One-Pot Cheeseburger Orzo Skillet

Trust me, you’re going to fall hard for this one. Imagine everything you love about a juicy cheeseburger—savory ground beef, melty cheese, hints of ketchup and mustard goodness—all tucked into creamy, tender orzo. It’s hearty, it’s cozy, and it’s a one-pan wonder, which means less cleanup and more couch time. This dish wraps you in the same kind of comfort as biting into your favorite burger, but with the creamy richness of pasta. Weeknight dinners just got a major glow-up, my friend.

Whether you’re feeding hungry kids, cooking with a glass of wine in hand, or trying to impress someone with your low-effort high-reward dinner game, this one’s a game-changer.

Why You’ll Love One-Pot Melty Cheeseburger Orzo Supper Skillet

Versatile: Works just as well for a chill solo night as it does for feeding a crowd—it’s got serious main character energy.

Budget-Friendly: All basic, easy-to-find ingredients that don’t break the bank. Pantry staples for the win!

Quick and Easy: 30 minutes from stovetop to table. No tricky steps, no stress.

Customizable: Add pickles, switch up the cheese, or toss in some sautéed mushrooms—make it your own.

Crowd-Pleasing: Everyone—from picky eaters to grown-up foodies—will want seconds.

Ingredients in One-Pot Melty Cheeseburger Orzo Supper Skillet

Ground Beef

The heart of this dish—rich, savory, and satisfying. Opt for lean beef to keep things balanced, or go for a higher-fat version for extra flavor.

Yellow Onion

A must for that classic cheeseburger flavor. When softened and slightly caramelized, it brings sweet, savory depth.

Garlic

A couple of cloves make everything better—this gives the dish that irresistible aroma and subtle warmth.

Tomato Paste

Adds richness and that tangy, umami-packed base that ties the whole “cheeseburger” vibe together.

Dijon Mustard + Ketchup

Yes, we’re leaning into burger territory here. These two bring just the right balance of zing and sweetness.

Beef Broth

Flavors the orzo from the inside out as it simmers—hello, deep, savory notes!

Orzo Pasta

Small but mighty. It soaks up all the juices and flavors, becoming tender, creamy, and oh-so-satisfying.

Cheddar Cheese

Melty, gooey, and absolutely essential. Go sharp for more flavor or mild for a smoother, creamier finish.

Heavy Cream

Just a splash creates a dreamy, velvety sauce that pulls the whole skillet together.

Salt, Pepper, and Smoked Paprika

The seasoning trio that rounds everything out with a smoky, slightly spicy kick.

Optional Toppings

Pickles, shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, or even a squiggle of extra ketchup—get playful!

Instructions

Brown the Beef

In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned and no longer pink. Break it apart as it cooks for even browning.

Sauté the Aromatics

Add the chopped onion and garlic to the pan with the beef. Sauté until the onion becomes soft and translucent—your kitchen will smell amazing.

Add Flavor Base

Stir in the tomato paste, Dijon mustard, and ketchup. Let it cook for a minute or two to deepen the flavors.

Pour in the Broth and Orzo

Add the beef broth and dry orzo. Stir well to combine, making sure the pasta is submerged.

Simmer It Down

Bring everything to a gentle simmer. Cover and cook, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed.

Stir in the Cream and Cheese

Once the orzo is cooked, stir in the heavy cream and cheddar cheese until everything is luscious and melty.

Season to Taste

Give it a taste and adjust with salt, pepper, or smoked paprika as needed.

Serve with Toppings

Dish it up hot and add your favorite burger-inspired toppings—don’t skip the pickles if you’re feeling bold!

How to Serve One-Pot Melty Cheeseburger Orzo Supper Skillet

Crusty Bread: Perfect for soaking up all that creamy sauce. Garlic bread? Yes, please.

Fresh Greens: Balance the richness with a light arugula salad or a crunchy slaw.

Pickle Bar: Let everyone top their bowls with diced pickles, jalapeños, or red onion slices for burger vibes.

Kid-Friendly Style: Skip spicy toppings and serve with a sprinkle of extra cheese—instant winner.

Potluck-Ready: Transfer to a casserole dish, top with more cheese, and pop under the broiler for a bubbly, golden finish.

Additional Tips

Prep in Advance: Chop your onion and garlic ahead of time for faster weeknight cooking.

Swap the Meat: Ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based crumbles work great.

Add Veggies: Stir in spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers for a nutritious twist.

Cheese Choices: Cheddar is classic, but feel free to experiment with mozzarella, gouda, or even pepper jack.

Make it Spicy: A dash of hot sauce or pinch of red pepper flakes adds a little kick.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use a different pasta instead of orzo?
A1: Sure! Small pasta shapes like ditalini or small shells work, but adjust cooking time accordingly.

Q2: Is there a dairy-free option?
A2: Yes, use dairy-free cream and cheese alternatives. Coconut cream adds richness, and vegan cheddar works beautifully.

Q3: Can I prep this ahead of time?
A3: Absolutely! Make it a day ahead and reheat gently on the stove with a splash of broth or water.

Q4: What’s the best cheese for extra flavor?
A4: Sharp cheddar is bold and classic, but smoked gouda or pepper jack bring a fun twist.

Q5: How long will leftovers last?
A5: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Q6: Can I freeze it?
A6: Yep! Let it cool, portion it into freezer-safe containers, and freeze for up to 2 months.

Q7: What’s the best pan to use?
A7: A deep, non-stick skillet with a lid is ideal for even cooking and easy cleanup.

Q8: Can I double the recipe?
A8: You bet! Just use a larger pot and give the orzo a few extra minutes to cook evenly.

Q9: What kind of broth works best?
A9: Beef broth adds the most flavor, but chicken or veggie broth will work in a pinch.

Q10: How do I keep the cheese from clumping?
A10: Stir it in off the heat, and shred your own cheese—it melts more smoothly than pre-shredded.

Conclusion

And there you have it—your new favorite skillet dinner. This One-Pot Melty Cheeseburger Orzo Supper Skillet brings together the best of two comfort food worlds in one cozy, creamy, flavor-packed pan. It’s weeknight-friendly, endlessly customizable, and just plain fun to eat. So grab your favorite skillet, get those ingredients sizzling, and treat yourself to a dinner that’s anything but ordinary. You’ve totally got this!

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