30 Best Ground Turkey Recipes (2024)

Looking for the best ground turkey recipes? From sloppy joes to tacos to lasagna, these easy dishes are just the ticket!

And don’t worry – while they may be lean, they’re definitely not lacking in flavor!

Best Ground Turkey Recipes For Your Next Meal

Ground turkey is a great source of protein and a much healthier alternative to ground beef.

From tacos to burgers, almost all of your favorite meals can be made healthier with this one simple ingredient.

For a quick and easy dinner in 30 minutes or less, try one of these ground turkey recipes.

Your taste buds will thank you!

1. Turkey Sloppy Joes

Not only are these made with leaner turkey, but there’s also a slew of hidden veggies inside!

When they’re diced small and covered in sauce, nobody will even know they’re there.

Make up a double batch and try serving over baked sweet potatoes for a second fast weeknight feast.

2. Spaghetti Squash Casserole

I am a huge fan of spaghetti squash.

I prefer it to other veggie noodles and will eat it with almost anything.

For this recipe, it gets baked with the ground turkey and veggie mix as a faux-pasta bake.

3. Ground Turkey Tacos Recipe

Once you’ve added the taco seasoning, most ground meats will taste the same.

So why not use turkey and then use those extra calories for an extra scoop of guacamole?

Be sure to add some oil to the pan when cooking the meat. Since it has so little fat content, it will need the added moisture during the cook.

4. Turkey Stuffed Bell Peppers

Stuffed bell peppers are a great little dish to bring along to a potluck or a colorful and fast dinner or lunch.

They travel so well and have a serving of veggies right in the name!

I like to use brown rice to bulk mine out, or you could use diced sweet potatoes or quinoa for something gluten-free.

5. American Turkey Goulash Recipe

This pasta stew is super filling and is usually made with beef.

But I love this lightened-up version.

It’s still a hearty meal, just without being overly heavy.

The zucchini adds a nice green color, but you can add in any selection of vegetables you prefer.

6. Baked Turkey Meatballs

Meatballs can be so versatile, and I always make extra so that I can have them in the freezer for multiple meals.

Serve them with marina and oven-roasted spaghetti squash on Monday.

For Tuesday, make up some Danish meatball gravy and serve with mashed potatoes.

And then who can resist a meatball sub for lunch?

7. Turkey Meatloaf

Much like turkey meatballs, this meatloaf is a lighter version of the usual beef and pork recipes.

One key thing to remember is that most ground turkey has almost no fat, which means it needs added moisture to keep from being dry.

This recipe uses broth, or milk with eggs, Worcestershire sauce, and ketchup to make sure it is tender and soft.

8. Turkey Lasagna

When I make lasagna, I tend to use a combination of beef and sausage meat.

And I would be tempted to add some sausage here, too!

The turkey will be super tasty on its own, but I like the flavor you can only get from sausage.

9. Sweet & Spicy BBQ Turkey Burgers

Sweet and spicy BBQ turkey burgers are a game-changer with their perfect blend of flavors.

Juicy turkey patties meet spicy BBQ sauce and melty pepper jack cheese. Add in pineapple and salty turkey bacon for a mouthwatering combination.

It’s a mouthwatering twist that’ll make you forget all about beef burgers.

10. Healthy Taco Salad

I’ve mentioned before that I need my salads to be loaded with flavor and texture.

Well, this recipe doesn’t disappoint.

Full of taco flavors and crunch from the corn, tomatoes, and baked tortillas, every bite is better than the next.

11. Ground Turkey Chili

There’s nothing like the smell of a batch of chili cooking away in the kitchen.

It’s an inexpensive, easy, and filling dish that will last you for days.

Serve it with some warm cornbread, or bulk it out even more by adding sweet potato and corn.

12. Turkey Santa Fe Zucchini Boats

This recipe has you covered with your veggie portions of the day!

I happen to love zucchini, and these make great snacks and full meals when served with a hearty salad.

If zucchini isn’t your thing, why not try out eggplant?

13. Best-Ever Turkey Bolognese

Turkey bolognese is a standout in ground turkey recipes.

Simmered with veggies, wine, and tomatoes, the sauce is hearty and decadent.

Toss it with your favorite pasta for a satisfying homemade Italian dinner.

14. Healthy Turkey Lettuce Wraps

I have to admit that lettuce wraps aren’t usually my thing.

But as far as gluten-free, flavorful meals go, this is a winner.

The flavors in the meat out-weighs the lack of carbs and almost makes you forget this is borderline healthy!

15. Healthy Instant Pot Turkey Cheeseburger Soup Recipe

Loaded with turkey, potato, cauliflower, onion, carrot, and celery, this soup will more than fill you up.

It’s wonderfully creamy, though it doesn’t have added cream!

Instead, you’ll need to puree the cauliflower to help thicken it all up.

16. Quick Turkey Ragu

Since the ground turkey gets cooked with red wine and a rich tomato sauce, this will remind you of the beefy dish from your childhood.

It will be delicious with pasta, spaghetti squash, or zoodles!

Since it’s so easy to make, why not try a batch of quick garlic bread to serve on the side?

17. Greek Turkey Meatball Gyro with Tzatziki

Greek turkey meatball gyros with tzatziki are a healthy, protein-packed dinner delight.

Seared meatballs, nestled in warm flatbread with creamy tzatziki, offer a heavenly taste.

Tasty, healthy, and easy, it’s a win for both health-conscious eaters and flavor seekers.

18. Turkey Picadillo

I’m always on the lookout for simple and delicious meals.

So when I came across this recipe, I got excited.

This might just look like rice and ground turkey, but it’s bursting with salty goodness, and it’s extra special when served with fried plantains.

19. 7 Layer Ground Turkey Taco Dip

This 7-layer ground turkey taco dip is a dairy-free, customizable delight.

It has layers of turkey, refried beans, salsa, guacamole, lettuce, olives, and dairy-free queso. What a fun fiesta of flavors!

It’s a quick, healthy spin on traditional taco dip, ready in under 30 minutes.

20. Ground Turkey Stuffed Shells

These might not be the fastest recipe, but the payoff is worth it.

There’s something so impressive about a big dish full of stuffed pasta shells.

And if you’re looking for a meatless Monday option, you can always substitute with meat-free mince or spinach.

21. Turkey Cabbage Rolls

Some of us didn’t grow up eating cabbage rolls, so we don’t know the nostalgia of that first bite.

But there’s no time like now to give it a try.

Using cabbage is an inexpensive way to make lasagna-esque dish.

You can add a smear of mozzarella and ricotta before adding the meat mixture for a creamier dish.

22. Stuffed Pepper Soup

Whenever I have a free afternoon, I like to make a big batch of soup.

It comforting, filling, and perfect for cold winter days.

This recipe is everything I love about stuffed peppers made into a hearty soup that pairs perfectly with a grilled cheese sandwich.

If you’re not a huge fan of peppers, try adding butternut squash and zucchini instead.

23. Baked Wontons Recipe

I was skeptical of this recipe.

Wontons should be deep-fried until they are crispy and piping hot.

But I was pleasantly surprised by the crunch they got from the oven.

Since I’m not a massive fan of water chestnuts, I substitute green onions and diced carrot and celery for color and crunch.

Serve hot with plenty of sweet chili sauce.

24. Greek Turkey Burgers

These incredible Greek burgers are anything but boring.

Full of garlic, olives, feta, spinach, and oregano, they will make your meal even without added extras.

Though a few slices of red onion will never be a bad idea.

Serve with halloumi fries and lots of ketchup.

25. Ground Turkey Shepherd’s Pie

Say hello to this savory blend of turkey and vegetables under creamy mashed potatoes.

This healthy twist on the classic is a flavorful standout in turkey dinner recipes.

26. Quick and Easy Ground Turkey Stir-Fry

Although the thought of meal planning can be daunting, when you have recipes like this in your back pocket, it’s far easier than you think!

This colorful and tasty dish holds well in the fridge and reheats like a dream.

I suggest adding extra sauce when you reheat to keep it from drying out in the microwave.

27. Ground Turkey Black Bean Enchiladas

Ground turkey black bean enchiladas are a perfect blend of light yet satisfying.

They’re an easy, flavorful way to whip up a family favorite using pantry staples.

Great for a quick weeknight dinner, they’re just as delicious as leftovers the next day.

A healthy, filling choice that doesn’t skimp on taste.

28. Egg Roll in a Bowl

Egg roll in a bowl is another healthy twist on a classic.

It combines ground turkey with coleslaw mix and coconut aminos, and it’s delicious.

It packs all the flavors of a traditional egg roll, sans the fried wrap!

Quick to make and bursting with taste, this bowl meal delivers both health and flavor.

29. Easy Inside Out Turkey Cheeseburgers

Be careful when biting into these babies!

One bite will leave them gushing with melted cheesy goodness.

The recipe for the burgers keeps it relatively simple, but I would be tempted to add some onions to the mix.

And I’m not in love with American cheese, so I would probably go for a mature cheddar or something smoky instead.

30. Turkey Teriyaki Rice Bowl

Turkey teriyaki rice bowl is a gem among ground turkey recipes.

It’s a flavorful mix of veggies, ground turkey, and sweet teriyaki glaze.

Ready in 30 minutes, t’s deceptively simple to make but tastes like gourmet fare.

30 Best Ground Turkey Recipes

Course: lunch, dinnerCuisine: Italian

Servings

4

servings

Prep time

20

minutes

Cooking time

20

minutes

Calories

356

kcal

Looking for the best ground turkey recipes to whip up some delicious meals? These turkey meatballs with tomato sauce are the perfect balance of meaty richness and tangy tomato zest.

Ingredients

• For the Meatballs:

• 1 pound lean ground turkey

• 1/2 onion, grated

• 2 garlic cloves, minced

• 1/4 cup packed parsley, minced

• 1/4 cup breadcrumbs

• 1 egg

• 1 teaspoon ground oregano

• 1/2 teaspoon salt

• 1/2 teaspoon ground pepper

• For the Sauce:

• 2 teaspoons olive oil

• 1 small onion, diced

• 3 garlic cloves minced

• 1 teaspoon ground oregano

• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes

• 1/2 teaspoon salt

• 1/2 teaspoon ground pepper

• 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes

• 1 (14-ounce) can fire-roasted tomatoes

• 4 basil leaves, thinly sliced

Instructions

• For the Meatballs:
• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and lightly coat a baking sheet with cooking spray.
• In a large bowl, mix the turkey with onion, garlic, parsley, breadcrumbs, egg, oregano, salt, and pepper.
• Divide the mixture into 8, roll into balls, and place on the baking sheet.
• Bake for 15-20 minutes, flipping over halfway until firm and golden.
• For the Sauce:
• Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until soft, about 5 minutes. Stir in the garlic, oregano, red pepper flakes, salt and pepper, and cook for 1 minute.
• Add the tomatoes and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 10 minutes.
• Stir in the basil, then nestle the meatballs in the sauce. Spoon the sauce over the meatballs and cook for 5 minutes.
• Serve with pasta and enjoy!

Notes

• Let the meatballs rest after baking to retain their juices before adding to the sauce.
• Add a splash of red wine to the tomato sauce for a richer taste.

Nutrition

• Calories: 356kcal
• Carbohydrates: 33g
• Protein: 31g
• Fat: 12g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Cholesterol: 122mg
• Sodium: 1336mg
• Potassium: 709mg
• Fiber: 9g
• Sugar: 17g
• Calcium: 200mg
• Iron: 7mg