This Best Ground Turkey Orzo Recipe is a simple and tasty meal that comes together quickly. It features lean ground turkey, tender orzo pasta, and a mix of savory spices that create a comforting, well-balanced dish. The little rice-shaped orzo adds a fun texture, and the ground turkey keeps things light but filling.
I love making this recipe on busy weeknights because it’s easy to prepare and doesn’t require a lot of fancy ingredients. I often add some fresh herbs or a sprinkle of parmesan cheese on top to give it an extra pop of flavor. It’s one of those meals that feels homey and satisfying without being heavy or complicated.
My favorite way to serve it is with a simple side salad or steamed veggies, making it a nice all-around dinner. It’s also great for leftovers, so I make a big batch and save some for lunches during the week. This dish has quickly become a go-to in my kitchen, and I think you’ll enjoy it just as much as I do!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Turkey: This lean meat works great for a light protein boost. If you prefer, ground chicken or even lean ground beef are good swaps. I find turkey blends well with spices and keeps the dish healthy.
Orzo Pasta: Its small, rice-like shape cooks quickly and soaks up flavors well. If you can’t find orzo, couscous or small pasta shapes like ditalini make good alternatives.
Chicken Broth: Adds flavor to the orzo as it cooks. Broth is better than water for taste, but if you need a vegetarian option, use vegetable broth.
Cheese: Cheddar melts nicely and adds creaminess. I like mixing cheddar with mozzarella for extra stretchiness. For a dairy-free option, try vegan cheese or skip it completely and add fresh herbs for flavor.
Fresh Spinach: It brings a pop of color and freshness. Baby kale or shredded chard can be swapped in if you prefer a stronger green.
How to Cook Orzo Perfectly in One Pan?
Cooking orzo with meat and liquids in one pan may seem tricky, but here’s how to get it right without mushy pasta:
- After browning the turkey and adding spices, mix in the dry orzo and diced tomatoes so the pasta is coated in flavors.
- Pour in the broth and bring it to a boil. Stir occasionally to keep pasta from sticking to the pan.
- Once boiling, reduce heat to low and cover the skillet. Let it simmer gently for about 10-12 minutes so the orzo absorbs the liquid slowly.
- Check the orzo towards the end to make sure it’s tender but not overcooked. If liquid remains, simply cook a bit longer uncovered.
- Stir in fresh spinach last as it wilts quickly with residual heat—this keeps it bright and tender.
I recommend using a wide skillet with a lid so heat distributes evenly and pasta cooks in a shallow layer. This technique saves cleanup and makes the dish more flavorful by cooking pasta in the ground turkey juices and broth.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large nonstick skillet with lid – perfect for cooking the ground turkey and simmering the orzo all in one pan without sticking.
- Wooden spoon or silicone spatula – helps you break apart the turkey and stir the orzo gently without scratching the pan.
- Measuring cups and spoons – to get the right amounts of broth, spices, and pasta for consistent results.
- Chef’s knife and cutting board – for chopping onion, garlic, tomatoes, and fresh herbs easily.
- Grater (optional) – for shredding cheese fresh if you prefer over pre-shredded options.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap ground turkey for ground chicken or lean ground beef for a different flavor and texture.
- Try adding chopped bell peppers or zucchini with the onions to sneak in extra veggies.
- Use crumbled feta or goat cheese instead of cheddar for a tangy twist.
- Stir in a teaspoon of red pepper flakes or smoked paprika for a bit of heat and smoky depth.
Best Ground Turkey Orzo Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2 cups chicken broth (or water with bouillon)
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup diced tomatoes (fresh or canned)
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or a blend of cheddar and mozzarella)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon ground cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil or parsley, chopped for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prep and 20 minutes to cook, totaling roughly 30 minutes. It’s a quick and easy meal that’s perfect for weeknight dinners when you want something tasty without the wait!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Onion and Garlic:
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook it for about 3-4 minutes until it becomes soft and translucent. Then, add the minced garlic and stir for another minute until you smell its fragrant aroma.
2. Brown the Ground Turkey:
Add the ground turkey to the skillet. Use a spatula to break it apart, and cook it until it’s brown and no longer pink—about 6-8 minutes. Season it with salt, pepper, dried oregano, smoked paprika, and ground cumin so it’s flavorful.
3. Combine Tomatoes and Orzo:
Stir in the diced tomatoes and orzo pasta, mixing everything together so the orzo gets coated in the spices and juices. This starts building the dish’s delicious flavors.
4. Simmer with Broth:
Pour in the chicken broth. Stir occasionally to keep the orzo from sticking to the pan. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the skillet and let it simmer for 10-12 minutes until the orzo is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
5. Add Spinach and Cheese:
Stir in the fresh spinach and cook for about 2 minutes until it wilts. Then sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly on top. Cover the skillet again and let the cheese melt for 2-3 minutes off the heat.
6. Garnish and Serve:
Sprinkle chopped fresh basil or parsley over the dish. Serve it warm and enjoy a comforting, cheesy, and flavorful meal!
Can I Use Frozen Ground Turkey?
Yes! Just be sure to fully thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before cooking. This ensures even cooking and better texture.
What Can I Substitute for Orzo?
If you don’t have orzo, you can use small pasta like ditalini or even couscous. Just adjust cooking times as needed.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or microwave, adding a splash of broth if it seems dry.
Can I Add More Vegetables?
Absolutely! Try adding bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms when cooking the onions for extra flavor and nutrition.
