10+ Ground Turkey Recipes You’ll Love to Try Today

Ground turkey is a simple and versatile ingredient that fits many meals. It offers a leaner option compared to other ground meats.

Many people choose ground turkey to eat healthier without sacrificing flavor. You can create a wide variety of dishes using ground turkey, from quick weeknight dinners to tasty family favorites.

Whether you like it spicy, mild, or savory, ground turkey adapts well to different styles of cooking. Ingredients for ground turkey recipes often include basics like spices, vegetables, and sauces to bring out the best taste.

Cooking instructions will guide you through easy steps so you can enjoy your meal without trouble.

1) Mom’s Ground Turkey and Peppers

Close-up of cooked ground turkey mixed with red, yellow, and green bell peppers on a white marble surface.

This recipe is simple and fast to make. You brown ground turkey in one pot, which saves cleanup time.

Add onions, garlic, and colorful bell peppers for flavor and texture. Season the dish with chipotle chili or chili powder for a mild spicy kick.

It pairs well with rice or noodles for a complete meal.

Ingredients

  • 1 pound ground turkey
  • 1 cup chopped yellow onion (include some green parts if using scallions)
  • 2-3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 bell peppers, chopped
  • 1 teaspoon chipotle chili powder or regular chili powder
  • Salt, to taste
  • Oil for cooking

Cooking Instructions

  1. Heat oil in a large pan over medium heat.
  2. Add ground turkey, sprinkle with salt and chili powder. Brown the turkey, breaking it into chunks.
  3. Stir in onions and garlic; cook until softened.
  4. Add bell peppers and cook until tender, about 5 minutes.
  5. Serve hot with rice or noodles.

For more details, see this Mom’s Ground Turkey and Peppers recipe.

2) Korean Ground Turkey with Tangy Cucumber Salad

Close-up of Korean ground turkey and tangy cucumber salad on a white plate on a white marble countertop.

This Korean ground turkey dish has bold flavors and quick prep. Cook the turkey with garlic, ginger, and a spicy-sweet sauce that includes gochujang.

The tangy cucumber salad adds a fresh crunch. Mix thin cucumber slices and shredded carrots with a light vinegar dressing.

This combo balances the spicy meat. Serve it over rice or cauliflower rice for a filling dish.

Ingredients

  • 1 lb ground turkey
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp ginger, minced
  • 2 tbsp gochujang (Korean chili paste)
  • 1 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp brown sugar
  • 1 cucumber, thinly sliced
  • 1 carrot, shredded
  • 2 tbsp rice vinegar
  • 1 tsp sesame oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

  1. Heat a pan over medium heat. Add turkey, garlic, and ginger. Cook until turkey is browned.
  2. Stir in gochujang, soy sauce, and brown sugar. Simmer for 5 minutes.
  3. Toss cucumber and carrot with rice vinegar, sesame oil, salt, and pepper.
  4. Serve turkey with the cucumber salad on the side.

3) Ground Turkey Pasta with Tomato Sauce

Close-up of ground turkey pasta with tomato sauce on a white marble countertop.

You can make a simple and tasty dinner with ground turkey and tomato sauce. This dish cooks quickly, making it perfect for busy nights.

The lean turkey adds protein while keeping the meal light. The tomato sauce is easy to prepare with basic ingredients like garlic, canned tomatoes, and Italian herbs.

Add vegetables such as bell peppers or zucchini for extra flavor and nutrition. Serve the sauce over your favorite pasta, like penne or spaghetti.

This meal feels comforting without being heavy.

Ingredients:

  • 1 pound ground turkey
  • 12 ounces pasta
  • 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 bell pepper, diced (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

Cooking Instructions:

  1. Cook pasta according to package directions.
  2. Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat.
  3. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute.
  4. Add ground turkey, salt, and pepper. Cook until browned.
  5. Stir in bell pepper and cook for 3 minutes.
  6. Pour in crushed tomatoes and Italian seasoning. Simmer 10 minutes.
  7. Combine sauce with pasta and serve warm.

4) Turkey Egg Roll in a Bowl

Close-up view of a bowl filled with turkey egg roll ingredients including ground turkey, shredded cabbage, and carrots on a white marble countertop.

This dish is a simple, healthy way to enjoy the flavors of an egg roll without the wrapper. Cook ground turkey with cabbage and carrots, then season with ginger and garlic.

It’s a quick meal that takes about 20 to 30 minutes. You can make it in one pan, which means less cleanup.

It’s low-carb and packed with protein and veggies. Serve it as is or over rice if you want something more filling.

Ingredients:

  • 1 lb ground turkey
  • 12 oz shredded cabbage or coleslaw mix
  • 1 cup shredded carrots
  • 1/2 cup soy sauce
  • 1 tsp ground ginger
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tbsp cooking oil

Cooking Instructions:

  1. Heat oil in a large pan over medium heat (about 350°F / 175°C).
  2. Add ground turkey and cook until no longer pink.
  3. Stir in cabbage and carrots, cooking until they soften.
  4. Add soy sauce, ginger, and garlic powder. Stir well.
  5. Cook for 5 more minutes, then serve warm.

For a detailed step-by-step, you can check this Turkey Egg Roll in a Bowl recipe.

5) Greek Ground Turkey with Lemon Rice

Close-up of a plate with Greek ground turkey and lemon rice on a white marble countertop.

This Greek ground turkey recipe is full of fresh flavors. Cook the turkey with herbs like oregano and garlic, then serve it over lemon-flavored rice.

You can add olives or sun-dried tomatoes for extra color and taste. Pair it with fresh vegetables or a cucumber yogurt sauce called tzatziki for a Mediterranean touch.

The lemon rice adds a bright, zesty flavor that goes perfectly with the seasoned turkey.

Ingredients

  • 1 pound ground turkey
  • 1 cup long-grain rice
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 lemon (juice and zest)
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Optional: chopped olives or sun-dried tomatoes

Cooking Instructions

  1. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and cook 1 minute.
  2. Add ground turkey, oregano, salt, and pepper. Cook until browned, about 7 minutes.
  3. Stir in rice and cook 1 minute.
  4. Add chicken broth, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Bring to a boil.
  5. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer 18-20 minutes until rice is cooked.
  6. Fluff rice with a fork and add olives or sun-dried tomatoes if using. Serve warm.

For a similar recipe, see Greek Ground Turkey with Lemon Rice.

6) Ground Turkey Skillet with Veggies

Close-up of a skillet filled with cooked ground turkey and mixed vegetables on a white marble countertop.

This ground turkey skillet with veggies makes a quick and healthy meal. Cook everything in one pan for less clean-up.

The dish is colorful and packed with fresh vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and tomatoes. Season it with garlic and onion to keep the flavors fresh.

Cooking lean ground turkey keeps the meal light but filling. You can easily adjust this recipe to include your favorite vegetables or spices.

Ingredients

  • 1 pound ground turkey
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 bell pepper, chopped
  • 1 zucchini, diced
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

  1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
  2. Add onion and garlic; cook until soft, about 3 minutes.
  3. Add ground turkey, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook until no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes.
  4. Stir in bell pepper, zucchini, and cherry tomatoes. Cook until vegetables are tender, about 5 minutes.
  5. Season with salt and pepper. Serve warm.

Find a detailed recipe for ground turkey and vegetables in this Turkey and Vegetable Skillet.

7) Easy Ground Turkey Chili

Close-up of a bowl of ground turkey chili with beans and tomatoes on a white marble countertop.

This easy ground turkey chili gives you a healthy, warm meal. Use lean ground turkey, beans, and tomatoes to keep it simple and tasty.

Add bell peppers or corn for extra flavor and texture. The spices give it a nice kick without being too hot.

It’s perfect for a quick dinner and makes great leftovers.

Ingredients

  • 1 pound lean ground turkey
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 1 green bell pepper, chopped
  • 1 (16 oz) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 (16 oz) can stewed tomatoes
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Cooking Instructions

  1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
  2. Add onion and bell pepper; cook until soft, about 5 minutes.
  3. Add ground turkey and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon.
  4. Stir in tomato paste, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper.
  5. Pour in stewed tomatoes, kidney beans, and chicken broth.
  6. Simmer uncovered for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  7. Serve warm with your favorite toppings.

For a similar recipe, visit this ground turkey chili guide.

8) Healthy Turkey Burgers

Close-up image of healthy cooked turkey burgers on a white marble countertop with a bright neutral background.

Enjoy juicy and flavorful turkey burgers that are also good for you. Using 93% lean ground turkey keeps them moist without being greasy.

Add a little mayo or onion for creaminess and flavor without extra fat. Mix your turkey with simple spices like salt and pepper, and add mustard or coconut aminos for a tasty twist.

These burgers cook quickly, making them perfect for busy days. Grill or cook them on a skillet until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to keep them safe and juicy.

Ingredients

  • 1 pound 93% lean ground turkey
  • 1 tablespoon mayonnaise
  • 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
  • 1 teaspoon mustard
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Optional: 1 teaspoon coconut aminos

Cooking Instructions

  1. In a bowl, mix all ingredients until just combined.
  2. Form the mixture into 4 equal-sized patties.
  3. Preheat a grill or skillet to medium heat.
  4. Cook the patties for 5-6 minutes per side until they reach 165°F (74°C).
  5. Serve with your favorite toppings.

9) Ground Turkey Lo Mein

Close-up of a plate of ground turkey lo mein with noodles and vegetables on a white marble countertop.

Ground turkey lo mein is a quick and tasty meal you can make any night. It mixes noodles with lean turkey, fresh veggies, and a simple sauce.

You can use vegetables like carrots, onions, and bell peppers. Garlic and ginger add extra flavor.

It cooks fast, so it’s great when you don’t have much time. You can swap in other vegetables or adjust the sauce to your taste.

Ingredients

  • 1 pound ground turkey
  • 8 ounces lo mein noodles or spaghetti
  • 1 cup sliced carrots
  • 1 cup sliced bell peppers
  • 1/2 cup chopped onion
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon grated ginger
  • 3 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 1/4 cup sliced water chestnuts (optional)

Cooking Instructions

  1. Cook noodles according to package instructions and drain.
  2. Heat oil in a pan over medium-high heat (about 350°F / 175°C).
  3. Add ground turkey and cook until no longer pink, breaking it up as it cooks.
  4. Stir in garlic, ginger, carrots, onions, and bell peppers. Cook for 3-4 minutes.
  5. Add cooked noodles and soy sauce. Toss everything together and cook 2 more minutes.
  6. Serve hot.

For a similar recipe, check Easy Ground Turkey Lo Mein Recipe.

10) Mexican Turkey Lasagna Lite

Close-up view of a slice of Mexican turkey lasagna with melted cheese and tomato sauce on a white marble countertop.

Mexican Turkey Lasagna Lite is a lighter take on a classic comfort meal. You use lean ground turkey to keep it healthy without losing flavor.

The dish has layers of black beans, corn, and crushed tomatoes for heartiness and texture. Cumin, chili powder, and fresh herbs add authentic taste.

It is simple to prepare and takes about 40 minutes from start to finish. This makes a great weeknight meal.

Ingredients

  • 1 pound lean ground turkey
  • 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 cup corn kernels
  • 1 can crushed tomatoes
  • 1/2 cup diced bell peppers
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 8 small corn tortillas

Cooking Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).

  2. Brown the ground turkey in a skillet over medium heat.

  3. Add bell peppers, black beans, corn, crushed tomatoes, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper.
    Stir well and simmer for 5 minutes.

  4. In a baking dish, layer tortillas, turkey mixture, and cheese.
    Repeat the layers.

  5. Top with the remaining cheese.

  6. Bake uncovered for 20 minutes or until the cheese melts and bubbles.

  7. Let the dish cool for a few minutes before serving.

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