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–+ servings
Ground Turkey Orzo

Hearty Ground Turkey Orzo for a Cozy Weeknight Dinner

A delicious Ground Turkey Orzo recipe combining tender orzo pasta and lean ground turkey in a savory tomato sauce, perfect for busy weeknights.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 400
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Base
  • 1 lb Ground Turkey
  • 1 cup Orzo Pasta can substitute with acini di pepe or small shells
  • 2 tablespoon Olive Oil or any neutral oil
  • 1 Onion chopped; shallots can be used
  • 1 Red Bell Pepper diced
For the Sauce
  • 3 Garlic minced
  • 14 oz Canned Diced Tomatoes or fresh tomatoes
  • 8 oz Tomato Sauce or crushed tomatoes
  • 1 teaspoon Dried Oregano or fresh oregano (3x the amount)
  • 1 teaspoon Dried Basil or fresh basil
  • Red Pepper Flakes optional
For Final Touches
  • to taste Salt kosher salt is recommended
  • to taste Pepper
  • 2 cups Chicken Broth can substitute with vegetable broth
  • ½ cup Parmesan Cheese grated; can be omitted or replaced with dairy-free option

Equipment

  • Large Skillet
  • wooden spoon

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions for Ground Turkey Orzo
  1. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat for 1-2 minutes.
  2. Add 1 pound of ground turkey, breaking it apart with a spoon. Cook for 5-7 minutes until browned.
  3. Stir in 1 chopped onion and 1 diced red bell pepper, cooking for another 5-7 minutes until translucent.
  4. Mix in 3 minced garlic cloves and cook for 1 minute. Add 1 teaspoon each of dried oregano and dried basil.
  5. Pour in a 14-ounce can of diced tomatoes and 8 ounces of tomato sauce. Season with salt and pepper, and simmer for 15 minutes.
  6. Add 1 cup uncooked orzo and 2 cups chicken broth, ensuring orzo is submerged. Bring to simmer.
  7. Cover and cook on low for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
  8. Remove from heat and stir in ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese until melted.
  9. Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 400kcalCarbohydrates: 43gProtein: 30gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 90mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 800mgFiber: 3gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 700IUVitamin C: 30mgCalcium: 150mgIron: 3mg

Notes

Substitute ingredients as needed and feel free to add any leftover veggies for added nutrition.

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