Mediterranean Ground Turkey Orzo Skillet

Q: Can I freeze the Best Ground Turkey Orzo Recipe? What's the best way to do it?

While you *can* freeze this recipe, the texture of the orzo might change a little upon thawing. It can become a bit softer. If you do freeze it, let it cool completely first, then transfer it to freezer-safe containers or bags. It's best used within 2-3 months. Thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat thoroughly, adding a splash of broth or water if needed.

Best Ground Turkey Orzo Recipe My GoTo Mediterranean Skillet

By Kendra ThompsonSeptember 5, 2025

4.43 (7 Ratings)

Table of Contents

Recipe Introduction

Quick Hook

Ever get that craving for a taste of the Mediterranean? The Best Ground Turkey Orzo Recipe is here. It is a flavour bomb that’s healthy and quick.

Brief Overview

This Orzo Ground Turkey Recipe is inspired by sunny Mediterranean flavours. It's a one-pan dish, so easy clean up!. Takes about 40 minutes to make and serves 6.

Think Greece on a plate, but way easier to get your hands on than a plane ticket!

Main Benefits

This recipe is packed with lean protein and fresh veggies. It's perfect for a busy weeknight dinner. What makes this so special? That zingy lemon herb sauce, honestly!

Mediterranean Magic: Your Ground Turkey Orzo Adventure Begins

This isn't just another pasta dish, okay? It’s a flavour trip! Imagine you're sitting in a taverna overlooking the Aegean Sea, soaking up the sun.

That's the vibe of this Mediterranean Turkey Orzo Recipe . Seriously, it's all about simple ingredients singing together in perfect harmony.

So, why ground turkey and orzo? Well, ground turkey is lean and cooks up quick. Orzo is like rice shaped pasta.

Plus, it’s a blank canvas for absorbing all those amazing Mediterranean flavours. We're talking sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and feta, all dancing in a lemon herb sauce.

This recipe is honestly so easy. Even if your cooking skills are limited to boiling water, you got this! It's ready in under 40 minutes.

Perfect for those nights when you need something fast but don’t want to compromise on taste.

Trust me, this Healthy Ground Turkey Orzo Recipe will become a regular in your rotation. It's a crowd pleaser that's also good for you.

What's not to love? Next, let's dive into the ingredient list...

Ingredients & Equipment for Your Best Ground Turkey Orzo Recipe

Alright, let's get down to brass tacks. You wanna make this Orzo Ground Turkey Recipe sing, right? Then listen up! I'm gonna break down what you need to nail it, no fancy pants stuff.

We're keeping it real.

Main Ingredients: The Foundation of Flavor

This Mediterranean Turkey Orzo Recipe is all about balance. Let's break it down:

Olive oil: 1 tablespoon (15 ml) .
Ground turkey: 1 pound (454g) . Go for lean, but don't be scared of a little fat for flavour!
Yellow onion: 1 medium, chopped . About 1 cup .
Garlic: 2 cloves, minced . Fresh is best, always!
Dried oregano: 1 teaspoon . Don't skimp it's essential for that Mediterranean vibe.
Salt: ½ teaspoon . Start here and adjust to taste.
Black pepper: ¼ teaspoon . Freshly ground is always a winner.
Diced tomatoes: 1 (14.5 ounce) can, undrained (411g) . I love the ones with basil and oregano already mixed in for a shortcut!
Sun-dried tomatoes: ½ cup, oil-packed, drained and chopped .
Baby spinach: 5 ounces (about 5 cups) . Don't worry, it wilts down a lot !
Feta cheese: ½ cup, crumbled . Get the good stuff if you can it makes a difference!
Orzo pasta: 1 cup (200g) .
Chicken broth: 2 cups (473 ml) . Low sodium is your friend.
Lemon juice: Juice of 1 lemon (about 2 tablespoons) . Freshly squeezed, please!
Fresh parsley: 2 tablespoons, chopped .
Fresh mint: 1 tablespoon, chopped .

Honestly, finding good sun-dried tomatoes is half the battle. I once grabbed some that tasted like rubber bands. Lesson learned. Splurge a little.

Seasoning Notes: Secret Weapon Time!

Oregano and tomatoes are a match made in heaven. Add a squeeze of lemon at the end. It just lifts everything.

If you're feeling fancy, a pinch of red pepper flakes adds a nice kick. Think about this Ground Turkey Orzo Soup sometimes uses thyme or rosemary, that gives it such a earthier flavour!

Equipment Needed: Keep It Simple!

Large skillet or Dutch oven ( 12 inch ). This is your workhorse.
Measuring cups and spoons. Obvious, but don't forget!
Chef's knife. A good one makes all the difference.
Cutting board.
Garlic press (optional). I'm lazy, so I use one!

Honestly, you don't need fancy stuff. A good skillet and a sharp knife will get you through most recipes! This Easy Ground Turkey Orzo Skillet and One Pot Turkey Pasta comes together so quick with so few tools.

So, that's it! Grab these bits and bobs, and you're halfway to a delicious Mediterranean inspired feast. It makes this Healthy Ground Turkey Orzo Recipe and the whole house will smell amazing, trust me.

Get cooking!.

Time to Cook: Mediterranean Ground Turkey Orzo Skillet !

Fancy a quick, healthy, and utterly delicious meal? You know, something that tastes like you've spent hours slaving away, but actually takes less than 45 minutes ? Honestly, this Mediterranean Ground Turkey Orzo skillet is where it's at!

It's basically sunshine in a pan, packed with flavour and good for-you ingredients.

Best Ground Turkey Orzo Recipe and I'm going to share all my secrets. I always recommend to use quality products to achieve the Orzo Ground Turkey Recipe .

You can use ground turkey orzo couscous with no problem. Did you know, in some parts of the world, orzo is also known as risoni? How cool is that?

Prep Like a Pro: Your Mise en Place

First things first, let's get organised. Chopping everything beforehand is key. Roughly chop 1 medium yellow onion, mince 2 cloves of garlic, measure out your herbs.

Get the can of diced tomatoes ready and sun-dried tomatoes chopped. Have your spinach to hand and feta measured out.

This will make the whole cooking process so much smoother. A little bit of prep equals a whole lotta flavour, trust me! This will work perfectly to create One Pot Turkey Pasta .

Let's Get Cooking: step-by-step

Sauté the aromatics: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in your skillet over medium heat. Toss in that chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes .
Add the minced garlic and cook until you can smell that gorgeous aroma, about 1 minute .
Brown the turkey: Add 1 pound of ground turkey to the skillet. Break it up with a spoon and cook until it's nicely browned.
Make sure to drain off any excess fat nobody wants a greasy orzo!
Flavour boost: Stir in 1 teaspoon of dried oregano, ½ teaspoon of salt, and ¼ teaspoon of black pepper. These simple spices make a HUGE difference.
Tomato time: Pour in the 14.5 ounce can of diced tomatoes (with the juice) and the chopped sun-dried tomatoes.
Bring it all to a simmer and let it bubble away for 5 minutes to let the flavours mingle.
Easy Ground Turkey Orzo Skillet !
Orzo magic: Stir in 1 cup of orzo pasta and 2 cups of chicken broth. Bring it back to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover the pan, and cook for 12- 15 minutes , or until the orzo is tender and the liquid is absorbed.
Keep an eye on it and add a splash more broth if it looks like it's drying out.
Spinach power: Stir in 5 ounces of fresh spinach. It will wilt in seconds.
Lemon herb zing: In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tablespoons of olive oil, the juice of 1 lemon, 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh parsley, and 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh mint.
Pour this lovely sauce over the orzo and stir it all in.
Feta finish: Stir in ½ cup of crumbled feta cheese. Serve immediately! Garnish with extra parsley and a lemon wedge, if you're feeling fancy. Enjoy Ground Turkey Orzo with Feta .

Pro Tips for the Perfect Orzo

Don't overcook the orzo! You want it al dente slightly firm to the bite. It will continue to cook a little even after you take it off the heat.
Taste as you go! Seasoning is key. Give it a taste before serving and adjust the salt and pepper to your liking. Remember, feta is salty!
Try a Mediterranean Turkey Orzo Recipe

Honestly, this Healthy Ground Turkey Orzo Recipe is a winner.

Recipe Notes for The Best Ground Turkey Orzo Recipe

Alright, mates! You've got the recipe for this cracking Mediterranean Turkey Orzo Recipe , but let's talk about some extra bits and bobs to really nail it.

Honestly, these are the things that'll take it from "good" to "OMG, this is amazing!". I’m talking about the best Ground Turkey Orzo Recipe Ever!

Show It Off: Plating and Presentation

First impressions matter, innit? A little effort in how you serve this Orzo Ground Turkey Recipe goes a long way.

I love piling it into a bowl, then crumbling extra feta on top. A sprig of fresh parsley just makes it look that bit fancier.

For a proper occasion, try serving it in individual ramekins.

Sides and Sips That Complement

This Easy Ground Turkey Orzo Skillet is pretty filling on its own. But if you're feeding a crowd, some crusty bread for soaking up all that lovely sauce is essential.

A simple Greek salad is always a winner too. As for drinks, a crisp white wine like a Pinot Grigio is spot on, or even a sparkling elderflower pressé for the non-drinkers.

Keep It Fresh: Storage Tips

So, you've made a big batch of this Healthy Ground Turkey Orzo Recipe and have leftovers? No worries!

Fridge: Pop it in an airtight container and it'll happily keep in the fridge for up to 3 days .
Freezer (Maybe): Freezing Ground Turkey Couscous can be a bit tricky because the orzo might get a bit mushy. But if you really need to, go for it! Just make sure it's cooled completely before freezing, and use a freezer safe container.
Reheating: Microwave is easiest. Add a splash of water or broth to keep it moist. You can also reheat it in a pan on the hob over medium heat, stirring occasionally.

Mix It Up: Variations for Every Taste

Fancy a change? Here are a few ways to tweak this Ground Turkey Orzo with Feta .

dairy-free: Swap the feta for a dairy-free alternative or just leave it out. Still tastes banging.
Spice It Up : A pinch of red pepper flakes will do the magic and add some heat for spice lovers.
Seasonal Swaps : In the winter, try adding roasted butternut squash or some kale instead of spinach. In the summer, courgettes or bell peppers work a treat.

Nourish Your Body: Nutrition Basics

This One Pot Turkey Pasta is not just delicious but good for you too. It's packed with protein from the turkey, fibre from the veg, and complex carbs from the orzo.

Plus, that little bit of feta gives you a calcium boost. Each serving is about 420 calories, with 30g of protein, 20g of fat, and 30g of carbs.

Of course, this is just an estimate, but you can relax and enjoy a One Pan Ground Turkey Orzo .

Honestly, this recipe is such a winner. Don’t overthink it, have fun, and enjoy creating something tasty and healthy for you and yours! Now, go on and give it a go! I’m sure that is going to be a delish Lemon Herb Ground Turkey Orzo

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make the Best Ground Turkey Orzo Recipe ahead of time? Like a proper batch cook on a Sunday?

You can indeed! The ground turkey orzo can be made 1-2 days in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge. Be aware that the orzo might absorb some of the liquid, so you might need to add a splash of broth or water when reheating to loosen it up.

Just like a good leftovers curry, the flavours often meld together even better overnight!

I'm not a fan of feta cheese. What else can I use in this ground turkey orzo recipe? Is there an alternative, as I am not a big fan.

No worries, mate! Feta isn't everyone's cup of tea. Try substituting it with goat cheese for a similar tangy flavour, or Parmesan cheese for a saltier, umami kick. A sprinkle of ricotta salata would also work nicely, adding a slightly firm, salty element.

Just remember to adjust the seasoning accordingly, as some cheeses are saltier than others!

Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian? I love the flavours but am trying to cut back on meat.

Absolutely! To make this ground turkey orzo vegetarian, simply swap out the ground turkey for a plant based alternative. Crumbled vegetarian ground "meat" works brilliantly, or you could use lentils for a heartier, more textured dish.

You could even add some extra veggies like chopped mushrooms or bell peppers for added flavour and nutrients, just like Jamie Oliver would.

How long does the ground turkey orzo last in the fridge? I hate wasting food!

Leftover ground turkey orzo will happily keep in the fridge for 3-4 days when stored in an airtight container. Make sure it's cooled down completely before refrigerating it. When reheating, ensure it's piping hot all the way through. This recipe is great for meal prepping lunches during the week!

Can I freeze the Best Ground Turkey Orzo Recipe? What's the best way to do it?

While you can freeze this recipe, the texture of the orzo might change a little upon thawing. It can become a bit softer. If you do freeze it, let it cool completely first, then transfer it to freezer safe containers or bags. It's best used within 2-3 months.

Thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat thoroughly, adding a splash of broth or water if needed.

I'm watching my sodium intake. Are there any tips for reducing the salt in this Best Ground Turkey Orzo Recipe?

Great question! You can easily reduce the sodium. Use low-sodium chicken broth. Rinse the diced tomatoes before adding them. Use fresh herbs generously to boost flavour without adding salt. Go easy on the feta or use a low-sodium version. And always taste as you go, adding salt only if absolutely necessary.

Remember, you can always add more salt, but you can't take it away!