One Pot Orzo Risoni Bolognaise Recipe

Introduction

This One Pot Orzo Bolognaise is a comforting and flavorful twist on the classic Italian ragu. Combining tender orzo pasta with a rich, meaty tomato sauce, it’s an easy and satisfying meal perfect for busy weeknights. Plus, everything cooks in one pot, making cleanup a breeze.

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 or pot over medium-high heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, cooking for about 3 minutes until translucent.
2. Step 2: Add the ground beef, increase the heat to high, and cook while breaking it up until browned all over.
3. Step 3: Once the beef is browned, add the tomato passata, Worcestershire sauce, dried Italian herbs, beef bouillon cubes, salt, black pepper, and water. Stir to combine and bring the mixture to a simmer.
4. Step 4: When the sauce begins to simmer and bubble slightly, stir in the dried orzo. Give it a quick stir then reduce the heat to medium-low.
5. Step 5: Cook for 10 minutes, stirring frequently toward the end to prevent the orzo from sticking to the bottom. If the liquid evaporates too fast, add a splash of hot water as needed.
6. Step 6: Remove the pot from heat when the orzo is slightly firm but tender and the sauce remains saucy.
7. Step 7: Taste and adjust the salt if needed, then stir well to combine.
8. Step 8: Serve immediately while hot and saucy, garnished with freshly grated parmesan cheese and chopped parsley if desired.

Tips & Variations

• For extra depth, add a splash of red wine to the sauce after browning the beef and cook off the alcohol before adding the passata.
• Swap ground beef for ground turkey or plant-based mince for a lighter or vegetarian option.
• Use vegetable bouillon cubes instead of beef for vegetarian variations.
• If you prefer a thicker sauce, reduce the amount of water slightly or cook a bit longer uncovered.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of water if the sauce has thickened too much. This dish is best enjoyed fresh for maximum flavor and texture.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use fresh garlic and onion instead of dried herbs?

Yes, fresh garlic and onion are used in the recipe and provide excellent flavor. The dried Italian herbs add extra seasoning and can be replaced with fresh herbs like basil or parsley if preferred, adjusting quantity accordingly.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, simply substitute the orzo with a gluten-free pasta variety or use gluten-free rice. Ensure the beef bouillon cubes and Worcestershire sauce are also gluten-free to avoid cross-contamination.

One Pot Orzo Risoni Bolognaise Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 133 reviews

This One Pot Orzo Bolognaise is a hearty, comforting dish combining tender ground beef with tomato passata, Italian herbs, and orzo pasta all cooked together in one skillet. It’s a quick and easy meal packed with rich flavors, perfect for a weeknight dinner.

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

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat and Vegetables

• 1 lb / 500g ground beef (mince)
• 1 small onion, peeled and diced (brown, white or yellow)
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced

Liquids and Seasonings

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 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

Pasta and Garnish

• 1 1/2 cups dried orzo / risoni
• Freshly grated parmesan cheese (for serving)
• Finely chopped parsley (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Heat the oil and sauté aromatics: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or frying pan over medium-high heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, cooking for about 3 minutes or until they become translucent and fragrant.
2. Brown the ground beef: Add the ground beef to the pan and increase the heat to high. Cook the beef thoroughly, breaking it up with a spoon or spatula as it browns evenly.
3. Add remaining ingredients except pasta: Once the beef is browned, stir in the tomato passata, Worcestershire sauce, dried Italian herbs, beef bouillon cubes, salt, black pepper, and water. Let the mixture come to a simmer; it may bubble and spit slightly.
4. Incorporate the orzo: Add the dried orzo pasta to the simmering sauce, give it a quick stir to combine, then reduce the heat to medium-low.
5. Cook the orzo: Let the mixture cook for about 10 minutes, stirring frequently towards the end to prevent the orzo from sticking to the bottom. If the liquid reduces too quickly, add a little hot water to maintain the sauciness.
6. Remove from heat and check texture: Take the pan off the stove when the orzo is still slightly firm to the bite and the sauce is generously thick and saucy.
7. Adjust seasoning and stir: Taste the dish and adjust salt or pepper if needed, then give a good stir to distribute flavors evenly.
8. Serve and garnish: Serve immediately while hot and saucy. Top with freshly grated parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of finely chopped parsley for a fresh finish.

Notes

• Beef bouillon cubes add depth of flavor; adjust salt accordingly.
• Orzo should be slightly al dente when cooking is complete, as it will continue to soften after removing from heat.
• If tomato passata is unavailable, crushed tomatoes can be used as a substitute.
• Keep stirring towards the end of cooking to avoid the orzo sticking and burning at the bottom of the pan.

Keywords: One Pot Orzo, Risoni Bolognaise, Orzo Pasta Recipe, Easy Italian Dinner, Ground Beef Pasta, One Pot Meals