Orzo pasta and a spicy, cheesy, creamy sauce come together in the slow cooker in this Tex-mex side dish the whole family will love.
Orzo is pretty much a staple food at our house, and this Slow Cooker Cheesy Enchilada Orzo is one of our favorite ways to enjoy our favorite pasta with Tex-Mex fare.
We really do love orzo around here! We put it in casseroles, pasta bakes, soups, and sometimes we just cover it in butter and parmesan cheese and enjoy it as a side dish or comforting main dish.
So I knew my family would love this cheesy version, loaded with southwest flavors like chili and cilantro. I was not wrong
Don’t get me wrong, my Mexican rice recipe is fabulous, and also a family favorite, but sometimes I just want to change things up a bit.
And if you want to add a protein like chicken, along with some frozen corn and black beans, you can turn this tasty side dish into a complete meal.
What to Serve with Slow Cooker Cheesy Enchilada Orzo
Tacos al Pastor
Thinly sliced pork is marinated in a mixture of Mexican seasonings, peppers and pineapple juice, then grilled and served in warm tortillas with cilantro and fresh pineapple.
Baked Chicken Chimichangas with Creamy Green Chile Sauce
These baked chimichangas are loaded with savory slow cooked shredded chicken and cheese, then smothered in a cream green chile sauce. They'll satisfy any craving for Mexican food!
Creamy Buffalo Chicken Enchiladas
Shredded chicken is mixed with both enchilada sauce, Buffalo sauce and cheese, then rolled up in flour tortillas and topped with a creamy buffalo sauce.
Grilled Chicken Street Corn Tacos
Flavorful grilled chicken is piled into warm tortillas, along with Mexican street corn and your favorite taco toppings.
I like to use Monterrey Jack cheese in this recipe, but any good melting cheese will work. Cheddar and mozzarella are great options.
And some shredded Pepperjack cheese will give your orzo a bit of an extra kick. You can also adjust the heat level by using mild, or if you prefer, hot enchilada sauces.
This dish is just so versatile! There are endless things you can add to make it your own. And it’s a great way to use up leftover meat and vegetables.
Don’t skip the fresh cilantro at the end–unless you hate it, of course. I also like a squeeze of fresh lime juice. Both add a pop of freshness to this very rich, cheesy dish.
If you’re looking for something new, and super easy to make, that you can serve with your favorite Mexican meals, you’ve got to give this Slow Cooker Cheesy Enchilada Orzo a try!
Be sure to save this Slow Cooker Cheesy Enchilada Orzo recipe to your favorite Pinterest board for later.
Here’s what you’ll need to make Slow Cooker Cheesy Enchilada Orzo
- Enchilada sauce
- Canned green chiles
- Chicken or vegetable broth
- Cream cheese
- Orzo
- Monterrey Jack cheese
- Sour cream
- Salt and pepper
- Produce: cilantro, limes
Slow Cooker Cheesy Enchilada Orzo
Ingredients
- 1 10 oz. can green enchilada sauce
- 1 10 oz. can red enchilada sauce
- 1 4.5 oz. can diced green chiles
- 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth divided
- 4 ounces cream cheese softened and cubed
- 2 cups uncooked orzo pasta
- 1 cup shredded Monterrey Jack cheese
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
- Freshly sliced limes for serving, if desired
Instructions
- Lightly grease the bowl of a large slow cooker. Add the enchilada sauces, green chiles, and 1 cup of broth and stir to combine. Cover and cook on low for about 5-6 hours.
- Add the cream cheese and stir until melted. Stir in the orzo. Turn slow cooker to high heat. Cover and cook for 20-30 more minutes, or until orzo is tender. Add more broth, if needed to reach desired consistency.
- Before serving, add the shredded cheese and stir until melted. Stir in the sour cream and cilantro.
- Serve immediately, with fresh lime slices, if desired.
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Nutrition
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Who Dished It Up First: This is an original recipe
