One Pot Orzo/Risoni Bolognese

 

This one-pot Orzo/Risoni Bolognese is a quick, hearty dinner that’s ready in just 20 minutes! It features a delicious bolognese sauce with orzo/risoni, making it a great alternative to traditional spaghetti. Perfect for weeknights and easy for kids to enjoy with less mess!

Ingredients:

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 small onion, peeled and diced (brown, white, or yellow)
• 1 lb / 500g ground beef (mince)
• 24 oz / 700g tomato passata (see note)
• 2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
• 2 tsp dried Italian Herbs (or any mix of dried parsley, oregano, basil)
• 2 beef bouillon cubes (see note)
• 1/2 to 1 tsp salt (to taste)
• Black pepper, to taste
• 3 cups water
• 1 1/2 cups dried orzo/risoni

To Serve (Optional):

• Freshly grated parmesan cheese
• Finely chopped parsley

Instructions:

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet or pot over medium-high heat. Add onion and garlic, cooking for about 3 minutes until they become translucent.
2. Add the ground beef and turn the heat to high. Brown the beef, breaking it apart as it cooks.
3. Once the beef is browned, add the tomato passata, Worcestershire sauce, dried herbs, bouillon cubes, salt, pepper, and water. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
4. Add the orzo/risoni and stir briefly. Reduce the heat to medium-low.
5. Cook for 10 minutes, stirring frequently towards the end to prevent the orzo from sticking. If the liquid evaporates too quickly, add a bit of hot water.
6. Remove from heat when the orzo is still slightly firm and the mixture is very saucy (it will continue to cook slightly off the heat). Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
7. Serve hot, garnished with freshly grated parmesan and chopped parsley, if desired.

Recipe Notes:

• Bouillon Cubes: These are stock cubes. If you prefer, you can use beef or chicken stock instead of water and omit the bouillon cubes.
• Tomato Passata: This is pureed canned tomatoes. You can use pureed or crushed canned tomatoes if you don’t have passata.

Nutrition Information (per serving, serves 5):

• Calories: 484 cal (24%)
• Carbohydrates: 49.5g (17%)
• Protein: 35.8g (72%)
• Fat: 15g (23%)
• Saturated Fat: 4.5g (28%)
• Cholesterol: 86mg (29%)
• Sodium: 565mg (25%)
• Potassium: 333mg (10%)
• Fiber: 2.1g (9%)
• Sugar: 10.1g (11%)
• Vitamin C: 1.7mg (2%)
• Calcium: 20mg (2%)
• Iron: 4.7mg (26%)