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