Description
Ground Turkey Orzo is the perfect weeknight hero that brings a delicious blend of flavors to your dinner table.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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