Name: One-Pot Orzo Bolognese Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 small onion, finely chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 medium carrot, grated or finely chopped; 1 celery stalk, finely chopped; 1 lb ground beef; 1 tablespoon tomato paste; 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; 1/2 teaspoon dried basil; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 1 cup uncooked orzo pasta; 2 1/2 cups beef broth; 1/4 cup whole milk or cream; Grated Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh basil for garnish

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If you crave hearty comfort with minimal fuss and a big payoff, One-Pot Orzo Bolognese is your new weeknight hero. This luscious, Italian-inspired dish wraps everything you love about classic Bolognese—the savory sauce, tender beef, and aromatic veggies—around tiny orzo pasta, all in a single pot. Creamy, deeply flavorful, and sprinkled generously with Parmesan and fresh basil, it’s no wonder this One-Pot Orzo Bolognese has become a staple in my kitchen.

One-Pot Orzo Bolognese Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This One-Pot Orzo Bolognese keeps things simple: every ingredient is chosen with intention to build layers of flavor, a comforting texture, and an inviting pop of color. Here’s how each component makes its mark in the pot.

Olive oil: The starting point for developing a rich base, it adds silkiness and helps vegetables soften and bloom with flavor.
Onion: A classic aromatic that infuses the sauce with sweet, savory depth.
Garlic: Just a couple of cloves lend warmth and that irresistible nudge of Italian flair.
Carrot: Adds gentle sweetness and a lovely orange hue, enhancing both taste and appearance.
Celery: Essential for the classic Bolognese backbone, celery brings a subtle earthy note and fresh crunch.
Ground beef: The protein powerhouse—juicy, meaty, and super satisfying in every bite.
Tomato paste: This concentrates umami flavor and gives the sauce a robust body.
Crushed tomatoes: A can of tomatoes creates a rich, simmered-all-day taste in just minutes.
Dried oregano: Offers a bit of Mediterranean magic, marrying all the other flavors together.
Dried basil: For a compensating hint of sweet herbaceousness that melds perfectly with the tomatoes.
Salt and black pepper: The classic pair that wakes up the entire dish; season generously to taste.
Orzo pasta: The petite, rice-shaped pasta soaks up all the sauce and becomes deliciously creamy.
Beef broth: Brings savory complexity and deeply flavorful results without hours of simmering.
Whole milk or cream: Just a splash is the secret to the final creamy, velvety finish.
Grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil (for garnish): These add a salty, nutty finish and a bright burst of herbal freshness.

How to Make One-Pot Orzo Bolognese

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Begin by heating your olive oil in a large pot or deep skillet over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion, carrot, and celery, and cook for 4 to 5 minutes until everything softens and smells incredibly fragrant. This trifecta is the classic foundation for Bolognese and really builds complexity right from the start.

Step 2: Add Garlic and Brown the Beef

Next, stir in the minced garlic and let it sizzle for just a minute. Then add the ground beef, breaking it apart with your spoon as it browns. Be patient here—the more color you get on the beef, the richer your One-Pot Orzo Bolognese will taste. If your beef released quite a bit of fat, go ahead and drain off the excess for a lighter sauce.

Step 3: Develop the Sauce Base

Now, stir in the tomato paste and let it cook for 2 minutes. This little step intensifies the sauce and deepens its color. Add in the crushed tomatoes, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and black pepper. Mix it all together—the kitchen will start smelling amazing at this point.

Step 4: Cook the Orzo

Pour in the uncooked orzo pasta and the beef broth, stirring everything to combine well. Crank up the heat just until it reaches a simmer, then turn it down to low and let it cook uncovered for about 10 to 12 minutes. Give it a good stir every so often to keep the pasta from sticking and to make sure the orzo absorbs all that savory sauce.

Step 5: Finish with Cream and Serve

When the orzo is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed, stir in the whole milk or cream. Let it all bubble together for another couple of minutes until your One-Pot Orzo Bolognese is gloriously creamy. Ladle into bowls and finish each serving with a shower of grated Parmesan and a sprinkle of fresh basil. Pure bliss!

How to Serve One-Pot Orzo Bolognese

Garnishes

The finishing touches are not to be skipped! Pile on plenty of freshly grated Parmesan for nutty, salty oomph and scatter over some chopped fresh basil for a vibrant pop of color and flavor. Even a tiny drizzle of good olive oil or a twist of black pepper over the top takes each bowl to the next level.

Side Dishes

While One-Pot Orzo Bolognese is truly a meal on its own, it’s lovely with an easy salad—think peppery arugula with lemon, or a simple green salad with balsamic vinaigrette. Crusty Italian bread or garlic bread is another must for sopping up every bit of that luscious sauce. If you crave even more veg, roasted broccoli or sautéed spinach make a perfect pairing.

Creative Ways to Present

For a family-style feast, bring the pot straight to the table and let everyone help themselves. If you want to get a bit fancy, spoon the Bolognese into mini cast-iron skillets or ramekins and bake with a little extra cheese on top until bubbly. Or, for kid-friendly fun, serve in mug bowls with colorful spoons and let everyone customize their own with extra toppings.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover One-Pot Orzo Bolognese keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to three days. Store it in an airtight container. You’ll notice the orzo thickens the sauce as it sits, so when you’re ready to enjoy it again, just add a splash of broth or milk to return it to its lovely creamy consistency.

Freezing

Yes, you can freeze One-Pot Orzo Bolognese! Scoop cooled portions into freezer-safe containers or bags, label with the date, and freeze for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge for the best texture. Since the orzo will continue to absorb moisture, plan to refresh with broth or milk when reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, simply warm in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally and adding a splash of broth, water, or milk to loosen as desired. For individual portions, the microwave works great too—cover loosely and reheat in short intervals, stirring in between, until piping hot. Always finish with a sprinkle of fresh cheese or basil to freshen up the flavors.

FAQs

Can I substitute ground beef with another protein?

Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken are both delicious lighter options for this One-Pot Orzo Bolognese. Even ground pork works if that’s what you have—just be sure to adjust any seasoning to taste as different meats bring their own unique flavors.

What can I do if the orzo absorbs too much liquid as it cooks?

No worries—just add a splash more broth, milk, or even water if the mixture gets a little too thick for your liking. Orzo is like a little sponge, so it’s easy to adjust the consistency until it’s just right for your table.

How do I make this dish more nutritious?

You can easily pack in more veggies by stirring in a handful of baby spinach, peas, or finely chopped bell peppers right at the end of cooking. Not only do they add color and nutrition, but they keep the One-Pot Orzo Bolognese even more vibrant and fresh.

Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?

It sure is! Swap out the whole milk or cream for your favorite unsweetened plant-based milk or even just a bit more broth for a lighter touch. Use a vegan Parmesan alternative or a sprinkle of nutritional yeast for that cheesy finish.

What kind of orzo works best here?

Any standard wheat orzo from the pasta aisle will do wonders in this One-Pot Orzo Bolognese. If you’re gluten-free, there are some very good gluten-free orzo and rice-shaped pastas available—just keep an eye on cooking times for the perfect bite.

Final Thoughts

This One-Pot Orzo Bolognese really is a dinner dream come true—easy, soul-warming, and destined to become a favorite in any household. I hope you give it a try, add your own little twists, and make it the star of your weeknight rotation. Let the one-pot magic begin!

One-Pot Orzo Bolognese Recipe

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4.9 from 17 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

A comforting and flavorful one-pot meal featuring orzo pasta in a rich and creamy Bolognese sauce. This easy recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner and is sure to become a family favorite.

Ingredients

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For the Bolognese:

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 medium carrot, grated or finely chopped
1 celery stalk, finely chopped
1 lb ground beef
1 tablespoon tomato paste
1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon dried basil
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

For the Orzo:

1 cup uncooked orzo pasta
2 1/2 cups beef broth
1/4 cup whole milk or cream
Grated Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh basil for garnish

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Instructions

Prepare the Bolognese: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion, carrot, and celery; cook until softened. Stir in garlic, then add ground beef and cook until browned. Drain excess fat if needed. Stir in tomato paste and cook for 2 minutes.
Add Ingredients: Add crushed tomatoes, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Mix well. Pour in orzo and beef broth, bring to a boil, then simmer for 10-12 minutes until orzo is tender.
Finish the Dish: Stir in milk or cream, cook for 2 more minutes. Serve hot, garnished with Parmesan and basil.