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Ground Turkey Orzo

Ground Turkey Orzo: One-Pot Meal for Busy Weeknights

Ground Turkey Orzo is a quick and nutritious one-pot meal perfect for busy weeknights, combining orzo pasta, ground turkey, and vibrant veggies.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 400

Ingredients
  

For the Main Dish
  • 1 pound Ground Turkey Can substitute with ground chicken or beef.
  • 2 tablespoons Olive Oil Avocado or vegetable oil can be used.
  • 1 medium Yellow Onion White or red onion is suitable.
  • 3 cloves Garlic Fresh garlic is preferred.
  • 1 medium Red Bell Pepper Any bell pepper or zucchini can substitute.
  • 1 can Diced Tomatoes Canned with juices.
  • 1 cup Tomato Sauce Consider low-sodium versions.
  • 1 teaspoon Dried Oregano
  • 1 teaspoon Dried Basil
  • to taste Red Pepper Flakes Optional.
  • to taste Salt
  • to taste Black Pepper
  • 1 cup Orzo Pasta Can use gluten-free orzo.
  • 3 cups Chicken Broth Vegetable broth for vegetarian version.
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese Pecorino Romano or nutritional yeast for vegan.
  • to taste Fresh Parsley For garnish.

Equipment

  • large skillet

Method
 

Step‑by‑Step Instructions
  1. In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add 1 pound of ground turkey and cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring frequently until browned and no longer pink. Drain any excess grease.
  2. Add one chopped yellow onion and one diced red bell pepper to the skillet. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are soft and translucent. Stir in 3 minced garlic cloves and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
  3. Pour in one can of diced tomatoes (with juices) and one cup of tomato sauce, mixing well. Sprinkle in 1 teaspoon each of dried oregano and basil, along with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes to taste. Bring to a gentle simmer over low heat for about 15 minutes.
  4. Stir in 1 cup of orzo pasta and 3 cups of chicken broth. Ensure the orzo is fully submerged. Cover the skillet and let simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally until the orzo is tender.
  5. Remove from heat and stir in half a cup of grated Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve hot.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 400kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 30gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 70mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 800mgFiber: 4gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 15IUVitamin C: 80mgCalcium: 15mgIron: 20mg

Notes

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for 3-4 days in the fridge. For longer storage, freeze in freezer-safe containers for up to 2-3 months.

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