Patrick Simon February 1, 2026

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One-Pot Ground Turkey Orzo

Name: One-Pot Ground Turkey Orzo
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 lb ground turkey; 1 cup orzo pasta; 1 onion, diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 bell pepper, diced; 4 cups chicken broth; 1 can diced tomatoes; 1 tsp Italian seasoning; Salt and pepper to taste; Fresh parsley for garnish

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A steaming bowl of One-Pot Ground Turkey Orzo warms your hands and fills the kitchen with the scent of sautéed onion and garlic, tender tomato, and nutty orzo. This is the kind of weeknight comfort that feels cozy without being heavy, a quick dinner that looks like you spent longer on it than you did. If you enjoy similar one-pot pasta meals, you might also like the hearty ground beef orzo recipe for another easy family supper option.

Why This One-Pot Ground Turkey Orzo Works

There is a simple pleasure in a meal that comes together in one pot, with flavors concentrating as the pasta cooks in the same pan as the meat and vegetables. Ground turkey soaks up the onion, garlic, and Italian seasoning, and the orzo swells into little pearls that carry every flavor to the spoon. This dish balances savory and bright notes, and it feels special enough for guests while staying effortless for weeknights.

This recipe shines for a few reasons

Everything cooks in one pot, which means fewer dishes and less fuss
The orzo creates a creamy, risotto-like texture without constant stirring
Ground turkey offers a lean, tender base that browns nicely and carries flavor

Serve it as a quick family meal, pack it for leftovers, or bring it to a casual potluck, it is dependable, comforting, and very adaptable.

What You’ll Need

The ingredients here are simple, and each plays a clear role, whether adding body, brightness, or seasoning. Swap chicken broth for vegetable broth if you prefer vegetarian stock, or switch ground turkey for ground chicken or ground beef if you want a different flavor profile. Use turkey bacon if you want a smoky note without heavier pork bacon.

1 lb ground turkey
1 cup orzo pasta
1 onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 bell pepper, diced
4 cups chicken broth
1 can diced tomatoes
1 tsp Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley for garnish

These pantry-friendly items combine to make a dish that tastes richer than it looks, with the diced tomatoes adding acidity and the broth concentrating as the orzo swells.

How to Cook One-Pot Ground Turkey Orzo

In a large pot, brown the ground turkey over medium heat. Break the meat into small pieces, cook until it loses its pink color and begins to caramelize at the edges, you will smell a savory, browned aroma that builds the base of the dish.
Add the onion, garlic, and bell pepper, cook until softened. Stir frequently until the onion is translucent and the pepper has softened, about 4 to 6 minutes, the garlic should become fragrant but not burned.
Stir in the orzo, chicken broth, diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot so those flavors fold back into the liquid, and make sure the orzo is submerged in the broth.
Bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for about 10 minutes or until the orzo is cooked. Keep an eye on it in the final minutes, the orzo will plump and the liquid will thicken into a silky sauce, the texture should be tender with a slight tooth.
Garnish with fresh parsley before serving. Stir gently to lift that bright herb fragrance through the pot, taste for seasoning, and spoon into bowls while it is steaming and glossy.

Prep ~ 10 minutes, Cook ~ 20 minutes, Total ~ 30 minutes, Servings ~ 4, Kcal ~ 420

Make-Ahead and Prep Tips

You can simplify dinnertime by prepping some components ahead. Dice the onion and bell pepper up to two days in advance and store them in an airtight container in the fridge. Mince the garlic and tuck it into a small sealed container so it is ready to go. Brown the ground turkey and cool it completely before refrigerating, this will shave several minutes off your evening routine.

If you want to assemble everything and finish later, combine the cooked turkey, raw orzo, broth, tomatoes, and seasonings in a covered casserole or large pot and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When you are ready to eat, bring it to a gentle simmer and continue with the cooking instructions, but expect a few extra minutes as cold ingredients move toward heat. For gatherings, you can finish the dish on the stove while guests arrive and that final simmer will bloom the aromas.

Storing and Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days, the flavors continue to meld and the orzo will absorb more liquid over time. For longer storage, place cooled portions in freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for the best texture.

Reheat gently on the stovetop over low to medium-low heat with a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen the sauce, stir frequently until warmed through. In the microwave, cover loosely and heat in 60 to 90 second intervals, stirring between cycles, and add a little liquid if it seems dry. A good freshness cue is scent and texture, it should still smell bright and savory and have a plump, not mushy orzo texture, if it smells off or the texture is slimy discard it.

Perfect Pairings

Serve this One-Pot Ground Turkey Orzo with simple sides that complement its warmth and comfort

A crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette to cut through the richness
Garlic roasted broccoli or asparagus for a toasty, earthy contrast
Warm, crusty bread or soft dinner rolls to soak up the broth
A light cucumber and tomato salad for cool freshness
Grated parmesan or a squeeze of lemon on the side for bright finishing notes

These pairings keep the plate balanced while letting the orzo remain the star.

Make It Your Own

This recipe is a friendly template for many variations, try these ideas to match your mood or pantry

Swap the protein, use ground chicken or ground beef if you prefer a different flavor and texture, each brings its own richness.
Add turkey bacon for a smoky accent, crisp it separately and crumble it on top for texture without using pork.
Stir in a couple of handfuls of fresh spinach or chopped kale at the end, they wilt quickly and add color, nutrients, and a slightly bitter contrast.
Give it a lemon lift, grate in a little lemon zest and add a squeeze of juice just before serving to brighten the whole pot.
Mix in a half cup of grated parmesan or another melting cheese for creamier richness, stir it in off heat so it melts evenly.
For an herby twist, swap some parsley for chopped basil or dill, those herbs change the profile pleasantly.
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes while sauteing the garlic for gentle heat, the spice complements the savory turkey.
If you are curious about an entirely different flavor direction, try a complementary dish such as a turkey stir-fry, the flavors and quick-cooking technique pair nicely with weeknight menus, see an example of that style in this ground turkey teriyaki stir-fry recipe.

Pro Tips for Best Results

Use medium heat to brown the turkey and develop flavor, too high a heat can dry the meat, and too low will not create those savory browned bits.
After adding the orzo and broth, give the pot a good stir and bring it to a steady simmer, not a rolling boil, to prevent the orzo from sticking or breaking apart.
Keep the lid on during simmering to trap steam and cook the orzo evenly, but check at the two-thirds mark to prevent overcooking.
If the orzo absorbs all the liquid before it is tender, add 1/4 cup additional broth and continue simmering, the final texture should be al dente or slightly soft depending on preference.
Taste and adjust salt at the end, if you add cheese or salty garnishes, do a final check before serving.
If you prefer a fluffier texture, stir gently and let the pot sit off the heat for 5 minutes before serving, this resting time allows the flavors to marry and the sauce to settle.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of orzo should I use, regular or whole wheat?
Regular orzo cooks more quickly and yields a creamy texture similar to risotto. Whole wheat orzo will be denser and take a couple of minutes longer to cook, it also absorbs less liquid, so plan to add a little more broth if using whole wheat.

Can I make this gluten free?
Yes, use a gluten free orzo or a small gluten free pasta shaped like rice. Keep in mind different gluten free pastas vary in absorption, so check texture a few minutes earlier or later than the recipe time and adjust with extra broth as needed.

How do I prevent the orzo from getting mushy?
Start checking the orzo 2 or 3 minutes before the package time, and keep the simmer gentle. Use the resting step after cooking to let excess moisture absorb evenly. If it seems to be finishing early, remove the pot from heat and cover, carryover heat will complete the cook without turning the pasta to mush.

Can I use ground turkey that is already seasoned?
You can, but reduce or skip added salt and be mindful of flavor overlaps with Italian seasoning. Preseasoned meat can be delicious, just taste as you go because those seasonings can intensify as the dish cooks.

Is it possible to double this recipe for a crowd?
Yes, double the ingredients and use a larger pot, increase the cooking time only for bringing to a boil and reaching a simmer, the orzo cooking time stays similar. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking and prevent sticking at the bottom when scaling up.

What if I want a creamier finish without cheese?
Stir in a tablespoon or two of unsalted butter at the end and let it melt through, or add a splash of cream or full fat milk for a richer mouthfeel, warm gently so the dairy blends smoothly.

Final Thoughts

One-Pot Ground Turkey Orzo is a comforting, weekday-friendly meal that delivers bold aromas and a satisfying texture with very little fuss. With lean ground turkey, tender orzo, and pantry staples, it becomes a reliable go-to when you want something wholesome and flavorful on the table fast. Try the variations, prep ahead when you can, and enjoy the simple pleasure of a pot that does all the work, then invite someone to share the warm bowl with you soon.

One-Pot Ground Turkey Orzo

Author: anastasia-rice
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Paleo

Print Recipe

Description

A comforting one-pot meal featuring ground turkey and orzo, simmered with tomatoes and seasonings for a quick weeknight dinner.

Instructions

In a large pot, brown the ground turkey over medium heat until it loses its pink color and begins to caramelize.
Add the onion, garlic, and bell pepper; cook until softened, about 4 to 6 minutes.
Stir in the orzo, chicken broth, diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
Bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for about 10 minutes or until the orzo is cooked.
Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.