Name: One-Pot Orzo Bolognese: A Cozy, Hearty Dinner in No Time
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: Ground beef or turkey: 1 lb (450g); Orzo pasta: 1 cup (about 180g); Tomatoes: 2 cups (crushed or diced, about 1 can or 2 large tomatoes); Carrots: 2 medium, peeled and diced; Onion: 1 medium, chopped; Garlic: 3 cloves, minced; Red wine (optional): 1/2 cup (120ml); Broth: 2 cups (480ml) (chicken or beef broth)

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

If you’re looking for a comforting, easy dinner that doesn’t require a lot of fuss, this One-Pot Orzo Bolognese is for you! Think of it as a classic Bolognese sauce, but with a twist—using orzo instead of traditional pasta. All cooked together in one pot, making clean-up a breeze. Trust me, this dish is as comforting as a big hug after a long day.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe?

This One-Pot Orzo Bolognese is a game-changer for busy weeknights. It’s hearty, rich in flavor, and surprisingly quick to make. Plus, everything comes together in just one pot—so there’s minimal clean-up! The savory, meaty sauce is paired perfectly with tender orzo, making it a cozy, satisfying meal that will leave everyone asking for seconds. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just yourself, this recipe will not disappoint!

Ingredients

Here’s a sneak peek at what you’ll need (full ingredient list below):

Ground beef or turkey
Orzo pasta
Tomatoes
Carrots
Onion
Garlic
Red wine (optional, but highly recommended)
Broth

Keep reading for the full list of ingredients and measurements!

Directions

Step 1: Sauté the Veggies

Start by heating some olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add in the chopped onions, carrots, and garlic, cooking them for about 5 minutes until they’re soft and fragrant. This is where all that good flavor starts to build up!

Step 2: Brown the Meat

Now it’s time for the ground meat. Add your choice of ground beef or turkey to the pot and cook, breaking it up with a spoon until it’s no longer pink. This step gives your Bolognese that rich, savory flavor. Once the meat is cooked through, you can move on to the next step.

Step 3: Deglaze and Add the Tomatoes

Pour in a little red wine (optional, but it adds a depth of flavor) and let it simmer for about 2 minutes to cook off the alcohol. After that, add in your tomatoes—crushed, diced, or a mix of both. Stir it all together and let it simmer for another 10 minutes to blend the flavors.

Step 4: Add the Orzo and Broth

Now for the magic part—add the orzo and broth to the pot. Stir everything well, making sure the orzo is submerged in the liquid. Cover the pot and let it simmer for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender and the sauce has thickened up nicely.

Step 5: Finish with Seasoning

Once the orzo is cooked to perfection, taste and season with salt, pepper, and any herbs you like. Fresh basil or thyme can be a nice touch here. Serve immediately, and enjoy that one-pot deliciousness!

Expert Tips and Tricks

If you want to add a little extra richness, stir in a bit of heavy cream or grated Parmesan cheese at the end.
For a smoother sauce, you can blend the tomatoes before adding them to the pot, though this is optional.
Don’t skip the red wine—it really enhances the flavor, but if you prefer to skip it, you can replace it with a splash of broth or water.

Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions

Meatless: You can easily make this dish vegetarian by using lentils or mushrooms in place of the ground meat. Just cook the mushrooms until soft for a hearty, umami-filled alternative.
Pasta: If you don’t have orzo, you can use any small pasta like farfalle, elbow macaroni, or even couscous. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time depending on the pasta type.
Add Greens: For some extra nutrients, feel free to toss in spinach or kale at the end of cooking. Just let the greens wilt into the sauce before serving.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

This One-Pot Orzo Bolognese is a full meal on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with a simple side salad or garlic bread for a more complete dinner. A glass of red wine, like a nice Chianti or Merlot, would complement the dish beautifully. For a lighter option, you can serve it with roasted vegetables on the side.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Leftovers? Lucky you! Store any remaining Bolognese in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. When reheating, you can add a little extra broth or water to loosen up the sauce if it’s thickened too much. You can reheat it in a pot over low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally.

4 FAQs

Can I use a different type of meat? Absolutely! Ground turkey, chicken, or pork would work just as well as ground beef.

Can I make this ahead of time? Yes! You can make this dish up to 2 days in advance. Just store it in the fridge and reheat when you’re ready to serve.

What can I serve with this dish? A fresh salad or some crusty bread would pair perfectly with this meal. If you like cheese, sprinkle some grated Parmesan on top.

Can I freeze this recipe? Yes! You can freeze the Bolognese once it’s fully cooked. Just let it cool, then store it in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Conclusion

If you’re craving something hearty, comforting, and easy to make, this One-Pot Orzo Bolognese should definitely be on your radar. It’s perfect for busy nights when you want a homemade meal without the mess. One pot, lots of flavors, and only a few minutes of your time—what’s not to love?

One-Pot Orzo Bolognese: A Cozy, Hearty Dinner in No Time

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star No reviews

Author: Emily
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Italian

Print Recipe

Description

A hearty, comforting twist on classic Bolognese, this One-Pot Orzo Bolognese combines tender orzo pasta with a rich, savory meat sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights, it’s all cooked together in one pot for an easy, satisfying meal.

Ingredients

Ground beef or turkey: 1 lb (450g)
Orzo pasta: 1 cup (about 180g)
Tomatoes: 2 cups (crushed or diced, about 1 can or 2 large tomatoes)
Carrots: 2 medium, peeled and diced
Onion: 1 medium, chopped
Garlic: 3 cloves, minced
Red wine (optional): 1/2 cup (120ml)
Broth: 2 cups (480ml) (chicken or beef broth)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Sauté the Veggies: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add chopped onions, carrots, and garlic. Cook for about 5 minutes until softened.
Brown the Meat: Add ground meat (beef or turkey) and cook, breaking it up until no longer pink.
Deglaze and Add Tomatoes: Pour in the red wine (optional), simmer for 2 minutes. Add tomatoes and simmer for another 10 minutes.
Add Orzo and Broth: Stir in orzo and broth, making sure the orzo is submerged. Cover and simmer for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally until orzo is tender.
Finish with Seasoning: Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, and herbs. Serve immediately.