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To make your Cheeseburger Orzo Skillet, gather these simple ingredients: - 1 cup orzo pasta - 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey) - 1 medium onion, finely chopped - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 cup beef broth - 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese - 1/2 cup diced pickles - 1 tablespoon ketchup - 1 tablespoon mustard - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - Salt and pepper to taste - 2 tablespoons olive oil - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) If you want to switch things up, try these substitutions: - Use ground turkey instead of ground beef for a leaner option. - Swap beef broth for vegetable broth if you're looking for a lighter flavor. - Replace cheddar cheese with Swiss or pepper jack for a different taste. You can boost flavor and nutrition with these add-ins: - Bell peppers add color and crunch. - Spinach or kale offers extra greens and vitamins. - A pinch of chili flakes can give it a nice kick. - Try adding mushrooms for an earthy touch. These choices let you make this dish your own while keeping it quick and tasty! {{ingredient_image_1}} Start by boiling water in a medium saucepan. Make sure to add a pinch of salt. Once it boils, pour in 1 cup of orzo pasta. Cook it according to the package directions until it's al dente. This usually takes about 8 to 10 minutes. When done, drain the orzo and set it aside. In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add 1 finely chopped onion and let it cook for about 3 to 4 minutes. The onion should turn soft and clear. Next, add 2 cloves of minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute. Then, raise the heat to medium-high. Add in 1 pound of ground beef or ground turkey. Season it with salt, pepper, and 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika. Cook this mixture for about 5 to 7 minutes. Make sure to break up the meat as it cooks. Once the meat is brown, it’s time to mix in the other flavors. Stir in 1 cup of beef broth, 1 tablespoon of ketchup, and 1 tablespoon of mustard. Then add the cooked orzo. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for 2 to 3 minutes. This helps the flavors blend together nicely. Remove the skillet from the heat. Now it’s time for the best part! Fold in 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese and 1/2 cup of diced pickles. Stir until the cheese is melted and everything is well combined. Taste the dish and add more salt and pepper if needed. For a fresh touch, sprinkle some chopped parsley on top before serving. To cook orzo just right, start with salted boiling water. Add the orzo and stir to prevent sticking. Follow the package time for cooking. Check for doneness a minute early. You want it al dente, not mushy. This gives your dish a great texture. Cheddar cheese is the star in this dish. It melts well and adds a nice bite. You can also try Monterey Jack for a milder taste. If you want a tangy twist, use pepper jack. Mixing cheeses can create a rich flavor profile. Add herbs like fresh parsley for brightness. Chopped chives or green onions work well too. For a kick, try red pepper flakes or chili powder. Smoked paprika adds depth and warmth. Don't be shy with seasonings; they elevate your dish. Pro Tips Cook Orzo to Al Dente: Make sure to cook the orzo until it's al dente for the best texture. It will continue to absorb liquid and soften after being added to the skillet. Choose Quality Meat: Use a good quality ground beef or turkey for richer flavor. Grass-fed beef can add a depth of taste to your dish. Customize Your Cheese: While cheddar is classic, feel free to experiment with other cheeses like Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack for a spicy kick! Garnish for Freshness: Don’t skip the fresh parsley garnish. It adds a pop of color and a fresh flavor that brightens the dish. {{image_2}} You can easily make this dish vegetarian. Just swap the ground beef for plant-based meat. Many brands taste great and work well in this recipe. Look for options made from soy or pea protein. They will soak up all the flavors just like meat. You will enjoy the same cheesy goodness without the meat. Boost nutrition by adding extra veggies. Bell peppers, spinach, or zucchini work well here. Chop them up and add them when cooking the onions. This way, they will soften and mix nicely. You can also toss in some frozen peas at the end. They are easy and add a pop of color and sweetness. If you like heat, try a spicy version. Add diced jalapeños when cooking the onions. You can also stir in some hot sauce while combining the ingredients. Adjust the amount based on your taste. This will give your dish a fiery kick. Don’t forget to keep some extra cheese to cool it down. After enjoying your Cheeseburger Orzo Skillet, let any leftovers cool. Place them in an airtight container. Store in the fridge for up to three days. Make sure to label the container with the date. This will help you keep track of freshness. To reheat, pour the leftovers into a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of beef broth or water to keep it moist. Stir it gently until heated through. You can also use a microwave. Place it in a microwave-safe bowl, cover it, and heat for 1-2 minutes. Stir halfway for even heating. You can freeze the Cheeseburger Orzo Skillet. Allow it to cool completely before freezing. Place it in a freezer-safe container or a resealable bag. Make sure to remove as much air as possible. It can last up to three months in the freezer. To serve later, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Then reheat as mentioned before for best results. Yes, you can use other types of pasta. Small shapes like ditalini or shells work well. Just remember that cooking times may change. Check the package for cooking times. You want the pasta to be al dente, just like orzo. This way, it won't become mushy in the skillet. The Cheeseburger Orzo Skillet lasts about three to four days in the fridge. Make sure to store it in an airtight container. This keeps it fresh and tasty. Before serving, reheat it in the microwave or on the stove. Add a splash of broth if it seems dry. Yes, you can make this dish ahead of time. Cook it, then cool it down quickly. Store it in the fridge for up to three days. When you're ready to eat, just reheat it until hot. This is perfect for busy nights when you need a quick meal. This blog post covered essential ingredients for a Cheeseburger Orzo Skillet. You learned how to prepare the orzo, cook the beef and onions, and melt the cheese. I shared tips for perfectly cooked orzo and ways to enhance flavor. We also discussed fun variations like vegetarian options or spicy twists. In closing, this dish is adaptable and easy to store. You can enjoy it now or later. Enjoy cooking and experimenting with your own versions!

Cheeseburger Orzo Skillet

A delicious one-pan meal combining orzo pasta with ground beef, cheese, and classic cheeseburger flavors.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 450 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup orzo pasta
  • 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey)
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup beef broth
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 0.5 cup diced pickles
  • 1 tablespoon ketchup
  • 1 tablespoon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • for garnish fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions
 

  • In a medium saucepan, bring salted water to a boil. Add the orzo and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  • In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
  • Increase the heat to medium-high and add the ground beef (or turkey) to the skillet. Season with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. Cook until browned and cooked through, breaking it up with a spatula, about 5-7 minutes.
  • Stir in the beef broth, ketchup, mustard, and cooked orzo into the skillet. Bring to a simmer and let it cook for 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
  • Remove the skillet from heat, and fold in the shredded cheddar cheese and diced pickles until cheese is melted and everything is well combined.
  • Season with additional salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.

Notes

Feel free to substitute ground turkey for a lighter option.
Keyword cheeseburger, one-pan meal, orzo, pasta, skillet