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smoky orzo casserole

(3 ratings)
LyndawithaY avatar
Blue Ribbon Recipe by
Lynda Hayes
@LyndawithaY
Port Saint Lucie, FL

My husband created this dish. He wanted something flavorful and easy to fix. This is such a versatile dish, it is a satisfying hearty dish that can be used as an appetizer or dinner. A one-dish casserole is easy enough for your husband to make and satisfying enough for everyone to love. My husband and father love this dish because of the smoky flavor it gives the orzo. In my husband's words, "It's just scrumptious!" Try other flavors of Lil Smokies in this. You can add diced green pepper and mushrooms if you want more veggies.

Blue Ribbon Recipe

Quick and easy to prepare, have this smoky orzo casserole recipe handy for a busy weeknight. It's simple and sure to please everyone. Super cheesy, Lil smokies add heartiness and a smoky flavor to the casserole. Crushed butter crackers give it a nice crunch. We loved that this is a smaller casserole so a good dinner option for a smaller family.

— The Test Kitchen @kitchencrew
(3 ratings)
yield 6 serving(s)
prep time 15 Min
cook time 20 Min
method Bake

Ingredients For smoky orzo casserole

  • 1 1/2 c
    orzo pasta
  • 8 oz
    Velveeta cheese
  • 1/2 can
    Rotel, chili fixins-style
  • 1/2 pkg
    Lil' smokies, beef
  • 1/2 c
    diced white onion
  • 1 tsp
    onion powder
  • 1 tsp
    garlic powder
  • 1 tsp
    salt and pepper
  • 10
    Ritz crackers, crushed

How To Make smoky orzo casserole

Test Kitchen Tips
If you can't find the chili fixin's-style of Rotel, substitute with the regular style.
  • Cook the orzo.
    1
    Cook 1 1/2 cups of orzo in 2 cups of boiling salted water until done; about 9 minutes. Drain and set aside. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
  • Add Velveeta to a bowl and melt.
    2
    Cut Velveeta cheese into small bite-size cubes and put in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave on high for 3 minutes until melted; mix well.
  • Add Rotel, onions, and seasonings.
    3
    Add 1/2 can of the Rotel along with diced onions Add salt, pepper, garlic, and onion powder.
  • Add cooked pasta to the cheese mixture.
    4
    Add pasta to the cheese mixture.
  • Cut Lil' smokies into thirds.
    5
    Cut Lil' smokies into thirds. Mix into cheese sauce.
  • Add them to the pasta cheese mixture.
    6
    Add them to the pasta mixture.
  • Pour into an 8x8 baking dish.
    7
    Spread the pasta mixture into a greased 8x8 baking dish.
  • Top with crushed Ritz crackers.
    8
    Top with crushed Ritz crackers.
  • Bake for 20 - 30 minutes.
    9
    Bake at 350 degrees for 20 - 30 minutes. Serve while hot.
  • Last Step: Don't forget to share! Make all your friends drool by posting a picture of your finished recipe on your favorite social network. And don't forget to tag Just A Pinch and include #justapinchrecipes so we can see it too!
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