15 Ground Turkey Recipes for Delicious and Healthy Meals
Ground turkey is a versatile and lean protein that can make delicious meals for any occasion. It’s a great option for families looking for healthy and satisfying recipes. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or a special gathering, ground turkey can be the star of your next meal.
With its mild flavor, ground turkey easily takes on the seasonings and ingredients you add. This allows you to get creative in the kitchen and experiment with different styles, from comforting casseroles to zesty stir-fries.
Get ready to explore a variety of ground turkey recipes that will keep your meals exciting and nutritious.
1) Turkey Taco Bowls
Turkey taco bowls are a quick and tasty meal perfect for any day. You can make them in about 30 minutes with simple ingredients. Ground turkey is seasoned and served over rice, making it both filling and nutritious.
You can customize your taco bowls with your favorite toppings. Add sliced avocado, diced tomatoes, or even some shredded cheese for extra flavor. These bowls are great for meal prepping too!
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 1 cup cooked rice
- 1 can pinto beans, drained
- 1 cup corn
- 1 avocado, sliced
- 1 tomato, diced
- Cheese and sour cream for topping
Cooking Instructions
- In a skillet, cook the ground turkey over medium heat until browned.
- Mix in pinto beans and corn; heat thoroughly.
- Serve the turkey mix over cooked rice.
- Top with avocado, tomato, cheese, and sour cream.
2) Buffalo Turkey Sloppy Joes
Buffalo Turkey Sloppy Joes are a fun and spicy twist on a classic dish. Using ground turkey makes them lighter, while buffalo sauce adds that delicious kick. You can easily whip these up for a quick weeknight dinner.
Start by cooking your ground turkey in a skillet with some onion and bell pepper. Once the turkey is browned, mix in your favorite buffalo sauce. This will give your sloppy joes the signature flavor.
Serve the mixture on slider buns for a tasty meal. You can also top them with blue cheese crumbles for an extra burst of flavor. Enjoy these savory sandwiches with your family or friends!
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- 1 cup buffalo sauce
- Slider buns
- Optional: blue cheese crumbles
Cooking Instructions
- Heat a skillet over medium-high heat (about 375°F or 190°C).
- Add ground turkey, onion, and bell pepper. Cook until the turkey is browned.
- Stir in buffalo sauce and cook for another 5 minutes.
- Serve on slider buns with blue cheese if desired.
3) Turkey and Spinach Stuffed Peppers
Turkey and spinach stuffed peppers are a tasty and healthy choice for dinner. They are easy to make and full of flavor.
You will start by sautĂ©ing ground turkey with onions and garlic. Then mix in fresh spinach until it wilts. This filling is not just delicious; it’s also nutritious.
Next, you will prepare your bell peppers. Cut off the tops and remove the seeds. Stuff them with the turkey and spinach mixture, and place them in a baking dish.
Bake the stuffed peppers in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 25-30 minutes, until the peppers are soft. Enjoy this warm and satisfying meal!
Ingredients
- 4 bell peppers
- 16 oz (450 g) ground turkey
- 1 cup fresh spinach
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp pepper
Cooking Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Sauté ground turkey, onion, and garlic in a skillet until browned.
- Add spinach and cook until wilted.
- Prepare the bell peppers by cutting off the tops and removing seeds.
- Stuff the peppers with the turkey and spinach mixture.
- Place the peppers in a baking dish.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until tender.
4) Asian Turkey Lettuce Wraps
Asian turkey lettuce wraps are a tasty and healthy choice for meals or snacks. They are quick to prepare and full of flavor.
To make these wraps, you will need ground turkey, which is lean and easy to cook. You can add chopped vegetables like bell peppers and green onions to enhance the taste.
Serve the turkey mixture in crisp lettuce leaves. It makes a fun and interactive way to enjoy your meal.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 cup chopped bell pepper
- 1/2 cup chopped green onions
- 1/2 cup water chestnuts, chopped
- 1/4 cup hoisin sauce
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- Lettuce leaves for wrapping
Cooking Instructions
- Heat sesame oil in a skillet over medium-high heat (about 350°F or 175°C).
- Add the ground turkey and cook until browned, about 3-5 minutes.
- Stir in bell pepper, green onions, and water chestnuts. Cook for an additional 3-4 minutes.
- Add hoisin sauce, soy sauce, and rice vinegar. Stir well.
- Spoon the mixture into lettuce leaves and serve.
5) Turkey Meatloaf Muffins
Turkey meatloaf muffins are a fun twist on a classic dish. They are easy to make and perfect for a family meal. Using ground turkey makes them a healthier option.
These muffins come out moist and flavorful. You can add your favorite seasonings and veggies for extra taste. They cook quickly, making them great for busy nights.
You will enjoy how simple they are to prepare. Plus, they are great for leftovers. You can easily pack them for lunch or enjoy them again for dinner.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup diced onion
- 1/4 cup diced bell pepper
- 1 egg
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cooking Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a bowl, mix all the ingredients until well combined.
- Scoop the mixture into a muffin tin.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until cooked through.
- Let them cool for a few minutes before serving.
6) Cajun Turkey Burgers
Cajun turkey burgers are a tasty twist on the classic burger. They are packed with flavor and easy to make. You’ll love the spicy kick from Cajun seasoning.
To start, mix ground turkey with diced onions, bell peppers, and your favorite spices. You can add a bit of hot sauce for extra heat. Shape the mixture into patties.
Cook the burgers on a skillet or grill for about 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway. You want them to be golden and cooked through.
Serve your burgers on a bun with toppings like lettuce, tomato, or a spicy remoulade sauce.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 1/2 onion, diced
- 1/2 bell pepper, diced
- 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning
- 1 tbsp hot sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Burger buns
- Lettuce and tomato (for toppings)
Cooking Instructions
- In a bowl, mix ground turkey, onion, bell pepper, Cajun seasoning, hot sauce, salt, and pepper.
- Shape the mixture into 4 patties.
- Cook the patties in a skillet over medium heat (about 350°F or 175°C) for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway.
- Serve on buns with desired toppings.
7) Mediterranean Turkey Skillet
The Mediterranean Turkey Skillet is a quick and tasty meal perfect for busy nights. It features ground turkey, fresh vegetables, and flavorful spices. You can have this dish ready in about 30 minutes.
Start by cooking the turkey in a hot skillet until it’s browned. Add in zucchini, onions, and bell peppers for a healthy boost. Season with garlic and oregano for that Mediterranean flair.
This one-pan meal is not just easy to make, but it also offers a nutritious mix of protein and vitamins. Top it off with feta cheese for a delicious finish!
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 1 zucchini, diced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Feta cheese, for topping
Cooking Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat (375°F/190°C).
- Add ground turkey and cook until brown.
- Stir in zucchini, onion, and bell pepper.
- Add garlic and oregano, cooking until vegetables are tender.
- Top with feta cheese before serving. Enjoy!
8) Turkey Chili with Beans
Turkey chili with beans is a tasty and warming dish. It’s perfect for those cooler days when you want something hearty. You can make it on the stove, in a slow cooker, or an Instant Pot.
Start with lean ground turkey, which makes for a healthier option. Add a mix of your favorite beans, like kidney and black beans, for extra protein and fiber. Fresh veggies, like onions and peppers, add great flavor.
The seasoning is key! Use chili powder, cumin, and garlic for that perfect kick. Simmer everything together until the flavors meld.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 1 can kidney beans, drained
- 1 can black beans, drained
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cooking Instructions
- In a large pot, brown the ground turkey over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion, bell pepper, and garlic. Cook until soft.
- Stir in the chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper.
- Add the beans and diced tomatoes. Mix well.
- Simmer for 20-30 minutes. Adjust seasoning if needed.
- Serve hot and enjoy your delicious chili!
9) Teriyaki Turkey Meatballs
Teriyaki turkey meatballs are a tasty and healthier option for dinner. They are made with ground turkey, which is lean and can be very flavorful with the right seasonings.
To start, combine your ingredients and shape them into meatballs. The teriyaki sauce adds a sweet and savory touch that makes these meatballs stand out.
You can bake them in the oven at 400°F (204°C) or cook them on the stove in a skillet. Serve these meatballs over rice and garnish with green onions for a colorful meal.
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450 g) ground turkey
- 1 cup crushed crackers
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 2 green onions, chopped
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Teriyaki sauce (your favorite recipe)
Cooking Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C).
- In a large bowl, mix ground turkey, crackers, buttermilk, green onions, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Shape the mixture into 16-18 meatballs.
- Place meatballs on a baking sheet or skillet.
- Cook for 20-25 minutes, or until fully cooked.
- Serve with teriyaki sauce over rice.
10) Greek Turkey Zucchini Boats
Greek Turkey Zucchini Boats are a delicious way to enjoy ground turkey. You’ll be amazed at how tasty and satisfying they are. The combination of juicy turkey, tangy feta, and fresh herbs creates a wonderful flavor.
Start by preparing the zucchini. Cut them in half and scoop out the middle to make space for filling.
Next, cook the ground turkey with garlic, onion, and spices until browned. Mix in feta cheese and herbs for added flavor.
Fill the zucchini boats with the turkey mixture and bake in the oven. You’ll want to cook them at 375°F (190°C) until they are tender. These boats make a great meal that’s healthy and fun to eat.
Ingredients
- 4 medium zucchini
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 1 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/2 cup onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cooking Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cut zucchini in half lengthwise and scoop out the insides.
- In a skillet, cook the ground turkey, onion, and garlic until browned.
- Stir in feta cheese and oregano.
- Fill the zucchini boats with the turkey mixture.
- Place the boats in a baking dish and bake for 25-30 minutes or until tender.
11) Turkey and Black Bean Enchiladas
Turkey and black bean enchiladas are a delicious and healthy option for dinner. You can enjoy this dish with whole wheat tortillas, which add fiber and nutrients. Filling them with seasoned ground turkey and black beans creates a satisfying meal.
To make it even better, smother the enchiladas in homemade enchilada sauce. You can easily customize this recipe by adding your favorite veggies or spices.
These enchiladas are not only tasty but also packed with protein and flavor. They are perfect for a family dinner or a cozy night in.
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450 g) ground turkey
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, rinsed and drained
- Whole wheat tortillas
- 1 cup enchilada sauce
- 1 cup shredded cheese
- Spices (cumin, chili powder, garlic powder)
- Optional toppings (sour cream, salsa)
Cooking Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a skillet, cook ground turkey until browned.
- Mix in black beans and spices.
- Fill tortillas with the turkey mixture and roll them up.
- Place enchiladas in a baking dish and pour enchilada sauce on top.
- Sprinkle cheese over the top.
- Bake for 20 minutes or until cheese is bubbly.
12) Parmesan Turkey Meatballs
Parmesan turkey meatballs are a delicious and healthy option for dinner. They are made with lean ground turkey mixed with breadcrumbs, garlic, and plenty of Parmesan cheese for flavor.
These meatballs are easy to make and can be served with pasta, in a sandwich, or on their own as an appetizer. You will enjoy their juicy texture and savory taste.
Ingredients
- 1 pound (450 g) ground turkey
- 1/2 cup (50 g) breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup (50 g) grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cooking Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a large bowl, mix the ground turkey, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, garlic, egg, herbs, salt, and pepper.
- Shape the mixture into meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter.
- Place the meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, until cooked through.
13) Turkey and Vegetable Stir Fry
This Turkey and Vegetable Stir Fry is a quick and healthy meal option. It combines ground turkey with fresh vegetables for a colorful and tasty dish. You can have it ready in about 20 to 30 minutes.
Feel free to mix in your favorite veggies like bell peppers, broccoli, and carrots. This recipe is perfect served over rice or cauliflower rice for a nutritious twist.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 2 cups mixed vegetables (like bell peppers, broccoli, and carrots)
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cooking Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat (about 350°F or 175°C).
- Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant.
- Stir in the ground turkey and cook until browned.
- Add mixed vegetables and cook until tender.
- Pour in soy sauce and season with salt and pepper.
- Serve hot over rice or cauliflower rice. Enjoy!
14) Lemon Herb Turkey Meatballs
Lemon Herb Turkey Meatballs are a delicious and healthy option for dinner. The combination of ground turkey, fresh herbs, and zesty lemon makes this dish flavorful and light.
To start, gather your ingredients. You’ll need ground turkey, breadcrumbs, garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest, fresh parsley, and seasonings. These meatballs are easy to prepare and cook quickly.
For cooking, bake them in the oven at 375°F (190°C) until they are cooked through. They go great with pasta, salad, or rice.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- 1 tbsp lemon zest
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Cooking Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large bowl, mix all the ingredients.
- Shape the mixture into meatballs.
- Place the meatballs on a baking sheet.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until cooked through.
15) Spaghetti with Turkey Bolognese
Making spaghetti with turkey Bolognese is a great way to enjoy a classic dish with a healthier twist. Ground turkey is lean and adds lots of flavor.
You can start with whole wheat spaghetti for added fiber. Heat some olive oil in a pan and sauté onions, garlic, carrots, and celery until soft.
Next, add the ground turkey and cook until browned. Stir in tomato paste and crushed tomatoes, and let the sauce simmer for about 15 minutes.
Serve this hearty sauce over hot spaghetti. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese for an extra touch!
Ingredients
- Whole wheat spaghetti
- Olive oil
- Ground turkey
- Onion
- Garlic
- Carrots
- Celery
- Tomato paste
Cooking Instructions
-
Cook spaghetti according to package instructions.
-
In a large pan, heat olive oil over medium heat (350°F / 175°C).
-
Sauté onion and garlic until soft.
-
Then, add diced carrots and celery; cook until tender.
-
After that, stir in ground turkey; brown thoroughly.
-
Next, mix in tomato paste and crushed tomatoes; simmer for 15 minutes.
-
Serve over spaghetti and top with Parmesan cheese.