If you love skillet dinners that deliver big on flavor with minimal effort, this One-Pot Cheeseburger Orzo Skillet is about to become your new weeknight hero. It captures everything crave-worthy about a cheeseburger savory ground beef, melty cheese, tangy pickles, and ketchup-mustard goodness all tossed with tender orzo pasta and cooked together in just one pan. Anything but boring!!
Just look at this skillet! The moment you see that golden cheese stretch as you spoon up a serving, you know you’re in for something special. The vibrant colors of diced tomatoes, bright green parsley, and juicy pickles on top? I’m kicking myself for not having shot a video of that first cheesy scoop!
What Is One-Pot Cheeseburger Orzo Skillet?
This recipe is a fun twist on classic comfort food. Instead of making separate burger patties and sides, you throw it all into one skillet. Orzo pasta cooks right in the flavorful beef mixture, soaking up every bit of cheesy, beefy, ketchup-mustard goodness. The result? A creamy, cheesy, stick-to-your-ribs dinner that tastes just like a cheeseburger only in cozy pasta form.
Why You’ll Love This One-Pot Cheeseburger Orzo Skillet
- One-Pot Wonder: Minimal dishes and cleanup!
- Quick and Easy: Ready in about 30 minutes.
- Family Friendly: Even picky eaters love it.
- Comfort Food Goals: All the cheeseburger flavors you love without the bun.
- Perfect for Leftovers: It reheats beautifully.
How Does It Taste?
Imagine the flavors of a classic backyard burger night, but transformed into a creamy, cheesy pasta skillet. The beef is perfectly seasoned, the cheese melts right into the pasta, and the pickles give just the right amount of tang to balance out the richness. It’s hearty, satisfying, and will leave you scraping the pan for every last bite.
Benefits of This Recipe
- Protein-Packed: Thanks to the ground beef and cheese.
- Comforting & Cozy: This is the definition of comfort food.
- Budget-Friendly: Uses pantry and fridge staples.
- Customizable: Make it your own with toppings and mix-ins.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (if needed)
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup uncooked orzo pasta
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, drained
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup dill pickles, sliced (plus extra for garnish)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional garnish)
Tools You’ll Need
- Large skillet or cast-iron pan
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Cheese grater (if using block cheese)
Ingredient Swaps and Additions
- Meat: Swap beef for ground turkey or chicken.
- Cheese: Try Monterey Jack or pepper jack for a spicy kick.
- Pickles: Use bread and butter pickles for a sweet-savory twist.
- Veggies: Stir in diced bell peppers or mushrooms.
- Bacon: Crumble in some cooked bacon for a bacon cheeseburger vibe.
How to Make One-Pot Cheeseburger Orzo Skillet
Step 1: Brown the Beef
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned and crumbly. Drain off any excess fat, but keep a little for flavor if you like! Add olive oil if needed.
Step 2: Add Aromatics
Stir in the diced onion and cook until softened, about 2-3 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
Step 3: Cook the Orzo
Pour in the orzo, drained diced tomatoes, and beef broth. Stir everything together.
Step 4: Add Burger Flavors
Mix in the ketchup, yellow mustard, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine.
Step 5: Simmer
Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Cover and cook for about 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender and the liquid has mostly absorbed.
Step 6: Make It Cheesy
Stir in half of the shredded cheddar cheese and the sliced pickles.
Step 7: Top and Melt
Sprinkle the remaining cheese over the top. Cover the skillet again for 2-3 minutes until the cheese is melted and gooey.
Step 8: Garnish and Serve
Top with extra pickles and fresh parsley. Serve hot straight from the skillet!
What to Serve with Cheeseburger Orzo
- Side Salad: Something crisp like a green salad with vinaigrette.
- Garlic Bread: For soaking up all that cheesy sauce.
- Pickle Spears: Go all-in on the pickle love!
Tips for Success
- Stir the orzo regularly to prevent sticking.
- Use freshly shredded cheese for better melting.
- Don’t skip the pickles—they make the whole dish pop!
- Want a creamier texture? Stir in a splash of heavy cream before serving.
How to Store Leftovers
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: This dish can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Reheat: Warm in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of broth to loosen the sauce.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes! Use gluten-free orzo or small gluten-free pasta.
Can I prep this ahead of time?
You can cook the beef mixture ahead and add the orzo when you’re ready to eat. It’s best fresh but reheats well.
Is this recipe spicy?
Not at all! But you can add hot sauce or red pepper flakes if you want heat.
Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure your skillet is big enough.
Nutritional Information (Approximate per serving)
- Calories: 510
- Protein: 30g
- Carbs: 38g
- Fat: 28g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 5g
One-Pot Cheeseburger Orzo Skillet – A Cheesy, Comfort Food Classic
Description
This One-Pot Cheeseburger Orzo Skillet is your new favorite weeknight dinner! It combines all the flavors of a juicy cheeseburger ground beef, melty cheddar, tangy pickles, and a savory ketchup-mustard sauce—but swaps the bun for tender orzo pasta. The whole meal comes together in one skillet in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy nights or lazy weekends when comfort food is a must.
Ingredients
– 1 lb ground beef
– 1 tbsp olive oil (optional, if beef is lean)
– 1 small onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup orzo pasta, uncooked
– 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, drained
– 2 cups beef broth
– 1/4 cup ketchup
– 1 tbsp yellow mustard
– 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
– 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
– 1/2 cup dill pickle slices (plus extra for topping)
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional garnish)
Instructions
1. Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Brown the ground beef for 5-7 minutes, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain excess fat if needed.
2. Add the diced onion to the skillet and sauté for 2-3 minutes until softened. Stir in the garlic and cook for 30 seconds more.
3. Stir in the orzo pasta, diced tomatoes, and beef broth.
4. Add the ketchup, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
5. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Cover and cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender and the liquid is absorbed.
6. Stir in half of the shredded cheddar cheese and the dill pickle slices.
7. Sprinkle the remaining cheese over the top. Cover the skillet for 2-3 minutes until the cheese melts.
8. Garnish with extra pickles and chopped parsley if desired. Serve warm directly from the skillet.
Notes
– You can swap ground turkey or chicken for the beef if you prefer a lighter version.
– For extra cheeseburger vibes, top with chopped lettuce, diced tomatoes, or a drizzle of burger sauce before serving.
– Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
– To make this gluten-free, use gluten-free orzo or substitute with cooked rice (adjust liquid accordingly).
– This recipe is perfect for meal prep—it reheats beautifully and stays creamy!
- Category: Dinner
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