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For a tasty Ground Turkey Tomato Orzo, gather these simple ingredients: - 1 pound ground turkey - 1 cup orzo pasta - 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, with juices - 1 small onion, diced - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 cup vegetable broth - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - 1 teaspoon dried basil - 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for spice) - Salt and pepper to taste - 2 tablespoons olive oil - Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish These ingredients create a savory one-pot meal perfect for any night. Ground turkey offers lean protein, while orzo adds a delightful texture. Diced tomatoes bring a rich flavor, and herbs like oregano and basil enhance the dish beautifully. Don't forget the garlic and onion, which add depth to every bite. Feel free to adjust the spice level by adding or removing red pepper flakes. Fresh parsley at the end adds a burst of color and taste. Enjoy cooking this easy and satisfying dish! {{ingredient_image_1}} - Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. - Add the diced onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until it turns soft and clear. - Next, stir in the minced garlic. Cook for another 1-2 minutes. Be careful not to brown it. - Now, add the ground turkey to the pot. Break it apart with a wooden spoon. Cook until it is no longer pink, which takes about 5-6 minutes. - Incorporate the can of diced tomatoes, including their juices. Pour in the vegetable broth and sprinkle in the dried oregano and basil. If you like spice, add red pepper flakes too. Stir everything to mix well. - Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Then, add the orzo pasta. Stir well to make sure the pasta is under the liquid. - Cover the pot and reduce the heat to low. Let it cook for about 10-12 minutes. This allows the orzo to become tender and soak up most of the liquid. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. - After cooking, season with salt and pepper to taste. Remove the pot from heat and let it sit for a couple of minutes to thicken slightly. - Serve warm and garnish with fresh parsley on top for a nice touch. To ensure even cooking for ground turkey, break it apart well with a spoon. This helps it cook evenly. I like to cook it until it's no longer pink, about 5-6 minutes. Stir often to check for any uncooked bits. To avoid clumping with orzo, stir the pasta into the pot as soon as you add it. Make sure the orzo gets submerged in the broth. Stir every few minutes while it cooks. This keeps the orzo from sticking together and helps it cook evenly. For pairing options, I recommend a fresh salad or warm crusty bread. A light green salad adds a nice crunch and freshness. Bread is perfect for soaking up the tasty sauce. For ideal garnishes, sprinkle fresh parsley on top before serving. It adds a pop of color and a fresh taste. You can also add grated cheese, like Parmesan, for extra flavor. Pro Tips Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh herbs like basil and parsley can elevate the flavor of your dish. Add them at the end of cooking to maintain their vibrant taste and color. Cook Orzo Al Dente: To ensure your orzo maintains a nice texture, cook it al dente. It will continue to soften as it sits in the sauce. Customize with Vegetables: Feel free to add chopped vegetables such as bell peppers or spinach for added nutrition and flavor. Just sauté them with the onions. Make it Ahead: This dish can be made ahead of time and reheated. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. {{image_2}} You can easily swap the ground turkey for other meats. Chicken or beef work well here. Each option brings its own flavor. Just keep an eye on cooking times, as they can vary. If you need a gluten-free meal, look for gluten-free orzo. Many brands now offer this option. It acts just like regular orzo in this dish. You can enjoy the same taste without the gluten. To boost the flavor, adding spices can work wonders. Try using paprika for a smoky taste. Cumin adds a warm, earthy flavor that complements the tomatoes. Just a teaspoon of each can make a big difference. Adding vegetables can also enhance the meal. Spinach wilts nicely into the dish. Bell peppers add sweetness and crunch. Feel free to toss in your favorite veggies. This way, you can customize the meal to your taste. To store leftovers properly, let the dish cool first. Then, transfer it to an airtight container. This helps keep it fresh and tasty. You can store it in the fridge for about 3 to 4 days. Always check for any changes in smell or color before eating. For freezing, place the cooled meal in a freezer-safe container. Leave some space at the top because the food will expand. This dish can stay good in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you're ready to enjoy it again, thaw in the fridge overnight. To reheat, warm it on the stove over low heat. Add a splash of broth or water if it seems dry. Stir often to ensure even heating. Enjoy your savory ground turkey tomato orzo just like it was made fresh! Yes, you can! You can swap orzo for small pasta shapes like macaroni or ditalini. Just adjust the cooking time based on the pasta you choose. Keep an eye on it as it cooks. To boost the flavor, add fresh herbs like basil or thyme. You can also toss in some lemon juice for brightness. For a richer taste, use chicken broth instead of vegetable broth. If you like heat, add more red pepper flakes or even some diced jalapeño. Absolutely! This dish stores well. You can make a big batch and divide it into meal prep containers. It keeps in the fridge for about three days. Just reheat it in the microwave or on the stove when you're ready to eat. This blog post covered how to make a tasty dish with ground turkey and orzo. You learned the simple steps to prepare, cook, and serve it. I shared helpful tips to ensure the meat cooks evenly and avoid clumping. Variations let you explore different proteins and spices. Proper storage and reheating keep leftovers fresh. Remember, cooking is all about experimenting. Enjoy making this recipe your own, and don’t hesitate to try new ingredients. Happy cooking!

Savory Ground Turkey Tomato Orzo

A delicious and hearty dish featuring ground turkey, orzo pasta, and diced tomatoes, perfect for a comforting meal.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound ground turkey
  • 1 cup orzo pasta
  • 1 can diced tomatoes, with juices (14.5 oz)
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup vegetable broth
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for spice)
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • for garnish fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions
 

  • In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until translucent.
  • Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes, being careful not to let it brown.
  • Add the ground turkey to the pot, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. Cook until it's no longer pink, approximately 5-6 minutes.
  • Incorporate the can of diced tomatoes (with their juices), vegetable broth, dried oregano, dried basil, and red pepper flakes. Stir to combine.
  • Bring the mixture to a simmer, then add the orzo pasta. Stir well to ensure the pasta is submerged in the liquid.
  • Cover the pot and reduce heat to low. Let it simmer for about 10-12 minutes, or until the orzo is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
  • Season with salt and pepper to taste. Remove from heat and let it sit for a couple of minutes to thicken slightly.
  • Serve warm, garnished with fresh parsley on top.

Notes

Feel free to adjust the spice level by adding more or less red pepper flakes.
Keyword dinner, one pot, orzo, pasta, turkey