Ground Turkey Orzo: A Delicious and Healthy One-Pot Meal Recipe

Introduction

This Ground Turkey Orzo is a flavorful and healthy one-pan meal perfect for busy weeknights. Combining lean ground turkey with tender orzo and a rich tomato sauce, it’s both comforting and satisfying.

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground turkey
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped
• 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 1 cup orzo pasta
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
• Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Instructions

1. Step 1: Heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the ground turkey and cook, breaking it up, until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess grease.
2. Step 2: Add the chopped onion and red bell pepper to the pan. Cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
3. Step 3: Pour in the undrained diced tomatoes and tomato sauce. Stir to combine. Add dried oregano, dried basil, and red pepper flakes if using. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low and let simmer for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
4. Step 4: Stir in the orzo pasta and chicken broth, making sure the orzo is submerged. Add more broth if needed. Bring back to a simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 15-20 minutes until the orzo is tender and liquid is absorbed. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
5. Step 5: Remove from heat and stir in grated Parmesan cheese until melted and well combined. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot, topped with additional Parmesan and red pepper flakes if desired.

Tips & Variations

• For a vegetarian version, substitute ground turkey with sautéed mushrooms or lentils.
• Add chopped spinach or kale during the last 5 minutes of cooking for extra greens.
• Use low-sodium chicken broth to better control the salt level.
• To boost flavor, try adding a splash of red wine or balsamic vinegar to the sauce as it simmers.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or water to loosen the sauce if it thickens. This dish does not freeze well due to the texture of the cooked orzo.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe with ground chicken or beef instead of turkey?

Yes, you can swap ground turkey with ground chicken or beef. Adjust cooking times accordingly and drain excess fat if needed.

Is it okay to use dried orzo, or should I use fresh?

Dried orzo works perfectly in this recipe. Fresh orzo is less common and may cook faster, so adjust cooking time accordingly if you use fresh.

Ground Turkey Orzo: A Delicious and Healthy One-Pot Meal Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 105 reviews

Ground Turkey Orzo is a hearty and healthy one-pot meal that combines lean ground turkey with tender orzo pasta simmered in a flavorful tomato sauce. Enhanced with aromatic herbs, fresh vegetables, and Parmesan cheese, this comforting dish is perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner that’s both delicious and nutritious.

• Author: Emma
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Low Fat

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein and Vegetables

• 1 pound ground turkey
• 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped

Liquids and Broth

• 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
• 2 cups chicken broth

Carbs and Pasta

• 1 cup orzo pasta

Oils, Seasonings and Cheese

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
• Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Instructions

1. Cook the turkey: Heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add ground turkey and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and no longer pink, about 5 to 7 minutes. Drain any excess grease.
2. Sauté vegetables: Add chopped onion and red bell pepper to the skillet with the turkey. Cook until softened and translucent, about 5 to 7 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.
3. Add tomatoes and seasonings: Pour in the undrained diced tomatoes and tomato sauce. Stir to combine with the turkey and vegetables. Add dried oregano, dried basil, and red pepper flakes if using. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
4. Simmer the sauce: Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat to low. Let it simmer uncovered for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally to meld the flavors.
5. Cook the orzo: Stir in the orzo pasta and chicken broth, ensuring the orzo is fully submerged; add a little more broth if necessary. Bring back to a simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 15 to 20 minutes until the orzo is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
6. Finish with cheese and garnish: Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and evenly mixed throughout. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve hot, topped with additional Parmesan cheese and red pepper flakes if desired.

Notes

• You can substitute ground turkey with ground chicken or lean ground beef if preferred.
• If the orzo absorbs all of the liquid before it’s tender, add a little more chicken broth or water and continue cooking.
• For a vegetarian version, replace ground turkey with sautéed mushrooms or plant-based crumbles and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
• Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop.
• Adding fresh spinach or kale during the last 5 minutes of cooking adds extra nutrients and color.

Keywords: ground turkey orzo, one-pot meal, healthy dinner, tomato orzo, easy weeknight recipe