9 Tasty Ground Turkey Recipes 2024: Quick & Easy

Ground turkey is a versatile, lean alternative to beef and pork in many dishes. It works great in tacos, meatballs, and casseroles and cooks quickly, making it a go-to for busy days.

Packed with protein, low in fat, and rich in iron, zinc, and B vitamins, it’s a healthy choice for any meal. You get the benefits without extra calories.

Ground turkey is perfect for experimenting with new flavors or sticking to your go-to recipes. Let’s dive into some easy ways to use it in your kitchen.

1. Turkey Chili & Zucchini

Ingredients 📃

For the chili:

• 1 lb ground turkey

• 1 medium onion, chopped

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes

• 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed

• 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed

• 1 tbsp chili powder

• 1 tsp cumin

• ½ tsp paprika

• Salt and pepper to taste

• 1 cup chicken broth

• 1 tbsp olive oil

For the roasted vegetables:

• 2 zucchinis, sliced into rounds

• 1 bell pepper, chopped

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• Salt and pepper to taste

Method 🧑‍🍳

1. Prepare the roasted vegetables: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss the zucchini and bell pepper with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Roast for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until tender and slightly browned.

2. Start the chili: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, cooking until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the ground turkey and cook, breaking it apart, until browned.

3. Simmer the chili: Add the diced tomatoes, beans, chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, pepper, and chicken broth. Stir everything together and bring it to a simmer. Reduce heat and let the chili cook for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened.

4. Serve: Spoon the turkey chili into bowls and add the roasted zucchini and bell pepper.

Overview 🔍

This turkey chili is inspired by a dish from Factor. I love how they paired a hearty chili with roasted vegetables instead of the usual rice or cornbread. It’s a simple way to make the meal feel lighter while keeping it satisfying. Plus, the roasted zucchini and bell pepper add a nice touch of caramelized sweetness.

If you’re looking for other ways to serve it, you could try it over a baked sweet potato, with a handful of tortilla chips on the side, or even as a filling for tacos. It’s super flexible, so you can get creative depending on what you have in the kitchen.

Ground turkey works so well here because it takes on all the rich chili flavors while keeping the dish lean and nutritious. It’s a great way to enjoy comfort food without it feeling too heavy, and the protein boost makes it a smart choice for any meal.

2. Greek Turkey & Cauliflower “Rice” Skillet

Ingredients 📃

• 10 oz ground turkey

• 9 oz cauliflower “rice”

• 2¾ oz lacinato kale, stemmed and chopped

• 1 whole scallion, thinly sliced

• ¼ oz Kalamata olives, sliced

• 3 oz sour cream

• 1¼ tsp gyro-style seasoning

• 1½ oz tomato paste

• 2 oz feta cheese, crumbled

• 1 tbsp cooking oil

• Salt and pepper, to taste

Method 🧑‍🍳

1. Prepare the crema: In a small bowl, mix the sour cream with ¼ tsp of the gyro-style seasoning. Set aside for serving.

2. Cook the turkey: Heat the cooking oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground turkey and season with salt, pepper, and the remaining gyro-style seasoning. Cook, breaking the turkey into crumbles, until browned, about 5-7 minutes.

3. Add the veggies: Stir in the chopped lacinato kale, tomato paste, and cauliflower “rice.” Cook for 5-6 minutes, stirring often, until the kale wilts and the cauliflower “rice” is tender. Add the Kalamata olives and cook for 1 more minute to warm through.

4. Assemble the skillet: Remove from heat and garnish with crumbled feta and sliced scallion. Drizzle the seasoned sour cream on top or serve it on the side.

5. Serve: Enjoy this Greek-inspired skillet straight from the pan

Overview 🔍

You can easily switch up this recipe depending on your mood or what’s in the fridge. Serve it over a bed of quinoa or brown rice if you want something heartier, or wrap it in a warm pita for a Greek-inspired taco night. You could even turn it into a salad by layering the turkey mixture over crisp greens and adding extra veggies like cucumber or cherry tomatoes.

I love how ground turkey works in this dish. It soaks up all the gyro-style spices while staying lean and light. It’s a great way to enjoy bold flavors without feeling weighed down, and it pairs perfectly with the creamy feta and tangy olives.

3. Baked Turkey Meatballs in Tomato Sauce

Ingredients 📃

• 1 lb ground turkey

• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs

• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

• 1 egg, beaten

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 tsp Italian seasoning

• Salt and pepper, to taste

• 2 cups marinara sauce

• 1 tbsp olive oil

Method 🧑‍🍳

1. Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly grease a baking dish with olive oil.

2. Make the meatballs: In a large bowl, mix the ground turkey, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper until just combined. Roll the mixture into 1 1/2-inch balls and place them in the baking dish.

3. Bake the meatballs: Bake the meatballs for 15 minutes, until firm and lightly browned.

4. Add the sauce: Remove the dish from the oven and pour the marinara sauce over the meatballs. Return to the oven and bake for another 10 minutes, until the sauce is bubbling and the meatballs are cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F/74°C).

5. Serve: Garnish with extra Parmesan and fresh basil if desired, and serve.

Overview 🔍

These baked turkey meatballs are super versatile. You can pair them with just about anything. I like serving meatballs over spaghetti for a classic feel, but they’re just as good with zucchini noodles or mashed potatoes if you’re mixing things up. A side of garlic bread or a crisp green salad also rounds things out nicely.

There are lots of ways to adapt the recipe. Try swapping the breadcrumbs for almond flour to make them gluten-free or adding chopped fresh herbs like parsley or basil for extra flavor. You could even spice things up with a pinch of chili flakes or a splash of balsamic vinegar in the sauce.

If you’re looking for more quick and simple meal ideas, be sure to check out our easy recipe guide. It’s packed with recipes that save you time without compromising on flavor, so you can keep things fresh and exciting in the kitchen, even on your busiest days.

4. One-Pan Turkey Stir-Fry Tacos

Ingredients 📃

• 10 oz ground turkey

• 1 tsp cooking oil

• 1 long green pepper, thinly sliced

• Salt and pepper, to taste

• 4 tbsp sweet soy glaze

• 4 oz coleslaw mix

• 5 tsp rice wine vinegar

• 1 tsp sugar

• Salt and pepper, to taste

• 2 tbsp mayonnaise

• 1 tsp sriracha

• 6 flour tortillas

• ¼ oz cilantro, chopped

• 2 tbsp crispy fried onions

Method 🧑‍🍳

1. Make the slaw: In a bowl, toss together the coleslaw mix, rice wine vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper. Set aside to let the flavors combine.

2. Prepare the stir-fry: Heat the cooking oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the ground turkey, breaking it apart with a spoon. Season with salt and pepper and cook for 5-7 minutes until browned. Add the sliced green pepper and cook for another 2-3 minutes until tender. Stir in the sweet soy glaze and cook for 1 more minute, ensuring everything is well-coated.

3. Make the sriracha mayo: In a small bowl, mix the mayonnaise and sriracha until smooth. Adjust the heat by adding more sriracha if desired.

4. Assemble the tacos and serve: Warm the flour tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave. Divide the turkey stir-fry mixture among the tortillas, then top with tangy slaw, a drizzle of sriracha mayo, a sprinkle of chopped cilantro, and crispy fried onions.

Overview 🔍

These tacos are a perfect mix of flavor and texture. The sweet soy glaze brings a savory-sweet element to the turkey stir-fry, while the crispy fried onions add an irresistible crunch. It’s a quick and easy meal that’s full of bold flavors.

What I love about this HelloFresh recipe is how versatile and customizable it is. You can switch up the protein, adjust the heat level, or even swap the tortillas to suit your dietary needs. It’s a meal that’s as easy to throw together as it is to adapt based on what you have in the kitchen. This makes it a reliable go-to for flavorful, no-fuss dinners.

5. Turkey & Sweet Potato Skillet

Ingredients 📃

• 1 lb ground turkey

• 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and diced

• 1 onion, diced

• 2 bell peppers, diced

• 1 leek, thinly sliced

• 1 can (15 oz) beans (black, kidney, or white), drained and rinsed

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 tsp paprika

• 1 tsp cumin

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• Salt and pepper, to taste

Method 🧑‍🍳

1. Cook the sweet potatoes: Heat 1 tbsp of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced sweet potatoes and cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are tender and slightly browned. Remove from the skillet and set aside.

2. Sauté the aromatics: Add the remaining olive oil to the skillet. Stir in the onion, leek, and garlic. Cook for 2-3 minutes until softened and fragrant.

3. Cook the turkey: Add the ground turkey to the skillet with the onions and leek. Season with paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper. Cook for 5-7 minutes, breaking the turkey into crumbles, until browned and fully cooked.

4. Combine the vegetables: Stir in the bell peppers and beans, cooking for 2-3 minutes until the peppers begin to soften. Return the sweet potatoes to the skillet and stir everything together. Cook for another 2 minutes to heat through and let the flavors meld.

5. Serve: Enjoy this hearty skillet dish as is or garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro. 

Overview 🔍

This is a hearty, one-pan meal that’s perfect for a low-calorie diet. The sweet potatoes complement the savory turkey beautifully, and the beans and spices add texture and flavor without piling on calories. For a balanced and satisfying dish, it checks all the boxes.

To keep it light, go easy on the shredded cheese topping, or skip it altogether and garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro. Pair it with a side of steamed vegetables or a crisp salad for an even more nutritious meal. 

If you’re looking for easy, calorie-conscious options, check out our guide to the best weight loss meal delivery services. These services simplify healthy eating with pre-portioned meals tailored to dietary goals. They’re great for saving time while supporting your weight-loss journey.

6. Turkey-Stuffed Zucchini Boats

Ingredients 📃

• 4 medium zucchini

• 1 lb ground turkey

• 1 cup marinara sauce

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 small onion, diced

• 1/2 cup chopped mushrooms

• 1 tsp Italian seasoning

• 1/2 cup shredded cheese (mozzarella or your choice)

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• Salt and pepper, to taste

Method 🧑‍🍳

1. Prepare the zucchini: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cut the zucchini in half lengthwise and scoop out the centers with a spoon to create “boats,” leaving about 1/4 inch of flesh intact. Arrange the zucchini halves in a baking dish, drizzle with a little olive oil, and season with salt and pepper. Bake for 10 minutes to soften slightly.

2. Cook the filling: Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the onion, garlic, and mushrooms, and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened. Add the ground turkey, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until browned. Stir in the marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Let the mixture simmer for 5 minutes.

3. Stuff the zucchini: Spoon the turkey filling evenly into the zucchini boats. Sprinkle the shredded cheese on top of each boat.

4. Bake and serve: Return the stuffed zucchini to the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the zucchini is tender. Serve warm and enjoy.

Overview 🔍

These zucchini boats are a tasty, low-carb meal. It’s easy to pair with garlic bread or a crisp salad. The savory turkey filling, marinara sauce, and melted cheese create a comforting dish that’s also great for meal prep.

This recipe is highly adaptable – swap turkey for ground chicken, beef, or plant-based crumbles. For a vegetarian option, use lentils or quinoa. Add extra veggies like spinach or bell peppers, or use dairy-free cheese for a vegan twist.

7. Turkey & Spinach Quesadillas

Ingredients 📃

• 1 lb ground turkey

• 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped

• 1/2 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen)

• 1 tbsp taco seasoning

• 1 1/2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar or a Mexican blend)

• 4 flour tortillas

• 1 tbsp olive oil or butter

• Guacamole and salsa, for serving

Method 🧑‍🍳

1. Cook the turkey: Heat a skillet over medium heat and add the ground turkey. Cook for 5-7 minutes, breaking it up as it cooks. When fully browned, stir in the taco seasoning, spinach, and corn. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the spinach wilts and the mixture is well combined. Remove from heat and set aside.

2. Assemble the quesadillas: Place a tortilla in a clean skillet over medium heat. Sprinkle with a layer of shredded cheese, then add a portion of the turkey and spinach mixture. Top with more cheese and another tortilla. Press gently to help it stick.

3. Cook the quesadillas: Heat 1 tbsp of olive oil or butter in the skillet. Cook the quesadilla for 2-3 minutes on each side, until golden brown and the cheese is melted. Repeat with the remaining tortillas and filling.

4. Serve: Slice the quesadillas into wedges and serve with guacamole and salsa for dipping.

Overview 🔍

These quesadillas are a quick and delicious meal that’s perfect for busy days. The combination of ground turkey, spinach, and corn, seasoned with taco spices, creates a flavorful filling that pairs perfectly with melted cheese.

What I love about this recipe is how easy it is to customize. You can swap in different veggies or add extra toppings like sour cream or jalapeños. Serve with guacamole and salsa for a complete meal that’s full of flavor and sure to please the whole family.

8. Turkey Sloppy Joes

Ingredients 📃

• 1 lb ground turkey

• ½ cup ketchup

• 1 tbsp mustard

• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce

• 1 small onion, diced

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 tbsp brown sugar

• 4 hamburger buns

Method 🧑‍🍳

1. Cook the turkey: In a large skillet, cook the ground turkey over medium heat until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat if needed.

2. Prepare the sauce: Add the diced onion and garlic to the skillet with the turkey. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until softened. Stir in the ketchup, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and brown sugar. Simmer for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mixture thickens and becomes a sloppy joe consistency.

3. Assemble the sandwiches: Toast the hamburger buns lightly, then spoon the turkey mixture onto the bottom half of each bun. Top with the other half of the bun to close.

4. Serve: Serve your turkey sloppy joes with a side of chips, fries, or a salad. 

Overview 🔍

This is a flavorful meal that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner. The savory turkey is simmered in a tangy sauce made with ketchup, mustard, and Worcestershire sauce, then served on soft hamburger buns for a comforting dish everyone will enjoy. Pair them with a side of chips, fries, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.

For a spicier kick, you can add a dash of hot sauce or chili powder to the sauce. If you're looking to lighten it up, serve the sloppy joe mixture in lettuce wraps instead of buns. You can also use whole wheat buns for a healthier twist or add extra veggies like bell peppers or carrots to boost the nutrition.

9. Turkey Fried Rice

Ingredients 📃

• 1 lb ground turkey

• 2 cups cooked rice (preferably cold)

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 2 tbsp soy sauce

• 2 eggs, beaten

• 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn, etc.)

• 2 green onions, chopped

• 1 tbsp sesame oil (or neutral cooking oil)

Method 🧑‍🍳

1. Cook the turkey: Heat 1 tablespoon of sesame or neutral cooking oil in a large skillet or wok over medium heat. Add the ground turkey and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned and fully cooked – about 5-7 minutes. Remove from the skillet and set aside.

2. Scramble the eggs: In the same skillet, add a little more oil if needed. Pour in the beaten eggs and scramble until fully cooked, about 2 minutes. Remove and set aside with the turkey.

3. Stir-fry the vegetables: Add a bit more oil to the skillet and sauté the minced garlic for 1 minute, until fragrant. Add the frozen mixed vegetables and cook for another 3-4 minutes, until heated through.

4. Combine the rice: Add the cold cooked rice to the skillet with the vegetables. Stir well to combine, breaking up any clumps of rice. Drizzle in the soy sauce and stir until evenly coated.

5. Finish the dish: Return the cooked turkey and scrambled eggs to the skillet. Toss everything together and cook for another 2-3 minutes. Garnish with chopped green onions and serve hot.

Overview 🔍

This is a quick, one-pan meal that's perfect for using up leftover rice. The combination of ground turkey, mixed vegetables, and scrambled eggs creates a well-balanced dish that’s both filling and flavorful. It's simple, nutritious, and comes together in under 20 minutes.

You can easily adjust this recipe to your taste or what you have on hand. Swap in different vegetables like bell peppers or broccoli, or spice it up with a bit of chili sauce. 

For a lower-carb option, use cauliflower rice instead of regular rice. This dish is versatile, and satisfying, and makes a great weeknight dinner.

FAQ

Is ground turkey really healthier than beef?

Yes, ground turkey is often considered healthier than beef due to its lower fat content, especially when you choose lean cuts. Ground turkey provides fewer calories and less saturated fat, which is beneficial for heart health. However, the quality can vary depending on the mix of cuts used, and it’s typically higher in fat than lean turkey breast cuts​.

What can I make with ground turkey?

You can make a variety of dishes with ground turkey, including tacos, meatballs, burgers, chili, stir-fries, and even meatloaf. It’s versatile and can replace beef in many recipes to lower the fat content.

How to make ground turkey tastier?

Ground turkey can be dry and bland on its own, but you can make it tastier by adding seasonings and spices, such as in this Turkey Chili & Zucchini recipe. Adding moisture with ingredients like olive oil, broth, or vegetables can also help enhance its flavor.

What does ground turkey go well with?

Ground turkey pairs well with a variety of ingredients such as vegetables (e.g., peppers, onions), grains (like rice or quinoa), and legumes. You can also use it in dishes like Baked Turkey Meatballs with pasta or as a topping for salads.

Is ground turkey good for weight loss?

Yes, ground turkey is a great option for weight loss. It’s lower in calories and fat compared to beef, especially if you choose lean or fat-free versions. The high protein content also helps with satiety, which may aid in reducing overall calorie intake​.