Dinner

Cheeseburger Orzo Recipe

Bylina moretti February 3, 2026February 3, 2026

Introduction

Cheeseburger Orzo is a delicious and hearty dish that brings together tender orzo pasta with flavorful ground beef, melted cheddar, and classic cheeseburger toppings. It’s a comforting meal that’s quick to prepare and perfect for family dinners.

A close-up view of a dish showing a base layer of light yellow orzo pasta mixed evenly with brown cooked ground beef. On top, there are melted bright orange cheddar cheese patches spread across the surface. Scattered over this are small pieces of white onion and green sliced pickles, with fresh green parsley leaves sprinkled sparsely for garnish. The textures show the softness of the pasta, the crumbly beef, the smooth melted cheese, and the crisp pickles, all set against a white marbled background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 cup orzo pasta
1 pound ground beef (or turkey for a leaner option)
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon tomato paste
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1 cup beef broth
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/4 cup pickles, chopped
2 tablespoons ketchup
1 tablespoon mustard
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

Step 1: In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the orzo pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Step 2: In the same pot, heat a splash of oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened.
Step 3: Add the minced garlic to the onions and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
Step 4: Introduce the ground beef to the pot, breaking it up with a spatula. Cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
Step 5: Stir in the tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, and beef broth, mixing well to combine. Bring to a simmer.
Step 6: Add the cooked orzo pasta to the pot, followed by the shredded cheddar cheese, chopped pickles, ketchup, and mustard. Stir until the cheese has melted and everything is well combined.
Step 7: Season with salt and pepper to taste. Adjust any flavors as needed.
Step 8: Remove from heat and let sit for a couple of minutes to allow flavors to meld.
Step 9: Serve warm, garnished with fresh parsley on top.

Tips & Variations

For a leaner option, substitute ground beef with ground turkey.
Try adding diced tomatoes or bell peppers for extra color and flavor.
Use sharp cheddar for a bolder taste or a blend of cheeses for creaminess.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth if needed to keep it moist.

How to Serve

This close-up image shows a single-layer dish with a mix of beige orzo pasta, small pieces of browned ground beef, and melted bright orange cheddar cheese spread unevenly across the top. Scattered over the cheese and pasta are small chunks of white onion, shiny green pickle slices, and fresh green parsley leaves, adding extra color and texture. The overall texture looks moist and slightly glossy, with the beef crumbles and orzo visibly mixed together beneath the melted cheese. The photo is taken on a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare it in advance and refrigerate. Just reheat before serving and add fresh garnishes.

Can I substitute orzo with another pasta?

Yes, small pasta shapes like ditalini or small shells work well as alternatives.

lina moretti