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Baked Orzo Beef Casserole

Recipe by MaKayla Hanks on InstagramAdded 10 August 2026.

15 minutes to prep, 45 to cook. A hearty baked casserole that blends tender orzo, seasoned ground beef, and a smoky tomato sauce, finished with melty Mexican blend cheese. The dish is quick to assemble and delivers a comforting, crowd‑pleasing flavor profile perfect for week‑night dinners.

Free. No account needed.

Method

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F.

  2. Brown the ground beef with the diced onion until the beef is cooked through; drain excess grease if needed. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds.

    Kitchen notes · Added by ReelsMeals: The beef is browned and no longer pink. Drain excess grease before adding the garlic.

  3. Add the beef mixture to a 9x13-inch baking dish.

  4. Pour the dry orzo into the baking dish.

  5. Pour the beef broth over the orzo.

  6. Mix all ingredients together, then stir in the Rotel, taco seasoning, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.

    Kitchen notes · Added by ReelsMeals: The orzo and seasonings are evenly distributed through the broth. Stir well so dry pasta is submerged.

  7. Cover tightly with foil and bake for 35-40 minutes, stirring once about halfway through.

    Kitchen notes · Added by ReelsMeals: The orzo is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid. Stir once halfway through as directed.

  8. Remove the foil, stir, then top with the shredded cheese.

  9. Return to the oven uncovered for 5-10 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

    Kitchen notes · Added by ReelsMeals: The cheese is melted and bubbling at the edges.

  10. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Tips while you cook

Stir Halfway Through Baking
Cover the dish with foil and bake, stirring once about halfway through the 35‑40 minute bake.
Rest Before Serving
Allow the casserole to rest for 5 minutes after removing it from the oven.
Add Garlic at the End of Browning
After the beef and onion are cooked, stir in minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds before assembling.

Notes from ReelsMeals, based on this recipe's ingredients, times and method. They are not the creator's instructions.

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MaKayla Hanks made this.

The recipe comes from MaKayla Hanks’s Instagram reel. ReelsMeals wrote it down from the caption and the voiceover. Check the original if something looks off, and for anything about allergens.

Are you MaKayla Hanks and want this changed? Email [email protected].

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