Description
A hearty and comforting one-pot meal featuring savory ground beef, tender orzo pasta, and melted cheddar cheese. This cheeseburger orzo skillet is easy to prepare with simple ingredients and perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.
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 vegetables: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion and minced garlic and sauté until softened, about 3 minutes.
- Cook beef: Add ground beef to the skillet, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook until browned and no longer pink, about 6-8 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.
- Add seasonings and orzo: Stir in orzo pasta, diced tomatoes, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Simmer: Pour in beef broth and water. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
- Finish with cheese: Remove the skillet from heat and sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top. Cover again and let sit for 2-3 minutes until the cheese melts.
- Serve: Serve the skillet warm, topped with optional sliced pickles and ketchup if desired.
Notes
- Make sure to stir occasionally during simmering to prevent the orzo from sticking to the pan.
- Use sharp cheddar cheese for a more pronounced cheesy flavor.
- Optional toppings like pickles and ketchup add a classic cheeseburger touch.
- Can be prepared with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter variation.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated over low heat.
