This ground turkey orzo is my answer to those nights when everyone is hungry, nobody wants to wait, and I do not want a sink full of dishes. It’s a one-pot ground turkey orzo packed with all the flavors of sizzling fajitas, sweet bell peppers, onion, garlic, and salsa, and it comes together in about 30 minutes. If you’ve been looking for new ground turkey and orzo recipes for your weeknight rotation, this one is a keeper.

One-pot fajita ground turkey orzo with red and orange bell peppers in a large pot on the stovetop.

A Quick Look At The Recipe

Recipe Name: One-Pot Fajita Orzo
Main Ingredients: ground turkey, packet fajita seasoning, red bell pepper, orange bell pepper, onion, minced garlic, orzo, salsa
Why You'll Love It: This one-pot ground turkey orzo is loaded with bell peppers, onion, salsa, and fajita seasoning, all simmered together in one pot for an easy 30-minute dinner.

The best part is that the orzo cooks right in the pot with the salsa and broth, so it soaks up every bit of that fajita seasoning. It ends up tender, saucy, and full of flavor in every bite.

Why You’ll Love This One-Pot Fajita Orzo

Everything cooks in one pot, so cleanup is quick and easy.
It’s on the table in about 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
Ground turkey keeps it lighter while still feeling hearty and filling.
Toasting the orzo before adding the liquid gives it extra flavor and helps it hold its shape.
It’s easy to customize with your family’s favorite toppings.

Ingredients Needed to Make Ground Turkey Orzo

The Turkey and Seasoning

One pound of ground turkey is the base. A packet of fajita seasoning gives it all of that classic fajita flavor, or you can use a tablespoon of Blues Hog Ritas & Fajitas seasoning. A splash of water helps the seasoning coat the meat evenly.

The Veggies

One red and one orange bell pepper add color and sweetness, while half an onion and a tablespoon of minced garlic build the savory base.

The Orzo and Sauce

One cup of uncooked orzo cooks right in the pot. Half a cup of your favorite salsa and a cup of beef broth give it the liquid it needs to turn tender and saucy. Salt and pepper finish it off.

Dietary note: As written, this recipe is dairy-free. Just skip the cheese and sour cream when you add toppings.

How to Make One-Pot Ground Turkey Fajita Orzo

1

In a large pot over medium-high heat, cook the ground turkey with the fajita seasoning and a splash of water, breaking it up as it cooks, until it’s cooked through.

2

Add the diced onion, minced garlic, and bell peppers. Cook for 4–5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the veggies have softened.

3

Stir in the uncooked orzo and let it toast for 2–3 minutes. This gives it a slightly nutty flavor and helps it hold its shape.

4

Pour in the salsa and beef broth, stir, and bring everything to a simmer. Cover the pot and turn the heat down to medium-low.

5

Let it cook for 10–12 minutes, until the orzo is tender. Stir every few minutes so nothing sticks to the bottom, and add a splash more broth if it starts to look dry before the orzo is done.

6

Taste and add more fajita seasoning, salt, and pepper as needed. Serve it just like it is or load it up with your favorite toppings.

What to Serve With Fajita Orzo

This orzo is a full meal on its own, but toppings are half the fun. Set out shredded cheese, sour cream, fresh cilantro, and lime wedges, along with a bowl of Easy Guacamole or Mexican Street Corn Guacamole. A scoop of Black Bean Mango Salsa on top adds a sweet, fresh bite, and tortilla chips on the side are always a hit with the kids.

What People Ask About Ground Turkey Orzo

Can I use ground beef or chicken in this ground turkey orzo?

Yes. Ground beef or ground chicken both work in place of the turkey. If you use ground beef, drain off any extra grease before adding the veggies.

Why is my orzo sticking to the pot?

Orzo releases starch as it cooks, which makes it want to stick. Stirring every few minutes and keeping the heat at medium-low while it’s covered will help, and a splash of extra broth fixes things if it starts to look dry.

Can I make this spicier?

Absolutely. Use a hot salsa, add a diced jalapeño with the peppers, or finish each bowl with a few dashes of hot sauce.

Storing and Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Orzo keeps soaking up liquid as it sits, so add a splash of broth or water before reheating in the microwave or on the stovetop over medium-low heat. It also makes a great make-ahead lunch.

This is one of those dinners my family never gets tired of. I love that everyone can top their bowl exactly how they like it, and there’s never a single scoop left in the pot.

One-Pot Fajita Orzo

This one-pot ground turkey orzo is loaded with bell peppers, onion, salsa, and fajita seasoning, all simmered together in one pot for an easy 30-minute dinner.

Print Pin Rate

Prep Time: 10

Cook Time: 25

Total Time: 35

Servings: servings

Ingredients

1 lb ground turkey
1 packet fajita seasoning or 1 tbsp Blues Hog Ritas & Fajitas seasoning, plus more to taste
1 red bell pepper diced
1 orange bell pepper diced
1/2 onion diced
1 tbsp minced garlic
1 cup orzo uncooked
1/2 cup salsa
1 cup beef broth plus more as needed
salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

In a large pot over medium-high heat, cook the ground turkey with the fajita seasoning and a splash of water, breaking it up as it cooks, until cooked through.
Add the onion, garlic, and bell peppers and cook until softened, about 4–5 minutes.
Stir in the orzo and let it toast for 2–3 minutes.
Stir in the salsa and beef broth and bring to a simmer. Cover and reduce the heat to medium-low.
Cook until the orzo is tender, about 10–12 minutes, stirring every few minutes to keep it from sticking. Add a splash more broth if it starts to look dry before the orzo is done.
Taste and season with more fajita seasoning, salt, and pepper as needed. Serve on its own or with your favorite toppings.

Notes

Stir every few minutes while the orzo cooks. It likes to stick to the bottom of the pot.
Different salsas add different amounts of liquid, so keep a little extra broth nearby in case the orzo needs it.
Topping ideas: shredded cheese, sour cream, avocado or guacamole, fresh cilantro, and a squeeze of lime.