Simple Orzo Bolognese (1 Hour)

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Combining the rich, meaty flavors of a traditional Bolognese sauce with the comforting simplicity of orzo pasta, this dish is a hearty and satisfying option for any mealtime. Perfect for a family dinner or a casual get-together with friends, it’s a straightforward recipe that brings the familiar taste of Italian cuisine to your table.

The orzo, with its small, rice-like shape, soaks up the flavors of the sauce beautifully, making each bite a delicious blend of savory meat and tender pasta. Whether you’re looking for a new weeknight staple or a dish to impress your guests, this orzo Bolognese is a versatile and delicious choice that anyone can make and everyone will love.

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 50 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 1 pound ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 carrot, finely diced
  • 1 celery stalk, finely diced
  • 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
  • 1/2 cup red wine (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1/2 cup beef or vegetable broth
  • 1 cup orzo pasta
  • Parmesan cheese, for garnish
  • Fresh basil, for garnish
  • Olive oil

Instructions

  1. Sauté Vegetables (5 minutes): In a large skillet or saucepan, heat a drizzle of olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion, garlic, carrot, and celery. Sauté until the vegetables are softened, about 5 minutes.
  2. Cook Meat (10 minutes): Add the ground beef to the skillet. Cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned and cooked through.
  3. Add Tomatoes and Simmer (30 minutes): Stir in the crushed tomatoes, red wine (if using), tomato paste, oregano, and basil. Season with salt and pepper. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat and let the sauce cook gently, partially covered, for about 30 minutes. If the sauce gets too thick, add beef or vegetable broth to adjust the consistency.
  4. Cook Orzo (10 minutes): In a separate pot, cook the orzo pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  5. Combine Orzo and Bolognese Sauce (5 minutes): Add the cooked orzo to the Bolognese sauce. Stir well to combine, ensuring the orzo is evenly coated with the sauce.
  6. Serve (2 minutes): Serve the Orzo Bolognese hot, garnished with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and torn basil leaves.

Notes

Orzo Bolognese is a perfect comfort food dish, combining the heartiness of a meat sauce with the lightness of orzo pasta. For the best results, allow the Bolognese sauce to simmer slowly, developing the depth of flavors.

The addition of red wine enhances the richness of the sauce but can be omitted if preferred. This dish is versatile and pairs well with a simple green salad or crusty bread for a complete and satisfying meal.

*Please keep in mind that the following nutritional information is based on estimates and can vary depending on the specific brands and ingredients used.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 600
  • Sugar: 6g
  • Sodium: 500mg
  • Fat: 25g
  • Carbohydrates: 55g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 35g
  • Cholesterol: 80mg

Pair this with...

Herbed Garlic Bread

Grab a fresh baguette or loaf of Italian bread and slice it as desired. In a bowl, mix together softened unsalted butter, finely minced garlic (the more, the merrier, but about 3-4 cloves should do), a good pinch of salt, and chopped fresh herbs. Parsley and basil are classics, but don't hesitate to throw in some oregano or rosemary if you're feeling adventurous. Spread this aromatic butter mix generously over the cut sides of your bread. Pop it under the broiler in your oven for about 2-4 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the butter is bubbling and fragrant. Keep a close eye on it, as broiling can quickly go from perfectly toasted to charred! Once done, slice it up and serve.

Lemony Kale Salad

Start by de-stemming your kale leaves and chopping them into bite-sized pieces. Remember, kale can be a bit tough, so give it a little massage with your hands to soften it up and enhance its natural sweetness. For the dressing, whisk together freshly squeezed lemon juice, some zesty lemon zest, olive oil, and a hint of salt and pepper. This simple dressing is a burst of citrusy goodness that pairs beautifully with the robustness of the kale. Toss the massaged kale in the lemon dressing, ensuring every leafy nook and cranny is coated. To finish, sprinkle on sunflower seeds and pine nuts for a delightful crunch.

Pesto Green Beans

Kick things off by bringing a pot of water to boil. Trim your fresh green beans and blanch them in the boiling water for just a couple of minutes—until they're bright green but still retain a bit of crunch. Drain and plunge them into icy water to halt the cooking and preserve that vibrant color. While the beans cool, whip up some pesto, either homemade or store-bought. For a quick homemade version, blend fresh basil, pine nuts, garlic, parmesan, olive oil, and a pinch of salt in a food processor. Toss the cooled green beans with a generous dollop of pesto, ensuring they're well coated.

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