If you are craving a delicious, comforting meal that combines all the best parts of a cheeseburger with the convenience of a one-pot dish, this One-Pot Cheeseburger Orzo Skillet Recipe is exactly what you need. This dish brings together succulent ground beef, tender orzo pasta, tangy pickles, and melty cheddar cheese all simmered in a savory tomato and beef broth. The result is a wonderfully creamy, cheesy skillet meal that bursts with flavor and warmth, perfect for busy weeknights when you want something hearty but fuss-free.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Everything about this One-Pot Cheeseburger Orzo Skillet Recipe is simple and straightforward, yet every ingredient plays a crucial role in delivering its unique charm. From the juicy ground beef to the sharp cheddar cheese, each component adds a layer of flavor, texture, and color that makes this dish so irresistible.
- Olive oil: Helps brown the beef evenly and adds a fragrant base for sautéing the onions and garlic.
- Ground beef: The star protein, providing rich, meaty flavor and satisfying texture.
- Yellow onion: Adds sweetness and depth when softened.
- Garlic: Infuses the dish with aromatic warmth.
- Dry orzo pasta: This tiny, rice-shaped pasta absorbs all the savory juices beautifully.
- Diced tomatoes with juice: Brings acidity and brightness to balance the richness.
- Ketchup: Adds a touch of sweetness reminiscent of a classic cheeseburger sauce.
- Yellow mustard: Injects tangy sharpness for that unmistakable burger flavor.
- Beef broth: The flavorful cooking liquid that makes the orzo tender and the sauce silky.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: Melts into creamy goodness, elevating the dish to cheesy perfection.
- Chopped pickles (optional): A sharp, crunchy contrast to the creamy skillet.
- Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning and bringing all flavors together.
- Chopped parsley or green onions (optional): Adds freshness and a pop of color at the end.
How to Make One-Pot Cheeseburger Orzo Skillet Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Beef and Sauté Aromatics
Start by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add your ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks to ensure it browns evenly. Once it’s no longer pink and nice and browned, drain any excess fat if necessary. Then toss in the finely diced yellow onion and minced garlic. Cook them until they soften and become fragrant, about three minutes. This step is crucial because the slowly cooked onions and garlic build a wonderfully savory foundation for the dish.
Step 2: Add Orzo and Flavorful Liquids
Next, stir in the dry orzo pasta right into the skillet, letting it mingle with the beef and aromatics. Pour in the can of diced tomatoes with their juice, then add the ketchup and yellow mustard. Finally, pour in the beef broth, which will hydrate the orzo and carry all those flavors across the dish. Give everything a good stir to combine. This is where the magic of the One-Pot Cheeseburger Orzo Skillet Recipe really begins to happen.
Step 3: Simmer Until Tender
Bring the entire mixture up to a boil, then lower the heat so it simmers gently. Cover the skillet and let it cook for 10 to 12 minutes. Be sure to stir occasionally so the orzo doesn’t stick to the bottom and cooks evenly. Watch as the orzo absorbs the liquid and swells with cheesy, tomatoey deliciousness. Once the pasta is tender and most of the liquid has been soaked up, it’s time for the final touch.
Step 4: Melt in the Cheddar Cheese
Remove the skillet from heat and immediately stir in the shredded cheddar cheese. The residual warmth will melt the cheese into a creamy, luscious sauce that coats every bite. Season with salt and pepper to your taste. If you want a little extra zing and crunch, sprinkle in some chopped pickles or fresh herbs like parsley or green onions before serving. That final burst of freshness keeps this meal feeling light and vibrant.
How to Serve One-Pot Cheeseburger Orzo Skillet Recipe
Garnishes
Garnishes turn this cozy skillet into a feast for the eyes and palate. Fresh chopped parsley or green onions add a wonderful pop of green and brightness. Chopped pickles give you that classic tang and crunch that echoes your favorite cheeseburger. A sprinkle of extra shredded cheddar cheese is always welcome if you want to double up on the cheese factor.
Side Dishes
This One-Pot Cheeseburger Orzo Skillet Recipe shines all on its own, but pairing it with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables can round out the meal nicely. A simple side of steamed broccoli or a fresh garden salad with a light vinaigrette will balance the indulgence with some crisp, refreshing contrast. If you prefer, garlic bread or toasted buns make for a fun nod to traditional cheeseburger buns.
Creative Ways to Present
Looking to impress guests or make this dish feel a bit special? Serve the One-Pot Cheeseburger Orzo Skillet in individual cast-iron skillets for a rustic touch. You can also top it with a fried egg or crispy bacon to add layers of flavor and texture. For a kid-friendly twist, turn leftovers into stuffed bell peppers or warm wraps for lunch the next day.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers keep beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen a bit overnight, making it just as tasty the next day. Simply give it a quick stir before reheating to loosen things up.
Freezing
This recipe freezes well, making it perfect for batch cooking. Portion it into freezer-safe containers and store for up to 2 months. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently on the stovetop or microwave.
Reheating
Reheat your One-Pot Cheeseburger Orzo Skillet Recipe gently on medium-low heat with a splash of beef broth or water to refresh the creamy texture. Stir often until warmed through. This helps prevent the cheese from becoming rubbery and keeps the dish silky smooth.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken makes a leaner version of this One-Pot Cheeseburger Orzo Skillet Recipe, and the flavors still blend beautifully. Just be sure to watch the cooking time as poultry cooks a bit faster.
Can I add vegetables to this recipe?
Yes, adding veggies like spinach, peas, or diced bell peppers toward the end of cooking is a great way to boost nutrition and color. Just stir them in during the last few minutes to keep them vibrant and crisp.
Is the recipe spicy?
Nope! This One-Pot Cheeseburger Orzo Skillet Recipe is mild and kid-friendly, inspired by classic comfort food flavors. However, you can always add a pinch of red pepper flakes or hot sauce if you like a little heat.
What type of cheese is best for this skillet?
Sharp cheddar cheese works best due to its melting properties and bold flavor, which captures the essence of a cheeseburger. You could experiment with other melty cheeses like Monterey Jack, but cheddar remains classic.
Can I prepare this recipe in advance?
Definitely! You can cook the skillet up to a day ahead and reheat it when ready. Just store it covered in the fridge and use gentle reheating methods to keep the cheese creamy and the orzo tender.
Final Thoughts
I truly hope you enjoy making and sharing this delicious One-Pot Cheeseburger Orzo Skillet Recipe as much as I do. It’s the kind of meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate—comforting, cheesy, and satisfying with minimal effort and cleanup. Perfect for busy days when you still want something special. Give it a try and watch it quickly become a favorite in your kitchen!
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: Kid-Friendly
Description
This delicious One-Pot Cheeseburger Orzo Skillet combines all the flavors of a classic cheeseburger with tender orzo pasta in a quick and easy weeknight meal. Ground beef is cooked with onions and garlic, then simmered with orzo, tomatoes, ketchup, mustard, and beef broth until perfectly tender. Finished with melted cheddar cheese and optional pickles or herbs, this skillet meal is both hearty and satisfying with minimal cleanup.
Ingredients
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small yellow onion, finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ cup chopped pickles (optional)
- Chopped parsley or green onions for garnish (optional)
Pantry Items
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 cup dry orzo pasta
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with juice
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Brown the Beef: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain excess fat if needed.
- Sauté Aromatics: Add diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet and cook for about 3 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Add Orzo and Liquids: Stir in the dry orzo pasta, diced tomatoes with their juice, ketchup, yellow mustard, and beef broth. Mix well to combine.
- Simmer: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low and cover. Let simmer for 10 to 12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
- Finish with Cheese: Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle chopped pickles or fresh herbs like parsley or green onions on top if desired. Serve hot.
Notes
- For a leaner option, substitute ground turkey or chicken for the beef.
- Add a handful of spinach or peas at the end of cooking for extra greens.
- Leftovers reheat well and make a great next-day meal.
