Description
This creamy cheesy taco orzo blends zesty taco-seasoned beef, tender orzo, sweet corn, and melty cheese into a comforting one-pot meal that’s quick, customizable, and absolutely irresistible.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound Ground Beef
- 1 cup Orzo Pasta
- 1 medium Yellow Onion, diced
- 3 Garlic Cloves, minced
- 2 tablespoons Taco Seasoning
- 1 (14.5-ounce) can Diced Tomatoes
- 1 cup Canned Corn Kernels, drained
- 2 ½ cups Chicken Broth
- ½ cup Heavy Cream
- 1 ½ cups Shredded Cheddar Cheese
- ½ teaspoon Salt
- ¼ teaspoon Black Pepper
- 1 tablespoon Olive Oil
- Fresh Cilantro (optional), chopped
Instructions
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add olive oil.
- Add diced onions and sauté until translucent, about 3 minutes. Stir in garlic and cook for 30 seconds more.
- Add ground beef, breaking it up as it browns. Cook until no longer pink, about 5–6 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.
- Sprinkle in taco seasoning, then add orzo, diced tomatoes, corn, and chicken broth. Stir to combine.
- Bring to a simmer. Cover and cook for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until orzo is tender and liquid is mostly absorbed.
- Reduce heat to low. Stir in heavy cream and shredded cheddar cheese until melted and creamy. Season with salt and pepper.
- Let the dish sit for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh cilantro if desired.
Notes
- Use freshly grated cheese for best melt and flavor.
- Don’t overcook the orzo—it should be tender but not mushy.
- Add a splash of broth if reheating to maintain creaminess.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 490
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
Keywords: taco orzo, one pot pasta, creamy taco pasta, cheesy taco skillet, ground beef orzo