Miley My One Pot Cheesy Taco Orzo recipe is creamy, cheesy, so flavorful and the whole meal can be made in just one pot! This has been a family-favorite for over 8 years and will have you ditching the box-mixes for good. There are lots of tips for melted, gooey cheese pulls!
I first shared this homemade taco orzo recipe years ago and it’s remained one of my personal favorites ever since, a classic right up there with my taco casserole and easy enchiladas. It’s served as the inspiration for many of my other one-pot recipes on my site (perhaps most deliciously, my cheesy chicken orzo) and is perfect for beginners and advanced cooks alike.
At its core, this is really a no-frills, easy dinner recipe that really needs little introduction, but if you’re like me and love nerding out about nitty gritty recipe details, please read on.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This dish feels like taco night and pasta night teaming up in the best way. Cheesy orzo wraps itself around seasoned beef and vegetables for a full meal in one bowl.
One pot ease: Everything cooks together which keeps cleanup simple.
Cheesy comfort: Melted cheese gives the orzo a creamy, rich finish.
Bold taco flavor: Taco sauce, garlic, and hot sauce bring excitement.
Filling dinner: Beef and pasta make this hearty and satisfying.
Crowd friendly: Familiar flavors make it easy to please everyone.
Ingredients
For the Cheesy Taco Orzo
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion chopped
- 2½ cups chicken broth
- ½ teaspoon salt
- Tomatoes chopped
- Olives chopped
- Green onions chopped
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
- 1 tablespoon hot sauce
- 1 cup cheese shredded
- Fresh cilantro chopped
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 red bell pepper chopped
- 2 cups orzo uncooked
- 2 cups taco skillet sauce
Step by Step Instructions
1. Brown the Beef
Heat a large deep pot over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook while breaking it apart until no pink remains. Let it sit briefly so it picks up color and flavor.
2. Add Onion and Pepper
Stir in the chopped onion and red bell pepper. Cook for about 4 minutes until softened and lightly glossy.
3. Build the Flavor
Add minced garlic and stir for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in taco skillet sauce and hot sauce, then stir until everything looks evenly coated.
4. Add the Orzo
Pour the uncooked orzo directly into the pot. Stir well so the pasta mixes through the beef and sauce.
5. Pour in Broth
Add chicken broth, salt, and pepper. Stir and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
6. Simmer and Stir
Lower the heat, cover the pot, and cook for about 10 minutes. Stir once or twice so the orzo cooks evenly and does not stick.
7. Add Cheese and Extras
Remove the lid and stir in shredded cheese, chopped tomatoes, and olives. Let it cook uncovered for another 3 to 5 minutes until creamy and thick.
8. Finish Fresh
Turn off the heat and sprinkle green onions and fresh cilantro on top. Let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
Tips and Variations
- Stir gently once the orzo softens to keep the texture creamy.
- Keep the heat steady so the sauce does not dry out.
- For extra spice, add more hot sauce or a pinch of chili flakes.
- Swap beef for ground chicken if you want something lighter.
- A splash of broth helps loosen leftovers when reheating.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this straight from the pot while hot and cheesy. I like using wide bowls so the sauce spreads evenly through the orzo.
A simple side salad or sliced avocado works great alongside. Tortilla chips on the side add crunch and scoop up extra sauce, which never goes to waste.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, store it in the fridge for up to 3 days.
How do I reheat it?
Warm slowly on the stove with a splash of broth.
Does the orzo get too soft?
Not when cooked gently and stirred lightly.
Can I add beans or corn?
Yes, stir them in near the end of cooking.
Is this freezer friendly?
The texture stays best when enjoyed fresh or refrigerated.
Final Thoughts
One Pot Cheesy Taco Orzo brings fun, comfort, and bold flavor together in one easy dinner. The cheesy sauce, tender orzo, and taco seasoned beef make every bite feel rich and filling.
One Pot Cheesy Taco Orzo
Ingredients
For the Cheesy Taco Orzo
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion chopped
- 2½ cups chicken broth
- ½ teaspoon salt
- Tomatoes chopped
- Olives chopped
- Green onions chopped
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
- 1 tablespoon hot sauce
- 1 cup cheese shredded
- Fresh cilantro chopped
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 red bell pepper chopped
- 2 cups orzo uncooked
- 2 cups taco skillet sauce
Instructions
- Brown the Beef: Heat a large deep pot over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook while breaking it apart until no pink remains. Let it sit briefly so it picks up color and flavor.
- Add Onion and Pepper: Stir in the chopped onion and red bell pepper. Cook for about 4 minutes until softened and lightly glossy.
- Build the Flavor: Add minced garlic and stir for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in taco skillet sauce and hot sauce, then stir until everything looks evenly coated.
- Add the Orzo: Pour the uncooked orzo directly into the pot. Stir well so the pasta mixes through the beef and sauce.
- Pour in Broth: Add chicken broth, salt, and pepper. Stir and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Simmer and Stir: Lower the heat, cover the pot, and cook for about 10 minutes. Stir once or twice so the orzo cooks evenly and does not stick.
- Add Cheese and Extras: Remove the lid and stir in shredded cheese, chopped tomatoes, and olives. Let it cook uncovered for another 3 to 5 minutes until creamy and thick.
- Finish Fresh: Turn off the heat and sprinkle green onions and fresh cilantro on top. Let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
