A delicious one pot orzo bolognese for when you need a comforting meal!
Friends, it’s almost that time of the year – I’m turning another year older. Usually I try to keep it an happy occasion but this is a safe space for us to share our feelings so I’m just going to say it. I’m not happy. I am sad as fuck. There, I said it.
There are a few days of the year where I’ll get that gut wrenching feeling of loss, where you feel like there’s just ann emptiness inside of your stomach. That’s pretty much how I’m feeling right now, knowing that she’s not around to see me turn another year older, see how I’ve grown, and just be with me in general. There’s always a part of me who misses my mother but the feeling is a lot more intense around this time as Mother’s Day is winding down and my birthday is on the horizon. For those of you who don’t know, I lost my mother to cancer in my final year of high school so around 6 years ago. Growing up, she was a stay at home mother and pretty much spoiled me to the best of her abilities. We didn’t have much but what we did have, she gave me.
I know some parents go the tough love situation with picky eating but with me, my mother would pretty much make me my own separate dinner if she knew what was on the menu was something I would not eat (see, spoiled). One thing that she knew I would eat no matter what was this meat sauce she’d make with corn and peas over rice – it wasn’t anything fancy but it was something I loved. I’m pretty sure I spent a whole week eating that for dinner once because I didn’t want what the family was having. What I wouldn’t give to have her make it for me one more time.
So in her memory, I tried my hand at making my own version. My One Pot Orzo Bolognese is definitely not the same as how she made it (she never had a “recipe”) but it’s my own take on a childhood favourite. Instead of putting sauce over rice, I put orzo directly into the pot. I added mushrooms in a blend and extend method that reminds me of how my mother somehow made ends meet on a one income household without ever making me feel like I was missing out on anything. And I put parmesan on it because parmesan makes everything delicious.
One Pot Orzo Bolognese
A delicious one pot orzo bolognese for when you need a comforting meal!
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp Olive Oil
- 4 cloves Garlic minced
- 1 large Onion diced
- 1 lb Ground Beef
- 1 Portobello Mushroom diced finely
- 12 oz Tomato Paste
- 4 cups Beef Stock
- 2 cups Orzo
- 1 cup Peas
- handful Parmesan Cheese
- sprinkle Parlsey
- Salt + Pepper to taste
Instructions
In your pan, put in your olive oil before sweating your onions and adding in garlic.
Add in your ground beef and cook til almost browned then add in your diced mushrooms with some salt and pepper.
Once the beef is cooked, add in your tomato paste and beef stock and mix together.
Once the mixture starts to bubble, pour in your orzo.
Stirring occasionally, cook until the orzo has soften and is ready to eat. But a bit before you think the orzo is done cooking, add the peas - they require the least amount of cooking!
Serve with some parmesan and parsley.
Recipe Notes
I like mine sauce-y so as I cook, I'll add in more beef stock and tomato paste if it's cooking down too much.
Let’s chat! What dish reminds you of your family?
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Looks like an awesome dish and thanks for sharing some lovely food memories! Happy Birthday !
I did not know that about your mom thanks for sharing your story. I can only imagine how hard it must be for you around holidays. She would certainly be proud to see you making her recipes and would want you to be happy. xoxo
Wow, so tough to lose a parent so young! You are strong. Pizza reminds me of my mom cause she was always working so we ate pizza out a lot
Your mother would be proud of your success and to hear how much you love her and remember her “spoiling”you!?Am a Mom to 4 grown daughters,that I can only hope they will always recall mommy,”spoiling”,them.Love those days when they were young and would go along with the,”I have a tummy ache,can’t go to school,”and I nursed them all day even though they were fine!lol!Have a happy birthday and remember those happy times,sweetie!
Yes! Those “sick” days where we just wanted to stay home for a day!
sending you big hugs….i bet shes watching you as you make these recipes and i know she is really proud of you. happy birthday friend.
Love and hugs to you! It must be hard during this time, but it’s also a good opportunity to reflect on all the things your mother would be proud of in the last year, as you hit another birthday.
Hugs to you my fiend.
As you know I’m going through that same pain right now. Thinking of you!!
Such a yummy, simple and comforting dish!
Family recipes are the best. Comforting in every way possible.