Print

Ground Turkey and Orzo Recipe – Easy Healthy Fall Dinner Idea

ground turkey and orzo - featured image
Print Recipe

This cozy one-pot ground turkey and orzo recipe is packed with lean protein, hearty pasta, and colorful fall veggies. It’s a quick, healthy, and comforting dinner perfect for chilly weeknights and makes delicious leftovers.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound lean ground turkey (93% lean preferred)
  • 1 cup orzo pasta (whole wheat or regular)
  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 medium carrots, diced
  • 2 celery stalks, diced
  • 1 red bell pepper, diced
  • 2 cups baby spinach, roughly chopped
  • 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes (fire-roasted preferred)
  • 2 1/2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for serving)

Instructions

  1. Prep all vegetables: dice onion, carrots, celery, and bell pepper; mince garlic; chop spinach and parsley.
  2. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground turkey, season with salt and pepper, and cook, breaking up with a spoon, until browned and no longer pink (5-7 minutes). Drain excess liquid if needed.
  3. Push turkey to the edges of the pan. Add remaining olive oil to the center, then add onion, carrots, celery, and bell pepper. Sauté until veggies are softened and onions are translucent (3-4 minutes).
  4. Stir in garlic, oregano, thyme, and red pepper flakes (if using). Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  5. Add dry orzo and stir to coat in oil and turkey juices. Add canned diced tomatoes with juices and mix well.
  6. Pour in chicken broth, stir, and bring to a gentle simmer. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until orzo is tender and most liquid is absorbed. Add more broth if needed.
  7. Remove lid and stir in chopped spinach. Cook for 2-3 minutes until wilted. Taste and adjust salt and pepper.
  8. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley and Parmesan cheese if desired.

Notes

For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free orzo or rice. Add extra broth if using whole wheat orzo. Stir orzo occasionally to prevent sticking. Add extra veggies or swap herbs as desired. Leftovers keep well for up to 4 days and freeze for up to 2 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: ground turkey, orzo, fall dinner, healthy, one-pot, easy, weeknight, comfort food, meal prep, family friendly

Find it online: https://blairrecipes.com/ground-turkey-and-orzo-recipe-easy-healthy-fall-dinner-idea/