Discover 16 mouthwatering ground turkey recipes that are perfect for dinner. These healthy and easy dinner ideas will transform your meal planning and make weeknight cooking a breeze!
When it comes to whipping up a quick and healthy dinner, ground turkey is a superstar. It’s lean, versatile, and easily absorbs the flavors of whatever it’s cooked with.
Whether you’re in the mood for something comforting, spicy, or light, these ground turkey recipes have got you covered.
So, let’s dive into 16 mouthwatering dinner ideas that are not only nutritious but also incredibly easy to make.
1. Turkey Taco Bowls – Ground Turkey Recipes
For a fresh twist on taco night, try these turkey taco bowls. They’re packed with flavor and perfect for a quick, healthy dinner.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup corn kernels
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 1 avocado, sliced
- 2 cups cooked rice
- Salsa and sour cream for topping
Instructions:
- Cook the ground turkey in a skillet over medium heat until browned.
- Add the taco seasoning and a little water, then simmer for a few minutes.
- In a bowl, layer the rice, turkey, beans, corn, bell pepper, and avocado.
- Top with salsa and sour cream. Serve immediately.
2. Turkey Meatballs in Marinara Sauce
This classic Italian dish gets a lean makeover with ground turkey. These tender turkey meatballs simmered in marinara sauce are perfect for a cozy dinner.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 jar marinara sauce
- Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a bowl, combine ground turkey, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, and Italian seasoning.
- Form the mixture into meatballs and place on a baking sheet.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes or until cooked through.
- Meanwhile, warm the marinara sauce in a pot.
- Add the cooked meatballs to the sauce and simmer for 10 minutes.
- Garnish with fresh basil and serve over pasta.
3. Ground Turkey Chili – Ground Turkey Recipes
Ground turkey chili is a hearty and healthy meal that’s easy to prepare. It’s perfect for those chilly nights when you need something warm and satisfying.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1 can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- In a large pot, sauté the onion, bell pepper, and garlic until softened.
- Add the ground turkey and cook until browned.
- Stir in the tomatoes, beans, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper.
- Simmer for 20-30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Serve hot, with a side of cornbread or over rice.
4. Turkey Stuffed Bell Peppers
These turkey stuffed bell peppers are not only visually appealing but also packed with flavor. They make a great low-carb dinner option.
Ingredients:
- 4 large bell peppers, tops cut off and seeds removed
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 1/2 cup cooked quinoa or rice
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a skillet, cook the ground turkey and onion until browned.
- Stir in the cooked quinoa or rice, diced tomatoes, and Italian seasoning.
- Stuff the mixture into the bell peppers and place in a baking dish.
- Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
- Remove the foil, top with cheese, and bake for another 10 minutes until the cheese is melted.
5. Turkey Shepherd’s Pie – Ground Turkey Recipes
This turkey shepherd’s pie is a lighter version of the traditional dish, made with ground turkey and topped with creamy mashed potatoes.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 cup frozen peas and carrots
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 2 cups mashed potatoes
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a skillet, cook the ground turkey and onion until browned.
- Add the peas, carrots, and tomato paste, and cook for a few more minutes.
- Transfer the mixture to a baking dish and spread the mashed potatoes on top.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until the top is golden brown.
6. Turkey and Spinach Stuffed Mushrooms
These turkey and spinach stuffed mushrooms make a great appetizer or a light dinner option. They’re flavorful and nutritious.
Ingredients:
- 12 large mushrooms, stems removed
- 1/2 lb ground turkey
- 1 cup spinach, chopped
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese
- 1 clove garlic, minced
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a skillet, cook the ground turkey and garlic until browned.
- Stir in the spinach and cook until wilted.
- Mix in the breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese.
- Stuff the mixture into the mushroom caps and place on a baking sheet.
- Bake for 20 minutes until the mushrooms are tender.
7. Turkey Lettuce Wraps – Ground Turkey Recipes
For a light and refreshing dinner, try these turkey lettuce wraps. They’re easy to make and perfect for a low-carb meal.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp hoisin sauce
- 1 head of lettuce, leaves separated
Instructions:
- In a skillet, cook the ground turkey, onion, and bell pepper until browned.
- Stir in the soy sauce and hoisin sauce, and cook for a few more minutes.
- Spoon the mixture into lettuce leaves and serve immediately.
8. Turkey Meatloaf – Ground Turkey Recipes
This classic meatloaf gets a healthier twist with ground turkey. It’s moist, flavorful, and perfect for a comforting dinner.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 egg
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, mix together the ground turkey, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, onion, salt, and pepper.
- Shape the mixture into a loaf and place it in a baking dish.
- Spread ketchup on top of the loaf.
- Bake for 45-50 minutes until cooked through.
9. Turkey Zucchini Boats – Ground Turkey Recipes
These turkey zucchini boats are a delicious and healthy way to enjoy your favorite ground turkey recipes in a low-carb format.
Ingredients:
- 4 large zucchinis, halved lengthwise and seeds scooped out
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a skillet, cook the ground turkey and onion until browned.
- Stir in the diced tomatoes and Italian seasoning.
- Stuff the mixture into the zucchini halves and place in a baking dish.
- Top with mozzarella cheese and bake for 25-30 minutes until the zucchini is tender.
10. Turkey Bolognese
Turkey Bolognese is a lighter take on the traditional Italian meat sauce. It’s perfect for pasta night when you want something hearty yet healthy.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1/4 cup tomato paste
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Cooked pasta for serving
Instructions:
- In a large skillet, cook the ground turkey, onion, and garlic until browned.
- Stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Simmer the sauce for 20-30 minutes to thicken.
- Serve over your favorite pasta.
11. Turkey Sloppy Joes – Ground Turkey Recipes
These turkey sloppy joes are a healthier version of the classic comfort food. They’re easy to make and perfect for a quick dinner.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- Hamburger buns for serving
Instructions:
- In a skillet, cook the ground turkey and onion until browned.
- Stir in the ketchup, brown sugar, and Worcestershire sauce.
- Simmer for 10 minutes until thickened.
- Serve on hamburger buns.
12. Turkey Enchiladas – Ground Turkey Recipes
Turkey enchiladas are a crowd-pleasing dish that’s packed with flavor. They’re perfect for a family dinner or entertaining guests.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 can enchilada sauce
- 1 cup shredded cheese
- 8 flour tortillas
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a skillet, cook the ground turkey and onion until browned.
- Spread a little enchilada sauce in the bottom of a baking dish.
- Fill each tortilla with the turkey mixture and roll up.
- Place the tortillas seam-side down in the dish and pour the remaining sauce on top.
- Sprinkle with cheese and bake for 20-25 minutes until the cheese is melted.
13. Turkey Stir-Fry – Ground Turkey Recipes
This turkey stir-fry is a quick and healthy dinner option that’s full of fresh vegetables and savory sauce.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 1 bell pepper, sliced
- 1 zucchini, sliced
- 1 carrot, sliced
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp hoisin sauce
- 1 tsp sesame oil
Instructions:
- In a large skillet or wok, cook the ground turkey until browned.
- Add the bell pepper, zucchini, and carrot, and stir-fry until tender.
- Stir in the soy sauce, hoisin sauce, and sesame oil, and cook for a few more minutes.
- Serve over rice or noodles.
14. Turkey Burgers
Turkey burgers are a lean and delicious alternative to traditional beef burgers. They’re perfect for grilling or pan-frying.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 egg
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Burger buns and toppings of choice
Instructions:
- In a bowl, combine the ground turkey, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic, salt, and pepper.
- Form the mixture into patties.
- Grill or pan-fry the patties until cooked through.
- Serve on buns with your favorite toppings.
15. Turkey Lasagna – Ground Turkey Recipes
This turkey lasagna is a lighter version of the classic dish, made with layers of ground turkey, cheese, and marinara sauce.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 jar marinara sauce
- 1 package lasagna noodles
- 2 cups ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a skillet, cook the ground turkey and onion until browned.
- Stir in the marinara sauce and simmer for 10 minutes.
- In a baking dish, layer the cooked lasagna noodles, turkey sauce, ricotta, and mozzarella.
- Repeat the layers and finish with a sprinkling of Parmesan cheese.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes until bubbly and golden.
16. Turkey Meatball Soup – Ground Turkey Recipes
This turkey meatball soup is a comforting and nutritious meal that’s perfect for any time of the year.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 egg
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, sliced
- 1 celery stalk, sliced
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- In a bowl, mix together the ground turkey, breadcrumbs, egg, and Italian seasoning.
- Form the mixture into small meatballs.
- In a large pot, sauté the onion, carrots, and celery until softened.
- Add the chicken broth and bring to a boil.
- Gently drop the meatballs into the soup and simmer for 15-20 minutes until cooked through.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
These 16 ground turkey recipes offer a variety of flavors and cuisines, making dinner planning a breeze. Whether you’re in the mood for a comforting classic or something new and exciting, these dishes provide healthy and delicious options.
Ground turkey is a versatile ingredient that can easily be adapted to suit your tastes, making it a must-have in your kitchen.
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