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.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
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
Instructions
- 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.
- Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant to enhance the dish’s flavor.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
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.
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
