Cheeseburger Orzo is seasoned ground beef cooked with orzo pasta in beef broth, then enriched with heavy cream and a blend of sharp cheddar and mozzarella cheeses. It’s a one-pot dish that is the best of both worlds–a cheeseburger and a creamy pasta dish! Then, you can add a couple of toppings like pickles and tomatoes, just like you might add to a burger. I also have a One-Pot Sausage Orzo you will want to try!
Ingredients & Substitutions
- Meat: For the classic flavor of a cheeseburger, I use ground beef, seasoned with hamburger seasoning. You could also use ground turkey, or ground chicken, or try it with plant-based alternatives.
- Orzo: Orzo is a pasta that looks like big rice grains. It’s smooth and used in things like soups and salads. You can switch it with other small pasta like macaroni or small shells. Just watch the cooking time!
- Beef Broth & Heavy Cream: These ingredients together create a rich and creamy base for the dish. You can substitute with chicken or vegetable broth for the beef broth, and half-and-half or whole milk for the heavy cream if you prefer a lighter option.
- Cheese: It’s hard to have a cheeseburger without cheese, so we can’t forget about that! I used sharp cheddar and mozzarella in this dish. However, you can certainly experiment with other kinds of cheese, too.
- Optional toppings: Diced pickles and tomatoes add freshness and a pop of flavor reminiscent of classic cheeseburgers. You can customize it with your favorite burger toppings like lettuce, onions, or bacon.
What To Serve With Cheeseburger Orzo
Here are some of my recommended options to serve with cheeseburger orzo:
- Wedge Salad
- Homemade Potato Chips or Air Fryer French Fries (sticking with the cheeseburger theme)
- Roasted Vegetables like asparagus, green beans, or roasted carrots
- More toppings like cooked bacon, jalapeno peppers, sour cream, avocado, and hot sauce (Then, everyone can customize their plate of cheeseburger orzo, just like a burger.)
Can I Make This Dish Ahead Of Time?
Sure! You can get the cheeseburger orzo prepared in advance. Then, it’s ready to heat up and serve when you are. Once the dish has been made, let it cool to room temperature. Keep it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for one or two days. When ready to serve, reheat the stored cheeseburger orzo in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through. You may need to add a splash of broth or water to prevent it from drying out.
Storing & Reheating Cheeseburger Orzo
To store cheeseburger orzo, first, let it cool to room temperature. Next, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will last up to 3-4 days. When ready to eat, reheat the stored cheeseburger orzo in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through. You may need to add a splash of broth or water to prevent it from drying out. This dish can also be frozen for up to a couple of months. But, freezing it may slightly change the texture of the orzo and cheese sauce.
Cheeseburger Orzo
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small yellow onion, finely diced
- 1 tablespoon hamburger seasoning
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 1 cup (136 g) orzo pasta, uncooked
- 2 cups (480 g) beef broth
- 1 cup (238 g) heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- ½ cup (57 g) sharp cheddar cheese shredded
- ½ cup (57 g) mozzarella cheese shredded
- salt and pepper, to taste
- pickles, diced (optional for garnish)
- tomatoes, diced (optional for garnish)
Instructions
- To a large saucepan over medium heat, add the ground beef, onion, and hamburger seasoning. Cook, breaking up the meat with a spoon, until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Discard excess grease if necessary.
- Add minced garlic and cook for another 1 minute.
- Stir in the uncooked orzo, beef broth, heavy cream, and Worcestershire sauce. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cover the pan and cook, stirring often, until the orzo is tender, about 10-12 minutes.
- Remove the pan from heat. Stir in the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese until melted and fully incorporated.
- Season to taste with salt and pepper.
- Serve hot, topped with diced pickles and tomatoes for garnish.
Did you make this recipe?
You can tag me at @iamhomesteader.
What the Test Kitchen had to say about this recipe:
Autumn
The cheeseburger orzo is a delightful twist on a classic dish. The combination of ground beef, creamy sauce, and cheesy orzo is simply irresistible!
Elizabeth
I love a good cheeseburger, so I knew I would love this dish. And, I wasn't wrong! I will be making this dish on repeat!
Bella
Yum!
Selena
This dish is a hearty and satisfying meal that's perfect for busy weeknights. And it's so easy to make.
Awsom recipe, I will be making this again. My hubs even had seconds, and even had it for breakfast with poached eggs on top, like hash. Thanks for this recipe.