Ground Turkey Orzo: A Delicious and Healthy Recipe

If you’re anything like me, finding recipes that marry wholesome ingredients with downright delicious flavor is like striking gold. That’s exactly why I’m so excited to share this Ground Turkey Orzo: A Delicious and Healthy Recipe with you. It’s one of those meals that feels cozy and comforting but still keeps things light and nutritious, perfect for busy weeknights or anytime you want something satisfying without the heaviness.

When I first tried Ground Turkey Orzo: A Delicious and Healthy Recipe, I was blown away by how all the simple, fresh ingredients come together into this amazing, hearty dish that’s packed with protein, veggies, and that beautifully tender orzo pasta. Plus, it’s super easy to make, which is a total win if you’re juggling a million things. I have a feeling this will become your go-to recipe when you want something healthy without compromising on flavor.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Healthy & Flavorful: Ground turkey keeps it lean while tomato sauce and herbs add rich, comforting flavor.
  • Quick and Easy: From skillet to table in about an hour, making weeknight dinners stress-free.
  • Family Favorite: My family goes crazy for this — it’s kid-approved and perfect for meal prep.
  • Versatile: You can easily swap veggies or proteins to make it your own.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe brings together a lovely balance of fresh veggies, quality protein, and orzo pasta that cooks up tender and fluffy. Shopping smart with fresh garlic and good chicken broth really makes a difference here.

  • Ground turkey: Lean and packed with protein, it keeps the dish light but satisfying.
  • Olive oil: For sautéing and adding a subtle fruity flavor.
  • Yellow onion: Adds sweetness and depth once softened.
  • Garlic: Brings that classic aromatic kick we all love.
  • Red bell pepper: Sweet and colorful, it adds both crunch and vibrancy.
  • Diced tomatoes (with juice): Keeps the sauce juicy and tangy.
  • Tomato sauce: For a richer, smooth base to the dish.
  • Dried oregano and basil: Classic Mediterranean herbs that bring warmth and earthiness.
  • Red pepper flakes (optional): Great if you like a little spice!
  • Salt and black pepper: To taste, of course—season well.
  • Orzo pasta: Tiny, rice-shaped pasta that cooks quickly and soaks up the sauce beautifully.
  • Chicken broth: Provides additional flavor and the necessary liquid for cooking the orzo.
  • Grated Parmesan cheese: Stirred in to add creaminess and umami.
  • Fresh parsley: Brightens the dish with a fresh, herbal touch at the end.
Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

One of the things I absolutely love about Ground Turkey Orzo: A Delicious and Healthy Recipe is how easy it is to tweak! Sometimes, I like to switch it up depending on what I have on hand or dietary needs.

  • Add extra veggies: For a veggie boost, I often throw in chopped zucchini or spinach with the onion and bell pepper, giving the dish even more color and nutrients.
  • Swap the protein: Ground chicken or Italian sausage can mix things up—each brings a different flavor dimension but keeps that meaty comfort.
  • Make it spicy: If you love a bit of heat, bump up the red pepper flakes or add a pinch of cayenne—I did this once for a dinner party, and it was a total hit!
  • Vegetarian option: Try using lentils or a plant-based ground meat substitute and swap chicken broth with vegetable stock to keep it meat-free.

How to Make Ground Turkey Orzo: A Delicious and Healthy Recipe

Step 1: Brown the Ground Turkey and Sauté the Veggies

Start by heating olive oil over medium heat in a large skillet or Dutch oven. Add the ground turkey and cook it, breaking it up with your spatula until it’s nicely browned—this usually takes about 5-7 minutes. I like to drain any excess grease here to keep things from getting oily. Next, toss in the chopped onion and red bell pepper. Cook those until they’re soft and sweet, about another 5-7 minutes. Toss in the garlic last and cook just about 1 minute until fragrant—don’t let it burn!

Step 2: Build the Flavorful Sauce

Pour in the canned diced tomatoes with their juices and the tomato sauce. Stir everything together, then add your dried oregano, basil, and a pinch of red pepper flakes if you like it spicy. Season with salt and pepper to your taste. Bring this mixture to a gentle simmer, then lower the heat and let it bubble softly for about 15 minutes. Stir every now and then so it doesn’t stick to the bottom. This slow simmer lets the flavors really meld together into a hearty sauce.

Step 3: Add Orzo and Simmer Until Tender

Once the sauce is ready, stir in the orzo pasta and chicken broth. Make sure the orzo is fully submerged—if it looks dry, add more broth—I’ve learned the hard way that orzo needs plenty of liquid to soften up perfectly. Bring everything back to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover the pan, and cook for 15-20 minutes. Be sure to stir a couple of times throughout to keep the orzo from sticking to the pan. When the orzo is tender and most of the liquid absorbed, you’re almost there.

Step 4: Finish with Parmesan and Parsley

Remove the pan from heat, then stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it melts into creamy goodness. Give it a taste and adjust salt or pepper if needed. Finally, sprinkle fresh chopped parsley on top for a bright touch. Serve it hot, and if you want, add extra Parmesan or red pepper flakes at the table. Trust me, this last step really lifts the whole dish and gives that homemade, restaurant-quality feel.

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Pro Tips for Making Ground Turkey Orzo: A Delicious and Healthy Recipe

  • Don’t Skip Draining the Turkey: Removing excess grease keeps the dish from tasting oily and helps the sauce cling better to the orzo.
  • Keep an Eye on The Orzo: Orzo can stick or overcook if liquid runs low, so check it a few times and add broth if you see it drying out.
  • Use Fresh Herbs if You Can: I sometimes swap dried parsley with fresh basil or thyme for an even brighter flavor punch.
  • Avoid Overcooking the Orzo: It cooks quickly, so remove from heat as soon as it’s tender to keep the perfect texture.

How to Serve Ground Turkey Orzo: A Delicious and Healthy Recipe

Ground Turkey Orzo: A Delicious and Healthy Recipe - Recipe Image

Garnishes

When I serve this dish, I love topping it with an extra sprinkle of Parmesan and a handful of fresh parsley—it just makes it look inviting and adds those little flavor layers right at the end. If I’m feeling bold, I’ll add a few red pepper flakes for heat. A squeeze of fresh lemon juice also works wonders if you want a bright contrast.

Side Dishes

I usually keep sides simple since this Ground Turkey Orzo is so filling, but a crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette or roasted veggies like asparagus or broccoli complements it beautifully. Garlic bread or warm crusty rolls also make a welcome accompaniment if you want a little carb boost.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve served this in pretty shallow bowls with a sprig of parsley on top and a grating of Parmesan at the table so guests can personalize their plates. Another fun idea is plating it inside hollowed-out bell peppers for a vibrant, festive look—that always gets noticed and tastes fantastic!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Whenever I have leftovers, I let the Ground Turkey Orzo cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers. Stored in the fridge, it keeps really well for up to 3-4 days. I like to reheat it gently on the stovetop with a splash of broth to bring back that creamy consistency.

Freezing

I’ve successfully frozen this dish a couple of times and it works great! Just cool it completely, pop it in a freezer-safe container or bag, and freeze for up to 2-3 months. When you’re ready, thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stove with a little extra broth to keep it moist.

Reheating

To reheat leftovers, I prefer a skillet over the microwave because it warms evenly and helps avoid rubbery pasta. Add a splash of broth or water and cook over medium heat, stirring frequently until heated through. This way, it tastes almost like freshly made!

FAQs

  1. Can I use other types of pasta instead of orzo?

    Absolutely! While orzo is great for this recipe because it absorbs the sauce well and cooks quickly, small pasta shapes like acini di pepe, couscous, or even small shells can work well as substitutes. Just adjust cooking times accordingly.

  2. Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?

    Yes! Simply omit the Parmesan cheese or use a dairy-free alternative. You can add a bit of nutritional yeast for cheesy flavor without the dairy. The dish will still be delicious and creamy thanks to the sauce.

  3. Can I prepare this recipe in advance?

    Definitely! You can make it a day ahead – just store it in the fridge and reheat gently before serving. It also freezes well, so it’s perfect for meal prep or busy weeknights.

  4. How do I keep the orzo from sticking together?

    Stir the orzo occasionally while it cooks and ensure there’s enough liquid in the pot. Using chicken broth instead of water also helps flavor and prevent sticking. Adding a bit of olive oil to the sauce can help, too.

Final Thoughts

I absolutely love how Ground Turkey Orzo: A Delicious and Healthy Recipe turns out every single time—it’s one of those comforting meals that I recommend to friends when they want something tasty, wholesome, and easy to pull together. Whether you’re cooking for your family, meal prepping for the week, or simply craving a cozy bowl of goodness, this recipe hits all the right notes. I hope you give it a try and make it your own, just like I have been doing for years!

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Ground Turkey Orzo: A Delicious and Healthy Recipe

Ground Turkey Orzo: A Delicious and Healthy Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.8 from 97 reviews
  • Author: Jessica
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 45 minutes
  • Total Time: 60 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American

Description

Ground Turkey Orzo is a hearty and healthy one-pot meal featuring lean ground turkey, tender orzo pasta, and a flavorful tomato-based sauce infused with garlic, oregano, and basil. This recipe combines protein and carbs in a savory dish that’s perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner, garnished with Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley for an extra burst of flavor.


Ingredients

Protein and Veggies

  • 1 pound ground turkey
  • 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 red bell pepper, chopped

Pantry and Seasonings

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
  • 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Pasta and Broth

  • 1 cup orzo pasta
  • 2 cups chicken broth

Finishing Touches

  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
  • Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish


Instructions

  1. Brown the ground turkey: Heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add ground turkey and cook while breaking it up with a spoon until it turns browned, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess grease to keep the dish light.
  2. Sauté vegetables: Add the chopped onion and red bell pepper to the skillet with the turkey. Cook for another 5-7 minutes until the vegetables soften. Then stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more until fragrant.
  3. Add tomatoes and seasonings: Pour in the undrained diced tomatoes and tomato sauce. Stir to mix everything well. Add dried oregano, dried basil, and red pepper flakes if using. Season with salt and black pepper to your taste. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then lower the heat and let it simmer gently for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally to blend flavors.
  4. Cook the orzo: Stir the orzo pasta and chicken broth into the tomato mixture, ensuring the orzo is fully submerged; add extra broth if needed. Bring the mixture back to a simmer, then cover and cook over low heat for 15-20 minutes or until the orzo is tender and the liquid is mostly absorbed. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
  5. Finish and serve: Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it melts and is evenly distributed. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve hot with additional Parmesan and red pepper flakes if desired.

Notes

  • To add heat, increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
  • Include extra vegetables such as chopped zucchini, mushrooms, or spinach with onions and bell pepper for added nutrition.
  • Substitute ground turkey with ground beef, ground chicken, or Italian sausage for different flavor profiles.
  • Make the dish creamier by stirring in a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt at the end.
  • Add protein and fiber by mixing in a can of drained and rinsed cannellini or kidney beans.
  • Experiment with herbs like thyme, rosemary, or sage as alternatives to oregano and basil.
  • Make it vegetarian by replacing ground turkey with plant-based ground meat or lentils, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
  • Slow Cooker Version: Brown turkey and vegetables, transfer to slow cooker with remaining ingredients except Parmesan and parsley, cook on low for 4-6 hours or high for 2-3 hours, stir in Parmesan and parsley before serving.
  • Freezing Instructions: Cool completely, transfer to airtight container, freeze up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator and reheat gently with added broth to prevent dryness.
  • Storage: Refrigerate leftovers in airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in microwave or skillet.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cup
  • Calories: 320
  • Sugar: 6g
  • Sodium: 600mg
  • Fat: 9g
  • Saturated Fat: 3g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 5g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: thirty eight g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 28g
  • Cholesterol: 75mg

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