Ground Turkey Orzo is the perfect weeknight hero that brings a delicious blend of flavors to your dinner table. This one-pan dish is not only simple to prepare, but it’s also packed with wholesome ingredients that will satisfy the entire family. The combination of juicy ground turkey, tender orzo pasta, and that rich tomato-Parmesan finish makes this meal a comforting crowd-pleaser. It’s quick to whip up on busy nights when time is of the essence, proving that healthy and tasty can go hand in hand!
Whether you’re a busy parent or just looking for a quick and easy dinner idea, Ground Turkey Orzo fits the bill perfectly. It’s a great way to sneak in veggies while still serving up a dish that feels indulgent and hearty. Plus, it comes together in just one pan, which means fewer dishes to wash afterward—a win in any kitchen! Get ready to enjoy a simple yet satisfying meal that not only delights the taste buds but also nourishes the body.
Why You’ll Love This Ground Turkey Orzo
- Quick & Easy: This one-pan recipe enables you to prepare a nutritious meal in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy nights.
- Flavorful: The combination of spices, veggies, and cheese creates a dish with rich layers of flavor.
- Healthy Ingredients: Utilizing ground turkey and fresh vegetables makes it a healthier alternative to heavier pasta dishes.
- Kid-Friendly: The mild flavors and appealing texture make this recipe a hit with kids and picky eaters alike.
- One-Pan Clean-Up: Minimal cleanup since everything is cooked in a single skillet, allowing more time to enjoy your meal!
Preparation Phase & Tools to Use
Before diving into the cooking process, it’s essential to organize your kitchen and gather all the ingredients needed for this Ground Turkey Orzo dish. Start by ensuring your workspace is tidy and that you have all your ingredients at hand, including your measuring cups and utensils. You’ll need a large skillet for cooking the entire dish in one go, as well as a wooden spoon for stirring.
Make sure to have a sharp knife and cutting board ready for chopping your onion and red bell pepper, as you’ll want them finely diced to blend seamlessly into the dish. Having a can opener ready will also make the process smoother for opening your canned tomatoes and tomato sauce. Finally, it’s helpful to have a ladle or serving spoon nearby for easy plating of this delicious meal when it’s time to serve.
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1/2 tsp dried basil
- 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus extra for serving)
- Fresh chopped parsley, for garnish
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Ground Turkey
Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the ground turkey to the skillet. Break up the turkey with a wooden spoon as it cooks for about 5–7 minutes until it’s browned and no longer pink. This not only gives it a great texture but also helps to enhance the flavor. After cooking, be sure to drain any excess fat, leaving you with leaner meat full of flavor.
Step 2: Add the Vegetables
With the turkey browned, it’s time to introduce the vegetables to the mix. Add the chopped onion and red bell pepper to the skillet. Stir occasionally, cooking them until they are soft and the onion turns translucent, about 5–7 minutes. Once they are softened, add in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute to bring out its aromatic qualities. The combination of onion, bell pepper, and garlic creates a wonderful base for the sauce.
Step 3: Simmer the Sauce
Now for the flavorful sauce base! Add the canned diced tomatoes along with their juices, tomato sauce, dried oregano, dried basil, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and black pepper to the skillet. Stir everything well, and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over low heat. Allow it to simmer for about 15 minutes. This step melds all the flavors together, resulting in a rich and savory sauce. Keep an eye on it to ensure it does not stick to the pan, giving it an occasional stir.
Step 4: Add Orzo & Chicken Broth
After simmering your sauce, it’s time to add in the star of our dish, the orzo. Stir in the orzo pasta and carefully pour in the chicken broth. Make sure the orzo is well submerged in the liquid. Bring the mixture back to a simmer, cover the skillet, and let it cook for about 15–20 minutes. Check occasionally to stir and ensure the orzo is cooking evenly and absorbing the broth, becoming tender and flavorful.
Step 5: Finish with Cheese
Once the orzo is cooked to perfection, turn off the heat. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it melts into the dish, creating a creamy texture. Taste your creation and feel free to adjust the seasoning according to your preference. If you want it cheesier, add more Parmesan or your favorite cheese for finishing touches.
Step 6: Serve Your Dish
Now the best part—serving! Using a ladle, spoon the Ground Turkey Orzo into bowls. Garnish with chopped parsley for a fresh touch and additional Parmesan if desired. Enjoy this hearty, flavorful meal perfect for any night of the week!
Variations
- Protein: Swap out ground turkey for ground chicken or even beef if you prefer a different meat option.
- Vegetables: Add more veggies like zucchini, spinach, or mushrooms to enhance the nutritional value and flavors.
- Spices: Try adding fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary for a different flavor profile, or include a splash of balsamic vinegar for added depth.
Cooking Notes
- For a gluten-free option, you can substitute orzo with quinoa or another gluten-free pasta.
- If desired, you can prepare this dish ahead of time, freeze it before adding cheese, and reheat when you’re ready to serve.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair this dish with a simple side salad for a complete meal.
- A crisp white wine or sparkling water with lemon makes for a refreshing drink alongside.
Tips
- For extra flavor, consider sautéing a few herbs in the olive oil before adding the ground turkey.
- Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes based on your heat preference—less for mild, more for a kick!
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
Nutritional Information
- Calories: Approximately 400 per serving
- Protein: About 30g
- Sodium: Varies based on broth and cheese used
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes! You can use any small pasta shape like ditalini or even a gluten-free option if needed.
How long does it take to reheat leftovers?
Reheat in the microwave or stovetop for about 5–10 minutes until heated through, adding a splash of broth if needed.
Is this recipe freezer-friendly?
Absolutely! You can freeze this dish before adding cheese. It keeps well and can be enjoyed later.
What else can I add to the recipe?
Feel free to include additional vegetables, spices, or even different types of cheese for variations!
Conclusion
This Ground Turkey Orzo recipe is a fantastic weeknight dinner option that promises comfort and satisfaction in every bite. Not only is it quick to make, but it also showcases the versatile flavors of its ingredients, making it a meal that can be enjoyed time and again. Don’t hesitate to try different variations to customize it to your family’s taste preferences. We hope you enjoy making this delicious dish! If you tried it, please share your thoughts in the comments below or tell us about your own unique twist on this recipe. Happy cooking!
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Ground Turkey Orzo
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Ground Turkey Orzo is the perfect weeknight hero that brings a delicious blend of flavors to your dinner table.
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1/2 tsp dried basil
- 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus extra for serving)
- Fresh chopped parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the ground turkey to the skillet. Break up the turkey with a wooden spoon as it cooks for about 5–7 minutes until it’s browned and no longer pink. This not only gives it a great texture but also helps to enhance the flavor. After cooking, be sure to drain any excess fat, leaving you with leaner meat full of flavor.
- With the turkey browned, it’s time to introduce the vegetables to the mix. Add the chopped onion and red bell pepper to the skillet. Stir occasionally, cooking them until they are soft and the onion turns translucent, about 5–7 minutes. Once they are softened, add in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute to bring out its aromatic qualities. The combination of onion, bell pepper, and garlic creates a wonderful base for the sauce.
- Now for the flavorful sauce base! Add the canned diced tomatoes along with their juices, tomato sauce, dried oregano, dried basil, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and black pepper to the skillet. Stir everything well, and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over low heat. Allow it to simmer for about 15 minutes. This step melds all the flavors together, resulting in a rich and savory sauce. Keep an eye on it to ensure it does not stick to the pan, giving it an occasional stir.
- After simmering your sauce, it’s time to add in the star of our dish, the orzo. Stir in the orzo pasta and carefully pour in the chicken broth. Make sure the orzo is well submerged in the liquid. Bring the mixture back to a simmer, cover the skillet, and let it cook for about 15–20 minutes. Check occasionally to stir and ensure the orzo is cooking evenly and absorbing the broth, becoming tender and flavorful.
- Once the orzo is cooked to perfection, turn off the heat. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it melts into the dish, creating a creamy texture. Taste your creation and feel free to adjust the seasoning according to your preference. If you want it cheesier, add more Parmesan or your favorite cheese for finishing touches.
- Now the best part—serving! Using a ladle, spoon the Ground Turkey Orzo into bowls. Garnish with chopped parsley for a fresh touch and additional Parmesan if desired. Enjoy this hearty, flavorful meal perfect for any night of the week!
Notes
This Ground Turkey Orzo recipe is a fantastic weeknight dinner option that promises comfort and satisfaction in every bite.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
Nutrition
- Calories: Approximately 400 per serving
- Sodium: Varies based on broth and cheese used
- Protein: About 30g