These veggie orzo taco bowls are quick and easy to make yet nutritious. Using some help with store bought ingredients helps save time. Veggies are paired with beans and orzo and then topped with your favorite taco toppings.
Lately I have been trying to spend more time enjoying life and being with my daughter versus spending time in the kitchen. I have been whipping up easy meals that are still loaded with nutrients, just made quickly! These veggie orzo taco bowls fall into that category.
How to be efficient with your time in the kitchen
One thing I am good at is being efficient. I am always trying to maximize my time and reduce waste. Cooking is no exception. When making these veggie orzo taco bowls there are a few tricks that will help you reduce the time spent cooking so you can do whatever else is important to you.
- Cheat with some help from the store – while I can make homemade taco seasoning I cheat by using a package. My favorite one comes from Thrive Market but you can use whatever you prefer. Just watch the ingredients as they can be high in sodium.
- Use canned beans – while dried beans are cheaper I just don’t have 24 hours to soak and wait to be able to use them!
- Multi task in the kitchen – while your veggies are cooking cook the orzo at the same time so they both are done at the same time and then you just need to mix it all together
Recipe substitutions
If you are looking to mix it up here are a few suggestions to modify this recipe:
- Veggies – add a can of diced tomatoes (maybe with green chilis for a little spice), frozen corn or frozen fire roasted corn would be good, chopped fresh baby spinach would wilt down nicely in this dish
- Swap out the orzo – gluten free or watching your carbs? No worries. Swap out the orzo for lentils, brown rice, cauliflower rice (just make sure you cook separately so it doesn’t make the dish too watery), gluten free pasta (any small shape of pasta would work)
- Add some meat – if you truly are craving meat this recipe would be a good way to stretch your budget. Brown up a half pound of the meat of your choice (beef, chicken, or turkey). Sear it up so it gets golden brown and as it’s cooking season it with a little of the taco seasoning. Be sure to cook your meat FIRST and then add the veggies so the meat can caramelize and not get soggy!
- Other proteins – black beans can be swapped for pinto beans or tofu even
So the next time you are looking for a quick and easy but nutritious meal be sure to try these veggie orzo taco bowls. Maybe even replace your typical Taco Tuesday with this variation! Also remember, if you try this recipe be sure to rate it and leave a comment below and let me know how you like it. Or tag me on Instagram or #eatbreathelove!
Veggie Orzo Taco Bowl
- Total Time: 20M
- Yield: 3-4 1x
Description
These veggie orzo taco bowls are quick and easy to make yet nutritious. Using some help with store bought ingredients helps save time. Veggies are paired with beans and orzo and then topped with your favorite taco toppings.
Ingredients
- 2 bell peppers, small dice
- 1 red onion, small dice (if the onion is large use 1/2)
- 1 medium zucchini, grated
- 1 package taco seasoning
- 1 can black beans drained (no need to rinse)
- 1 cup of orzo
- Additional toppings – pepper jack cheese, scallions, jalapeños, fresh tomatoes, avocado or guacamole, cilantro
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, cook orzo according to package instructions
- While orzo is cooking in a large skillet with 1 TBS olive oil sauté peppers and onions over medium heat for 7-8 minutes until softened. Season with salt and pepper.
- Add in grated zucchini and cook for a few minutes. The zucchini will release some liquid while cooking. This is ok.
- Add in taco seasoning packet and mix
- Once orzo is done with a slotted spoon transfer to the skillet. By doing this a little of the pasta cooking water will be added to the veggie mixture which will help bind everything together. Mix the pasta with the veggie mix so it becomes coated with taco seasoning.
- Serve with the toppings of your choice
- Prep Time: 5M
- Cook Time: 15M
- Category: vegetarian
Keywords: vegetarian, Mexican inspired, orzo, taco,
