Orzo Turkey Meatball Soup: A Hearty and Warming Winter Meal

When the weather turns cold, there’s nothing better than a warm bowl of soup to warm you up from the inside out. Orzo turkey meatball soup is the perfect soup for a winter day. It’s hearty, flavorful, and satisfying, and it’s sure to put a smile on your face.

This soup is made with orzo pasta, turkey meatballs, vegetables, and a flavorful broth. The orzo cooks up quickly, so this soup is perfect for a busy weeknight. And the turkey meatballs are so tender and flavorful, you won’t even miss the beef.

This soup is also packed with nutrients. The orzo is a good source of complex carbohydrates, the vegetables provide vitamins and minerals, and the turkey meatballs are a lean source of protein. So not only is this soup delicious, it’s also good for you.

If you’re looking for a hearty and warming winter meal, orzo turkey meatball soup is the perfect choice. It’s sure to become a new favorite in your family.

Here are some of the benefits of eating orzo turkey meatball soup

It’s a warm and comforting meal that’s perfect for a cold winter day.
It’s made with healthy ingredients like orzo pasta, turkey meatballs, vegetables, and broth.
It’s packed with nutrients, including complex carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals, and protein.
It’s easy to make, so it’s perfect for a busy weeknight.
It’s a delicious and satisfying meal that the whole family will love.

Ingredient	Quantity	Instructions
Orzo pasta	1 cup	Cook according to package directions.
Ground turkey	1 pound	Brown in a skillet over medium heat until cooked through.
Onion	1 cup, diced	Saut in the same skillet until softened.
Garlic	2 cloves, minced	Add to the skillet and cook for 1 minute more.
Chicken broth	3 cups	Add to the skillet and bring to a boil.
Diced tomatoes	1 can (14.5 ounces)	Add to the soup and bring to a simmer.
Chopped spinach	1 cup	Add to the soup and cook until wilted.
Salt and pepper	To taste	Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Parmesan cheese	1/2 cup, grated	Serve topped with Parmesan cheese.

Ingredients

1 pound ground turkey
1/2 cup breadcrumbs
1/4 cup chopped onion
1/4 cup chopped celery
1/4 cup chopped carrot
1 egg
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 (15 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
1 (15 ounce) can tomato soup
1 cup chicken broth
1/2 cup orzo pasta
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley

Instructions

1. In a large bowl, combine the ground turkey, breadcrumbs, onion, celery, carrot, egg, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix well to combine.
2. Form the turkey mixture into 1-inch meatballs.
3. Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the meatballs and cook until browned on all sides.
4. Add the crushed tomatoes, tomato soup, chicken broth, and orzo to the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes, or until the orzo is cooked through.
5. Stir in the parsley and serve immediately.

Tips

To make the meatballs ahead of time, cook them according to the directions and then freeze them. When you’re ready to serve, thaw the meatballs and add them to the soup.

If you don’t have any orzo on hand, you can use any small pasta shape.

For a vegetarian version of this soup, omit the ground turkey and use 1/2 cup of cooked lentils or beans instead.

This soup is also delicious topped with a dollop of sour cream or yogurt.

Orzo turkey meatball soup is a hearty and flavorful soup that is perfect for a cold winter day. It’s easy to make and can be customized to your liking. Enjoy!

Ingredients

1 pound ground turkey
1/2 cup finely chopped onion
1/2 cup finely chopped celery
1/4 cup finely chopped carrot
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 egg
1/2 cup dry breadcrumbs
1/4 cup milk
1 (15 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
1 (14.5 ounce) can low-sodium chicken broth
1 cup orzo pasta
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

1. In a large bowl, combine the ground turkey, onion, celery, carrot, parsley, oregano, salt, and pepper.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together the egg, breadcrumbs, and milk. Add to the turkey mixture and mix well to combine.
3. Form the turkey mixture into 1-inch meatballs.
4. Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the meatballs and cook until browned on all sides.
5. Add the crushed tomatoes, chicken broth, and orzo to the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes, or until the orzo is cooked through.
6. Stir in the Parmesan cheese and serve immediately.

Tips

To make the meatballs ahead of time, form them and then freeze them on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag and store in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to make the soup, simply thaw the meatballs in the refrigerator overnight and then add them to the soup as directed.
If you don’t have any fresh parsley on hand, you can use 1 teaspoon dried parsley instead.
If you don’t have any breadcrumbs on hand, you can use 1/2 cup of crushed crackers instead.
If you don’t have any milk on hand, you can use 1/4 cup of water instead.
If you don’t have any Parmesan cheese on hand, you can omit it or use a different type of cheese, such as mozzarella or cheddar.

Variations

To make a vegetarian version of this soup, omit the ground turkey and use 1/2 cup of chopped mushrooms instead.
To make a heartier version of this soup, add 1 cup of cooked chicken or shredded rotisserie chicken to the soup.
To make a spicier version of this soup, add 1/2 teaspoon of cayenne pepper to the soup.
To make a creamy version of this soup, add 1/2 cup of heavy cream to the soup.

Orzo turkey meatball soup is a delicious and hearty soup that is perfect for a cold winter day. It is easy to make and can be customized to your liking. Enjoy!

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What Ingredients Are Needed For Orzo Turkey Meatball Soup?

Answer: To make Orzo Turkey Meatball Soup, you’ll need ground turkey for the meatballs, orzo pasta, vegetables like carrots and celery, chicken broth, spices, and herbs for flavoring. It’s a simple yet delicious combination that creates a comforting winter meal.

2. How Long Does It Take To Prepare And Cook This Soup?

Answer: The total time for preparing and cooking Orzo Turkey Meatball Soup is typically around 45 minutes to 1 hour. This includes time for making the meatballs, chopping vegetables, and simmering the soup to allow the flavors to meld.

3. Is Orzo Turkey Meatball Soup Suitable For Freezing?

Answer: Yes, Orzo Turkey Meatball Soup freezes quite well. Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. Just reheat on the stove or in a microwave when ready to eat.

4. Can I Make This Soup In A Slow Cooker?

Answer: Absolutely! Orzo Turkey Meatball Soup can be easily adapted for a slow cooker. Prepare the meatballs and add all ingredients to the slow cooker, cooking on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. Add the orzo towards the end of cooking time to ensure it doesn’t get too soft.

5. Are There Any Variations To The Traditional Recipe I Can Try?

Answer: Definitely! You can experiment with different types of ground meat, add in various vegetables like spinach or kale, or even switch the orzo for another type of pasta. Spices and herbs can also be adjusted to suit your taste preferences.

Final Word

Orzo Turkey Meatball Soup is a versatile and hearty dish that is perfect for the winter season. Its blend of savory meatballs, tender orzo, and a mix of vegetables in a flavorful broth makes it not only a comforting meal but also a nutritious one. The recipe’s adaptability to different cooking methods, like slow cooking, and the ease with which it can be customized, offers an appealing option for a variety of dietary preferences and kitchen setups.

Furthermore, the soup’s suitability for freezing means it can be prepared in large batches and stored for future meals, making it a practical choice for busy schedules. Whether you stick to the traditional recipe or experiment with your own variations, Orzo Turkey Meatball Soup stands out as a delightful and satisfying choice for anyone looking to warm up during the colder months.