Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- All-in-one skillet meal with minimal cleanup
- Combines cheeseburger flavors with comforting pasta
- Quick to prepare and cook in just 30 minutes
- Easily customizable for leaner meats or spicier versions
- Great for family dinners or meal prep
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 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: sliced pickles and ketchup for serving
Directions
- Sauté Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion and garlic, sautéing until softened, about 3 minutes.
- Cook Beef: Add ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook until browned and no longer pink, about 6-8 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.
- Add Ingredients: Stir in orzo pasta, diced tomatoes, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Simmer: Pour in beef broth and water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 10-12 minutes, or until orzo is tender and most liquid is absorbed. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Add Cheese: Remove from heat and sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top. Cover and let sit for 2-3 minutes until cheese melts.
- Serve: Serve warm, topped with optional sliced pickles and ketchup if desired.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Preparation Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Variations
- Substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
- Add chopped lettuce or tomato for a cheeseburger salad twist.
- Spice it up with cayenne pepper or hot sauce.
- Top with pickled jalapeños for an extra kick.
Storage/Reheating
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave until warmed through.
FAQs
Can I use other pasta instead of orzo?
Yes, small pasta shapes like ditalini or small shells work well.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely, it reheats well and makes great leftovers.
Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes, freeze in a suitable container for up to 2 months. Thaw before reheating.
Can I make it vegetarian?
Use plant-based ground meat alternatives or sautéed vegetables.
What can I serve with this dish?
Pair with a fresh salad or steamed veggies for a complete meal.
Can I add cheese during cooking?
Cheese is best added after cooking to melt on top.
How spicy is this dish?
Mild by default, but you can add spices to suit your taste.
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
Yes, fresh diced tomatoes work well, especially in season.
Is Worcestershire sauce necessary?
It adds depth but can be omitted or substituted with soy sauce.
Can I prepare this ahead of time?
Yes, but add cheese just before serving for best results.
Conclusion
One-Pot Cheeseburger Orzo Skillet offers the comforting taste of cheeseburgers combined with tender pasta in a simple, quick meal. Perfect for busy nights, it’s easy to customize and sure to satisfy everyone at the table. Enjoy this hearty skillet dish that delivers flavor and convenience in every bite.
One-Pot Cheeseburger Orzo Skillet: A Quick and Delicious Meal
One-Pot Cheeseburger Orzo Skillet is a flavorful, easy skillet meal combining cheeseburger flavors with tender orzo pasta. Quick to make with minimal cleanup, perfect for busy weeknights.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish, Skillet
- Method: Sauté, Simmer
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
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: sliced pickles and ketchup for serving
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion and garlic, sauté until softened, about 3 minutes.
- Add ground beef, breaking it up. Cook until browned and no longer pink, about 6-8 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.
- Stir in orzo pasta, diced tomatoes, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Pour in beef broth and water. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 10-12 minutes until orzo is tender and liquid mostly absorbed. Stir occasionally.
- Remove from heat, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top, cover, and let sit 2-3 minutes until cheese melts.
- Serve warm with optional sliced pickles and ketchup.
Notes
- Substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
- Add chopped lettuce or tomato for a cheeseburger salad twist.
- Spice up with cayenne pepper or hot sauce.
- Top with pickled jalapeños for extra kick.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 recipe
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
