20 Must-Try Ground Turkey Recipes

Spicy Turkey and Black Bean Chili

This hearty and flavorful chili is perfect for warming up on a chilly day.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground turkey
• 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp chili powder
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 cups chicken broth

Cooking method:

1. In a large pot, brown the ground turkey over medium heat until fully cooked.
2. Add diced onion and garlic to the pot and sauté until the onion is translucent.
3. Stir in the chili powder, cumin, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper.
4. Pour in the chicken broth, diced tomatoes, and black beans; bring to a boil.
5. Reduce heat and let simmer for 20-30 minutes, allowing flavors to meld.
6. Serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro or shredded cheese if desired.

Turkey and Quinoa Stuffed Bell Peppers

These nutritious and colorful stuffed peppers make for a satisfying meal.

Ingredients:

• 4 bell peppers, halved and seeded
• 1 lb ground turkey
• 1 cup cooked quinoa
• 1 small onion, diced
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Cooking method:

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Brown the ground turkey in a skillet over medium heat.
3. Add the onion and cook until softened, then stir in the diced tomatoes, quinoa, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
4. Stuff each pepper half with the turkey mixture and place in a baking dish.
5. Top with shredded mozzarella cheese and bake for 25 minutes or until the peppers are tender.

Turkey and Spinach Meatballs

These tender meatballs are perfect for pasta, subs or as a party appetizer.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground turkey
• 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 egg
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking method:

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a bowl, mix together the ground turkey, spinach, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, garlic, salt, and pepper.
3. Form the mixture into small meatballs and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
4. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until cooked through and golden brown.

Turkey and Avocado Taco Lettuce Wraps

A healthy and refreshing alternative to traditional tacos.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground turkey
• 1 tbsp taco seasoning
• 1 head of lettuce, separated into leaves
• 1 avocado, diced
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/4 cup red onion, diced
• Lime wedges for serving

Cooking method:

1. Brown the ground turkey in a skillet over medium heat, adding taco seasoning to taste.
2. Arrange lettuce leaves on a serving plate and spoon the turkey mixture into each leaf.
3. Top with diced avocado, cherry tomatoes, and red onion.
4. Serve with lime wedges for squeezing over the top.

Turkey and Sweet Potato Skillet

A savory and slightly sweet one-pan wonder that's easy to whip up.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground turkey
• 2 medium sweet potatoes, diced
• 1 onion, diced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tbsp olive oil

Cooking method:

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Add ground turkey, cooking until browned and crumbled.
3. Stir in onion, garlic, sweet potatoes, and red bell pepper.
4. Sprinkle with smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
5. Cover and cook, stirring occasionally, until sweet potatoes are tender.

Turkey Bolognese

A lighter twist on the classic Italian meat sauce, perfect over pasta.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground turkey
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 carrot, finely chopped
• 1 celery stalk, finely chopped
• 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
• 1 tsp dried basil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tbsp olive oil

Cooking method:

1. Heat olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat.
2. Add onion, garlic, carrot, and celery, sautéing until softened.
3. Stir in ground turkey, cooking until browned.
4. Pour in crushed tomatoes and add basil, salt, and pepper.
5. Simmer for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Turkey and Zucchini Burgers

Juicy and packed with flavor, these burgers are a great way to enjoy lean turkey.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground turkey
• 1 medium zucchini, grated
• 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
• 1 egg
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Burger buns and toppings of choice

Cooking method:

1. Preheat the grill or a skillet over medium heat.
2. In a bowl, combine ground turkey, grated zucchini, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic, salt, and pepper.
3. Form mixture into patties and cook on the grill or skillet until fully cooked through.
4. Serve on burger buns with desired toppings.

Thai Turkey Lettuce Cups

These Asian-inspired lettuce cups are bursting with fresh flavors and spices.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground turkey
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp fish sauce
• 1 tbsp lime juice
• 1 tbsp sugar
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 red chili, finely chopped
• 1 head of lettuce, separated into leaves
• Fresh cilantro for garnish

Cooking method:

1. In a skillet, brown the ground turkey over medium heat.
2. Stir in soy sauce, fish sauce, lime juice, sugar, garlic, and chili.
3. Cook until the turkey is well-coated and heated through.
4. Spoon the turkey mixture into lettuce leaves and top with fresh cilantro.

Turkey and Broccoli Stir-Fry

A quick and nutritious weeknight meal packed with protein and veggies.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground turkey
• 2 cups broccoli florets
• 1 onion, sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 2 tbsp sesame oil
• 1 tsp ginger, grated
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Sesame seeds for garnish

Cooking method:

1. Heat sesame oil in a large pan over medium heat.
2. Add onion, garlic, and ginger, sautéing until fragrant.
3. Brown the ground turkey in the pan, then add broccoli florets.
4. Pour in soy sauce, stirring to coat everything evenly.
5. Cook until broccoli is tender, then season with salt and pepper.
6. Garnish with sesame seeds before serving.

Turkey Lasagna

A lighter version of the classic dish, featuring layers of flavor and indulgence.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground turkey
• 9 lasagna noodles
• 2 cups ricotta cheese
• 1 egg
• 2 cups marinara sauce
• 2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking method:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook lasagna noodles according to package instructions.
3. Brown the ground turkey in a skillet and season with salt and pepper.
4. Mix ricotta cheese with egg in a bowl.
5. In a baking dish, layer marinara sauce, noodles, ricotta mixture, turkey, and mozzarella.
6. Repeat layers and top with Parmesan cheese.
7. Bake for 30-35 minutes, until cheese is golden and bubbly.