Miley My One Pot Orzo Bolognese recipe has a velvety rich, melt-in-your mouth texture, thanks to an unexpected ingredient. It’s an easy orzo recipe with a layer of parmesan cheese on top and a savory, no-fuss meat sauce. Just 30 minutes to prep and makes enough to feed a crowd (if you’re willing to share!). Recipe includes a how-to video tutorial!
I’ve been making this One Pot Orzo Bolognese recipe for nearly a decade now and it remains one of my go-to staples. It has a pillowy-soft pasta, a depth of flavor that keeps you going back for more (without being too heavy) a bubbly, savory blanket of sauce, and a crowning sprinkle of fresh herbs.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe brings classic comfort with less work. Orzo cooks directly in the sauce, which gives the whole dish a thick and cozy feel.
One pot cooking: Everything cooks together which keeps cleanup easy.
Rich flavor: Beef, tomato paste, herbs, and broth build depth fast.
Creamy texture: Orzo thickens the sauce naturally as it cooks.
Family friendly: Familiar flavors make it an easy win at the table.
Weeknight ready: Simple steps with big payoff at the end.
Ingredients
For the Orzo Bolognese
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 14.5 ounces diced tomatoes
- 3 cups beef broth
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 medium carrot finely diced
- 1 celery stalk finely diced
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese grated
- Fresh basil chopped
Step by Step Instructions
1. Start With the Base
Heat a large deep pot over medium heat and add olive oil. Once warm, add onion, carrot, and celery. Stir often and cook for about 5 minutes until everything softens and smells sweet.
2. Brown the Beef
Add ground beef to the pot. Break it apart with a spoon and cook until no pink remains. Let it sit briefly so it browns slightly, which adds deeper flavor.
3. Add Garlic and Tomato Paste
Stir in minced garlic and tomato paste. Cook for about 1 minute while stirring. This step deepens the tomato flavor and removes the raw taste.
4. Season the Sauce
Sprinkle in dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and black pepper. Stir well so the spices coat the beef and vegetables evenly.
5. Build the Sauce
Pour in diced tomatoes and beef broth. Stir and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Let it bubble for about 5 minutes so the flavors come together.
6. Add the Orzo
Stir the orzo directly into the pot. Lower the heat slightly and cover. Let it cook for about 10 minutes, stirring once or twice to prevent sticking.
7. Finish the Texture
Remove the lid and continue cooking for another 3 to 5 minutes until the orzo turns tender and the sauce thickens.
8. Finish With Cheese
Turn off the heat and stir in grated Parmesan. Let it melt fully, then top with fresh basil before serving.
Tips and Variations
- Stir gently once the orzo goes in so it cooks evenly.
- Keep the heat steady and avoid boiling too hard since orzo can stick.
- For deeper flavor, let the beef brown slightly before stirring.
- Extra broth helps if the sauce thickens too much.
- A small knob of butter at the end adds shine and richness.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hot in wide bowls so the sauce spreads evenly. A simple green salad with lemon dressing pairs well and keeps the meal balanced.
Warm bread on the side helps scoop up the sauce. This dish also works great for leftovers since the flavor deepens after resting.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, store it in the fridge for up to 3 days.
How do I reheat it?
Warm slowly on the stove with a splash of broth.
Does orzo get mushy?
Not when stirred and cooked gently.
Can I add more vegetables?
Yes, finely diced zucchini blends in well.
Is this freezer friendly?
The texture stays best when eaten fresh.
Final Thoughts
One Pot Orzo Bolognese brings that slow cooked comfort feeling without the long wait. The sauce turns thick, the beef stays tender, and the orzo ties everything together into one cozy bowl.
One Pot Orzo Bolognese
Ingredients
For the Orzo Bolognese
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 14.5 ounces diced tomatoes
- 3 cups beef broth
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 medium carrot finely diced
- 1 celery stalk finely diced
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese grated
- Fresh basil chopped
Instructions
- Start With the Base: Heat a large deep pot over medium heat and add olive oil. Once warm, add onion, carrot, and celery. Stir often and cook for about 5 minutes until everything softens and smells sweet.
- Brown the Beef: Add ground beef to the pot. Break it apart with a spoon and cook until no pink remains. Let it sit briefly so it browns slightly, which adds deeper flavor.
- Add Garlic and Tomato Paste: Stir in minced garlic and tomato paste. Cook for about 1 minute while stirring. This step deepens the tomato flavor and removes the raw taste.
- Season the Sauce: Sprinkle in dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and black pepper. Stir well so the spices coat the beef and vegetables evenly.
- Build the Sauce: Pour in diced tomatoes and beef broth. Stir and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Let it bubble for about 5 minutes so the flavors come together.
- Add the Orzo: Stir the orzo directly into the pot. Lower the heat slightly and cover. Let it cook for about 10 minutes, stirring once or twice to prevent sticking.
- Finish the Texture: Remove the lid and continue cooking for another 3 to 5 minutes until the orzo turns tender and the sauce thickens.
- Finish With Cheese: Turn off the heat and stir in grated Parmesan. Let it melt fully, then top with fresh basil before serving.
