One Pot Orzo Bolognese
User Reviews
5
One Pot Orzo Bolognese
Description
The recipe for One Pot Orzo Bolognese starts by sautéing onion, garlic, carrot, and celery to build a flavorful vegetable base. Browning the ground beef with dried oregano, basil, salt, and pepper adds depth and seasoning while breaking the meat into small pieces. Tomato paste is stirred in to enrich the mixture, followed by the addition of canned diced tomatoes with juices and beef broth to create a flavorful sauce.
The orzo pasta is added directly to the simmering mixture, absorbing the liquid and melding with the rich tomato and meat sauce. As the orzo cooks to tender perfection, it thickens the sauce, resulting in a creamy texture. Finally, grated Parmesan cheese is stirred in, melting smoothly to add savory creaminess, and the dish is garnished with freshly chopped basil to introduce a bright, herbal aroma.
This dish serves well as a standalone meal due to its balanced combination of protein, vegetables, and starch. It can be plated for family dinners and offers a warming, one-skillet comfort food option.
Use lean ground beef and low sodium broth to control fat and salt levels. Stir the orzo periodically to prevent sticking, and freshly grate Parmesan for best flavor. Adding fresh basil at the end preserves its fragrance and color.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 medium carrot finely diced
- 1 celery finely diced, stalk
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 teaspoon oregano dried
- ½ teaspoon basil dried
- salt pepper to taste
- black pepper pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 14.5 ounces diced tomatoes 1 can
- 3 cups beef broth low sodium or no sodium added
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 1 cup Parmesan Cheese grated
- basil chopped, for garnish, fresh
Instructions
- In a large skillet or pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion, garlic, carrot, and celery. Sauté for about 5 minutes until the vegetables are softened.
- Increase the heat to medium-high and add the ground beef to the pot. Break it up with a spoon and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Season with oregano, dried basil, salt, and black pepper.
- Stir in the tomato paste until well combined with the meat, then add the diced tomatoes along with their juice. Mix well to integrate all the flavors.
- Add the beef broth to the pot and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, stir in the orzo. Reduce the heat to a simmer, cover, and let cook for about 10 minutes, or until the orzo is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
- Remove the pot from heat. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it melts into the Bolognese, creating a creamy texture.
- Ladle the orzo Bolognese into bowls and garnish with fresh basil.
Notes
- Use extra lean ground beef to reduce fat content and keep the dish lighter.
- Opt for low sodium beef broth to better control overall saltiness.
- Stir the orzo occasionally while simmering to prevent it from sticking to the pot.
- Freshly grate Parmesan cheese for improved flavor and melt-in texture.
- Add fresh basil garnish just before serving to retain its bright flavor and color.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 6Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 350 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 1serving | |
| Calories | 350kcal | 18% |
| Carbohydrates | 26g | 9% |
| Protein | 28g | 56% |
| Fat | 15g | 23% |
| Saturated Fat | 6g | 30% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1g | 6% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 6g | 30% |
| Trans Fat | 0.5g | 25% |
| Cholesterol | 60mg | 20% |
| Sodium | 692mg | 29% |
| Potassium | 824mg | 18% |
| Fiber | 3g | 12% |
| Sugar | 4g | 8% |
| Vitamin A | 2027IU | 41% |
| Vitamin C | 10mg | 11% |
| Calcium | 254mg | 25% |
| Iron | 3mg | 17% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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