One Pot Orzo Risoni Bolognaise Recipe

Introduction

This One Pot Orzo Bolognaise is a simple, comforting meal perfect for busy weeknights. Combining tender ground beef with flavorful tomato sauce and orzo pasta, it cooks all in one pot for easy cleanup and maximum taste.

Ingredients

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 small onion, peeled and diced (brown, white, or yellow)
• 1 lb / 500g ground beef (mince)
• 24 oz / 700g tomato passata
• 2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
• 2 tsp dried Italian herbs (or any combination of dried parsley, oregano, basil)
• 2 beef bouillon cubes
• 1/2 to 1 tsp salt (to taste)
• Black pepper, to taste
• 3 cups water
• 1 1/2 cups dried orzo / risoni
• Freshly grated parmesan cheese, for serving
• Finely chopped parsley, for garnish

Instructions

1. Step 1: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet, fry pan, or pot over medium-high heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic. Cook for about 3 minutes until the onion is translucent.
2. Step 2: Add the ground beef and increase the heat to high. Cook the meat, breaking it up with a spoon until browned all over.
3. Step 3: Once the beef is browned, stir in the tomato passata, Worcestershire sauce, dried Italian herbs, beef bouillon cubes, salt, and black pepper. Pour in the water and bring the mixture to a simmer. When it starts to bubble gently, add the orzo pasta.
4. Step 4: Give everything a quick stir, then reduce the heat to medium-low. Let it cook for 10 minutes, stirring frequently towards the end to prevent the orzo from sticking to the pan. If the liquid evaporates too quickly, add a little hot water as needed.
5. Step 5: Remove the pot from heat when the orzo is tender but still slightly firm and the sauce is rich and saucy. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt if needed.
6. Step 6: Serve immediately, garnished with freshly grated parmesan cheese and finely chopped parsley for a fresh finish.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, sauté a diced carrot and celery with the onion and garlic before adding the beef.
• Use vegetable broth and omit the beef for a vegetarian version, adding mushrooms for texture.
• If you like a bit of heat, add a pinch of chili flakes along with the herbs.
• Fresh herbs like basil or oregano can be used instead of dried for a brighter taste.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stove or microwave, adding a splash of water to loosen the sauce if it has thickened.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use another type of pasta instead of orzo?

Yes, small pasta shapes like ditalini or small shells can work, but cooking times may vary slightly, so adjust accordingly.

Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely. Just substitute the orzo with a gluten-free pasta or small rice-shaped pasta made from alternative grains.

One Pot Orzo Risoni Bolognaise Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 104 reviews

This One Pot Orzo Bolognaise is a hearty and comforting dish that combines tender ground beef in a flavorful tomato sauce with perfectly cooked orzo pasta. Quick to prepare and cooked all in one pan, it’s an easy weeknight dinner that delivers rich, savory flavors with a hint of Italian herbs and a cheesy parmesan finish.

• Author: Elena
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 small onion, peeled and diced (brown, white or yellow)
• 1 lb / 500g ground beef (mince)
• 24 oz / 700g tomato passata
• 2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
• 2 tsp dried Italian herbs (or any combination of dried parsley, oregano, basil)
• 2 beef bouillon cubes
• 1/2 to 1 tsp salt, to taste
• Black pepper, to taste
• 3 cups water
• 1 1/2 cups dried orzo / risoni
• Freshly grated parmesan cheese, for garnish
• Finely chopped parsley, for garnish

Instructions

1. Heat the aromatics. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or fry pan over medium-high heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, cooking for about 3 minutes until they become translucent and fragrant.
2. Brown the ground beef. Increase the heat to high and add the ground beef to the pan. Cook it thoroughly, breaking it up with a spoon as it browns evenly.
3. Add the seasoning and liquids. Once the beef is browned, pour in the tomato passata, Worcestershire sauce, dried Italian herbs, beef bouillon cubes, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to combine all ingredients.
4. Bring to a simmer and add orzo. Pour in the 3 cups of water and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. When the liquid starts to bubble slightly, stir in the dried orzo pasta.
5. Cook the orzo. Reduce the heat to medium-low and cook the orzo for about 10 minutes, stirring frequently towards the end to prevent sticking. Add a splash of hot water if the liquid evaporates too quickly to keep the mixture saucy.
6. Remove from heat and rest. After cooking, remove the pan from heat. The orzo should still be slightly firm and the sauce beautifully saucy. Let it sit briefly.
7. Adjust seasoning and stir. Taste and adjust salt if necessary, then give the mixture a good stir to combine all the flavors.
8. Serve and garnish. Serve the One Pot Orzo Bolognaise immediately while hot and saucy, garnished with freshly grated parmesan and finely chopped parsley, if desired.

Notes

• Use good quality tomato passata for a richer sauce.
• If the sauce thickens too much during cooking, add additional hot water to maintain the desired sauciness.
• You can substitute the ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
• Leftovers can be refrigerated and gently reheated with a splash of water.
• Add crushed red pepper flakes if you like a little heat.

Keywords: one pot orzo, risoni bolognaise, easy dinner, ground beef recipe, Italian pasta, one pan meal