Preheat oven to 400°F.
Brown the ground beef with the onion until the beef is cooked through. Drain excess grease if needed. Stir in the garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
Add the beef mixture to a 9x13-inch baking dish.
Stir in the Rotel, dry orzo, broth, taco seasoning, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
Cover tightly with foil and bake for 35-40 minutes, stirring once about halfway through.
Remove the foil, stir, then top with the shredded mexican cheese.
Return to the oven uncovered for 5-10 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.