If you crave the comfort of a juicy cheeseburger but love the cozy feel of a creamy pasta, let me introduce you to the ultimate mashup: One-Pot Cheeseburger Orzo Skillet. This dish is a dream come true—tender orzo pasta simmers with seasoned ground beef, onions, a punch of tangy mustard, and plenty of sharp cheddar cheese, all in one easy skillet. Rich, savory, and brimming with nostalgia, it’s the kind of weeknight dinner that comes together in half an hour and disappears even faster. You’ll be stunned by how much this one-pot wonder delivers on bold flavor and unbeatable simplicity!

One-Pot Cheeseburger Orzo Skillet Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this recipe plays a starring role, transforming familiar cheeseburger flavors into a creamy, one-pot pasta the whole family will adore. Simple, everyday staples come together for a dish that’s both nostalgic and surprisingly fresh.

Olive oil: Gives the beef a golden sear and prevents sticking.
Ground beef: Savory, juicy, and provides the satisfying heartiness of a classic cheeseburger.
Onion: Adds a sweet, aromatic base and irresistible depth of flavor.
Garlic: Brings warmth and a subtle kick that perks up every bite.
Orzo pasta: Tiny pasta that soaks up all those meaty juices—think of it as the “bun” of this skillet!
Tomato paste: Pops in rich, umami flavor and elevates the beefy sauce.
Yellow mustard: For that essential, tangy cheeseburger taste—don’t skip it!
Beef broth: Deepens the overall savoriness and gives the orzo something delicious to absorb.
Milk: Creates a creamy, silky sauce while keeping the skillet comforting.
Shredded cheddar cheese: The oozy, melty crown jewel—use sharp cheddar for maximum flavor.
Paprika: Adds color and a hint of smokiness for extra dimension.
Salt: Enhances every ingredient—season to taste.
Black pepper: A classic kick of warmth and depth.
Chopped pickles & green onions (optional): Bright garnishes that cut through the richness and mimic burger toppings.

How to Make One-Pot Cheeseburger Orzo Skillet

Step 1: Brown the Beef

Start by heating a glug of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add your ground beef and let it sizzle, breaking it up into small crumbles as it cooks. After about five to six minutes, you’ll see it turning golden and wonderfully fragrant—just what you want for big flavor. If there’s any excess grease, carefully drain it off so your One-Pot Cheeseburger Orzo Skillet isn’t oily.

Step 2: Sauté Onion & Garlic

Once the beef is looking perfect, stir in your diced onion. Let it sauté for a couple minutes until it softens—the kitchen will be smelling amazing by now! Next, add in the minced garlic and cook for just a minute more, stirring frequently to keep it from burning. These aromatics give your skillet dinner that irresistible, homey vibe.

Step 3: Layer in Flavors

Time to ramp up the cheeseburger flavor! Stir in tomato paste, yellow mustard, paprika, salt, and pepper. Watch as the tomato paste gives everything a rich color, while the mustard adds that essential cheeseburger tang. This is the big moment where everything starts tasting like your favorite burger in pasta form.

Step 4: Add the Orzo & Liquids

Pour in your dry orzo and toss to coat it well in all those luscious, beefy juices. Next, add your beef broth and milk, giving everything a good stir. The broth makes the orzo ultra-flavorful while the milk creates a creamy sauce. Bring it to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to a low simmer. Cover and cook for 10 to 12 minutes—peek and stir every so often until the orzo is perfectly tender and most of the liquid has absorbed.

Step 5: Finish with Cheese

Remove the skillet from the heat and immediately add the shredded cheddar. Stir thoroughly until the cheese has melted right into the pasta and beef, transforming everything into a creamy, rich, and totally irresistible One-Pot Cheeseburger Orzo Skillet. Now’s the time to taste and add extra seasoning if needed.

Step 6: Garnish & Serve

Top each serving with a scattering of chopped pickles and green onions if you want to really channel the full cheeseburger experience. Serve hot and dig in!

How to Serve One-Pot Cheeseburger Orzo Skillet

Garnishes

Classic cheeseburger toppings make this skillet irresistible! Try sprinkling chopped dill pickles, sliced green onions, or even a handful of diced tomatoes on top just before serving. A little drizzle of your favorite burger sauce or a dash of hot sauce gives an extra punch too.

Side Dishes

Keep things simple and family-friendly: a crisp green salad, roasted broccoli, or baked sweet potato fries all pair beautifully with the richness of the One-Pot Cheeseburger Orzo Skillet. For a true diner feel, serve it with kettle chips or even a quick coleslaw!

Creative Ways to Present

Spoon the skillet into shallow bowls for old-school comfort, or serve in individual ramekins topped with extra cheddar and a quick broil for crispy edges. For parties, offer it as a filling alongside slider buns so guests can build their own “cheeseburger orzo” sandwiches. If you have leftovers, repurpose them as taco or stuffed pepper filling the next day!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Transfer any extra One-Pot Cheeseburger Orzo Skillet to an airtight container and pop it in the refrigerator. It’ll keep well for up to four days, and the flavors continue to meld, making those leftovers extra delicious! Be sure to let the skillet cool slightly before refrigerating to avoid condensation.

Freezing

Yes, you can freeze this dish! Simply scoop portions into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to two months. For best results, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating; this helps preserve the creamy texture of the sauce and keeps the orzo from becoming mushy.

Reheating

To reheat, warm individual portions in the microwave or the entire batch in a covered skillet over low heat. Add a splash of milk or broth if the pasta looks a little dry—this brings everything back to that just-cooked, creamy state. Stir gently as it heats so the cheese melts evenly.

FAQs

Can I use a different type Main Course

Absolutely! While orzo is perfect for soaking up the sauce, you can try small shapes like ditalini or small shells. Just keep in mind cooking times might need a slight adjustment based on the pasta you choose.

Is there a way to lighten up the dish?

Of course! Try swapping ground turkey or chicken for the beef, and use reduced-fat cheddar or part-skim milk. The result is still a crowd-pleaser but a bit lighter on the waistline.

Can I make One-Pot Cheeseburger Orzo Skillet vegetarian?

Definitely. Replace the ground beef with a plant-based meat alternative, or go for finely chopped mushrooms for a meaty feel. Swap the beef broth for vegetable broth and you’ll still get all that marvelous flavor.

Why does my orzo stick to the skillet?

Orzo releases starch as it cooks, which can cause sticking. Make sure to stir every few minutes while simmering, and don’t forget the olive oil right at the start—it helps prevent sticking, too.

What’s the best way to add extra veggies?

Toss in diced bell peppers, shredded carrots, or even a handful of baby spinach when you add the onion or right before covering. They’ll meld seamlessly into the dish for a nutrient boost and vibrant pops of color.

Final Thoughts

Few meals promise pure comfort and craveable flavor like One-Pot Cheeseburger Orzo Skillet. It’s ultra-satisfying, ridiculously easy, and always a total hit—even on your busiest weeknights. Give it a try and watch your dinner table light up with smiles!

One-Pot Cheeseburger Orzo Skillet Recipe

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4.9 from 16 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This One-Pot Cheeseburger Orzo Skillet is a comforting and cheesy dish that’s perfect for a quick and easy weeknight dinner. With all the flavors of a classic cheeseburger, this creamy orzo skillet is a family favorite.

Ingredients

Scale

Ingredients:

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 lb ground beef
1 small onion (diced)
2 cloves garlic (minced)
1 cup orzo pasta (uncooked)
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 tablespoon yellow mustard
2 cups beef broth
1/2 cup milk
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Chopped pickles and green onions for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

Heat the olive oil: In a large skillet over medium heat, heat the olive oil. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon, about 5–6 minutes.
Cook the onions and garlic: Drain excess grease if needed. Add the diced onion and cook for 2–3 minutes until softened. Stir in the garlic, tomato paste, mustard, paprika, salt, and pepper.
Add orzo and liquids: Add the orzo and stir to coat. Pour in the beef broth and milk, bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer. Cover and cook for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
Finish the dish: Remove from heat and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and creamy. Top with chopped pickles and green onions if desired. Serve hot.