10+ Ground Turkey Recipes for Dinner to Keep Your Meals Easy and Delicious

Ground turkey is a simple and healthy choice that fits well into a variety of dinner ideas. If you want meals that are easy to make and full of flavor, ground turkey can be a great base.

You can use it in many dishes that your whole family will enjoy.

Close-up view of a cooked ground turkey dish on a white marble countertop with a bright neutral background.

You might wonder what are some good ground turkey recipes for dinner that are tasty and quick. This article will help you find easy and delicious ways to cook with ground turkey so you can have satisfying dinners any night of the week.


Ingredients

  • Ground turkey
  • Basic seasonings (salt, pepper)
  • Vegetables (onions, peppers, garlic)
  • Cooking oil

Cooking Instructions

  1. Heat oil in a pan over medium heat (about 350°F / 175°C).
  2. Add chopped onions and garlic; cook until soft.
  3. Add ground turkey and cook until no longer pink, breaking it apart.
  4. Season with salt, pepper, and other spices as desired.
  5. Add vegetables and cook until tender.
  6. Serve with rice, noodles, or your choice of side.

1) Ground Turkey and Peppers Stir-Fry

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

This stir-fry is a quick and easy dinner you can make on busy nights. You cook ground turkey with colorful bell peppers and onions.

The mix of flavors is simple but tasty. Adding garlic and a little chipotle chili gives the dish some mild heat and depth.

You can serve it with rice or noodles for a filling meal. This recipe takes about 30 minutes from start to finish.

Ingredients

  • 1 lb ground turkey
  • 2 bell peppers (any color), sliced
  • 1 onion, sliced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1-2 chipotle chilis, chopped (or to taste)
  • 2 tbsp cooking oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Cooked rice or noodles (optional)

Cooking Instructions

  1. Heat oil in a large pan over medium-high heat.
  2. Add garlic and chipotle chilis, cook for 1 minute.
  3. Add ground turkey, cook until browned and no longer pink.
  4. Add sliced peppers and onions, cook until tender (about 5 minutes).
  5. Season with salt and pepper.
  6. Serve hot with rice or noodles if desired.

You can find more on this recipe at Mom’s Ground Turkey and Peppers.

2) Turkey and Quinoa Meatloaf

Close-up of sliced turkey and quinoa meatloaf on a white marble countertop.

Turkey and quinoa meatloaf is a healthier twist on a classic dish. Using ground turkey keeps it lean, while quinoa adds a nice texture and helps bind everything together.

You can also add veggies like carrots or kale to boost the flavor and nutrition. This meatloaf cooks quickly and makes a great dinner option for your weeknight meals.

A simple glaze on top gives it a tangy finish that pairs well with the turkey.

Ingredients

  • 1 pound ground turkey
  • 1 cup cooked quinoa
  • 1/2 cup finely chopped carrots
  • 1/2 cup chopped kale
  • 1/4 cup tomato paste
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. In a large bowl, combine all ingredients and mix well.
  3. Transfer mixture to a loaf pan or shape a loaf on a baking sheet.
  4. Bake for 45-50 minutes until cooked through.
  5. Let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

Find more details on turkey quinoa meatloaf recipes.

3) Chipotle Ground Turkey Tacos

Close-up of chipotle ground turkey tacos with fresh toppings on a white marble countertop.

Chipotle ground turkey tacos are a tasty and simple dinner option. You cook lean ground turkey with chipotle peppers and spices to add a smoky, mild heat.

The mix works great in warm tortillas with your favorite toppings. Adding ingredients like diced onions, garlic, and a bit of tomato paste builds rich flavor.

You can also add a touch of honey or pineapple for mild sweetness. Serve them with melted pepper jack cheese, fresh salsa, or avocado for extra taste.

You can find a detailed recipe example of chipotle turkey tacos here.

Ingredients

  • 1 lb ground turkey
  • 1 onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1-2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, chopped
  • 1 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1 tsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • 1 tsp honey (optional)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Tortillas
  • Pepper jack cheese (optional)

Cooking Instructions

  1. Heat oil in a pan over medium heat.
  2. Add onion and garlic; cook until soft.
  3. Add ground turkey; cook until no longer pink.
  4. Stir in chipotle peppers, tomato paste, chili powder, cumin, honey, salt, and pepper.
  5. Cook for 5 more minutes, stirring often.
  6. Warm tortillas in a pan or microwave.
  7. Spoon turkey mixture into tortillas.
  8. Add cheese or your favorite toppings.
  9. Serve immediately.

4) Turkey Bolognese Sauce

Close-up view of a bowl of turkey Bolognese sauce on a white marble countertop.

Turkey Bolognese is a great way to enjoy a classic pasta sauce with a leaner meat. It tastes rich and hearty but cooks faster than traditional beef versions.

You start by sautéing onions, garlic, and carrots in olive oil. Then, add ground turkey and cook until browned.

Adding tomatoes and a splash of wine builds flavor without needing hours of simmering. This sauce works well with any pasta you like.

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 carrot, finely diced
  • 1 pound ground turkey
  • 1 cup canned tomatoes
  • 1/4 cup Italian red wine (optional)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh basil or parsley for garnish

Cooking Instructions

  1. Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat.
  2. Add onion, garlic, and carrot. Cook until soft, about 5 minutes.
  3. Add ground turkey and cook until no longer pink.
  4. Pour in tomatoes and wine. Stir and bring to a simmer.
  5. Cook for 20-25 minutes on low heat.
  6. Season with salt and pepper. Serve over pasta and garnish with herbs.

For a practical guide, see this Turkey Bolognese Sauce tutorial.

5) Stuffed Bell Peppers with Ground Turkey

Close-up of stuffed bell peppers filled with ground turkey on a white marble countertop.

Stuffed bell peppers are a simple and tasty dinner you can make any night. You cook ground turkey with onions, garlic, and your favorite seasonings.

Mix in cooked rice and some cheese to make it hearty. Hollow out bell peppers and fill them with the turkey mixture.

Bake until the peppers are soft and the cheese on top melts and bubbles. This meal is colorful and healthy, perfect for families.

You can use any color bell pepper you like, making it easy to customize. It’s great for meal prepping because leftovers heat up well.

Ingredients

  • 6 large bell peppers
  • 1 lb (450 g) 93% lean ground turkey
  • 1 cup cooked rice (brown or wild)
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup shredded cheese
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Cut tops off bell peppers and remove seeds.
  3. Cook onion and garlic until soft.
  4. Add ground turkey and cook until no longer pink.
  5. Stir in cooked rice, salt, and pepper.
  6. Stuff peppers with turkey mixture.
  7. Place peppers in a baking dish and top with cheese.
  8. Bake for 25-30 minutes until peppers are tender and cheese melts.

6) Easy Ground Turkey Lo Mein

Close-up view of a bowl of ground turkey lo mein with noodles, green onions, and carrots on a white marble countertop.

You can make a quick and tasty dinner with ground turkey lo mein. It uses simple ingredients like ground turkey, noodles, and some fresh veggies.

This dish comes together fast, making it great for busy weeknights. The flavors come from a mix of soy sauce, garlic, and ginger.

Adding crunchy vegetables like celery or water chestnuts gives a nice texture. You stir-fry everything in one pan, so cleanup is easy.

Ingredients:

  • 1 lb ground turkey
  • 8 oz lo mein noodles
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup sliced celery
  • 1/2 cup water chestnuts, sliced
  • 3 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tsp ginger, minced
  • 1 tbsp vegetable oil

Cooking Instructions:

  1. Cook the noodles according to package instructions and set aside.
  2. Heat oil in a large pan over medium-high heat (about 375°F / 190°C).
  3. Add garlic and ginger, sauté for 1 minute.
  4. Add ground turkey and cook until no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes.
  5. Stir in celery and water chestnuts, cook 2 minutes.
  6. Add cooked noodles and soy sauce, toss to combine and heat through.
  7. Serve warm and enjoy your easy ground turkey lo mein.

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

7) Turkey and Black Bean Enchilada Skillet

Close-up of a skillet filled with turkey and black bean enchiladas topped with melted cheese on a white marble countertop.

This dish is an easy, tasty way to use ground turkey for dinner. You cook the turkey with spices like chili powder and cumin, then add black beans, enchilada sauce, and some salsa.

It all simmers together in one pan, making cleanup quick. You get a good mix of protein and fiber.

Serve it with a side of rice or tortilla chips for a complete meal.

Ingredients

  • 1 pound ground turkey
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • ½ red onion, diced
  • 2 teaspoons chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1 can (15.5 oz) black beans, drained
  • 1 cup enchilada sauce
  • ½ cup salsa

Cooking Instructions

  1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
  2. Add diced onion and cook until soft.
  3. Add ground turkey and cook until browned.
  4. Stir in chili powder and cumin.
  5. Add black beans, enchilada sauce, and salsa.
  6. Simmer for 5-7 minutes until heated through.
  7. Serve warm.

More details can be found in this Turkey Black Bean Enchilada Skillet recipe.

8) One-Pot Ground Turkey Pasta

Close-up of a one-pot ground turkey pasta dish on a white marble countertop with a bright neutral background.

One-pot ground turkey pasta is a quick and easy dinner you can make in about 30 minutes. Cook the turkey with onions and garlic, then add pasta and sauce right in the same pot.

This keeps things simple and saves time on cleanup. You can add veggies like spinach or tomatoes for extra flavor and nutrients.

The pasta cooks in the sauce and soaks up all the taste. For a creamy version, stir in some dairy or dairy-free options after the pasta is cooked.

This dish is great for meal prep and packs plenty of protein.

Ingredients:

  • 1 lb ground turkey
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 8 oz pasta
  • 1 can diced tomatoes
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 2 cups fresh spinach (optional)
  • 1/2 cup cream or dairy-free alternative
  • Salt and pepper

Cooking Instructions:

  1. Brown turkey with onions and garlic in a large pot over medium heat.
  2. Add pasta, diced tomatoes, and chicken broth; stir well.
  3. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until pasta is tender, about 15 minutes.
  4. Stir in spinach and cream; cook another 2 minutes.
  5. Season with salt and pepper to taste before serving.

Try this easy dinner for a tasty, no-fuss meal. Find more ideas like this at One Pot Ground Turkey Pasta – A Saucy Kitchen.

9) Turkey Meatballs in Tomato Sauce

Close-up of turkey meatballs in tomato sauce on a white marble countertop.

Turkey meatballs cooked in tomato sauce make a great dinner. They are easy to prepare and taste delicious over pasta or on their own.

Mix ground turkey with bread crumbs, cheese, and herbs to keep the meatballs tender. The tomato sauce adds flavor and keeps the meatballs moist.

Cook the meatballs in the sauce on the stove or bake them in the oven. This dish can be ready in about 40 minutes and works well for weeknight meals.

Try serving these meatballs with spaghetti or a side of vegetables.

Ingredients

  • 1 pound ground turkey
  • 1/3 cup bread crumbs
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 egg
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 cups tomato sauce

Cooking Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. In a bowl, mix turkey, bread crumbs, cheese, onion, garlic, egg, oregano, salt, and pepper.
  3. Form mixture into small meatballs.
  4. Place meatballs in a baking dish and pour tomato sauce over them.
  5. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until cooked through.
  6. Serve hot over pasta or your favorite side.

For an easy step-by-step guide, see turkey meatballs in tomato sauce recipe.

10) Ground Turkey Sloppy Joes with BBQ Sauce

Close-up of a Ground Turkey Sloppy Joe sandwich with BBQ sauce on a white marble countertop.

Ground turkey sloppy joes with BBQ sauce are a tasty twist on a classic. You get the savory flavor of turkey combined with the sweet and tangy taste of barbecue sauce.

This makes a quick and easy dinner the whole family can enjoy. Brown the turkey with onions, then add your BBQ sauce and seasonings.

Let it simmer until it thickens, then serve on hamburger buns. You can add veggies like bell peppers or mushrooms for extra flavor and nutrition.

Ingredients

  • 1 pound ground turkey
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 1 cup BBQ sauce
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • ½ cup tomato sauce
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Hamburger buns

Cooking Instructions

  1. Brown ground turkey and chopped onion in a skillet over medium heat.

  2. Cook until the turkey is cooked through.

  3. Stir in BBQ sauce, brown sugar, tomato sauce, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.

  4. Reduce heat.

  5. Simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.

  6. Spoon the mixture onto hamburger buns.

  7. Serve warm.

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