This One Pot Orzo Bolognese is packed with flavour and is practically comfort in a bowl. Easy to make, meal prep friendly, and kid friendly, this ground beef and orzo recipe is going to be a staple!
This recipe was originally written in 2017, in memory of my mother. Growing up, she would make a very similar dish for me regularly because I was extremely picky and this was one of the like 5 meals I’d eat without question. Whenever I crave a comforting recipe, this is the one I turn to.
Why You’ll Love This Orzo Recipe
- This beef and tomato orzo is all cooked in one pot. The less dishes to do on weeknights, the better!
- This beef orzo is flavour packed despite the short ingredient list. It’s so delicious and your family will be reaching for seconds!
- It’s comfort in a bowl. This has some major comfort vibes that I can always count on.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- olive oil
- onion — diced
- garlic — minced
- ground beef — I prefer lean ground beef. If you use a fattier beef, you’ll have a lot of oil in the pan.
- mushroom — sliced, I like baby Bella mushrooms
- salt + pepper
- dried basil
- tomato paste — tomato paste is freezer friendly! So if you have leftover tomato paste, you can freeze the rest of the next time you need it.
- beef stock
- orzo — also known as risoni, orzo is a short-cut pasta, shaped like a large grain of rice
- peas — frozen
- Parmesan cheese
How to Make This One Pot Tomato Orzo Beef
- Over medium heat, add olive oil to the pan and sauté the onions for 2 minutes before adding in the garlic and continuing to cook for another minute.
- Add in the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, until browned.
- Add in the mushrooms and season with some salt and pepper.
- Once the beef is cooked, add in the tomato paste and beef stock and mix together.
- Once the mixture starts to bubble, add in the orzo to the pan.
- Stirring occasionally, cook until the orzo has soften and is ready to eat, around 7 to 10 minutes.
- Right before the orzo is done, give the dish a taste and see if you need to adjust the seasoning before you add the peas.
- Stir to combine and serve with some parmesan.
Frequently Asked Questions
Store this easy orzo recipe in an airtight container in the fridge. When properly stored, it can last for up to 4 days in the fridge.
I would not freeze this as the mushrooms won’t thaw right.
Feel free to stir in some frozen vegetables at the end such as corn or a mixed medley for extra veggies. You can also add some broccoli, cauliflower, and asparagus.
One Pot Orzo Bolognese
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 onion, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lb ground Beef
- 5 mushroom, sliced
- ½ tsp Salt + Pepper, or to taste
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 12 oz tomato paste
- 4 cups beef stock, low sodium
- 2 cups orzo
- 1 cup peas, frozen
- handful Parmesan cheese, for garnish, optional but recommended
Instructions
- Over medium heat, add olive oil to the pan and sauté the onions for 2 minutes before adding in the garlic and continuing to cook for another minute.
- Add in the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, until browned.
- Add in the mushrooms and season with some salt and pepper along with some dried basil.
- Once the beef is cooked, add in the tomato paste, mix, and beef stock and mix together.
- Once the mixture starts to bubble, add in the orzo to the pan.
- Stirring occasionally, cook until the orzo has soften and is ready to eat, around 7 to 10 minutes.
- Right before the orzo is done, give the dish a taste and see if you need to adjust the seasoning before you add the peas.
- Stir to combine and serve with some parmesan.
Notes
Nutrition Per Serving
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This post was originally published June, 21, 2017. This post has been updated on May 4, 2021 with new photos and tips.
Abbey Sharp says
Looks like an awesome dish and thanks for sharing some lovely food memories! Happy Birthday !
Deborah @ Confessions of a mother runner says
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
[email protected] says
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
Teri Giese says
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!
Carmy says
Yes! Those “sick” days where we just wanted to stay home for a day!
dixya @food, pleasure, and health says
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.
Christina Bauer says
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.
Ilka says
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!
Tara @ A Daily Dose of Fit says
Family recipes are the best. Comforting in every way possible.
Ronya says
Very delicious