Description
Hearty one pot orzo bolognese delivers Italian comfort straight to your dinner table with rich meaty flavors and creamy pasta. Satisfying and simple, this dish promises a delightful meal you’ll crave on chilly evenings.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein:
- 1 lb (454 g) ground beef (or Italian sausage)
Vegetables and Aromatics:
- 1/2 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Pasta and Dairy:
- 1 cup dry orzo pasta
- 1/4 cup milk or heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Liquids and Sauces:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 can (15 ounces or 425 g) crushed tomatoes
- 2 cups beef broth
Seasonings:
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 1 pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
Garnish:
- Fresh basil or parsley
Instructions
- Warm olive oil in a spacious pot, creating a sizzling base for the culinary journey ahead.
- Gently sauté diced onions until they transform into a translucent, aromatic foundation, releasing their subtle sweetness.
- Introduce minced garlic, allowing its pungent essence to bloom and infuse the emerging flavor profile.
- Add ground beef, breaking it into delicate crumbles and browning thoroughly to develop rich, caramelized notes.
- Pour in tomato sauce and crushed tomatoes, creating a robust, velvety sauce that will envelop the dish with Mediterranean warmth.
- Sprinkle dried oregano, basil, and a pinch of red pepper flakes to elevate the sauce with herbaceous and subtle heat dimensions.
- Incorporate orzo pasta directly into the simmering sauce, allowing it to absorb the intricate flavor layers while cooking to al dente perfection.
- Stir occasionally to prevent pasta from sticking, ensuring even cooking and sauce integration.
- When orzo reaches tender consistency and sauce thickens, remove from heat and let rest briefly to allow flavors to harmonize.
- Garnish with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley for a final touch of brightness and texture.
Notes
- Customize the meat by using ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a lighter version that still delivers rich flavor.
- Enhance the dish’s nutritional profile by adding extra vegetables like diced carrots or zucchini during the onion sautéing stage.
- Control the consistency by adjusting liquid amounts – add a splash more broth if orzo seems too dry or simmer uncovered to reduce sauce if too wet.
- Elevate the final dish with fresh herbs like chopped basil or parsley sprinkled on top for a burst of freshness and color contrast.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 750 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg