Cheeseburger Orzo  A Cozy, Cheesy Twist on a Classic!

If you love cheeseburgers and pasta, this dish is going to blow your mind in the yummiest way! I made this Cheeseburger Orzo for dinner one night when I was craving comfort food with a little fun twist. It’s like a cheeseburger, but in creamy orzo form and let me tell you, it’s sooooo delicious. Juicy beef, melty cheese, and all your favorite burger flavors come together in a one-pan wonder that’s super easy and cozy.

This recipe is perfect for two people, but you can totally double it for more servings. It’s quick, flavorful, and something the whole family will want on repeat. Plus, you only need simple tools and easy ingredients. Let’s get cooking!

Method

Sauté the Onion and Garlic

Start by heating a small amount of oil in a large nonstick pan over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the finely diced onion. Let it cook for about 3–4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion softens and becomes slightly golden. This step helps bring out a mild sweetness in the onion, which adds depth to the dish. Next, add the crushed garlic clove and stir it into the softened onions. Cook for another 30 seconds to a minute, just until the garlic becomes fragrant. Be careful not to let it burn, or it could turn bitter.

Brown the Beef Mince

Add the 5% fat beef mince to the pan with the onion and garlic. Break it up with a wooden spoon or spatula so it cooks evenly. Stir frequently, and cook the beef for about 5–7 minutes until it turns fully brown and no pink remains. At this stage, most of the liquid from the meat should cook off, and you’ll start to see a bit of browning on the bottom of the pan, which is full of flavor.

Add the Sauces for Cheeseburger Flavor

Now it’s time to build the flavor base. Stir in the tomato purée, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, and American-style mustard. These ingredients mimic the flavor of a cheeseburger in the most delicious way. Mix everything well so the beef gets coated in that rich, tangy, and slightly sweet mixture. Let it cook for 1–2 minutes so the flavors blend together and slightly thicken.

Simmer the Orzo and Liquids

Next, pour in the passata and beef stock, then stir in the dry orzo pasta and the mixed herbs. Turn the heat down to medium-low and let the mixture gently simmer for about 10 minutes. Stir the pot every couple of minutes so the orzo doesn’t stick to the bottom of the pan. Orzo cooks quickly, but it also absorbs a lot of liquid, so keep an eye on the texture. If it starts looking dry or too thick before the orzo is cooked through, add a splash of boiling water from the kettle to loosen it. Keep adding water in small amounts as needed until the orzo is tender and the sauce is creamy.

Melt in the Cheese and Finish

Once the orzo is cooked and the sauce has thickened to your liking, stir in the mixed cheese. As the cheese melts, it creates a gooey, velvety finish that ties the dish together with true cheeseburger goodness. Keep stirring gently until the cheese is fully melted and evenly distributed. At this point, the dish should be creamy, flavorful, and ready to serve.

Necessary Tools

• A large nonstick pan or skillet
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Chopping board
• Sharp knife
• Measuring spoons
• Grater (if grating your own cheese)
• Kettle (to have extra hot water ready if needed)

Serving Suggestions

• Top with chopped pickles or a squirt of extra mustard for true cheeseburger flavor.
• Pair it with a side salad or roasted veggies.
• Want crunch? Sprinkle on crispy onions or crushed tortilla chips!

Fun Fact

Did you know orzo looks like rice but is actually pasta? It’s perfect for soaking up all the cheesy burger-style sauce in this recipe!

Conclusion

This Cheeseburger Orzo is one of my favorite weeknight meals it’s fast, cozy, and packed with flavor! You don’t need fancy ingredients or special tools, just a big appetite and a love for all things cheesy and comforting. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do!