One-Pot Cheeseburger Orzo Skillet

Craving the flavors of a juicy cheeseburger but want something easier and cozier? This One-Pot Cheeseburger Orzo Skillet has all the cheesy, beefy goodness you love, cooked in a single pan with tender orzo pasta. It’s a creamy, comforting dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights and picky eaters alike—no buns required!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
One-Pot Wonder – Minimal cleanup and maximum flavor.
Classic Cheeseburger Taste – Loaded with beef, cheese, ketchup, mustard, and pickles.
Quick & Cozy – Ready in just 30 minutes with pantry staples.
Kid-Friendly – A fun, family-approved twist on burgers and pasta.
Customizable – Add your favorite toppings like bacon, tomatoes, or jalapeños.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Skillet:
1 tbsp olive oil
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 lb ground beef or ground turkey
1½ cups dry orzo pasta
2 cups beef broth (or vegetable broth)
1 cup milk (dairy or unsweetened plant-based)
½ cup ketchup
1 tbsp yellow mustard
½ tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
¼ tsp smoked paprika (optional)

For the Cheese Sauce:
1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
½ cup shredded mozzarella (optional for extra meltiness)
2 tbsp cream cheese (for creaminess)

To Finish:
¼ cup diced dill pickles (or bread & butter pickles for sweetness)
Fresh chopped parsley (optional)
Extra shredded cheese for topping
Cherry tomatoes or lettuce (optional, for burger vibes)

Tools You’ll Need
Large deep skillet or sauté pan with lid
Wooden spoon or spatula
Measuring cups and spoons
Grater (for cheese, if not pre-shredded)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Aromatics & Meat

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Add chopped onion and cook for 2–3 minutes until softened.
3. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute.
4. Add ground beef or turkey, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook until browned and fully cooked—about 6–8 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.

Step 2: Add Orzo and Liquids
5. Stir in the orzo, beef broth, milk, ketchup, mustard, salt, pepper, and smoked paprika.
6. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low.
7. Cover and simmer for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.

Step 3: Stir in the Cheese
8. Remove the skillet from heat.
9. Stir in cheddar, mozzarella, and cream cheese until melted and creamy.
10. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash more milk to loosen it.

Step 4: Finish & Serve
11. Stir in diced pickles for that true cheeseburger flavor.
12. Sprinkle with fresh parsley or extra cheese if desired.
13. Serve hot—optionally topped with sliced cherry tomatoes or shredded lettuce.

Tips for Perfect Cheeseburger Orzo
Don’t Overcook Orzo – Stir regularly to prevent sticking and mushiness.
Add Toppings – Think chopped bacon, grilled onions, or even jalapeños.
Balance the Flavor – Adjust ketchup or mustard to your taste.
Use Freshly Grated Cheese – It melts better and tastes richer.

Serving Suggestions
With a Side Salad – A crisp green salad balances the richness.
Garlic Bread – Because you can never have too many carbs.
Steamed Veggies – Broccoli or green beans are great, simple sides.
Pickle Spears – For extra tang and crunch on the side.

How to Store & Reheat

Storing:
Refrigerate: Keep in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freeze: Freeze portions for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge.

Reheating:
Stovetop: Reheat with a splash of milk or broth to restore creaminess.
Microwave: Warm in 1-minute intervals, stirring between, until hot.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use another pasta?
   Yes! Small pasta shapes like elbows or ditalini work, but you may need to adjust liquid and cooking time.
2. Can I make this vegetarian?
   Absolutely. Use meatless ground crumbles and veggie broth.
3. Is it spicy?
   Not unless you add heat. To spice it up, add hot sauce or diced jalapeños.
4. Can I use leftover cooked meat?
   Yes. Just add it after sautéing the onion and reduce cooking time slightly.

Final Thoughts

This One-Pot Cheeseburger Orzo Skillet is everything you love about a cheeseburger—melty cheese, savory meat, tangy pickles—turned into a comforting, creamy pasta dish. It’s quick, hearty, and guaranteed to become a family favorite. Make it tonight and enjoy the best of both burger and pasta worlds—without the bun!

Tried it? Share your photos and tag us online—we’d love to see your skillet creation!

Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Cuisine: American

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 470 | Protein: 28g | Carbohydrates: 35g | Fat: 24g | Fiber: 2g | Sodium: 680mg

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