Taco Orzo (One Skillet)

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This cheesy Mexican orzo is incredibly delicious and the epitome of easy weeknight cooking. No-chop, one-pan, only 6 ingredients and ready in a flash!

Prep Time10

Cook Time18

Total Time28

Course: Dinner

Cuisine: American, Mexican

Keyword: Taco Orzo

Servings: people

Calories: 586kcal

Author: Stacey Adams

Equipment

1 Large skillet *Mine is 12 inches, 3.5 quarts capacity.

Ingredients

1 pound ground beef
16 ounces orzo *see note below
1-2 packets taco seasonings *depends on brand *see note below
3 & ½ cups (two 14.5 ounce cans) chicken broth
⅓ cup heavy cream *see note below
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Optional Toppings

Fresh chopped parsley or cilantro, sour cream, diced tomato or shredded lettuce.

Recipe notes:

Orzo: Depending on brand, orzo varies slightly in size. Smaller orzo may require a bit more cooking liquid. Mix in an additional splash of broth, water or cream if it seems necessary.

Taco seasonings: I've tried Siete Brand and Old El Paso taco seasonings in this recipe. They're both good, but Siete Taco Seasonings are my favorite by far and I highly recommend them (not sponsored). Also, if you're using Old El Paso I recommend two packets because they're a little smaller and less potent.

Cream: I often use canned coconut cream (not boxed) in this recipe instead of heavy cream. It's a great substitute if you're dairy sensitive. My toddler has a dairy allergy so I love this substitute (and I leave the cheese topping off her portion).

Instructions

Brown ground beef over medium high heat.
1 pound ground beef
Transfer browned beef to a small bowl and set aside, reserving 2 tablespoons excess fat in the pan for toasting orzo. If you used really lean beef and have no excess fat, add 2 tablespoons olive oil to the skillet. (You can also use butter, but add it to the pan after orzo to keep it from burning in the hot skillet).
Add orzo to the skillet and toast for 3-5 minutes until slightly golden, stirring often.
16 ounces orzo
Add taco seasonings packet and chicken broth. Stir until everything is well combined.
1-2 packets taco seasonings, 3 & ½ cups (two 14.5 ounce cans) chicken broth
Increase heat to high and bring mixture to a brief boil, stirring often to prevent sticking. Then, turn heat to low and simmer, uncovered, for time specified on orzo packaging (about 13-15 minutes). Continue stirring to prevent sticking.
Once most of the liquid is absorbed and the mixture has thickened, stir browned beef back into the skillet along with cream.
⅓ cup heavy cream
Add cheese on top and cover with a lid to melt.
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Top with a little fresh chopped parsley or cilantro if desired and enjoy!
I love serving this skillet with warm tortillas, crunchy corn chips, guacamole and sour cream. You could also add diced tomatoes, shredded lettuce or other taco toppings.

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