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Ground Turkey Orzo

Savor Every Bite of Ground Turkey Orzo: A Healthy One-Pot Wonder

Enjoy a healthy one-pot meal featuring Ground Turkey Orzo, packed with flavor and customizable for your taste.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 350

Ingredients
  

For the Base
  • 1 pound Ground Turkey Substitute with ground chicken or beef for different flavors.
  • 2 tablespoons Olive Oil Feel free to use vegetable or canola oil as alternatives.
  • 1 medium Yellow Onion Shallots or red onion can provide a sweeter taste if desired.
  • 3 cloves Garlic (minced) Garlic powder works in a pinch if you're out of fresh.
For the Flavor
  • 1 medium Red Bell Pepper Swap with green bell pepper or zucchini if you prefer.
  • 1 can Diced Tomatoes (canned) Adds acidity and moisture.
  • 1 cup Tomato Sauce Any jarred or homemade tomato sauce is perfect.
  • 1 teaspoon Dried Oregano Try thyme or Italian seasoning blends for a fun twist.
  • 1 teaspoon Dried Basil
  • to taste Red Pepper Flakes Omit for mildness or add cayenne for more spice!
  • to taste Salt Adjust to taste.
  • to taste Black Pepper Consider lemon zest for a fresh kick.
For the Pasta Base
  • 1 cup Orzo Pasta For gluten-free, use gluten-free orzo.
  • 2 cups Chicken Broth Vegetable broth is a great alternative for a vegetarian dish.
For the Finish
  • ½ cup Parmesan Cheese Substitute with feta or nutritional yeast for a vegan option.
  • to taste Fresh Parsley Basil or cilantro are great alternatives.

Equipment

  • large skillet

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions for Ground Turkey Orzo
  1. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil shimmers, add 1 pound of ground turkey, breaking it apart with a spatula. Cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes, ensuring it is cooked through with no pink remaining. Drain any excess fat and set the turkey aside for the next steps.
  2. In the same skillet, add a chopped onion and a diced red bell pepper. Sauté over medium heat for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion is translucent and the bell pepper becomes tender. Then, add 3 minced garlic cloves and cook for an additional minute, allowing the garlic to release its aromatic fragrance.
  3. Mix in one can of undrained diced tomatoes and one cup of tomato sauce to the skillet. Season with 1 teaspoon of dried oregano, 1 teaspoon of dried basil, and a pinch of red pepper flakes for some heat. Stir well to combine, then reduce the heat and let the sauce simmer for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
  4. Once the sauce has thickened, add 1 cup of orzo pasta and 2 cups of chicken broth to the skillet. Stir everything together to ensure the orzo is fully submerged in the liquid. Increase the heat to medium-high and bring to a boil before reducing it back to a simmer for 15-20 minutes. Stir occasionally until the orzo is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
  5. Remove the skillet from heat and stir in ½ cup of grated Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy. Adjust seasoning with salt and black pepper to taste. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving. Serve the Ground Turkey Orzo hot, topped with more Parmesan and extra red pepper flakes, if desired.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 40gProtein: 25gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 80mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 700mgFiber: 3gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 30mgCalcium: 150mgIron: 2mg

Notes

This dish is incredibly customizable! Don’t hesitate to mix in other vegetables like spinach or mushrooms for added nutrients and flavor. Prepare this Ground Turkey Orzo in advance and store it in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. It’s even better as leftovers!

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