One-Pot Cheeseburger Orzo Skillet

Craving the comfort of a cheeseburger but want something a little more cozy and satisfying? This One-Pot Cheeseburger Orzo Skillet delivers all the flavors of a juicy cheeseburger in a warm, cheesy pasta dish. With tender orzo pasta, seasoned ground beef, melty cheese, and classic burger toppings, it’s a weeknight winner that the whole family will love.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
One-Pot Wonder – Minimal cleanup, maximum flavor.
Classic Cheeseburger Taste – All the goodness of your favorite burger in pasta form.
Quick & Satisfying – Ready in under 30 minutes.
Customizable – Add your favorite toppings and adjust the cheese to your liking.
Kid-Friendly – A hearty, cheesy meal even picky eaters enjoy.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Skillet:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 tbsp olive oil (if using lean beef)
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 1 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 tbsp yellow mustard
• 1 tbsp ketchup
• 1½ cups dry orzo pasta
• 2½ cups beef broth
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• ½ cup shredded mozzarella (optional for extra meltiness)
• ¼ cup pickles, chopped (optional)

For Topping:

• Extra shredded cheddar
• Diced tomatoes
• Shredded lettuce
• Pickle slices
• Sesame seeds (optional, for burger flair)

Tools You’ll Need

• Large deep skillet or sauté pan with lid
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Cheese grater
• Knife and cutting board

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Brown the Beef

1. Heat a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Add ground beef (and olive oil if using lean meat).
3. Cook, breaking up the meat with a spoon, until browned and no longer pink (about 5-6 minutes).
4. Drain excess fat if needed.

Step 2: Add Aromatics and Flavorings
5. Stir in diced onion and cook for 2-3 minutes until softened.
6. Add garlic, tomato paste, mustard, and ketchup.
7. Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring to combine and deepen the flavor.

Step 3: Cook the Orzo
8. Add dry orzo and stir to coat in the beef mixture.
9. Pour in beef broth and bring to a simmer.
10. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and cook for 10-12 minutes until orzo is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
11. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

Step 4: Add Cheese and Finish
12. Turn off the heat and stir in shredded cheddar and mozzarella until melted and creamy.
13. If using, fold in chopped pickles for that classic burger zing.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve
14. Spoon into bowls and top with your favorite cheeseburger toppings: diced tomatoes, shredded lettuce, extra cheese, and pickle slices.
15. Sprinkle with sesame seeds for a playful touch.

Tips for Best Results
Use Beef Broth – It adds deep, savory flavor to the orzo.
Don’t Skip the Mustard – It mimics the tanginess of a cheeseburger.
Add Cheese Off Heat – Prevents separation and ensures a creamy finish.
Stir Often – Orzo tends to stick, so give it a mix every few minutes.
Customize Toppings – Think of it like dressing a burger—make it your own!

Serving Suggestions

• With a Side Salad – A fresh contrast to the rich, cheesy pasta.
• Garlic Bread or Toasted Buns – Great for scooping or serving on the side.
• Sweet Potato Fries – A fun nod to traditional burger sides.
• Coleslaw – Adds crunch and freshness.

How to Store & Reheat

Storing:

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freeze: Freeze in individual portions for up to 2 months.

Reheating:

• Stovetop: Reheat gently with a splash of broth or water to loosen.
• Microwave: Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use another type of pasta?
Yes! Small shapes like ditalini or macaroni work well—adjust the cooking time as needed.

2. What can I use instead of beef?
Ground chicken, turkey, or a plant-based ground meat all work great.

3. Is this dish spicy?
Not at all! But you can add a pinch of chili flakes or hot sauce if you like heat.

4. Can I make it gluten-free?
Use gluten-free orzo or small gluten-free pasta, and check that your condiments are gluten-free.

Final Thoughts
This One-Pot Cheeseburger Orzo Skillet is the ultimate comfort food mash-up—warm, cheesy, hearty, and totally crave-worthy. It’s a creative twist on a classic favorite that will keep everyone coming back for seconds. Make it tonight and enjoy the cheeseburger experience—no grill required!

Let me know how yours turns out, and don’t forget to share your version with us. Happy cooking!

Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Cuisine: American

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 480 | Protein: 27g | Carbohydrates: 35g | Fat: 27g | Fiber: 2g | Sodium: 660mg

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