other ingredients, such as the beef broth and tomato paste, are labeled gluten-free.
How can I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of broth or water to maintain the creaminess and prevent the dish from drying out.
Can I freeze this dish?
Absolutely! Allow the Orzo Bolognese to cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a bit of broth if needed to restore the creamy texture.
More Orzo Recipes
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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.
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Before You Begin! If you make this, please leave a review and rating letting us know how you liked this recipe! This helps our business thrive & continue providing free recipes.
Instructions
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Remove the pot from heat. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it melts into the Bolognese, creating a creamy texture.
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Ladle the orzo Bolognese into bowls and garnish with fresh basil.
Notes
- Use extra lean ground beef to reduce fat and keep the dish lighter.
- Opt for low sodium beef broth to control the overall saltiness.
- Stir the orzo occasionally while simmering to prevent it from sticking to the pot.
- Freshly grate the Parmesan cheese for the best flavor and texture.
- Garnish with fresh basil just before serving to keep it vibrant and aromatic.
Nutrition Information
Serving: 1servingCalories: 350kcal (18%)Carbohydrates: 26g (9%)Protein: 28g (56%)Fat: 15g (23%)Saturated Fat: 6g (38%)Polyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 6gTrans Fat: 0.5gCholesterol: 60mg (20%)Sodium: 692mg (30%)Potassium: 824mg (24%)Fiber: 3g (13%)Sugar: 4g (4%)Vitamin A: 2027IU (41%)Vitamin C: 10mg (12%)Calcium: 254mg (25%)Iron: 3mg (17%)
Notice: Nutrition is auto-calculated for your convenience. Where relevant, we recommend using your own nutrition calculations.
