31 Best Ground Turkey Recipes (2024)

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By Heather

Jun 05, 2023

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Ditch the heavy proteins and embrace the lean goodness of ground turkey! From juicy burgers to flavorful tacos, these ground turkey recipes are packed with flavor while still keeping your meals light and nutritious. Discover the delicious versatility of ground turkey for healthy weeknight meals, special occasions, and everything in between!

31 Best Ground Turkey Recipes (2)

Looking for a lean and flavorful alternative to ground beef or ground pork? You’re going to fall in love with some of our favorite ground turkey recipes!

From juicy turkey burgers to hearty meatballs and flavorful tacos, these recipes are perfect for meal-prepping or feeding the whole family. Or try something new like a turkey quinoa skillet, turkey potato curry, and more!

Discover how this lean and healthy ingredient can lighten your favorite dishes but still leave you feeling satisfied. Once you take a peek at this collection, you’ll want to cook with ground turkey every day of the week!

1. Ground Turkey Casserole

Whip up a satisfying and flavorful meal that’s sure to become a new family favorite! Packed with delicious and wholesome ingredients, this one-pot meal is super easy to throw together on busy weeknights.

2. Air Fryer Turkey Meatballs

Enjoy a healthier alternative to traditional meatballs that are still juicy, flavorful, and cooked to perfection thanks to the air fryer! Grab a package of ground turkey and a few simple ingredients to make this recipe. Serve as a tasty appetizer, with your favorite sauce and pasta, and more.

3. Ground Turkey Sloppy Joes

You’re going to love this lighter twist on a classic favorite! Lean ground turkey simmered in a tangy and savory sauce is oh-so-delicious, and this 5-ingredient meal can be ready in less than 30 minutes.

4. Lettuce Wraps

Looking for something light and refreshing that still delivers big on flavor? Lean ground turkey with taco seasoning is wrapped in crisp lettuce for a delicious lunch or dinner. It’s great for meal-prep too!

5. Turkey Meatloaf

Made with lean ground turkey, this turkey meatloaf is a healthier version of the classic comfort food. It’s moist, flavorful, and packed with wholesome ingredients for a hearty meal the whole family will love!

6. Turkey Tacos

Upgrade taco night with these mouthwatering ground turkey tacos! Seasoned with bold spices, the filling is downright craveworthy. Finish with your preferred toppings for a fiesta of flavors!

7. Turkey Chili

Packed with ground turkey, veggies, beans, and aromatic spices, this hearty and healthy turkey chili is the cozy bowl of comfort you need on chilly nights! You can make it in a slow cooker, in the Instant Pot, or on the stove.

8. Ground Turkey Stuffed Peppers

Who can resist tender bell peppers stuffed with ground turkey and rice and topped with plenty of melty cheese? Baked to perfection, this is a busy weeknight meal the whole family is sure to love.

9. Turkey Lasagna

Enjoy a lighter take on lasagna! Layered with a flavorful scratch ground turkey sauce, multiple types of cheese, and lasagna noodles, this is the kind of comfort food you’ll want to make again and again.

10. Turkey Bolognese

Made with ground turkey and simmered in a rich tomato sauce, this pasta dish is a delicious twist on the classic Italian favorite. The turkey lightens everything up without sacrificing any of the flavor you love.

11. Teriyaki Turkey Rice Bowl

Skip the takeout and try these homemade bowls instead! Tender ground turkey cooked in a savory teriyaki sauce and served over rice with your favorite veggies is a quick meal that’s sure to satisfy your cravings.

12. Ground Turkey Pasta

Cheesy, creamy, and filled with lean ground turkey, this pasta dish will have your whole family begging for seconds! It’s also a great way to use up any extra veggies you have hanging out in your fridge.

13. Asian Glazed Meatballs

Treat your tastebuds to flavorful Asian turkey meatballs! Made with a blend of aromatic spices and smothered in a sticky glaze, this dish makes a crowd-pleasing appetizer for any gathering or a delicious main course.

14. Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet

This lean and hearty skillet dish is a one-pan wonder that’s both nutritious and delicious. Packed with lean ground turkey, sweet potatoes, and a variety of flavorful ingredients, it’s proof that eating healthy doesn’t have to be bland or boring!

15. Turkey Shepherd’s Pie

What could be more comforting and wholesome than a shepherd’s pie? Ground turkey and vegetables topped with creamy mashed potatoes is a classic dish that’s perfect for any occasion.

16. Turkey Quinoa Skillet

Whip up a healthy and tasty dinner with this turkey taco quinoa skillet! Packed with lean ground turkey, quinoa, black beans, corn, tomatoes, and Mexican spices, it’s a one-pan meal you’ll want to make all the time.

17. Turkey Chili Stuffed Sweet Potatoes

Combine two mouthwatering dishes into one amazing meal! Tender sweet potatoes are filled with hearty turkey chili for comfort food that isn’t too heavy. You could also substitute the sweet potato with a spaghetti squash for a low-carb option. This recipe is perfect for a cozy night in!

18. Jalapeno Popper Turkey Burgers

Savor the flavor of these juicy and flavorful turkey burgers! Seasoned to perfection, these burgers are great for topping with all your favorite fixings and serving on your choice of bun or lettuce wrap.

19. Ground Turkey Soup

Warm up with a comforting bowl of ground turkey and rice soup! This nourishing and satisfying meal is a quick, no-fuss recipe that’s packed with wholesome ingredients and easy to get on the table fast.

20. Ground Turkey Stroganoff

Indulge in a creamy and flavorful slow cooker stroganoff! Made with tender ground turkey, mushrooms, and a rich sauce, you can serve this comforting dish over noodles or rice for an easy, hearty meal.

21. Korean Style Ground Turkey

Add some Korean-inspired flare to your weekly menu! Seasoned with a blend of aromatic spices and served with rice and veggies, this ground turkey recipe is spicy, sweet, sour, and guaranteed to keep you coming back for more.

22. Ground Turkey Salisbury Steaks

Enjoy a classic comfort food favorite with a turkey twist! Tender ground turkey patties are smothered in a rich, savory mushroom gravy for a lighter take that still delivers all the flavor you crave.

23. Turkey Enchilada Skillet

Spice up your dinner routine with a quick and delicious Tex-Mex-inspired meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights! Everything comes together in one pan for easy clean-up, and leftovers keep beautifully for lunch or dinner later in the week.

24. Ground Turkey Potato Curry

Lean turkey, cubed potatoes, and a rich, creamy coconut sauce come together for a simple curry that’s bursting with mouthwatering flavor! It’s perfect served over your choice of white rice with a side of naan.

25. Turkey Taco Pasta

Can’t decide between taco night or pasta night? Now you don’t have to! This super creamy and flavor-packed meal features tender pasta shells, sharp cheddar cheese, salsa, lime, and hearty ground turkey.

26. Turkey Meatloaf Muffins

Enjoy individual portions of flavorful meatloaf made with high-protein ground turkey! Topped with a tangy glaze, they’re a fun and delicious twist on a classic comfort food that you can enjoy on the go.

27. Turkey Chili Mac And Cheese

Indulge in the comforting combination of turkey chili and macaroni! Guaranteed to become an instant family favorite, this meal can be prepped ahead of time, and the leftovers are freezer friendly.

28. White Bean Turkey Chili

If you’re looking for something a little different than your usual tomato-based chili, you’re going to love this white turkey chili! Creamy white beans, warm spices, and a chicken stock base make it hearty without being heavy.

29. Ground Turkey Empanadas

Transport your taste buds to Latin America with these flavorful empanadas! Filled with seasoned ground turkey and baked to golden perfection, they’re a delicious and portable meal or appetizer option.

30. Ground Turkey Quesadillas

Who can resist melty cheese and ground turkey filling stuffed inside a golden brown tortilla? This quick dinner is super easy to make and absolutely delicious served with guacamole, salsa, sour cream, or all three!

31. Ground Turkey Meatball Subs

Treat yourself to juicy turkey meatballs tossed in a rich Italian marinara, stuffed inside a garlic bread sub roll, and topped with tons of gooey melty mozzarella cheese! Best of all, this meatballs sub only take minutes to assemble.

Let me know which turkey recipe you will be trying.

More Ground Meat Recipes

  • 22 Ground Bison Recipes – A collection of delicious ground bison recipes.
  • 40 Ground Chicken Recipes – A variety of recipes that use ground chicken.
  • Ground Beef Cowboy Beans – Simple recipe with beans and beef.
  • Ground Beef Taco Dip – Layered taco dip.

31 Best Ground Turkey Recipes (3)

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Ground Turkey Recipes

By Heather

A group of delicious ground turkey recipes. From ground turkey meatballs, ground turkey stuffed peppers, and so many more. Ground turkey is a lean and versatile protein that can be used for so many recipes including this simple ground turkey dip below.

Prep: 5 minutes mins

Cook: 10 minutes mins

Total: 15 minutes mins

Servings: 6

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Ingredients

  • 1 pound ground turkey
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1 32 ounce velveeta cheese, cubed
  • 1 can Rotel tomatoes

Instructions

  • Warm large skillet over medium heat. Add in oil and ground turkey. Break up the ground turkey and cook until cooked through, about 8 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.

  • Add in cubed Velveeta cheese and stir until melted. Stir in Rotel.

  • Serve warm with chips, crackers, or vegetables.

Nutrition

Calories: 106kcal | Carbohydrates: 0.1g | Protein: 18g | Fat: 4g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2g | Trans Fat: 0.01g | Cholesterol: 42mg | Sodium: 235mg | Potassium: 226mg | Fiber: 0.04g | Sugar: 0.02g | Vitamin A: 21IU | Calcium: 4mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Additional Info

Course: Appetizer

Cuisine: American

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31 Best Ground Turkey Recipes (2024)

FAQs

What can I add to ground turkey to make it taste better? ›

There are plenty of easy ground turkey recipes out there. But, you will always need spices like olive oil, kosher salt and pepper, chili powder, and garlic powder. You can add minced garlic, and freshly chopped onions and peppers, for an extra edge.

How do you make 99% ground turkey taste good? ›

Enhance Flavor with Seasonings

While ground turkey has a mild flavor, adding the right seasonings can make it truly delicious. Experiment with a variety of herbs and spices like garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, cumin, or dried oregano. Don't be afraid to get creative and adjust the flavors to your liking!

Is ground turkey healthier than ground beef? ›

Ground beef and turkey are both nutritious meats that provide protein, fat, and a variety of vitamins and minerals. Turkey is generally lower in saturated fat than beef. As such, it may be a better choice for heart health. Fat-free turkey is also the lowest calorie option if you're interested in weight loss.

How long can you keep ground turkey in the fridge? ›

You may store uncooked ground poultry in the refrigerator 1 to 2 days. After cooking, you may keep it 3 to 4 days. Frozen raw poultry is best used in 3 to 4 months; cooked ground poultry, 2 to 3 months.

What flavors go well with ground turkey? ›

You might also want to try other spices that you enjoy. I have added Worcestershire sauce, rosemary, oregano, onion powder, garlic powder, chili powder, hot sauce, and Italian seasoning depending on what I'm using my ground meat for.

What is the best fat to add to ground turkey? ›

An easy ratio to remember is 2 tablespoons unsalted butter per 1 pound ground turkey or chicken. Here's what I do: Add the ground poultry and any add-ins (like egg, panko, or parsley) to a large bowl. Then take a box grater or Microplane and grate the butter directly into the bowl.

How do you make ground turkey not taste bland? ›

The exact seasonings you should use for ground turkey depends on how it's prepared. For meatballs and Italian-inspired recipes, you can't go wrong with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and oregano. If you're making a taco, lift the flavor of your ground turkey with ground cumin or taco seasoning.

How do you make ground turkey taste more beefy? ›

All you have to do, is add 1 tablespoon of Kitchen Bouquet Browning & Seasoning Sauce per 1 pound of ground turkey. Then incorporate the Kitchen Bouquet into the meat. Now, this is to give the turkey the flavor of beef.

What can I add to ground turkey to keep it moist? ›

Mushrooms add moisture, mouthfeel, and umami (beefy) flavor to the otherwise dry ground turkey. When mushrooms are chopped up into little bits, they easily and evenly mix with ground turkey making the protein so tender and flavorful while also giving the dish a veggie boost.

Can I eat ground turkey every day? ›

The bottom line is yes—it is okay to include ground turkey in your diet regularly, though as with any food, it's crucial to eat it in moderation and variety in your food choices. Eating a diverse range of nutrient sources helps ensure you obtain all of the essential nutrients needed for enhancing overall health.

What is the healthiest ground meat to eat? ›

If you're eating for a healthy heart, lean ground turkey—which is lower in saturated fat—is the better pick for you. Of course, you can still enjoy ground beef from time to time, but choosing lean ground turkey more often will help your heart in the long run.

What is the healthiest meat to eat? ›

While meat can be a part of a healthy diet, not all sources are created equal. The leanest and healthiest meats to eat include poultry, pork, fish, and seafood. Eating a balanced diet is one of the keys to a healthy lifestyle, which means choosing various foods from different food groups, like proteins.

Can I eat 5 day old cooked ground turkey? ›

USDA recommends using cooked turkey within 3 to 4 days, kept refrigerated (40°F or less). Refrigeration slows but does not stop bacterial growth. Turkey can be frozen for 3 to 4 months.

Is it OK to leave cooked ground turkey out overnight? ›

Havern explains: "The maximum amount of time perishable foods can [spend] in the danger zone is two hours. At two hours, the food must be consumed, stored correctly, or thrown away. This includes all cooked leftovers, [chopped] fruits and vegetables, meat, poultry, fish, eggs, and dairy products."

Why is my ground turkey grey? ›

But as any poultry starts to go bad, it will start to turn an unpleasant shade of gray. If that pink hue starts to look slightly dull then it's time to use up your ground turkey immediately, and if it has a gray tint (even just a slight one), then it's time to toss it.

How do you make ground turkey not taste bad? ›

Before you start cooking, be sure to season the ground turkey well with salt and pepper. Also consider including dried herbs and spices for additional flavor.

How do you make ground turkey less gamey? ›

The distinct game flavor of either birds or animals will be milder after soaking the meat overnight in the refrigerator in either a salt or vinegar solution.

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