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A creamy skillet of High Protein Cheeseburger Orzo topped with melted cheddar cheese and fresh herbs.
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High Protein Cheeseburger Orzo

Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time20 minutes
Total Time30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 485kcal

Ingredients

  • 1 lb Lean Ground Beef (93/7 or 96/4)
  • 1.5 cups Dry Orzo Pasta
  • 1 medium Yellow Onion, finely diced
  • 2 cloves Garlic , minced
  • 2 cups Low Sodium Beef Broth
  • 1/2 cup Fat -Free Milk
  • 2 tbsp Tomato Paste
  • 1 tbsp Yellow Mustard
  • 1 tsp Smoked Paprika
  • 1/2 tsp Kosher Salt
  • 1/2 tsp Coarse Black Pepper
  • 1 cup Shredded Reduced-Fat Sharp Cheddar Cheese
  • 1/2 cup Plain Non-fat Greek Yogurt

Instructions

  • Place a large non-stick skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the lean ground beef and cook until fully browned, breaking it into small crumbles. Drain any excess fluid.
  • Incorporate the diced onion into the skillet and sauté for 4 minutes until translucent.
  • Add the minced garlic, tomato paste, mustard, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir constantly for 1 minute to caramelize the tomato paste and bloom the spices.
  • Add the dry orzo to the skillet, stirring for 1 minute to incorporate with the fat and aromatics.
  • Deglaze the pan with the beef broth and add the milk. Bring the mixture to a light boil.
  • Reduce heat to medium-low, cover with a tight-fitting lid, and simmer for 9 to 11 minutes. Stir every 3 minutes to prevent the orzo from adhering to the bottom of the pan.
  • Once the orzo is al dente and the liquid has reduced to a thick sauce consistency, remove the pan from the heat source.
  • Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until fully melted and integrated.
  • Gently fold in the Greek yogurt until the sauce is uniform and creamy. Avoid boiling after adding yogurt to prevent curdling.
  • Adjust seasoning to taste and serve immediately.