Ground Turkey Orzo Skillet

$- 1 lb ground turkey - 1 cup orzo pasta - 1 medium onion, diced - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 bell pepper, diced (any color) - 1 zucchini, diced - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - 1 teaspoon paprika - Salt and pepper to taste - 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes (with juices) - 2 cups chicken broth - ½ cup feta cheese, crumbled (optional) - Fresh basil or parsley for garnish Ground turkey is a lean protein that cooks up nicely. It keeps the dish light but filling. Orzo adds a fun twist. It cooks quickly and soaks up flavors, making it perfect for this skillet dish. Fresh vegetables like onion, garlic, bell pepper, and zucchini add taste and color. They mix well with the turkey and orzo. Seasonings like dried oregano and paprika give this meal a warm flavor. I like to add salt and pepper to taste for the best outcome. You can also enhance the dish with optional additions. Diced tomatoes add a nice touch. Chicken broth makes the orzo creamy and rich. For a special treat, sprinkle crumbled feta cheese on top. Fresh herbs like basil or parsley can finish the dish with a burst of color and flavor. {{ingredient_image_1}} 1. Start by heating two tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. 2. Once hot, add one diced onion. Sauté it for about 3 to 4 minutes until it becomes soft and translucent. 3. Next, add two cloves of minced garlic and one diced bell pepper to the skillet. Cook for another 2 to 3 minutes. You want the bell pepper to soften a bit. 1. Now, increase the heat to medium-high. Add one pound of ground turkey to the skillet. 2. Cook the turkey for about 5 to 6 minutes. Use a spoon to break it up as it browns. 3. Once the turkey is browned, stir in one diced zucchini, one teaspoon of dried oregano, one teaspoon of paprika, and salt and pepper to taste. Cook for another 2 minutes. This softens the zucchini and blends the flavors. 1. It’s time to add one cup of orzo and one can of diced tomatoes (with juices) to the skillet. 2. Pour in two cups of chicken broth and stir everything together. 3. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to simmer. Cover the skillet and let it cook for 12 to 15 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. 4. Once the orzo is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid, remove it from the heat. Let it sit covered for 2 to 3 minutes. 5. Fluff the dish with a fork before serving. If you like, top it with crumbled feta cheese and fresh herbs. Enjoy your hearty meal! To prevent orzo from sticking, follow these tips: - Use enough liquid: Always add the correct amount of chicken broth. This keeps the orzo moist. - Stir often: Mix the orzo with a spoon every few minutes. This helps it cook evenly. When browning turkey, ensure even cooking by doing this: - Break it apart: Use a wooden spoon to break the turkey into small pieces. This allows it to cook faster. - Don’t overcrowd the pan: If needed, cook in batches. This helps the turkey brown better. To boost the flavor of your dish, consider these spices: - Crushed red pepper flakes: Adds a nice kick. - Italian seasoning: Great for a herb-filled taste. - Garlic powder: Extra garlicky goodness if you love garlic. A squeeze of lemon at the end brightens the dish. Just add a little juice before serving. This adds a fresh pop of flavor that balances the richness of the turkey. For serving, you have fun options: - Rustic style: Serve directly in the skillet. This looks inviting and casual. - Individual bowls: Portion into bowls and add garnishes. Fresh basil or parsley adds color and flavor. A sprinkle of feta on top makes it look fancy. Pro Tips Use Lean Turkey: Opt for lean ground turkey for a healthier dish, but be mindful not to overcook it to prevent dryness. Add Extra Vegetables: Feel free to include additional vegetables like spinach or mushrooms for more flavor and nutrition. Customize the Cheese: Experiment with different cheeses like goat cheese or mozzarella for varied taste profiles. Make it Spicy: For a kick, add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to the skillet while cooking the turkey. {{image_2}} You can easily swap the ground turkey for other meats. Ground chicken works well for a lighter taste. Ground beef adds a rich flavor, and it's a great option. For those who prefer a plant-based diet, try using plant-based ground meat. It mimics the texture of meat and absorbs flavors well. Changing up the veggies can create new flavors. Add spinach or kale for a healthy twist. Mushrooms can give a deep umami taste. Carrots or peas add sweetness and color. Think about the seasons too. In spring, use asparagus and peas. In fall, try butternut squash or kale. If you need a gluten-free option, look for gluten-free orzo. There are many brands that make it from rice or corn. You can also skip the cheese or use dairy-free feta for a dairy-free dish. This way, everyone can enjoy the meal without worry. To store leftovers, place the ground turkey orzo skillet in an airtight container. Cool it to room temperature before sealing. This helps keep it fresh. You can refrigerate it for up to three days. If you want to enjoy it later, make sure to reheat it well before eating. To freeze your dish, allow it to cool completely. Then, transfer it to a freezer-safe container. Make sure to leave some space at the top, as it will expand. You can freeze it for up to three months. When you're ready to eat, thaw it overnight in your fridge. Reheat it in a skillet on medium heat, stirring until hot. You can make this dish ahead of time for easy meals. Cook it as usual, then let it cool. Store it in individual portions for quick lunches or dinners. Pair it with a fresh salad or steamed veggies for a complete meal. You can also serve it with crusty bread for a cozy touch. Yes, you can make this dish ahead of time. It stores well in the fridge. To store, let it cool down first. Then place it in an airtight container. It will last for up to three days. When you are ready to eat, reheat it on the stove. Add a splash of chicken broth to keep it moist. You can also microwave it, stirring every minute until hot. No, traditional orzo is not gluten-free. It is made from wheat. However, you can find gluten-free orzo made from rice or corn. Many stores sell these types. They cook similarly, so you can use them in this recipe. Just check the package for cooking times. To add spice, try adding red pepper flakes. Start with a pinch and taste. You can also add diced jalapeños for a fresh kick. If you like hot sauce, drizzle some on top before serving. These ideas will bring heat and flavor to your orzo skillet. This blog post covers a simple and tasty ground turkey orzo dish. You learned about the key ingredients, step-by-step cooking, useful tips, and variations. This dish is easy to customize and perfect for any meal. Remember to store leftovers properly to enjoy later. Feel free to experiment with spices and vegetables to make it your own. Enjoy cooking and sharing this flavorful recipe!$

Ground Turkey Orzo Skillet

A hearty and flavorful one-pan dish featuring ground turkey, orzo pasta, and fresh vegetables.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 20

Total Time 30

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients

1 lb ground turkey
1 cup orzo pasta
1 medium onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 medium bell pepper, diced (any color)
1 medium zucchini, diced
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes (with juices)
2 cups chicken broth
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon paprika
to taste salt and pepper
2 tablespoons olive oil
to taste fresh basil or parsley for garnish
½ cup feta cheese, crumbled (optional)

Instructions

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
Add the minced garlic and diced bell pepper to the skillet. Sauté for another 2-3 minutes until the pepper softens.
Increase the heat to medium-high and add the ground turkey. Cook until browned, about 5-6 minutes, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks.
Stir in the diced zucchini, oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for 2 minutes, allowing the zucchini to soften slightly.
Add the orzo and diced tomatoes (with juices) to the skillet. Pour in the chicken broth and stir everything together.
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cover the skillet and let it cook for about 12-15 minutes, or until the orzo is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
Once cooked, remove from heat and let it sit covered for 2-3 minutes. Fluff with a fork before serving.
Top with crumbled feta cheese and fresh herbs if desired.

Notes

Serve the dish directly in the skillet for a rustic presentation or portion it out into individual bowls garnished with fresh basil or parsley and a sprinkle of extra feta on top.

Keyword one-pan meal, orzo, skillet, turkey