One-Pot Taco Orzo with Black Beans

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This One-Pot Taco Orzo with Black Beans is the perfect blend of savory, zesty, and satisfying. It’s made with pantry staples and fresh ingredients, making it an easy go-to meal. The orzo absorbs the taco seasoning, creating a flavor-packed base that pairs beautifully with the creamy black beans and colorful veggies. The best part? It’s all cooked in one pot, so you get minimal cleanup! Plus, it’s fully customizable—add toppings like sour cream, avocado, or cilantro for a fresh and personalized touch.

Ingredients

  • 1 tbsp olive oil

  • 1 small onion, diced

  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

  • 1 cup orzo pasta

  • 1 tbsp taco seasoning

  • 1 ½ cups vegetable broth (or chicken broth)

  • 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed

  • 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, with juices

  • 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)

  • Salt and pepper, to taste

  • 1 tbsp lime juice (optional)

  • Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

  1. Sauté the vegetables:
    In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until soft and translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.

  2. Cook the orzo:
    Add the orzo pasta to the pot and stir it with the onions and garlic for about 1-2 minutes, allowing the orzo to lightly toast. Stir in the taco seasoning and cook for an additional 30 seconds to release the spices.

  3. Add the liquids and beans:
    Pour in the vegetable broth and diced tomatoes (with their juices). Stir to combine, then bring to a simmer. Cover the pot and cook for 10-12 minutes, or until the orzo is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.

  4. Add the black beans and corn:
    Once the orzo is cooked, stir in the black beans and corn. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until heated through. Season with salt and pepper to taste. If you prefer a bit of tang, you can stir in a tablespoon of lime juice at this point.

  5. Serve and garnish:
    Remove from heat and serve the taco orzo in bowls. Garnish with fresh cilantro and any additional toppings you like, such as avocado, shredded cheese, or sour cream.

Servings and Timing

  • Servings: 4

  • Preparation time: 10 minutes

  • Cooking time: 15-20 minutes

  • Total time: 25-30 minutes

Variations

  • Spicy Taco Orzo: Add a diced jalapeño or a dash of cayenne pepper to increase the heat level.

  • Add Protein: For a heartier dish, you can add cooked ground beef, chicken, or turkey. Simply sauté the meat with the onions at the beginning.

  • Vegan Version: This dish is already vegan! Just be sure to use a plant-based broth and skip the dairy toppings.

  • Grilled Veggies: Add grilled bell peppers, zucchini, or tomatoes for extra flavor and a smoky twist.

Storage/Reheating

  • Storage: Store leftover Taco Orzo in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

  • Reheating: Reheat the leftovers in a pot over low heat, adding a little extra broth or water to loosen up the mixture if necessary. You can also microwave it in a covered dish for 1-2 minutes.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of pasta instead of orzo?

Yes, you can substitute orzo with small pasta shapes like ditalini, elbow macaroni, or even couscous. Just be mindful of the cooking times, as different pasta shapes may need adjustments.

2. Can I use canned corn instead of fresh or frozen?

Yes, canned corn works perfectly fine. Just be sure to drain and rinse it before adding it to the dish.

3. Can I make this dish spicy?

Absolutely! To add spice, you can mix in a chopped jalapeño, a pinch of cayenne pepper, or even some crushed red pepper flakes when you add the taco seasoning.

4. Can I add other vegetables to this recipe?

Yes, you can easily add vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach for extra color and nutrients. Just sauté them with the onions or add them along with the black beans.

5. Can I use chicken or beef broth instead of vegetable broth?

Yes, you can substitute vegetable broth with chicken or beef broth, depending on your preferences. Just keep in mind it will change the flavor slightly.

6. How do I make this dish gluten-free?

Orzo is not gluten-free, but you can substitute it with gluten-free pasta like rice pasta or quinoa. Make sure your taco seasoning is gluten-free as well.

7. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the dish ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors will continue to meld, making it even more flavorful.

8. What toppings can I use for this dish?

Some great toppings include avocado slices, a dollop of sour cream, shredded cheese (vegan or regular), fresh cilantro, lime wedges, or even tortilla chips for added crunch.

9. Can I add meat to this recipe?

Yes, you can add ground beef, turkey, or chicken for extra protein. Brown the meat along with the onions before adding the rest of the ingredients.

10. How can I adjust the texture if it’s too soupy?

If the orzo is too liquidy after cooking, simply continue cooking it uncovered for a few minutes until the liquid is absorbed. If it’s too dry, add a splash more broth or water to loosen it up.

Conclusion

One-Pot Taco Orzo with Black Beans is a simple, flavorful dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights or any time you’re craving something hearty and satisfying. The taco seasoning gives it a bold flavor, while the black beans and corn add texture and nutrition. Plus, it’s made all in one pot for easy cleanup, making it a practical choice for anyone on the go. Whether you serve it as a main dish or a side, it’s sure to become a favorite in your recipe rotation!

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One-Pot Taco Orzo with Black Beans

One-Pot Taco Orzo with Black Beans

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One-Pot Taco Orzo with Black Beans is a simple, flavorful dish made with taco-seasoned orzo, black beans, and fresh vegetables—all cooked in one pot for a stress-free, hearty meal. Perfect for weeknight dinners or lunch, this easy recipe is customizable with optional toppings like avocado, sour cream, or cilantro.

  • Author: Laura
  • Prep Time: 10min
  • Cook Time: 15min
  • Total Time: 30min
  • Yield: 4servings
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

For the dish:

1 tbsp olive oil

1 small onion, diced

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 cup orzo pasta

1 tbsp taco seasoning

1 ½ cups vegetable broth (or chicken broth)

1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed

1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, with juices

1 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)

Salt and pepper, to taste

1 tbsp lime juice (optional)

Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Sauté the vegetables:
    Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until soft and translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds.

  2. Cook the orzo:
    Add the orzo pasta and stir with the onions and garlic for 1-2 minutes, letting it lightly toast. Stir in the taco seasoning and cook for another 30 seconds to release the spices.

  3. Add liquids and beans:
    Pour in the vegetable broth and diced tomatoes (with their juices). Stir, then bring the mixture to a simmer. Cover and cook for 10-12 minutes until the orzo is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.

  4. Add black beans and corn:
    Once the orzo is cooked, stir in the black beans and corn. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until everything is heated through. Season with salt and pepper to taste, and add lime juice for extra tang, if desired.

  5. Serve and garnish:
    Remove from heat. Serve the taco orzo in bowls and garnish with fresh cilantro, and any additional toppings like avocado, sour cream, or shredded cheese.

Notes

  • Spicy Taco Orzo: Add a diced jalapeño or cayenne pepper for extra heat.

  • Add Protein: Stir in cooked ground beef, chicken, or turkey for a heartier dish.

  • Vegan Version: This dish is already vegan with a plant-based broth and optional toppings.

  • Grilled Veggies: Add grilled bell peppers, zucchini, or tomatoes for more flavor.

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