Healthy, kid-friendly, Dutch-oven option with easy swaps for ground chicken
Tender orzo and juicy ground turkey simmer in a garlicky tomato broth with spinach and Parmesan, creamy, cozy, and weeknight-fast.
Why You’ll Love It
- One pot, 30 min: Perfect Ground Turkey Dinner Recipe for busy nights.
- Healthy & satisfying: Lean protein + whole grains; easy veg add-ins.
- Kid-friendly texture: Small pasta + mild flavors = wins for Ground Turkey Recipes For Kids.
- Flexible cooking: Stovetop, Ground Turkey Dutch Oven Recipes, casserole, and slow cooker.
- Easy swap: Works great as Ground Chicken Orzo Recipes too.
Ingredients (notes only)
Turkey & Aromatics
- Lean ground turkey (93%): flavorful yet light.
- Olive oil, onion, garlic: classic savory base.
- Tomato paste + crushed tomatoes: umami + body without heaviness.
Seasoning
- Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, red-pepper flakes (optional): kid-friendly warmth.
- Kosher salt, black pepper, lemon zest/juice to finish.
Pasta & Liquid
- Orzo (regular or whole-wheat): cooks fast, kid-approved shape.
- Low-sodium chicken broth (or veggie): control salt; add in stages for creamy starch release.
- Milk or evaporated milk (or Greek yogurt off heat): creamy without heavy cream.
Finishers
- Baby spinach (stirs in to wilt), grated Parmesan, fresh parsley/basil.
Optional Veg Boost (kids/toddler)
- Fine-diced zucchini, carrot, or bell pepper; peas for sweetness.
Step-by-Step
- Brown turkey (5–6 min): Heat 1 Tbsp oil in a wide pot/Dutch oven. Cook 1 lb ground turkey, breaking into small crumbles, until no pink remains and largest clump reaches 165°F/74°C.
- Build flavor (2–3 min): Stir in 1 small diced onion, 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 Tbsp tomato paste; cook until glossy.
- Season: Add 1 tsp Italian seasoning, ½ tsp smoked paprika, ¾ tsp salt, ¼ tsp pepper (and red-pepper flakes if desired).
- Add orzo & liquids: Stir in 1½ cups orzo, then pour 3 cups broth and 1 cup crushed tomatoes. Scrape the bottom; bring to a simmer.
- Simmer (8–10 min): Cook uncovered, stirring often, until orzo is just tender and saucy. Add a splash more broth if needed.
- Make it creamy: Reduce heat low; stir in ½ cup milk or evaporated milk (or ¼ cup Greek yogurt off heat).
- Greens & cheese: Fold in 2 cups baby spinach to wilt; add ½ cup Parmesan. Finish with lemon zest/juice to brighten.
- Taste & serve: Adjust salt/pepper. Rest 2 minutes to thicken before serving.
Pro Tips
- Tiny crumbles = tender bites: Press turkey flat to sear, then chop with a spatula.
- Stir often: Orzo sinks; frequent stirring prevents sticking.
- Cream last: Dairy after simmering keeps sauces silky and prevents curdling.
- Broth control: Add in ¼-cup splashes to hit your ideal “creamy, not soupy” texture.
- Veg micro-dice: For toddlers, grate carrot/zucchini so they melt into the sauce.
Variations (mapped to interests)
- Ground Chicken Orzo: Direct 1:1 swap; keep temps at 165°F/74°C. (Ground Chicken Orzo / Ground Chicken Orzo Recipes)
- Dutch Oven Bake: After step 5, top with mozzarella; bake 375°F/190°C 10–12 min, then broil 1–2 min. (Ground Turkey Dutch Oven Recipes)
- Healthy Casserole: Stir in steamed broccoli and use whole-wheat orzo; bake as above. (Ground Turkey Casserole Recipes Healthy)
- Kid-Friendly: Skip flakes; add peas and extra Parmesan. (Ground Turkey Recipes For Kids / Kid Friendly Ground Turkey Recipes)
- Toddler Mini Portions: Loosen with a splash of milk; cut orzo with kitchen shears if needed. (Ground Turkey Toddler Recipes)
How to Serve
Spoon into bowls with extra Parmesan and basil. Add a simple salad or roasted broccoli. Great with garlic bread or warm pitas.
Make Ahead & Storage
- Fridge: 4 days in airtight containers (orzo continues to absorb).
- Reheat: Splash of broth or milk on stovetop over low heat, stir until creamy.
- Freeze: Up to 2 months (texture softens); thaw overnight, reheat gently with broth.
- Meal prep: Portion into 4–6 containers; add a lemon wedge to brighten at reheat.
FAQs
Can I use whole-wheat orzo?
Yes; add 2–4 Tbsp extra broth and cook 1–2 minutes longer.
Why is my orzo sticking?
Use a wide pot, maintain a gentle simmer, and stir often so pasta doesn’t settle.
How do I keep it light but creamy?
Evaporated milk or Greek yogurt off heat gives creaminess without heavy cream.
Safe temperature for turkey?
Cook ground turkey (or chicken) to 165°F/74°C; check the largest clump.
Simple Nutrition Table (estimate per 1 of 6 servings)
Calories 390 • Protein 29g • Carbs 46g • Fat 11g • Fiber 3g • Sodium 620mg
Nutrition is an estimate and varies by brands and add-ins.
Ground Turkey Orzo (One-Pot, 30 Minutes)
One-pot orzo with lean ground turkey, tomato-garlic broth, spinach, and Parmesan. A healthy and family-friendly weeknight dinner with easy swaps for ground chicken or a baked Dutch-oven casserole version.
Ingredients
- 1 Tbsp olive oil
- 1 lb (450 g) lean ground turkey (93%)
- 1 small yellow onion, finely diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 Tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 3/4 tsp kosher salt, plus more to taste
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 pinch red-pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 1/2 cups (10 oz) orzo, uncooked (regular or whole-wheat)
- 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth, plus extra as needed
- 1 cup crushed tomatoes (or passata)
- 1/2 cup milk or evaporated milk (or 1/4 cup Greek yogurt off heat)
- 2 cups baby spinach
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan
- 1/2 zest and juice of 1/2 lemon
- 2 Tbsp chopped parsley or basil
Equipment
- large pot or deep skillet for one-pot cooking
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- measuring cups
- zester or microplane for lemon zest
- knife and cutting board
- Dutch oven (optional) for casserole variation
Method
- Heat olive oil in a wide pot over medium-high heat. Add ground turkey and cook, breaking up, until no pink remains and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C), about 5–6 minutes.
- Add onion and garlic; cook 2–3 minutes until softened. Stir in tomato paste and cook 30–60 seconds to deepen flavor.
- Season with Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, pepper, and red-pepper flakes (if using).
- Stir in orzo, broth, and crushed tomatoes. Bring to a lively simmer and cook 8–10 minutes, stirring often, until orzo is al dente and saucy.
- Reduce heat to low. Stir in milk (or off-heat Greek yogurt) until creamy. Fold in spinach to wilt.
- Stir in Parmesan, lemon zest and juice, and herbs. Adjust seasoning to taste, rest 2 minutes, and serve warm.
Nutrition
Calories: 390kcalCarbohydrates: 46gProtein: 29gFat: 11gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 6gCholesterol: 75mgSodium: 620mgPotassium: 580mgFiber: 3gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 1400IUVitamin C: 8mgCalcium: 180mgIron: 3mg
Notes
Ground Chicken Orzo: Swap turkey 1:1; cook to 165°F (74°C).
Veg options: Add finely diced carrot, zucchini, or bell pepper with onion.
Make creamy: Use evaporated milk or stir in 1 Tbsp butter at the end.
Whole-wheat orzo: Add a few extra Tbsp broth as needed.
Alternate Methods:
• Stovetop: As written.
• Dutch Oven: Follow Steps 1–5; top with 3/4 cup mozzarella and bake 375°F (190°C) 10–12 min, broil 1–2 min.
• Oven Casserole (meal prep): Par-cook orzo 6 min; combine with cooked turkey sauce; bake 375°F (190°C) 15–18 min covered, uncover 5 min.
• Slow Cooker: Brown turkey with aromatics; add tomatoes, 2 1/2 cups broth, and seasonings. Cook LOW 2–3 hr. Add par-cooked orzo + 1/2 cup broth for last 20–30 min.
• Air Fryer (stuffed peppers): Fill halved bell peppers with cooked orzo mixture; air-fry 360°F (182°C) 10–12 min; top with cheese last 2 min.
Veg options: Add finely diced carrot, zucchini, or bell pepper with onion.
Make creamy: Use evaporated milk or stir in 1 Tbsp butter at the end.
Whole-wheat orzo: Add a few extra Tbsp broth as needed.
Alternate Methods:
• Stovetop: As written.
• Dutch Oven: Follow Steps 1–5; top with 3/4 cup mozzarella and bake 375°F (190°C) 10–12 min, broil 1–2 min.
• Oven Casserole (meal prep): Par-cook orzo 6 min; combine with cooked turkey sauce; bake 375°F (190°C) 15–18 min covered, uncover 5 min.
• Slow Cooker: Brown turkey with aromatics; add tomatoes, 2 1/2 cups broth, and seasonings. Cook LOW 2–3 hr. Add par-cooked orzo + 1/2 cup broth for last 20–30 min.
• Air Fryer (stuffed peppers): Fill halved bell peppers with cooked orzo mixture; air-fry 360°F (182°C) 10–12 min; top with cheese last 2 min.
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