Cheeseburger Orzo Recipe

I absolutely love sharing this Cheeseburger Orzo Recipe because it takes two of my favorite comfort foods-cheeseburgers and pasta-and combines them into one creamy, satisfying dish. The moment you take that first bite, you ll realize how perfectly the savory ground beef, melty cheeses, and tender orzo come together to mimic that classic cheeseburger flavor, but in a whole new and delicious way.

This recipe is a total game changer for busy weeknights when you want something hearty without fussing over multiple dishes. Plus, it s quick, easy to make, and the creamy texture means everyone around the table feels cozy and happy. I like to add a few diced pickles and tomatoes on top, giving it that familiar burger vibe, making it a total crowd-pleaser every time.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients work beautifully together to recreate that classic cheeseburger taste in a creamy pasta dish. I always recommend grabbing high-quality ground beef and sharp cheddar to give your dish that rich, authentic bite.

• Ground Beef: Choose 80/20 for the best balance of flavor and juiciness.
• Yellow Onion: Finely diced, it adds mild sweetness and depth without overpowering.
• Hamburger Seasoning: A quick seasoning blend that brings all the burger flavors together.
• Minced Garlic: Fresh garlic boosts savory undertones-don t skip it!
• Orzo Pasta: This tiny pasta cooks quickly and holds all those delicious flavors.
• Beef Broth: Adds rich savoriness and helps cook the orzo perfectly.
• Heavy Cream: Creaminess is essential for that indulgent cheeseburger feel.
• Worcestershire Sauce: Just a splash adds that umami punch, reminiscent of diner burgers.
• Cheddar Cheese: Sharp and flavorful, it melts beautifully into the sauce.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Gives extra gooeyness and creamy texture.
• Salt and Pepper: Simple but crucial for balancing all flavors.
• Pickles and Tomatoes (Optional): Fresh garnish to brighten the dish and mimic those classic burger toppings.

Variations

I ve had so much fun tweaking this Cheeseburger Orzo Recipe depending on what s in my fridge or what my family s craving. Feel free to make it your own – it s super forgiving and always delicious.

• Add Veggies: I sometimes toss in diced bell peppers or mushrooms to sneak in some extra nutrients while keeping it comforting.
• Make it Spicy: A dash of smoked paprika or hot sauce kicks up the heat if you like a little zing.
• Swap Cheeses: Try pepper jack for a spicy twist or gouda for a smokier flavor; both melt well and keep it creamy.
• Make it Vegetarian: Use plant-based beef crumbles and veggie broth to keep the flavor without meat.

How to Make Cheeseburger Orzo Recipe

Step 1: Brown the Beef and Sauté Onions

Start by heating a large saucepan over medium heat and adding your ground beef, diced onions, and hamburger seasoning. Break the meat up with your spoon as you cook it until the beef is nicely browned and the onions turn translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Don t rush this part – browning adds so much flavor! If there s excess grease, drain it off to keep the dish from being too oily.

Step 2: Add Garlic and Orzo

Next, stir in your minced garlic and cook it just until fragrant, about 1 minute-watch out because garlic burns easily. Then pour in the uncooked orzo, beef broth, heavy cream, and Worcestershire sauce. Give it a good stir to combine everything well.

Step 3: Simmer Until Orzo is Tender

Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover the pan. Simmer gently, stirring frequently, until the orzo is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed-this usually takes about 10-12 minutes. Stirring often is important here to prevent the pasta from sticking to the bottom or clumping together.

Step 4: Mix in the Cheeses and Season

Remove the pan from the heat and immediately stir in the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese until they melt smoothly into the creamy mixture. Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed. This step is where the dish truly feels indulgent, so don t be shy with the cheese!

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Serve your cheeseburger orzo hot, topped with your favorite diced pickles and tomatoes if you like. Those fresh toppings add that signature cheeseburger crunch and acidity that make the dish pop. Trust me, you ll want to have pickles on hand-they re a total game changer!

How to Serve Cheeseburger Orzo Recipe

Garnishes

I usually top mine with diced pickles and fresh tomatoes because that s exactly what I reach for when eating a cheeseburger! Sometimes I add a bit of chopped green onion or even a drizzle of ketchup for nostalgia s sake. These garnishes lift the richness of the dish and add brightness that brings everything full circle.

Side Dishes

To keep the meal simple and balanced, I often serve this orzo with a crisp green salad or some roasted veggies like broccoli or asparagus. A side of sweet potato fries can also bring that classic burger-and-fries feel without extra effort. You ll enjoy how the creamy orzo pairs with something fresh or crunchy on the side.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I ve served this Cheeseburger Orzo Recipe in mini cast iron skillets right at the table, adding a sprinkle of extra shredded cheese on top and broiling for a minute for a bubbly crust. It s a fun way to impress guests but still stay super casual and cozy.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I like to store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge, where it keeps well for 3-4 days. Because it s just one pot, reheating is simple and quick-plus, it tastes great even as leftovers!

Freezing

Freezing cheeseburger orzo works okay, but I find the creamy texture changes slightly after thawing. If you want to freeze, cool it completely and place in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently on the stove, adding a splash of broth or cream to bring back creaminess.

Reheating

When reheating, I warm it slowly over low heat on the stove, stirring often to prevent sticking. Adding a touch of beef broth or cream helps restore that luscious texture. Avoid microwaving too long without stirring, or it can dry out. This way, it feels almost as fresh as when you first made it.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Cheeseburger Orzo Recipe is one of those dishes that instantly feels like a warm hug after a long day. I love how it brings simple ingredients together into something comforting but a little unexpected. If you re craving cheeseburger flavors but want a quicker, fuss-free dinner, this recipe will totally become a favorite in your rotation-just like it has in mine. Give it a try and see how easy it is to elevate weeknight dinners with this cheesy, creamy twist!

Cheeseburger Orzo Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.5 from 63 reviews

• Author: Megane
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

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Description

This Cheeseburger Orzo is a comforting and creamy one-pot dish that combines the flavors of a classic cheeseburger with tender orzo pasta. Ground beef is sautéed with onions and seasoned perfectly before simmering with orzo in a rich beef broth and heavy cream mixture. Finished with melted cheddar and mozzarella cheeses and garnished with pickles and tomatoes, this easy stovetop recipe is perfect for a quick and satisfying weeknight meal.

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Ingredients

Units USM Scale 1x2x3x

Meat and Vegetables

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 small yellow onion, finely diced
• 1 teaspoon minced garlic
• Pickles, diced (optional for garnish)
• Tomatoes, diced (optional for garnish)

Seasonings and Sauces

• 1 tablespoon hamburger seasoning
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Pasta and Dairy

• 1 cup (136 g) orzo pasta, uncooked
• 2 cups (480 g) beef broth
• 1 cup (238 g) heavy cream
• 1/2 cup (57 g) sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1/2 cup (57 g) mozzarella cheese, shredded

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Instructions

1. Cook the Ground Beef and Onions: Heat a large saucepan over medium heat and add the ground beef, finely diced onion, and hamburger seasoning. Stir and break up the meat with a spoon as it cooks, browning it completely, which should take about 5 to 7 minutes. Drain any excess grease if needed.
2. Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant to enhance the dish’s flavor.
3. Simmer with Orzo and Liquids: Add the uncooked orzo pasta, beef broth, heavy cream, and Worcestershire sauce to the pan. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cover the pan and cook, stirring frequently, until the orzo is tender and the liquid is mostly absorbed, approximately 10 to 12 minutes.
4. Incorporate Cheese: Remove the pan from heat. Stir in the shredded sharp cheddar and mozzarella cheeses until fully melted and well combined, creating a rich and creamy texture.
5. Season and Serve: Taste and season with salt and pepper as desired. Serve the Cheeseburger Orzo hot, topped with optional diced pickles and tomatoes for a fresh garnish that echoes classic cheeseburger flavors.

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Notes

• You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
• For a lower-fat version, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream and reduced-fat cheese.
• If you prefer a spicier dish, add a pinch of red pepper flakes with the garlic.
• Ensure you stir the orzo often while cooking to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pan.
• Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop or microwave.

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Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving (about 1/4 of recipe)
• Calories: 520 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 680 mg
• Fat: 34 g
• Saturated Fat: 15 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 32 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 28 g
• Cholesterol: 95 mg