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A steaming bowl of One-Pot Cheesy Orzo topped with melted cheese and fresh herbs, served in a rustic ceramic bowl.

One-Pot Cheesy Orzo: Your Ultimate Weeknight Dinner

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Experience the ultimate weeknight dinner with this quick and cheesy One-Pot Cheesy Orzo recipe. Packed with flavorful ground beef, tender orzo pasta, and creamy cheese, this dish is perfect for busy nights. Easy to make in a single skillet, it offers a comforting, hearty, and satisfying meal your family will love. Whether you call it Cheeseburger Orzo Skillet or easy orzo dinner, this recipe delivers deliciousness with minimal cleanup.

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound ground beef or ground turkey
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 ½ cups uncooked orzo pasta
  • 2 cups beef or chicken broth
  • 1 cup milk or heavy cream
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Optional toppings: chopped green onions, pickles, or sliced tomatoes

Instructions

  1. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart. Drain excess fat if necessary. Add diced onions and cook until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
  2. Stir in minced garlic and paprika. Cook for another minute until fragrant. Season with salt and pepper.
  3. Add uncooked orzo to the skillet, stirring to coat. Pour in broth and milk, stirring well. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and cover.
  4. Simmer for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until orzo is tender and most liquid is absorbed.
  5. Remove from heat and stir in shredded cheddar cheese until melted and creamy. Adjust seasoning if needed.

Notes

  • For extra flavor, top with cooked bacon bits or a fried egg.
  • Use gluten-free orzo if necessary, made from rice or corn.
  • Reheat leftovers gently on stove or microwave, adding a splash of milk or broth to restore creaminess.
  • Author: Emma Bloomfield
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: High-Protein

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 bowl
  • Calories: 520 Kcal
  • Sugar: 4g
  • Sodium: 900mg
  • Fat: 26g
  • Saturated Fat: 12g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 48g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 30g
  • Cholesterol: 100mg