Name: Cheesy Cheeseburger Orzo Skillet
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Ingredients: 1 pound Ground beef (80/20) (raw); 1.5 cups Orzo pasta (dry); 2 cups Shredded cheddar cheese (divided, shredded and cold); 1 cup Heavy whipping cream (room temperature); 8 ounces Tomato sauce (room temperature); 1 tablespoon Dill relish (jarred); 1 teaspoon Yellow mustard; 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce; 1/2 teaspoon Seasoned salt; 1 teaspoon Garlic powder; 1 teaspoon Onion powder; 1 tablespoon Salt for pasta water (about); Fresh cracked pepper (to taste)

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Creamy, juicy, and ridiculously comforting — this Cheesy Cheeseburger Orzo Skillet is the kind of weeknight dinner that disappears faster than you can say seconds. Imagine all the familiar flavors of a classic cheeseburger — seasoned ground beef, tangy tomato, mustard, and melty cheddar — folded into tiny, pillow-like orzo and finished with a luxuriously creamy sauce. Fun fact: orzo is actually pasta shaped like rice, which makes this dish feel cozy and familiar while staying just a little bit clever.

This recipe is special because it delivers big cheeseburger satisfaction without the fuss of buns, flipping burgers, or a pile of side dishes. It’s simple to prepare, comes together quickly, and is family-friendly enough to please picky eaters and grown-up palates alike. If you enjoy one-pot comfort meals like our One Pot Cheesy Taco Orzo Skillet, you’ll find this skillet equally comforting and a little more classic. Ready to get cooking? You’ll love how fast and satisfying this skillet is.

What is Cheesy Cheeseburger Orzo Skillet?

What’s in a name — and how did we end up calling it Cheesy Cheeseburger Orzo Skillet? Think of it as a playful mash-up: all the flavor notes of a cheeseburger served in a single skillet with tiny pasta that soaks up the sauce. Who decided to mix burgers and orzo? Maybe a hungry weeknight cook who wanted burger night without the dishes. Could it be because “the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach.”? Possibly — but honestly it wins hearts of everyone at the table. Try it and see why this cheesy, saucy skillet gets nicknames like comfort-in-a-pan. Give it a whirl and taste for yourself.

Why You’ll Love This:

Big, familiar cheeseburger flavor: Juicy seasoned beef, tangy mustard and relish, and a rich cheddar cream sauce deliver all the burger goodness in spoonable form.
Wallet-friendly and efficient: Ground beef and orzo are affordable staples that stretch well — this recipe feeds a family for less than takeout and uses minimal cookware.
Customizable toppings and texture: Add pickles, chopped tomatoes, extra cheese, or a crunchy breadcrumb topping for contrast and personality.

If you’re a fan of other skillet meals on the blog, this one hits the same cozy notes as our cheesier one-pot pasta dishes but leans more into that burger nostalgia. Make it tonight — you’ll have dinner on the table fast and earn instant praise.

How to Make:

Quick Overview

This recipe is delightfully simple: brown the beef, stir in a creamy, tangy sauce, fold in cooked orzo, top with cheese, and melt until bubbly. Prep and active cook time combined are about 30 to 40 minutes, and you’ll only need one large skillet and a pot for the orzo. The dish stands out for its creamy sauce and melty cheddar finish, with a satisfyingly rich texture and bright touches from mustard and relish.

Approximate time:

Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 20–25 minutes
Total time: 30–35 minutes

Ingredients

1 pound ground beef, 80/20 or similar, raw
1.5 cups orzo pasta, dry
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided, shredded and cold
1 cup heavy whipping cream, room temperature
8 ounces tomato sauce, (1 cup) room temperature
1 tablespoon dill relish, jarred
1 teaspoon yellow mustard
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1/2 teaspoon seasoned salt
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
Salt for pasta water (about 1 tablespoon) and fresh cracked pepper to taste

Directions

Cook the Orzo: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 1.5 cups of orzo and cook according to package directions (usually 8–10 minutes) until al dente. Drain well and set aside. Rinse briefly with hot water if you want to stop cooking quickly, but drain thoroughly.
Brown the Beef: Heat a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 pound ground beef and break it up with a spatula. Cook until browned and crumbly, about 6–8 minutes. Drain any excess grease into a heatproof container. Sprinkle the beef with 1/2 teaspoon seasoned salt, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, and 1 teaspoon onion powder; stir to coat evenly and cook 30 seconds more to toast the spices.
Make the Sauce: Reduce heat to medium. Add 1 tablespoon dill relish, 1 teaspoon yellow mustard, 8 ounces tomato sauce, 1 cup heavy whipping cream, and 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce to the skillet with the beef. Stir to combine, then add 1 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese. Gently simmer for 3–5 minutes while stirring until the cheese is melted and the sauce has thickened slightly. Taste and adjust seasoning with pepper or a pinch more seasoned salt if needed.
Combine with Orzo: Add the drained orzo to the skillet and mix well so each grain is coated with the cheesy sauce and beef. Fold gently until combined.
Finish & Serve: Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top. Place the skillet in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 5–10 minutes, or cover the skillet and cook on low heat on the stovetop until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly. Remove carefully (handle will be hot), let sit 2 minutes, then scoop onto plates and serve hot.

Cheesy Cheeseburger Orzo Skillet

What to Serve With:

A bright green salad with a simple vinaigrette to cut through the richness.
Easy roasted or steamed broccoli or green beans for added veggies.
Dill or bread-and-butter pickles on the side to echo the relish in the dish.
Oven-baked sweet potato fries or a small bowl of coleslaw for a diner-style meal.
Cold lemonade, iced tea, or a light lager for adults.

Top Tips for Perfecting:

Use 80/20 ground beef for good flavor and juiciness; drain excess fat but don’t over-drain or you’ll lose flavor.
If you prefer leaner meat, add a splash of olive oil after draining to keep the sauce rich.
For extra tang, stir in a teaspoon of pickle juice or an extra half tablespoon of dill relish.
Don’t overcook the orzo — al dente texture absorbs sauce without getting mushy.
If the sauce seems thin after combining, simmer a few minutes to reduce, or stir in a tablespoon of cream cheese for extra body.
To make it lighter, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream and reduce cheese to taste.
Avoid high heat when adding dairy — gentle simmering prevents separating or curdling.

Storing and Reheating Tips:

Refrigeration: Cool leftovers to room temperature, then store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days.
Freezing: This dish can be frozen, but texture changes slightly. Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating: Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat with a splash of milk or cream to revive creaminess, stirring until hot. You can also reheat in a 350°F oven covered for 15–20 minutes. Microwaving works for single servings—cover and heat in 1-minute bursts, stirring between each.

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of ground beef?
Yes. Ground turkey or chicken works well; you may want to add a bit more seasoning or a teaspoon of olive oil for flavor and moisture.

Is orzo gluten-free?
Standard orzo is made from wheat and is not gluten-free. Use a gluten-free orzo made from rice or corn if you need a gluten-free option.

Can I make this stovetop-only without using the oven?
Absolutely. After adding the cheese on top, cover the skillet and cook on the lowest heat until the cheese melts, about 5–8 minutes.

How can I make this spicier?
Stir in a pinch of red pepper flakes, a dash of hot sauce, or chopped jalapeño while cooking the sauce for a spicy kick.

Can I add vegetables to the skillet?
Yes—stir in peas, diced bell peppers, or corn when you add the orzo so they warm through without becoming mushy.

Can I prepare this ahead of time for a crowd?
You can brown the beef and mix the sauce ahead, then combine with freshly cooked orzo and finish in the oven just before serving.

Conclusion

This Cheesy Cheeseburger Orzo Skillet brings the nostalgic flavors of a cheeseburger into one cozy, cheesy pan — easy enough for a weeknight, hearty enough for hungry appetites, and flexible enough to customize. If you loved this, you might also enjoy exploring a similar twist on one-pot orzo with bold taco flavors at One Pot Cheesy Taco Orzo Skillet (formerly Cheeseburger Orzo). For another take with step-by-step photos and serving ideas, check out Cheeseburger Orzo One Skillet Meal – Keeping On Point. Give this skillet a try, share it with family, and savor how a simple pantry-friendly meal can become a new favorite.