Description
This One-Pot Cheeseburger Orzo Skillet is a hearty and comforting meal that combines the flavors of a classic cheeseburger with tender orzo pasta. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s a perfect weeknight dinner that minimizes cleanup by cooking everything in one pan. Ground beef, sautéed onions, garlic, and savory spices meld with orzo cooked in beef broth, finished with melted cheddar cheese for a deliciously cheesy finish.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup diced tomatoes (canned or fresh)
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Optional Toppings
- Sliced pickles
- Ketchup
Instructions
- Sauté Onions and Garlic: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, sautéing until they soften and become fragrant, about 3 minutes.
- Cook the Ground Beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Continue cooking until the beef is browned and no longer pink, approximately 6-8 minutes. Drain any excess fat from the skillet if necessary.
- Add Pasta and Seasonings: Stir in the orzo pasta, diced tomatoes, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix everything thoroughly to combine the flavors.
- Simmer the Orzo: Pour in the beef broth and water. Increase the heat and bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let it simmer for 10-12 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent the orzo from sticking to the bottom. The orzo should be tender and the liquid mostly absorbed by the end of this step.
- Finish with Cheese: Remove the skillet from heat and sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top. Cover the skillet again and let it sit for 2-3 minutes, allowing the cheese to melt into a gooey, cheesy layer.
- Serve: Serve the cheeseburger orzo skillet warm, garnished with optional sliced pickles and drizzled with ketchup if desired for an extra burst of classic cheeseburger flavor.
Notes
- For a leaner dish, use ground turkey or chicken instead of ground beef.
- If you prefer a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red chili flakes.
- The diced tomatoes can be fresh or canned; drained canned tomatoes work best to keep excess moisture in check.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in a skillet or microwave.
- This dish can be made gluten-free by substituting orzo with a gluten-free pasta alternative.
