Ground Turkey Orzo in Tomato Sauce Recipe

I’ve been making this Ground Turkey Orzo in Tomato Sauce Recipe for months now, and I honestly can’t get enough of it! What started as a quick weeknight dinner solution has become one of my go-to recipes when I want something hearty, healthy, and incredibly satisfying. I love how everything comes together in just one pan, making cleanup a breeze after a long day. 

The combination of tender orzo, savory ground turkey, and rich tomato sauce creates this amazing comfort food that feels like a warm hug on a plate. Every time I make this dish, my family asks for seconds, and I’ve even caught myself sneaking bites straight from the skillet while it’s still warm!

Ingredients for Ground Turkey Orzo in Tomato Sauce Recipe

• 1 tablespoon olive oil: I prefer extra virgin olive oil for better flavor depth
• 1 pound ground turkey: Choose 93/7 lean ground turkey for the perfect balance of flavor and health
• 1/2 tablespoon Italian seasoning: Fresh herbs work too, but dried seasoning gives consistent flavor
• 1 tablespoon garlic powder: Fresh minced garlic can substitute, but powder distributes more evenly
• 1/2 teaspoon salt: Use kosher salt for better control over seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon cracked black pepper: Freshly cracked pepper makes a noticeable difference
• 1/2 cup diced onion: Yellow onions work best for their sweet flavor when cooked
• 1/2 cup diced bell pepper: Red bell peppers add sweetness and beautiful color
• 1 can (8 oz) fire-roasted tomatoes, drained: Fire-roasted adds smoky depth you can’t get from regular tomatoes
• 1 cup orzo pasta: Don’t rinse the orzo before cooking, as the starch helps thicken the sauce
• 1 cup tomato sauce: Choose a quality marinara or plain tomato sauce without chunks
• 1 cup chicken broth: Low-sodium broth gives you better control over salt levels
• 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese: Grate fresh mozzarella for better melting and creamier texture
• 2 tablespoons fresh basil: Fresh basil is essential here; dried just won’t give the same bright finish

Note: This recipe serves 4 people generously as a main dish.

Variations

• Dairy-Free Option: Skip the mozzarella cheese or use your favorite dairy-free cheese alternative. Nutritional yeast also adds a nice cheesy flavor without dairy.
• Vegetable Boost: Add diced zucchini, mushrooms, or spinach during the sautéing phase. Frozen vegetables work, but drain them thoroughly to prevent excess moisture.
• Protein Alternatives: Ground chicken, lean ground beef, or even plant-based ground meat work wonderfully in place of turkey.
• Spice It Up: Add red pepper flakes, diced jalapeños, or a dash of hot sauce for heat lovers.
• Mediterranean Twist: Include sun-dried tomatoes, olives, and feta cheese for a Greek-inspired version.

Cooking Time

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes

Equipment You Need

• Large skillet with lid: Essential for one-pan cooking and proper steaming of orzo
• Wooden spoon or spatula: For stirring without scratching your pan
• Can opener: For opening tomatoes and tomato sauce
• Measuring cups and spoons: For accurate ingredient portions
• Cutting board and knife: For dicing vegetables and chopping basil
• Small mixing bowl: For combining the tomato sauce and broth mixture

How to Make Ground Turkey Orzo in Tomato Sauce Recipe?

This one-pan wonder transforms simple ingredients into a restaurant-quality meal that’s ready in just 30 minutes. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and the way each ingredient builds upon the last to create layers of flavor. I’ve perfected this technique through countless iterations, and I’m excited to share exactly how to get it right every single time.

Brown the Turkey and Build the Base

Start by heating olive oil in your large skillet over medium-high heat until it shimmers slightly. Add the ground turkey along with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper, breaking it up with your spoon as it cooks. Let the turkey cook undisturbed for 2-3 minutes at a time to develop those delicious browned bits that add so much flavor. Once the turkey is fully cooked and nicely browned, add the diced onion and bell pepper, sautéing until they become fragrant and the onion turns translucent.

Add Tomatoes and Toast the Orzo

Stir in the drained fire roasted tomatoes, mixing everything together until well combined and heated through. The tomatoes will release their juices, creating a beautiful base for our sauce. Now comes my favorite part – add the dry orzo directly to the skillet and toast it for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently. This toasting step is crucial because it gives the orzo a nutty flavor and helps it maintain its texture during the cooking process.

Create the Sauce and Simmer

In a small bowl, whisk together the tomato sauce and chicken broth until smooth, then pour this mixture over the orzo and turkey. The liquid should just barely cover the orzo, so adjust with a bit more broth if needed. Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let everything simmer for about 15 minutes. I like to stir gently every 5 minutes to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking throughout.

Finish and Serve

Once the orzo is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid, remove from heat and sprinkle the mozzarella cheese over the top. Cover for 2-3 minutes to let the cheese melt beautifully, then garnish with fresh basil just before serving. The cheese will create this wonderful creamy layer that binds everything together, while the basil adds that fresh, aromatic finish that makes this dish truly special.

Additional Tips for Making This Recipe Better

• I’ve learned that letting the ground turkey develop a good sear before stirring creates much better flavor – resist the urge to move it around too much initially
• When I toast the orzo, I listen for it to start crackling slightly – that’s when I know it’s perfectly toasted
• I always taste the dish before adding the cheese and adjust seasoning if needed – every brand of broth and tomato sauce has different salt levels
• If my orzo looks like it might stick, I add a splash more broth rather than water to maintain the flavor
• I’ve found that letting the dish rest for 5 minutes after cooking allows the flavors to meld and makes serving much easier
• For extra richness, I sometimes stir in a tablespoon of cream cheese with the mozzarella

How to Serve Ground Turkey Orzo in Tomato Sauce Recipe?

This versatile dish works beautifully as a complete one-pan meal, but I love pairing it with a simple side salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette to cut through the richness. For presentation, I like to serve it family-style directly from the skillet, garnished with fresh basil leaves and a light sprinkle of red pepper flakes for color. A crusty piece of garlic bread on the side turns this into a restaurant-worthy dinner, and I’ve even served it at casual dinner parties where it never fails to impress. 

Nutritional Information

This hearty and satisfying meal provides excellent nutritional value per serving:

• Calories: Approximately 385 calories per serving
• Protein: 37 grams of lean protein from the ground turkey
• Carbohydrates: 37 grams primarily from the orzo pasta
• Fat: 10 grams of healthy fats from olive oil and cheese

Make Ahead and Storage

Refrigerator Storage: This dish keeps beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 4 days when stored in an airtight container. The flavors actually improve overnight as everything melds together, making leftovers even more delicious than the original meal.

Freezing: You can freeze this recipe for up to 3 months, though the orzo texture may change slightly upon thawing. I recommend slightly undercooking the orzo if you plan to freeze it, as it will continue cooking during the reheating process.

Reheating: Reheat gently in a covered skillet over low heat with a splash of chicken broth or water to restore moisture. Microwave reheating works too – just add a tablespoon of liquid and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe?

Here are the compelling reasons why this ground turkey orzo has become such a beloved recipe in my kitchen:

• One-Pan Convenience: Everything cooks in a single skillet, which means minimal cleanup and maximum flavor development as all ingredients cook together harmoniously
• Quick Weeknight Solution: Ready in just 30 minutes from start to finish, this recipe saves you time without sacrificing taste or nutritional value
• Budget-Friendly Ingredients: Uses affordable, everyday ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry, making it perfect for families watching their grocery budget
• Highly Customizable: The recipe serves as a fantastic base that you can modify with whatever vegetables, proteins, or seasonings you have on hand
• Healthy and Satisfying: Packed with lean protein and vegetables while still feeling indulgent thanks to the creamy cheese and rich tomato sauce