If you’re looking for Ground Turkey Recipes that are cozy, flexible, and weeknight-friendly, I’ve got you covered! From juicy meatballs to hearty casseroles and chili, these healthy dinner ideas won’t let you down.
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Ground turkey is a weeknight hero!
Ground turkey is one of those ingredients I keep stocked in my kitchen at all times. It’s affordable, easy to cook with, and it’s one of the best lighter substitutes I’ve found for ground beef.
Over the years, I’ve used ground turkey in so many recipes—I didn’t even realize just how many until I started rounding them up below!
This post is a collection of the ground turkey recipes I turn to again and again: recipes that are reliable, family-friendly, and healthier ways to cook classic dishes. There’s something here for everyone!
Buying, Storing, and Cooking with Ground Turkey
Before we get to the recipes, here are a few quick tips to help you get the best results when cooking with ground turkey:
- Choose the right fat level. Ground turkey labeled 93/7 strikes a great balance between flavor and leanness. Extra-lean turkey (99%) works best in recipes with sauces or added moisture.
- Store it properly. Keep raw ground turkey refrigerated and use it within 1–2 days, or freeze it for up to 3 months.
- Season generously. Turkey is mild, so don’t be shy with herbs, spices, garlic, and onion.
- Avoid overcooking. Ground turkey cooks quickly and can dry out if left too long, so remove it from the heat as soon as it’s browned.
- Add moisture when needed. Eggs, breadcrumbs, grated veggies, or sauces help keep turkey tender and juicy.
Turkey Meatballs & Meatloaf Recipes
These recipes prove that ground turkey can be just as delicious and satisfying as traditional beef versions. In fact, a lot of the time I like it even better!
Turkey Meatballs
Juicy, tender, and endlessly versatile, these turkey meatballs are a weeknight staple that works just as well over pasta as they do tucked into a sub.
Crock Pot Turkey Meatballs
Let the slow cooker do the work with these hands-off turkey meatballs that turn out flavorful and tender every single time.
Turkey Meatloaf
This lighter take on classic meatloaf is just as comforting and satisfying, with plenty of flavor and a perfectly sliceable texture.
Cranberry Turkey Meatballs
Sweet, tangy, and perfect for holidays or parties, these cranberry turkey meatballs are always the first thing to disappear.
Moroccan Meatballs
Warm spices and bold flavors make these Moroccan-inspired turkey meatballs feel special, even though they’re surprisingly easy to make.
Air Fryer Meatballs
Crisp on the outside and juicy inside, these air fryer turkey meatballs cook fast and are perfect for busy weeknights.
Whole30 Meatballs and Sauce
Simple, clean ingredients and big flavor make these Whole30-compliant meatballs a great option for meal prep or special diets.
Swedish Meatballs
Cozy and creamy, these lighter Swedish-style turkey meatballs bring all the comfort without feeling too heavy.
Ground Turkey Burgers and Sandwiches
Ground turkey makes juicy, flavorful burgers when seasoned well. Still skeptical? Add one of these recipes to your menu!
Italian Turkey Burgers
Seasoned with herbs and garlic, these Italian-style turkey burgers are juicy, flavorful, and perfect for switching up burger night.
Turkey Burgers
A classic, no-fuss turkey burger recipe that’s juicy, dependable, and easy to customize with your favorite toppings.
Chipotle Sweet Potato Turkey Burgers
Smoky chipotle and naturally sweet potatoes give these turkey burgers big flavor and a little kick.
Teriyaki Burgers with Grilled Pineapple
These teriyaki turkey burgers are sweet, savory, and perfect for when you want something a little different from the usual.
Greek Crock Pot Sloppy Joes
A fun twist on a classic, these Greek-inspired sloppy joes are packed with flavor and made extra easy in the slow cooker.
Soups and Chili with Ground Turkey
Ground turkey shines in soups and chili. Since it’s simmered in the liquid, you don’t have to worry about it going dry on you!
Healthy Turkey Chili
Hearty, comforting, and packed with protein, this turkey chili is perfect for cozy nights without feeling too heavy.
Slow Cooker Turkey Chili with Sweet Potatoes
A little sweet, a little savory, and incredibly satisfying, this slow cooker chili is a set-it-and-forget-it favorite.
Pumpkin Chili
Pumpkin adds richness and subtle sweetness to this turkey chili, making it perfect for fall and winter dinners.
Instant Pot Chili
Fast, flavorful, and weeknight-friendly, this Instant Pot turkey chili is ready in a fraction of the usual time.
Crock Pot Hamburger Soup
This cozy soup uses ground turkey for a lighter spin on a classic, slow-simmered comfort meal.
Ground Turkey Casserole Recipes
Hello comfort food! Replacing the ground beef with ground turkey makes cozy casseroles a little bit healthier.
Crockpot Mexican Casserole
Bold flavors, minimal prep, and lots of comfort make this slow cooker casserole a family favorite.
Stuffed Pepper Casserole
Easy Stuffed Pepper Casserole takes classic stuffed pepper ingredients like rice, ground meat, tomato and cheese and turns them into a healthy one pot meal!
Whole30 Breakfast Casserole
Protein-packed and make-ahead friendly, this breakfast casserole is great for meal prep or feeding a crowd.
Spaghetti Squash Casserole
A lighter, veggie-forward casserole that still feels cozy and satisfying thanks to seasoned ground turkey.
Crockpot Taco Casserole
Cheesy, comforting, and packed with taco flavor, this casserole is always a hit at the dinner table.
Italian-Inspired Ground Turkey Recipes
Ground turkey pairs beautifully with tomato sauces, herbs, and cheese. Mangia!
Turkey Bolognese
Rich, saucy, and comforting, this turkey bolognese is a lighter take on the classic that still feels indulgent.
Zucchini Ravioli
Fresh zucchini stands in for pasta in this clever, lighter dish that still delivers big Italian flavors.
Spaghetti Squash Lasagna
All the cozy layers you love about lasagna, made lighter with spaghetti squash and ground turkey.
Mexican-Inspired Ground Turkey Recipes
Ground turkey soaks up all those yummy Tex-Mex seasonings just like ground beef.
Healthy Taco Salad
Fresh, flavorful, and satisfying, this taco salad is perfect for when you want something light but filling.
Taco Spaghetti Squash Boats
These squash boats are fun to serve and packed with taco-seasoned turkey and melty goodness.
Instant Pot Mexican Casserole
Quick, comforting, and full of bold flavor, this Instant Pot casserole is a weeknight lifesaver.
More Ground Turkey Recipes to Try
Here are a few more reader favorites that deserve a spot in your rotation.
Crockpot Stuffed Peppers
Slow-cooked and comforting, these stuffed peppers are perfect for hands-off dinners and meal prep.
Turkey Sausage
Homemade turkey sausage is easy to make and perfect for breakfast, meal prep, or adding to recipes.
Chili Mac and Cheese
Creamy, cozy, and extra comforting, this mashup of chili and mac is always a crowd-pleaser.
Egg Roll in a Bowl
All the flavors of an egg roll, minus the wrapper, in a quick skillet meal that’s great for busy nights.
Instant Pot Stuffed Peppers
These stuffed peppers cook up quickly in the Instant Pot and are hearty, flavorful, and satisfying.
