Ground Turkey Orzo Dinner

This quick comforting ground turkey orzo in savory tomato broth has become my go to dinner when I need something hearty on a busy weeknight without spending hours in the kitchen

I first made this on a cold weeknight after work and now it has become one of my staples for busy evenings when I want something warm and filling without fuss

Ingredients

• Ground turkey: brings lean protein that cooks quickly for weeknight ease look for ground turkey with a bit of fat for flavor
• Olive oil: adds richness and helps brown the turkey use a good quality olive oil for a light fruity note
• Orzo pasta: gives the dish its hearty comforting body choose a brand that holds shape during simmering
• Chicken broth: creates a savory base you can use homemade or low sodium store bought
• Diced tomatoes with juices: add tang and body for a light tomato broth
• Italian seasoning: brings a blend of herbs to add flavor without fuss
• Salt and black pepper: to taste to build seasoning throughout
• Freshly grated Parmesan cheese: for garnish to add salty richness at the end

Step by Step Instructions

Heat the Skillet:

Warm olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat and add ground turkey cooking while breaking it up with a spoon until browned and cooked through season with salt black pepper and Italian seasoning while stirring to build layers of flavor

Combine Orzo and Liquids:

Add orzo chicken broth and diced tomatoes with juices into the skillet stirring thoroughly to combine everything together ensuring the orzo is well coated and evenly distributed

Simmer Until Tender:

Bring the skillet mixture to a simmer reduce heat to medium low cover and let cook for around ten minutes stirring occasionally until the orzo is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed ensuring the bottom does not stick

Serve and Garnish:

Spoon the hot turkey orzo into bowls and top with freshly grated Parmesan cheese for a comforting finish

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I love adding extra chopped spinach in the last few minutes of simmering for a boost of greens and the kids often help sprinkle the cheese before serving turning it into a cozy weeknight ritual in our home

Storage Tips

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days and add a splash of broth or water when reheating to loosen the mixture while keeping it creamy and tender

Ingredient Substitutions

Use vegetable broth and lentils instead of turkey for a vegetarian version and try adding chopped zucchini or bell peppers to increase vegetables without much effort

Serving Suggestions

Serve with a crisp green salad or warm crusty bread for a complete meal or top with a spoonful of ricotta for a creamier finish

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Cultural Context

This turkey orzo meal takes inspiration from Mediterranean flavors while keeping the preparation straightforward for modern kitchens making it a practical choice for families wanting comforting flavors quickly

Common Recipe Questions

→ What type of ground turkey should I use for orzo dinner?

Use ground turkey with a bit of fat for more flavor and moisture, typically around 93% lean, to keep the dish juicy while still being leaner than other meats.

→ Can I use a different pasta instead of orzo?

Yes, small pasta shapes like ditalini or small shells can work, but you may need to adjust liquid and cooking time slightly to ensure they cook through.

→ How can I add more vegetables to this turkey orzo dinner?

You can add chopped spinach, zucchini, bell peppers, or peas in the last few minutes of simmering to increase the vegetable content without extra steps.

→ Can I make this turkey orzo ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare it in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Add a splash of broth when reheating to loosen it up.

→ What should I serve with ground turkey orzo dinner?

It pairs well with a crisp green salad, warm crusty bread, or a simple side of roasted vegetables to complete the meal.