The One-Pot Cheeseburger Orzo Skillet is pure weeknight magic: think all the flavors of your favorite cheeseburger, but turned into a cozy, creamy, one-pan pasta dish you can have on the table in half an hour. This skillet dinner is loaded with juicy ground beef, melty cheddar, and tender orzo that soak up every bit of savory, tomato-rich sauce. It’s the kind of meal that brings everyone running to the kitchen, and the best part is you only have one pot to clean. If you love comfort food with minimal fuss, you’ll fall head over heels for this One-Pot Cheeseburger Orzo Skillet!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe is that it uses simple, everyday staples to create big, bold flavors. Each ingredient plays a key role, from the rich beef to the sharp cheddar, creating a harmony of taste and texture in every bite.
- Ground beef: The star of the show, bringing hearty, savory flavor to every forkful — use lean for less grease, or regular for extra richness.
- Onion (chopped): Adds a gentle sweetness and depth that balances the beefiness beautifully.
- Garlic (minced): Two cloves is just enough to give this dish that irresistible aroma and punch without overpowering.
- Orzo pasta (uncooked): This tiny pasta cooks up creamy right in the skillet, soaking up all that cheeseburger goodness.
- Beef broth: Infuses the orzo with rich, meaty flavor and keeps everything perfectly saucy.
- Tomato sauce: Adds tang and color, giving the dish that classic cheeseburger “ketchup” vibe.
- Salt: Seasons the whole skillet and brings out the natural flavors of every ingredient.
- Black pepper: A little goes a long way to add gentle heat and complexity.
- Paprika: Gives a subtle smokiness and a hint of warmth that ties the flavors together.
- Cheddar cheese (shredded): Melts into the hot orzo, making the whole dish creamy, gooey, and totally irresistible.
- Parsley (chopped, optional): Sprinkled on top for a pop of freshness and a pretty finish.
How to Make One-Pot Cheeseburger Orzo Skillet
Step 1: Brown the Beef, Onion, and Garlic
Start by heating a large skillet over medium heat. Crumble in your ground beef along with the chopped onion and minced garlic. Let everything cook together, stirring occasionally, until the beef is browned and the onions are soft and translucent. Don’t forget to drain off any excess fat — this keeps your One-Pot Cheeseburger Orzo Skillet from getting greasy and gives you a cleaner, lighter sauce.
Step 2: Add Orzo, Broth, and Seasonings
Time to build big flavor! Stir the uncooked orzo right into the beef mixture, then pour in the beef broth and tomato sauce. Sprinkle in the salt, black pepper, and paprika. Give everything a good stir to combine — you’ll see the orzo start to soak up all those savory juices. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, so everything gets nice and bubbly.
Step 3: Simmer Until Orzo is Tender
Reduce the heat to low, cover your skillet with a lid, and let it simmer away for 10 to 12 minutes. Make sure to stir a couple of times during cooking — this keeps the orzo from sticking and ensures even cooking. You’re looking for the orzo to be tender and most of the liquid absorbed, creating a creamy, saucy base that’s just begging for cheese.
Step 4: Finish with Cheddar Cheese
Once the orzo is perfectly cooked, take the skillet off the heat and stir in that glorious shredded cheddar cheese. The heat from the pasta will melt the cheese into a silky, creamy sauce that clings to every bite. If you like things extra cheesy, feel free to sprinkle a little more cheddar on top!
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
For a fresh, herby finish, top your One-Pot Cheeseburger Orzo Skillet with chopped parsley right before serving. Not only does it look beautiful, but it also adds a hint of brightness that cuts through the richness. Now grab a spoon (or fork!) and dig in while it’s hot and melty.
How to Serve One-Pot Cheeseburger Orzo Skillet
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh parsley is classic, but you can also top your One-Pot Cheeseburger Orzo Skillet with extra cheddar, sliced green onions, or even a few thinly sliced pickles for a real cheeseburger twist. If you’re feeling adventurous, a drizzle of ketchup or a dab of mustard brings the whole diner vibe home.
Side Dishes
Since this skillet is a meal in itself, you don’t need much on the side. A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette is a nice contrast to the creamy orzo. Steamed broccoli or simple roasted veggies also pair well and bring a little extra balance to the table.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun family night, serve your One-Pot Cheeseburger Orzo Skillet in shallow bowls, topped with a handful of kettle chips or crumbled bacon for crunch. If you’ve got little ones, let them sprinkle on their own cheese or toppings. For a party, try serving it in mini ramekins or even hollowed-out rolls as “cheeseburger bread bowls.”
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, let the skillet cool to room temperature before transferring portions to airtight containers. Refrigerated, the One-Pot Cheeseburger Orzo Skillet will keep well for up to 3 days, making it a fantastic lunch option the next day.
Freezing
You can freeze this dish for up to 2 months, though keep in mind that the texture of the orzo may soften a bit after thawing. To freeze, portion the cooled skillet into airtight containers or freezer bags, label with the date, and lay flat for easy storage.
Reheating
To reheat, simply microwave individual servings with a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce, or warm gently on the stovetop. Stir occasionally and add an extra sprinkle of cheese to bring back that gooey, fresh-from-the-skillet texture.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken makes a lighter, just-as-tasty version of the One-Pot Cheeseburger Orzo Skillet. You may want to add a little extra seasoning or a splash of Worcestershire sauce to amp up the savory flavor.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
It can be! Simply swap regular orzo for a gluten-free orzo or similar small pasta. Just check the cooking time on your gluten-free pasta and adjust as needed to ensure it’s tender and not mushy.
Can I add veggies to this dish?
Definitely. Diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or even a handful of spinach stirred in at the end work beautifully in this One-Pot Cheeseburger Orzo Skillet. Just sauté extra veggies with the onions and garlic for best results.
What if I don’t have beef broth?
You can substitute chicken or vegetable broth in a pinch — the flavor will be slightly different, but still delicious. Water with a little bouillon or soup base also works in a bind.
How do I make it extra cheesy?
For the ultimate cheesy skillet, add an extra handful of cheddar on top right before serving, and cover for a minute to let it melt. You can also mix in a little cream cheese for an even richer, creamier sauce.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving something hearty, cheesy, and downright comforting, the One-Pot Cheeseburger Orzo Skillet is a must-try. It’s quick enough for the busiest weeknights, and the flavors are guaranteed to win over kids and adults alike. Give it a go — you might just find yourself making it on repeat!
Print
One-Pot Cheeseburger Orzo Skillet Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This One-Pot Cheeseburger Orzo Skillet combines the comforting flavors of a classic cheeseburger with tender orzo pasta in a creamy, cheesy skillet meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights. Made entirely in one pan, it’s an easy, hearty dish sure to please the whole family.
Ingredients
Meat & Aromatics
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Pasta & Liquids
- 1 cup uncooked orzo pasta
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1/2 cup tomato sauce
Seasonings & Cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Garnish
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the beef mixture: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef along with the chopped onion and minced garlic until the beef is browned and the onions have softened. Drain any excess fat from the skillet.
- Add orzo and liquids: Stir in the uncooked orzo pasta, beef broth, tomato sauce, salt, black pepper, and paprika. Mix thoroughly to combine all ingredients.
- Simmer the orzo: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the skillet and let it simmer for 10 to 12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed.
- Incorporate the cheese: Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until it melts completely, creating a creamy texture throughout the dish.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle the chopped fresh parsley over the top for a pop of color and fresh flavor before serving warm.
Notes
- For extra vegetables, add diced bell peppers or mushrooms during the beef cooking step.
- To make it cheesier, sprinkle additional cheddar cheese on top before serving.
- This recipe works well as a quick, comforting meal ideal for busy weeknights.
- Use gluten-free orzo to make the dish suitable for gluten-free diets.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of skillet
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 27g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
