One-Pot Cheeseburger Orzo Skillet

If you love the flavors of a juicy cheeseburger but want something a bit cozier and easier to make, this One-Pot Cheeseburger Orzo Skillet is a game changer! It’s packed with seasoned ground beef, creamy cheese, and tender orzo pasta—all cooked in a single pan for a quick and comforting weeknight dinner.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
One-Pot Simplicity – Fewer dishes and all the flavor.
Classic Cheeseburger Taste – Savory beef, melty cheese, and burger-inspired seasonings.
Fast & Filling – Ready in 30 minutes and hearty enough to feed a family.
Customizable – Add your favorite toppings or mix-ins.
Kid-Friendly – A dish the whole family will love.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Skillet:

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1½ cups dry orzo pasta
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 tbsp yellow mustard
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1 cup milk
• 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
• ½ tsp paprika
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper

For the Cheese Blend:

• 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
• ½ cup mozzarella cheese (optional for extra creaminess)

Toppings (Optional):

• Chopped pickles
• Diced tomatoes
• Green onions
• Ketchup or mustard drizzle
• Sesame seeds

Tools You’ll Need

• Large deep skillet or sauté pan with lid
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Cheese grater

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Sauté the Beef and Onions

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon (about 6-7 minutes).
3. Stir in the chopped onion and cook for another 2-3 minutes until softened.
4. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute more.

Step 2: Add Seasonings and Orzo
5. Stir in tomato paste, yellow mustard, Worcestershire sauce, paprika, salt, and pepper.
6. Mix in dry orzo and toast for 1-2 minutes to boost flavor.

Step 3: Add Liquids and Simmer
7. Pour in beef broth and milk, stirring to combine.
8. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low.
9. Cover and simmer for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until orzo is tender and liquid is mostly absorbed.

Step 4: Add the Cheese
10. Remove lid and stir in shredded cheddar and mozzarella until melted and creamy.
11. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve
12. Top with your favorite burger-style toppings like diced pickles, tomatoes, or a squirt of ketchup.
13. Sprinkle with green onions or sesame seeds for a fun twist.
14. Serve hot and enjoy the ultimate comfort meal.

Tips for the Best Cheeseburger Orzo Skillet
Use Full-Fat Cheese – It melts more smoothly for that creamy, gooey finish.
Toast the Orzo – Adds a nutty depth of flavor to the dish.
Stir Often – Keeps the orzo from sticking and ensures even cooking.
Let it Rest – A few minutes off heat helps everything set for better texture.
Make it Spicy – Add chopped jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne if you like heat.

Serving Suggestions
Side Salad – A crisp green salad balances the richness.
Garlic Bread – Scoop up every last bit of cheesy goodness.
Roasted Veggies – Serve alongside broccoli or zucchini for a full meal.
As a Party Dish – Serve with slider buns for a fun twist on cheeseburgers.

How to Store & Reheat

Storing:
Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freeze: Freeze portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months.

Reheating:
Stovetop: Reheat over low heat with a splash of broth or milk to loosen.
Microwave: Warm in 1-minute bursts, stirring between each, until hot.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use a different pasta?
   Yes, but adjust the liquid and cook time as needed for other small pasta shapes.
2. What if I don’t have beef broth?
   Use chicken broth or vegetable broth with a dash of soy sauce for added depth.
3. Can I make it vegetarian?
   Absolutely—substitute the beef with plant-based ground meat and use vegetable broth.
4. Is it gluten-free?
   Only if you use gluten-free orzo and make sure other ingredients are certified gluten-free.

Final Thoughts
This One-Pot Cheeseburger Orzo Skillet combines all the comforting elements of your favorite burger in one cheesy, satisfying skillet meal. It’s fast, flavorful, and incredibly flexible, making it a perfect go-to recipe for any night of the week. Once you try it, it’s sure to become a regular on your dinner table.

Give it a go and let me know how your family liked it! Don’t forget to share and pin this recipe for later!

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

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 490 | Protein: 30g | Carbohydrates: 36g | Fat: 25g | Fiber: 2g | Sodium: 640mg

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