I absolutely love making one-pan meals, especially this cheesy taco casserole! It’s perfect for weeknight dinners because it’s quick to prepare and means less mess in the kitchen. Plus, it’s packed with flavor and makes for great leftovers for lunch the next day. The combination of beef, orzo, and cheesy goodness will have everyone asking for seconds!
Method
Sauté the Vegetables
First, I start by heating my large frying pan over medium heat. Once the pan is hot, I add the diced red onion and diced red pepper. As they begin to cook, I stir them occasionally until they soften and become fragrant, which usually takes about 3-5 minutes. This step is essential as it builds a flavorful base for the casserole, making sure the vegetables release their natural sweetness.
Brown the Beef
Next, I add the lean beef mince to the pan. I break it up with my wooden spoon, cooking it until it’s browned all over and no longer pink. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes. As the beef cooks, I make sure to stir frequently, allowing it to sear nicely while incorporating the vegetables. Once the beef is fully cooked, I season the mixture with a pinch of salt, pepper, and the taco seasoning. I give everything a good mix to ensure that the beef is well coated in those delicious spices, enhancing the overall flavor of the casserole.
Combine Ingredients
After the beef is seasoned, I pour in the tin of chopped tomatoes. I stir everything together, combining the beef, vegetables, and tomatoes into a cohesive mixture. Once it’s well mixed, I add the dry orzo to the pan, stirring it in so that it gets evenly distributed among the other ingredients. After that, I carefully pour in the stock, ensuring that the orzo is fully covered. I adjust the amount of stock based on how much liquid I feel is needed, using between 300-500ml to achieve the right consistency.
Simmer the Casserole
With the stock added, I cover the pan with a lid and reduce the heat to low. I let the mixture simmer for about 15 minutes. During this time, I occasionally lift the lid to stir the casserole gently, preventing the orzo from sticking to the bottom of the pan. If I notice that it looks too dry, I’ll add a bit more water or stock to keep everything moist and cooking evenly.
Melt the Cheese
Once the orzo is cooked and has soaked up the flavorful liquid, I remove the lid and sprinkle the grated cheese evenly on top of the casserole. I cover the pan again for a few minutes, allowing the cheese to melt and become bubbly. The sight of that gooey, melted cheese is truly irresistible and makes the dish even more delicious.
Cheesy Taco Casserole
Equipment
- Large frying pan with a lid
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Measuring jug for stock
- Knife and cutting board
Ingredients
- For the Beef Casserole:
- 400 g lean beef mince
- 275 g dry orzo
- 300-500 ml stock beef or vegetable
- 1 diced red onion
- 1/2 diced red pepper
- 1 tin of chopped tomatoes
- 1 pouch taco seasoning
- A pinch of salt and pepper
- Toppings:
- 60 g grated cheese
- Fresh coriander for garnish
Instructions
- First, I start by heating my frying pan over medium heat. I add the diced red onion and red pepper and cook them until they’re soft and fragrant. Once they are ready, I add the lean beef mince to the pan and brown it until there’s no pink left.
- When the beef is cooked, I sprinkle in a pinch of salt, pepper, and the taco seasoning, giving everything a good mix to coat the beef in all those delicious spices. Next, I pour in the chopped tomatoes and stir everything together so that the mixture is well combined.
- Then, I add the dry orzo to the pan and stir it in with the other ingredients. After that, I carefully pour in the stock, making sure everything is covered. I cover the pan with a lid, reduce the heat to low, and let it simmer for about 15 minutes. During this time, I stir occasionally to prevent the orzo from sticking to the bottom of the pan. If it looks too dry, I might add a little more water or stock.
- Once the orzo is cooked and has soaked up the flavors, I take off the lid and sprinkle the grated cheese on top. I cover it again for a few minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Notes
Serving Suggestions
This cheesy taco casserole is great served on its own, but you can also pair it with some fresh avocado slices or a dollop of sour cream for extra creaminess. It’s also delicious with a side of tortilla chips for a fun crunch!
Fun Fact
Did you know that orzo is a type of pasta that looks like rice? It’s often used in soups and salads, but it’s also great for casseroles like this one!
Conclusion
This cheesy taco casserole is an easy and satisfying meal that the whole family will love. It’s full of flavor, quick to make, and is perfect for busy nights. I hope you give this recipe a try and enjoy every cheesy bite as much as I do!