Hot Okay, lukewarm take: ground turkey is *the* protein of the moment. Who says turkey is only for Thanksgiving? Never been us! Ground turkey is our all year favorite for adding lean protein to pasta, soups, burgers. And dont even get us started on swapping it in as a healthy alternative to ground beef, especially when it means we get to eat ground turkey Italian sloppy Joes, turkey feta stuffed meatballs, and Ready look beyond that pound of ground beef? These 43 easy ground turkey recipes are deliciously simple, weeknight-friendly ways to shake things up this week.
Want even more lightened up, easy meals? Check out our favorite ground chicken recipes, our best ground pork recipes, and our top healthy dinners too.
Beef chili may come to mind when you think of the classic, cozy meal, but turkey chili deserves its chance to shine. This easy recipe is full of warm spices and double the amount of beans for a thick, meaty chili that’s every bit as filling as the classic.
Ground turkey is an extremely versatile and healthy meat that can transform into endless quick and delicious meals. However, on its own plain ground turkey can be quite bland and dry. This is where creative seasoning comes in – properly flavoring ground turkey is the key to making it truly shine. There are so many potential ingredients that can add juiciness, moisture and bold flavor pops.
Let’s explore 15 mouthwatering ideas for what to put in ground turkey to take it to the next level
1. Taco Seasoning
Give your ground turkey a tasty Mexican flair perfect for tacos, burritos, nachos and more. Season it with a blend of:
- Cumin
- Chili powder
- Paprika
- Onion powder
- Garlic powder
- Salt
- Pepper
You can also use a pre-made taco packet for convenience. Top it off with cheese, salsa, avocado and sour cream.
2. Italian Herbs and Cheese
For incredible Italian turkey dishes like meatballs or pasta, mix in:
- Oregano
- Basil
- Rosemary
- Thyme
- Garlic powder
- Salt
- Pepper
Then add shredded mozzarella or parmesan cheese. Put it on pasta with marinara or make juicy turkey meatballs.
3. Soy Sauce and Ginger
For an Asian twist, seasoning ground turkey with:
- Minced garlic
- Minced ginger
- Soy sauce
- Sesame oil
- Rice vinegar
Then stir fry it up with vegetables and serve over rice or noodles.
4. BBQ Sauce
Slathering ground turkey with sweet and tangy barbecue sauce creates perfect meat for sandwiches, pizzas, salads and more. Season it with:
- BBQ sauce
- Smoked paprika
- Chili powder
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
Top it off with pickles, cheese and crispy fried onions.
5. Salsa and Lime
A salsa and lime marinade gives ground turkey vibrant Mexican flavors. Mix in:
- Salsa
- Lime juice
- Cilantro
- Cumin
- Chili powder
- Diced onion
- Diced jalapeno (optional)
Stuff it in tacos, bowls, nachos and other Tex-Mex recipes.
6. Pesto
Herby pesto turkey is delicious in pastas, sandwiches, pizzas and more. Make a quick pesto with:
- Basil
- Garlic
- Pine nuts
- Olive oil
- Parmesan
Or use store-bought pesto for speed.
7. Lemon and Herbs
For a fresh Greek-inspired turkey, incorporate:
- Lemon juice
- Lemon zest
- Oregano
- Mint
- Parsley
- Garlic
- Olive oil
Use it in grain bowls, salads, pitas and lettuce wraps.
8. Harissa
North African harissa paste adds incredible depth, complexity and a touch of heat to ground turkey. Season it with:
- Harissa paste
- Lemon juice
- Garlic
- Olive oil
- Cumin
- Coriander
Mix it into couscous or stuff into peppers.
9. Curry Powder
Warm up ground turkey with the spice blend of:
- Curry powder
- Cumin
- Coriander
- Turmeric
- Cayenne pepper
- Garlic
- Ginger
Serve it over rice with a cooling raita sauce.
10. Ranch Seasoning
Give ground turkey that addictive cool ranch flavor with:
- Dried parsley
- Dried dill
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Salt
- Pepper
- Buttermilk (optional)
It’s great in salads, on pizzas, sandwiches and more.
11. Cajun Spices
Spike ground turkey with the iconic flavors of:
- Cajun seasoning
- Smoked paprika
- Garlic
- Onion
- Cayenne pepper (optional)
Use it in jambalaya, stuffed peppers or po’ boys.
12. Moroccan Spices
Warm Moroccan spices like cumin, cinnamon and paprika bring exotic flair.
13. Jerk Spices
The Caribbean flavors of allspice, thyme, garlic and more give ground turkey excitement.
14. Chili Powder and Beans
You can’t go wrong turning ground turkey into classic chili with chili powder, beans, tomatoes, onions and peppers. Finish with desired toppings.
15. Alfredo Sauce
For the ultimate comfort food, just sauté ground turkey and mix with alfredo sauce, garlic, spinach and parmesan. Toss with pasta for a 20-minute dinner.
The possibilities are endless when seasoning ground turkey. With the right blend of spices, sauces, herbs and more, you can create incredibly moist, flavorful turkey for any cuisine. Get creative with ingredients you love!
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Bánh Mì Turkey Burgers
Craving a turkey burger thats anything but boring? This is the one for you. We took all of the classic flavors of a bánh mì sandwich (pickled vegetables, spicy mayo, cilantro) and combined them into one exciting burger.
Get the Bánh Mì Turkey Burgers recipe.Advertisement – Continue Reading Below
Spaghetti With Turkey Ragù
You have no excuse to not make this stupid-easy ragù: Made with ground turkey, white wine, and crushed tomatoes, its a flavor bomb.
Get the Spaghetti With Turkey Ragù recipe. Advertisement – Continue Reading Below
Ground Turkey and Sweet Potato Bowls
FAQ
What can I add to ground turkey for taste?
With ground turkey, you need fresh aromatics to season it. Chopped yellow onions, scallions, cilantro, and red bell pepper all help add flavor.
What seasonings go well on ground turkey?
- Garlic powder.
- Onion powder.
- Paprika.
- Black pepper.
- Salt.
- Italian seasoning.
What seasonings go well with turkey?
Dried Herbs — dried thyme, rosemary, and sage add an herbal depth of flavor commonly found in poultry seasoning blends. This gives the seasoning blend, and therefore the turkey, a deep savory flavor. Dried Seasonings — in particular, garlic powder, onion, powder, and paprika round out this flavorful turkey seasoning.