Hot Okay, lukewarm take: ground turkey is *the* protein of the moment. Who says turkey is only for Thanksgiving? Not us! We love using ground turkey all year long to add lean protein to soups, burgers, and pasta. Plus, using it instead of ground beef is a great way to stay healthy, especially when it means we can eat things like turkey feta stuffed meatballs and Italian sloppy Joes. Ready to try something new this week besides ground beef? These 43 easy ground turkey recipes are quick and tasty ways to mix things up during the week.
Do you want even more easy and healthy meals? Check out our top healthy dinners, best ground chicken recipes, and best ground pork recipes.
When you think of a classic, warm meal, beef chili might come to mind. But turkey chili should get its chance to shine. This simple recipe has half as many beans as the original and is full of warm spices. The chili is thick and meaty, just like the original.
Ground turkey is an incredibly versatile ingredient that can be used to make a wide variety of delicious dishes. From healthy weeknight dinners to hearty casseroles and snacks, ground turkey transforms easily into family-friendly meals. With its mild flavor and lean meat, ground turkey makes an ideal alternative to ground beef.
Here are 20 recipe ideas to give you inspiration on different ways to use ground turkey:
Healthy Weeknight Dinners
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Turkey tacos – Season ground turkey with taco seasoning and toss in warm tortillas with veggies, cheese, etc. Top with salsa, guacamole or sour cream.
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Turkey lettuce wraps – Sauté ground turkey in a skillet with Asian flavors like ginger, garlic and soy sauce. Serve in lettuce cups.
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Turkey burgers – Make patties out of ground turkey and spices Pan fry and top with cheese, veggies, avocado, etc
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Turkey meatballs – Roll seasoned ground turkey into balls and bake or simmer in a flavorful tomato sauce. Serve over pasta.
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Turkey stuffed peppers – Fill bell peppers with ground turkey, rice, veggies and cheese. Bake until peppers are tender.
Hearty Casseroles
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Turkey lasagna – Layer lasagna noodles, ground turkey tomato sauce, ricotta and mozzarella cheese.
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Turkey noodle bake – Toss cooked egg noodles with ground turkey, mushroom soup and veggies Top with cheese and bake
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Turkey enchiladas – Fill tortillas with ground turkey beans corn and enchilada sauce. Top with melted cheese.
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Turkey tetrazzini – In a baking dish, mix ground turkey with pasta, Parmesan, mushrooms and sherry. Top with breadcrumbs.
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Turkey tortilla soup – Simmer ground turkey in tomato broth with onions, chiles and spices. Top bowls with tortilla strips.
Snacks and Appetizers
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Turkey meatballs – Make bite-sized meatballs out of ground turkey and spices to serve as an appetizer.
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Turkey stuffed mushrooms – Fill mushroom caps with ground turkey, herbs, cheese and breadcrumbs. Bake until hot.
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Turkey lettuce cups – Fill lettuce leaves with sautéed ground turkey and water chestnuts for an easy appetizer.
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Turkey sliders – Form ground turkey into mini patties and serve on slider buns with cheese and condiments.
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Turkey nachos – Cover tortilla chips with ground turkey, beans, salsa, cheese, guacamole, etc.
Soups and Chilies
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Turkey chili – Brown ground turkey with onions, then simmer in a tomato-based chili with beans and spices.
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Turkey vegetable soup – Sauté ground turkey with carrots, celery, onions and herbs. Simmer in broth.
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Turkey posole – Use ground turkey in this hearty hominy and chili based Mexican soup.
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Turkey tortilla soup – Simmer ground turkey in flavorful broth with veggies. Top with crispy tortilla strips.
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Turkey and rice soup – Combine ground turkey with tomatoes, rice, carrots, onion and seasonings.
More Turkey Recipe Ideas
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Turkey meatloaf – Mix ground turkey with breadcrumbs, egg, ketchup and spices. Bake into a loaf and serve sliced.
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Turkey stuffed peppers – Fill bell peppers with ground turkey, rice, tomato sauce and cheese. Bake until tender.
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Turkey Bolognese sauce – Sauté ground turkey and make a rich tomato sauce. Toss with pasta.
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Turkey sloppy Joes – Cook ground turkey with onion, tomato sauce and seasonings. Pile onto buns.
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Turkey tacos – Season ground turkey with taco spices. Wrap in tortillas with cheese, lettuce, salsa, etc.
Tips for Cooking with Ground Turkey
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Use 93% lean ground turkey for the best texture and moisture. Avoid 99% lean turkey breast which can be dry.
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Add breadcrumbs or egg to help bind and moisten the turkey when forming patties or meatballs.
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Season well with spices, herbs and salt to boost the turkey’s mild flavor. chili powder, garlic, onion and paprika work well.
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Cook over medium heat. Turkey cooks faster than beef so be careful not to overcook and dry it out.
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Adding a small amount of oil to the pan can help prevent sticking. Nonstick pans also work well.
With its versatility, lean protein and quick cooking time, ground turkey is a smart ingredient to keep stocked in your kitchen. Whether making a healthy dinner, casual appetizer or family-friendly casserole, ground turkey can transform into an array of delicious dishes. Get creative with herbs, spices, mix-ins and global flavors to make the most of this budget-friendly meat.
Baked Minty Meatballs With Lemony Orzo
Silky and rich, this lemony orzo is inspired by a Greek soup called avgolemono. The orzo is simmered on the stove instead of boiling like pasta to make a creamy sauce. It’s worth giving it an extra stir or two to get the right texture. With minty turkey meatballs, this all-in-one meal is easy to make for a small dinner during the week or a dinner party. Get the Baked Minty Meatballs With Lemony Orzo recipe.
Air Fryer Turkey Breakfast Sausage
You’re gonna flip over the flavor of these homemade sausage patties. They taste just as good as the traditional pork version, but they are made with leaner ground turkey and less oil because they are cooked in an air fryer. Serve these alongside some air fryer pancakes or French toast sticks for the easiest breakfast ever.
Get the Air Fryer Turkey Breakfast Sausage recipe.
Chef Millie Peartree Makes Her Famous Southern Turkey Meatloaf | Delish
FAQ
Is ground turkey healthier than beef?
Is ground turkey healthier than ground chicken?
How long does ground turkey last in the fridge?
How to jazz up ground turkey?
What is a good use for ground turkey?
One of our favorite uses for ground turkey has to be meatballs —especially these ones. They’ve got a light, tender texture and are packed with flavorful herbs. The meat mixture is softer than you might expect, thanks to the addition of ricotta, but sacrificing a perfectly round shape is worth it. These meatballs truly live up to their name!
What are the health benefits of ground turkey?
Ground turkey has multiple benefits. It is a good source of minerals, and B vitamins, rich in proteins, low in fat and it is lower in calories than common turkey.
Are there any healthy ground turkey recipes?
YES, I WANT THIS! Over 20 amazing, healthy ground turkey recipes that make the perfect lunches and dinners. You’ll find chilis, meatloaves, tacos and more!
What can I eat with ground turkey?
This recipe merges two-kid friendly foods into one meal, with ground turkey no less. You’re welcome. Maple syrup, nutty sesame oil, ketchup, mustard, and vinegar bring a well-rounded flavor to these Asian-inspired meatballs. Serve them over noodles or rice.
Can I use ground turkey instead of chicken?
I separated these ground turkey recipes into chilis & soups, meatballs & meatloaves, burgers, patties & sandwiches, delicious pasta recipes and fun comfort foods that are perfect for feeding the whole family or meal prepping. If you happen to have ground chicken on hand instead, feel free to use that! They are interchangeable.
Is ground turkey a good substitute for ground beef?
These ground turkey recipes are great any night of the week. This versatile ingredient cooks up fast and can be used in anything from burgers to tacos to chili. Ground turkey isn’t just a low-cost, low-fat alternative to ground beef. With a little creativity, this ground meat can be transformed into flavorful dinners.