WHAT’S A CHEEZE BURGER ORZO SKILLET?

The Cheeze Burger Orzo Skillet is a delightful fusion of two classic comfort foods: the cheeseburger and creamy orzo pasta. This dish takes all the beloved flavors of a cheeseburger—juicy beef, melted cheese, tangy pickles, and savory seasonings—and combines them with tender orzo pasta in a single skillet. The result is a hearty, satisfying meal that is perfect for a cozy dinner or a family gathering. The “one pot” aspect makes it even more appealing, as it minimizes cleanup and simplifies the cooking process.

VARIATIONS IN THIS RECIPE

The beauty of the Cheeze Burger Orzo Skillet is its versatility. While the classic version is delicious, there are numerous ways to customize it to suit your taste preferences or dietary needs. Here are a few variations you might consider:

1. Protein Variations: While the traditional recipe uses ground beef, you can substitute with ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based meat alternatives for a healthier twist.
2. Cheese Options: Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese. Cheddar, mozzarella, or pepper jack can add unique flavors and levels of creaminess.
3. Vegetarian Option: For a vegetarian version, replace the ground beef with mushrooms or a meat substitute like Beyond Meat or Impossible Burger.
4. Vegetable Additions: Add vegetables like bell peppers, onions, or spinach to boost the nutritional value and add more flavor and texture.
5. Spice It Up: If you like a bit of heat, consider adding diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the mix.
6. Serving Style: While the skillet is perfect for serving directly from the pan, you can also transfer the mixture to a baking dish, top with extra cheese, and broil until bubbly for a baked cheeseburger pasta.

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INGREDIENTS

For the Cheeze Burger Orzo Skillet:

• 1 lb (450g) ground beef
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup orzo pasta
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1 cup water
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or your preferred cheese)
• 1/4 cup ketchup
• 2 tablespoons mustard
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/4 cup chopped pickles (optional)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish (optional)

For the Toppings (optional):

• Sliced pickles
• Sliced tomatoes
• Shredded lettuce
• Additional cheese

Instructions

Prep Everything:

1. Prepare the Ingredients: Begin by dicing the onion, mincing the garlic, and shredding the cheese. If you’re using any additional vegetables, prepare them now.
2. Measure the Liquids: In a bowl, combine the beef broth, water, ketchup, mustard, and Worcestershire sauce. This will be your liquid mixture.

Cook the Beef:

1. Heat the Skillet: Place a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the olive oil.
2. Brown the Beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it up with a spatula as it cooks. Cook until the beef is browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
3. Drain Excess Fat: If there is excess fat in the skillet, drain it off, leaving about 1-2 tablespoons for cooking the onions and garlic.

Sauté the Aromatics:

1. Add the Onions and Garlic: Add the diced onion to the skillet and sauté until translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Then add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute.
2. Season the Mixture: Add the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Stir to combine and coat the beef and onions with the seasonings.

Combine and Simmer:

1. Add the Orzo: Stir in the orzo pasta, ensuring it is well coated with the beef and onion mixture.
2. Pour in the Liquid: Add the liquid mixture to the skillet, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a boil.
3. Simmer: Reduce the heat to medium-low and cover the skillet with a lid. Let the mixture simmer for about 10-12 minutes, or until the orzo is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.

Add the Cheese and Finish:

1. Stir in the Cheese: Once the orzo is cooked, remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the shredded cheese. The residual heat will melt the cheese and create a creamy sauce.
2. Add Pickles: If you’re using pickles, stir them into the mixture. This will add a tangy flavor that complements the cheeseburger theme.

Serve:

1. Garnish: Serve the Cheeze Burger Orzo Skillet hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired. You can also add additional toppings like sliced pickles, tomatoes, lettuce, or extra cheese.
2. Enjoy: Serve directly from the skillet for a rustic presentation, or transfer to a serving dish if preferred.

TIPS & NOTES

• Make Ahead: While this dish is best served fresh, you can prepare the beef and orzo mixture ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, reheat the mixture in a skillet, add the cheese, and proceed with the recipe.
• Leftovers: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of broth or water if needed to restore the creamy texture.
• Customization: Feel free to adjust the seasonings and ingredients to suit your taste. For example, you can add more mustard or ketchup for a stronger cheeseburger flavor, or experiment with different types of cheese.
• One Pot Wonder: The beauty of this dish is that it all comes together in one pot, making it a convenient and easy meal to prepare. Just be sure to keep an eye on the orzo as it cooks to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the skillet.

The One Pot Cheeze Burger Orzo Skillet is a comforting and satisfying dish that combines the best elements of a cheeseburger with the creamy goodness of orzo pasta. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a dish to impress your guests, this recipe is sure to be a hit. Enjoy!