Ground turkey has become a favorite in kitchens everywhere—and for good reason. It’s lean, affordable, versatile, and a fantastic source of protein. Whether you’re watching your calories, meal prepping for the week, or just want something different from beef or chicken, ground turkey can do it all. From comfort food classics to quick weeknight dinners, we’ve rounded up 27 delicious ground turkey recipes to inspire your next meal.
Why Choose Ground Turkey?
Before we dive into the recipes, here’s why ground turkey is such a smart choice:
- Lower in fat than ground beef
- High in protein, supporting muscle growth
- Budget-friendly and widely available
- Takes on flavor well, making it ideal for a variety of cuisines
- Quick to cook, saving you time on busy nights
Now, let’s get into the good stuff—recipes that are nutritious, satisfying, and full of flavor.
1. Ground Turkey Tacos
Taco night just got lighter! Sauté ground turkey with taco seasoning, onions, and garlic. Serve in corn tortillas and top with lettuce, tomatoes, cheese, and salsa.
Tip: Swap sour cream for Greek yogurt for a healthy twist.
2. Ground Turkey Lettuce Wraps
Low-carb and high-flavor, these Asian-inspired wraps combine ground turkey, hoisin sauce, soy sauce, garlic, and water chestnuts. Spoon the mixture into crisp romaine or butter lettuce leaves.
3. Turkey Meatballs
Bake or pan-fry ground turkey meatballs flavored with garlic, herbs, and parmesan. Perfect for spaghetti, subs, or meal prepping.
Serve With: Marinara sauce and whole wheat pasta or zucchini noodles.
4. Turkey Chili
A cozy bowl of turkey chili with kidney beans, tomatoes, onions, peppers, and warming spices is perfect for meal prep. Simmer for at least 30 minutes to develop a rich flavor.
5. Ground Turkey Stuffed Peppers
Hollow out bell peppers and fill them with a savory mix of turkey, rice, tomatoes, and cheese. Bake until the peppers are tender and the tops are golden.
6. Turkey Burger Patties
Season your turkey with onion powder, paprika, and garlic, then grill or pan-fry into juicy patties. Serve with buns, avocado, and your favorite burger fixings.
7. Ground Turkey Stir-Fry
Quick, colorful, and customizable. Cook turkey with garlic and ginger, then toss with stir-fried veggies like broccoli, carrots, and snap peas. Serve over rice or noodles.
8. Baked Turkey Ziti
Layer cooked pasta, seasoned ground turkey, marinara, and mozzarella in a casserole dish. Bake until bubbly and golden for the ultimate comfort food.
9. Turkey Sloppy Joes
A healthier take on a childhood favorite! Sauté ground turkey with ketchup, mustard, Worcestershire, and a splash of apple cider vinegar. Spoon onto whole wheat buns.
10. Ground Turkey Enchiladas
Roll ground turkey, black beans, and cheese into tortillas, then smother in red enchilada sauce. Bake until bubbly for a satisfying family dinner.
11. Ground Turkey and Sweet Potato Skillet
A one-pan meal featuring ground turkey, diced sweet potatoes, peppers, and a sprinkle of cumin. It’s sweet, savory, and packed with nutrients.
12. Ground Turkey Egg Roll in a Bowl
Get all the flavor of egg rolls without the deep fry. Cook ground turkey with shredded cabbage, carrots, garlic, soy sauce, and sesame oil.
13. Turkey and Spinach Stuffed Shells
Stuff jumbo pasta shells with ricotta, spinach, and ground turkey. Top with marinara and mozzarella, then bake until melty and delicious.
14. Turkey and Quinoa Meatballs
Swap breadcrumbs for quinoa to make these gluten-free meatballs. Great for dipping in hummus or topping a fresh salad.
15. Thai Basil Ground Turkey
Sauté turkey with garlic, shallots, chili paste, and Thai basil. Serve over jasmine rice and top with a fried egg for a restaurant-style experience at home.
16. Turkey Taco Bowl
Layer ground turkey taco meat with brown rice, black beans, corn, avocado, and salsa. Perfect for meal prep or a build-your-own bowl night.
17. Ground Turkey and Broccoli Rice Casserole
Creamy and comforting without being heavy. Combine cooked turkey, broccoli, rice, Greek yogurt, and shredded cheese. Bake until golden.
18. Ground Turkey Shepherd’s Pie
Layer ground turkey and vegetables with mashed potatoes, then bake until bubbly. A lighter take on the classic.
19. Turkey Breakfast Sausage
Season ground turkey with sage, thyme, and crushed red pepper, then form into patties and pan-fry. Serve with eggs or use in breakfast sandwiches.
20. Ground Turkey Stroganoff
Sauté turkey with mushrooms, onions, garlic, and paprika. Stir in Greek yogurt or light sour cream and serve over egg noodles.
21. Ground Turkey Pizza Topping
Craving pizza? Brown turkey with Italian herbs and garlic, then sprinkle on top of your pizza dough with marinara and mozzarella.
22. Turkey and Veggie Skillet
Combine ground turkey with zucchini, corn, tomatoes, and a touch of cumin and chili powder. Serve with tortillas or rice.
23. Turkey Meatloaf
Mix ground turkey with oats, egg, and seasonings. Shape into a loaf, top with ketchup, and bake until cooked through. Moist, healthy, and classic.
24. Turkey Stuffed Zucchini Boats
Slice zucchini in half, scoop out the center, and fill with cooked ground turkey, diced veggies, and cheese. Bake until tender.
25. Ground Turkey Nachos
Top tortilla chips with spiced ground turkey, black beans, cheese, and jalapeños. Broil until bubbly, then add sour cream, salsa, or guacamole.
26. Ground Turkey Gnocchi Skillet
Sauté ground turkey with garlic, kale, tomatoes, and store-bought gnocchi. A quick and satisfying weeknight dinner.
27. Mediterranean Ground Turkey Bowls
Combine cooked turkey with couscous, cucumbers, tomatoes, olives, feta, and a drizzle of tzatziki or lemon vinaigrette.
Tips for Cooking with Ground Turkey
- Don’t overcook it: Ground turkey can dry out quickly. Cook just until it reaches 165°F.
- Add moisture: Ingredients like onions, tomato sauce, yogurt, or eggs help keep it juicy.
- Spice it up: Ground turkey has a mild flavor, so don’t be afraid to season it well.
- Meal prep friendly: Cook a big batch and portion it into meals for the week.
Final Thoughts on Ground Turkey Recipes
Whether you’re cooking for your family, prepping lunches for the week, or just looking for a new way to eat clean, ground turkey recipes offer endless possibilities. These 27 ideas are just the beginning—mix and match ingredients, explore new spices, and make them your own.
From tacos to casseroles to stir-fries, ground turkey proves that eating healthy doesn’t mean sacrificing flavor. It’s time to get creative in the kitchen and let ground turkey shine!