30+ Healthy Ground Turkey Recipes (2024)

Back in the day, we all jumped on the ground turkey bandwagon because ground turkey recipes were a little less expensive than recipes made with ground beef.

Ground turkey is delicious, low in saturated fat, and just as versatile as ground beef. Anything you can make with ground beef, you can also make with ground turkey. Although there is some slight difference in flavor and texture, after a while, you may find that you and your family prefer ground turkey.

However, we all stayed on the ground turkey bandwagon because ground turkey is delicious in its own right.

Ground turkey has become a staple ingredient in many kitchens due to its versatility, lean protein content, and affordability. With a mild flavor that lends itself well to a vast range of dishes, it’s easy to see why so many home cooks are turning to ground turkey as an alternative to beef or pork. From weeknight dinners to crowd-pleasing appetizers, ground turkey recipes are making their mark on the culinary scene.

One advantage of incorporating ground turkey into recipes is the potential for healthier meals, as turkey is typically lower in fat and calories compared to other meats. This allows for creative and nutritious meal options without compromising on taste. Additionally, ground turkey can easily be substituted in most recipes that call for ground beef, making it an ideal choice for those wanting to make a more health-conscious switch.

When exploring ground turkey recipes, it’s essential to consider factors such as quality of the meat, proper seasoning, and cooking techniques to ensure delicious results.

Wondering what to make with ground turkey?Some ground turkey dinner ideas include chili, meatballs, homemade hamburgers, meatloaf, and more.

Sure, turkey burgers don’t taste exactly like beef hamburgers, but in most recipes, you won’t care about the different tastes in most ground turkey meals.

Are you ready for some recipes using ground turkey? Let’s dive in and discover 31 delicious easy ground turkey recipes.

Source: themodernproper.com

1. Turkey Meatballs in Red Curry Sauce

These Thai turkey meatballs covered with a delicious and creamy red curry sauce are the fusion you never knew you craved.

The Southeast Asian flavors of lemongrass, coriander, kaffir lime, and coriander are what make these meatballs and the sauce shine.

Serve them over fluffy basmati rice or noodles.

Source: primalpalate.com

2. Brussels Sprouts Ground Turkey Skillet

Brussels sprouts may have been a disliked veggie for some people when they were growing up, but this healthy vegetable has come into its own and we’re delighted about it.

Brussels sprouts recipes are all over the internet and we love this stir fry with Brussels sprouts.

Source: cleananddelicious.com

3. Turkey Taco Dip

You can’t go wrong with this delicious layered ground turkey taco dip.

This dip is seasoned with a jar of salsa and taco seasoning mix.

Veggies include black olives, sliced jalapeno, onion, black bean, and a diced avocado.

Serve sh*t dip with tortilla chips, pita chips, corn chips, or tortillas.

Source: rachaelrayshow.com

4. Upside-Down Frito Pie

Usually, Fritos are laid in a bowl and topped with chili, cheddar cheese, and onion for Frito chili pie.

In this recipe, we are going in reverse. The chili goes into the bowl (or bag) and the Fritos and other ingredients go on top.

This is a scratch recipe, complete with ancho pepper and chipotle in adobo.

Substitute ground turkey for the sirloin.

Source: skinnytaste.com

5. Turkey Meatloaf

Meatloaf is always satisfying, and when it’s made with ground turkey, it’s also healthier.

To bind the ingredients together, you can use seasoned gluten free or whole wheat breadcrumbs.

The seasoning in this turkey meatloaf comes from Worcestershire sauce, onion, and marjoram. Glaze your meatloaf with your favorite tomato sauce.

Serve this meatloaf with a baked potato or mashed potatoes.

Source: thechunkychef.com

6. Turkey Sloppy Joes

If you want a quick and easy one-skillet meal that the kids (and adults!) will gobble up, these lean ground turkey sloppy joes will be a hit.

These sloppy joes get their flavor from spicy brown mustard, garlic powder, ketchup or tomato sauce, and chili powder.

Serve your sloppy joes on brioche buns or pretzel buns for the ultimate flavor and texture.

Source: thegirlonbloor.com

7. Easy and Quick Ground Turkey Stir Fry

If you do meal prep, you will love this ground turkey recipe.

This recipe is not just low fat. It’s also low carb, and it’s full of veggies like grated carrots, cabbage, and bell pepper.

The stir fry sauce is made with honey, garlic cloves, fresh minced ginger, and chili garlic sauce (or sriracha sauce).

Source: mightymrs.com

8. Ground Turkey Stuffed Shells

Stuffed shells pasta dishes are so satisfying and they’re super easy to make.

This recipe calls for tons of spinach and a melty blend of our favorite cheeses, including mozzarella cheese and romano or parmesan cheese.

The recipe calls for a pound of ground beef and a pound of ground turkey, but you can use two pounds of ground turkey instead. You can also use turkey sausage to make this ground turkey recipe.

Source: cookingclassy.com

9. Healthy Turkey Lettuce Wraps

If you love the Asian lettuce wraps at PF Chang’s, you probably already know that you can make these delicious wraps at home.

Using ground turkey breast, hoisin sauce, soy sauce, sriracha, honey, garlic, fresh ginger, green onions, and rice vinegar, these wraps are perfectly seasoned.

A carrot and water chestnuts add more texture and flavor.

Wrap it in any type of lettuce.

Source: ambitiouskitchen.com

10. Turkey Lasagna

Lasagna is a delectable dish and is brimming with cheese and flavor.

This healthy ground turkey recipe has all of the flavor and a lot less of the guilt of traditional lasagna.

Use gluten free or whole wheat lasagna noodles to make this recipe.

With parmesan cheese and mozzarella cheese, this ground turkey lasagna has everything you love about this classic casserole.

Source: eatthegains.com

11. Spaghetti Squash Casserole

When you pair ground turkey with spaghetti squash instead of pasta, you have a satisfying meal that’s also super healthy.

You can cook your spaghetti sauce in the Instant Pot, microwave, or oven.

This recipe is loaded with kale, so you’re getting lots of those essential greens.

The seasonings are ranch dressing, garlic powder, onion powder, dried dill, and dried parsley.

Source: recipecenter.giantfood.com

12. Turkey Meatloaf Muffins with Only Five Ingredients

We love meatloaf, and when you make meatloaf muffins in a muffin pan, it’s super easy and fun.

What we love about this meatloaf recipe is that it has only five ingredients: oats, egg, green onions, salsa, and ground turkey.

How easy is that?

Serve these meatloaf muffins with a side salad or baked potato and you have a complete meal.

Source: drivemehungry.com

13. Turkey Cabbage Rolls

If you love stuffed cabbage rolls, you will adore this lightened-up version of this classic recipe.

You can use savoy cabbage or regular green cabbage for this recipe.

For the rice, use whatever type of rice you like, including basmati rice or brown rice.

The garlic adds tons of flavor, and you can use any combination of oregano, rosemary, or thyme.

Source: gimmesomeoven.com

14. Healthy Turkey Cheeseburger Instant Pot Soup Recipe

Cheeseburger soup is comfort food at its finest. Oozing with cheesy flavor and savory sauce, this healthier version of the classic is incredible.

This soup is loaded with veggies, including celery, Yukon gold potatoes, cauliflower, and carrots.

The soup gets its flavor from chopped green onions, garlic, and sharp cheddar cheese.

You can make this soup in your Instant Pot or slow cooker.

Source: cooktopcove.com

15. Ground Turkey Refried Beans Burritos

There are times when only a burrito will do, and when you’re craving your favorite Chipotle burrito, you can make your own at home.

These burritos cost a fraction of what you would pay if you went to a restaurant, and they’re much healthier because you mash your own refried beans.

Spices are dried oregano, onion powder, chili powder, and cumin.

Source: twopeasandtheirpod.com

16. Ground Turkey Tacos Recipe

Are you ready for Taco Tuesday? We’ve got you covered!

Ground turkey is perfect for tacos, and these are seasoned with all of your favorite Mexican flavors. Think smoked paprika, cumin, chili powder, dried oregano, and green chiles.

Serve these tacos on low carb tortillas. Be sure to have your guacamole and pico de gallo on hand.

Source: thecreativebite.com

17. Turkey Cheeseburger Quinoa Casserole

This dish is packed with flavor and protein.

The recipe calls for a mixture of ground turkey and ground beef, but of course, you can use just ground turkey.

The can of V8 juice adds so much flavor, and seasoning salt provides the rest.

Here’s a tip. Cook the quinoa in chicken broth or beef broth to give it tons of flavor.

Source: crumbblog.com

18. Stuffed Pepper Soup

A pot of hot soup is always a good thing, and when you take your favorite stuffed pepper recipe and use it to make soup, you have a winner.

In addition to ground turkey, this recipe calls for diced bell pepper in different colors, garlic, onion, chicken broth, and diced tomatoes.

Use your favorite basmati or brown rice.

Source: macheesmo.com

19. Quick Turkey Ragu

When you make ground turkey ragu, it’s lighter than the traditional Bolognese recipe.

You can make your own marinara sauce or buy a store-bought version.

The secret to this amazing dish is the turkey bacon that adds so much flavor.

Serve this ragu sauce over whole wheat spaghetti noodles or other pasta.

Source: jaroflemons.com

20. Healthy Taco Salad

If you want something different for Taco Tuesday, how about giving this yummy taco salad a try?

Seasoned with chili powder and lime, this salad is the perfect Mexican comfort food.

You can customize the ingredients in this taco salad to make it perfect for you. Feel free to load it up with tomatoes, corn, avocado, spinach, and more.

Source: dearcrissy.com

21. Turkey Stuffed Bell Peppers

Stuffed peppers are such a great dinner option, and part of that is because you can cook them in your Instant Pot, oven, or slow cooker.

These gluten free stuffed peppers are healthier than the traditional version.

With sharp cheddar cheese, garlic, and Italian seasoning, these peppers are loaded with flavor.

Use wild rice, brown rice, or basmati rice.

Source: myrecipes.com

22. Easy Turkey Inside Out Cheeseburgers

With inside-out cheeseburgers, the cheddar cheese is melted inside the ground turkey patty.

Dijon mustard imparts tons of flavor to these burgers, and the only other seasoning you need is salt and black pepper.

Serve these burgers with your favorite toppings, including avocado, tomato slices, leafy lettuce, and red onion.

Source: butterwithasideofbread.com

23. Baked Wontons Recipe

Who knew baked wontons could be so easy?

These baked wontons are made with lean ground turkey, shredded cheddar cheese, ranch dressing, chopped olives, and chopped green onions (scallions).

We love that these baked wontons are made in a muffin pan, so it makes it super easy to pull this recipe together.

Serve as an appetizer, side dish, or meal.

Source: skinnytaste.com

24. Cheesy Turkey Meatball Skillet

These meatballs are covered with cheese and savory sauce, and this recipe is made in one skillet.

The grated pecorino Romano cheese gives these meatballs so much flavor.

All you need for seasoning is crushed garlic, chopped parsley, kosher salt, and tomato paste.

Serve these meatballs with bread and some salad and you’ve got a full meal.

Source: easybudgetrecipes.com

25. Turkey Chili

When it’s cold outside, there’s nothing better than a big old pot of turkey chili simmering on the stove.

The good news is that ground turkey chili is just as delicious as traditional chili. Also, turkey chili is much healthier.

This turkey chili has both kidney beans and black beans.

This is one of the ground turkey recipes you can make in your slow cooker or Instant Pot.

Source: moneywisemoms.com

26. American Turkey Goulash Recipe

Goulash is an American favorite and, for many of us, it was the first one-pot meal we enjoyed from our mom’s kitchen.

When it’s made with ground turkey, goulash is incredibly healthy, especially if you use whole wheat pasta.

This recipe is loaded with cheddar cheese, diced tomatoes, garlic, and onion. Seasonings are Italian seasoning and smoked paprika.

Source: homeandplate.com

27. Turkey Sweet Potato Hash Recipe

We love a good hash, but this hash that’s made with ground turkey and sweet potatoes is better than most.

Plus, it’s full of heart-healthy ingredients.

Besides the sweet potato, this recipe also calls for sweet onion, minced garlic, and bell pepper.

The seasonings used are minced garlic, dried parsley, and chili powder.

Parmesan cheese brings tons of flavor.

Source: erinliveswhole.com

28. Greek Turkey Burgers

Sometimes you’ve just gotta have a hamburger, and a list of the best ground turkey recipes wouldn’t be complete without a turkey burger.

We love this unusual Greek turkey burger that’s made with homemade tzatziki sauce.

This turkey burger is loaded with crumbled Greek feta cheese, red onion, fresh spinach, and garlic.

The spices are dried oregano, salt, and black pepper.

Source: themom100.com

29. Turkey Picadillo

We are always looking for ground turkey recipes that are quick and easy.

Traditional picadillo is popular in several Latin American countries, and it’s one of the most popular Cuban foods.

The best picadillo has capers, olives, and raisins. This version is loaded up with diced tomatoes, bell pepper, and potatoes.

Spices include ground coriander, ground cumin, red pepper flakes, onion, and minced garlic.

Source: kimscravings.com

30. Turkey Santa Fe Zucchini Boats

Few veggies stuff better than zucchini. Their natural elongated shape and firm skin make them perfect for ground turkey recipes.

These zucchini boats are loaded up with corn, black beans, tomatoes, and onion.

The seasoning comes from cumin, garlic, and jalapeno pepper.

You can top these delicious stuffed zucchinis with sour cream or shredded cheddar cheese.

Source: therecipecritic.com

31. Baked Turkey Meatballs

Ground turkey meatballs are one of our favorite ways to enjoy this delicious lean meat.

This recipe is made with Italian breadcrumbs, eggs, onion, milk, and three cloves of garlic.

You can eat these meatballs as they are or use them to make spaghetti and meatballs.

Another option is to serve them with gravy in the Swedish meatballs style.

If you want to do a ground turkey meal prep, check out the video below for a quick ground turkey recipes idea.