10+ Turkey Recipes You’ll Love to Try This Season

Turkey is a popular choice for many meals, especially during holidays and family gatherings. It’s a versatile bird that you can cook in many different ways, from roasting to grilling or even frying.

Knowing a few easy turkey recipes can help you make tasty meals that everyone will enjoy.

You don’t need to be an expert cook to prepare turkey dishes that taste great and are full of flavor. With simple ingredients and clear steps, you can create meals for any occasion.

Having a good turkey recipe on hand makes cooking less stressful and more fun.

1) Classic Roast Turkey with Herb Butter

You can make a delicious roast turkey by rubbing herb butter all over the bird. The butter often includes rosemary, sage, thyme, and garlic.

This adds flavor and helps create a crispy, golden skin. Start by carefully loosening the skin from the turkey breast and spreading the herb butter underneath.

This keeps the meat moist and tasty as it cooks. Roast your turkey hot at first, about 425°F (220°C), to brown the skin.

Then lower the heat to 325°F (165°C) to finish cooking slowly. This method helps the turkey stay juicy and tender.

Ingredients

• 1 whole turkey (10-12 pounds)
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, chopped
• 2 tablespoons fresh sage, chopped
• 2 tablespoons fresh thyme, chopped
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Mix butter with herbs, garlic, salt, and pepper.
3. Loosen turkey skin and spread herb butter under it.
4. Rub remaining butter on skin.
5. Roast turkey at 425°F (220°C) for 30 minutes.
6. Lower oven to 325°F (165°C) and roast 2-3 hours more.
7. Let turkey rest before carving.

For more details on herb butter turkey, see this roast turkey with herb butter recipe.

2) Juicy Thanksgiving Turkey with Champagne Broth

Using champagne in your turkey broth helps keep the meat moist and adds a subtle, bright flavor. You pour a mix of chicken broth and champagne over the bird, including inside the cavity.

This keeps the turkey juicy as it cooks. Adding orange wedges and aromatics like herbs brings extra freshness and taste.

Cover the turkey with foil to trap steam and moisture. This method gives you a tender, flavorful turkey that’s perfect for Thanksgiving.

Ingredients

• 1 whole turkey (12-14 pounds)
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup champagne
• 1 orange, sliced
• Fresh herbs (rosemary, thyme, sage)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Aluminum foil

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 325°F (163°C).
2. Season turkey with salt, pepper, and herbs.
3. Place orange slices inside the cavity.
4. Pour chicken broth and champagne over turkey and into cavity.
5. Cover turkey with foil tightly.
6. Roast for 3-4 hours, basting occasionally.
7. Remove foil for the last 30 minutes to brown skin.
8. Let rest before carving.

This recipe is based on the Juicy Thanksgiving Turkey recipe with orange and champagne.

3) Thai Turkey Burger with Fresh Herbs

You can give your turkey burgers a fresh twist by adding Thai flavors and herbs. Mixing ground turkey with cilantro, green onions, garlic, and a bit of ginger adds great taste without extra calories.

These burgers are light but full of flavor. Serve your burger with crunchy Asian slaw or a simple peanut sauce to add texture and more zest.

You can cook them on a grill, stovetop, or even in an air fryer. This recipe is quick to make and perfect for a healthy weeknight meal.

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground turkey
• 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
• 2 green onions, sliced
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 tsp grated ginger
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Mix all ingredients in a bowl.
2. Form into 4 patties.
3. Preheat grill or stovetop to medium heat (350°F / 175°C).
4. Cook patties for 5-6 minutes per side until no longer pink inside.
5. Serve with slaw or peanut sauce.

For more ideas, see this Thai Turkey Burger recipe.

4) Oven-Roasted Turkey with Crispy Skin

To get crispy skin on your turkey, start by roasting it at a high temperature. Begin cooking at 425°F (220°C) for the first 45 minutes.

This helps the skin become crisp while sealing in juices. After that, lower the oven to 325°F (160°C) to finish cooking the turkey evenly.

You can also dry-brine the bird before roasting. Rub it with salt, pepper, and a bit of baking powder and let it rest uncovered.

This dries out the skin and makes it crispier. For extra flavor, try adding herb butter under the skin.

Basting the turkey every 30 minutes also keeps it moist while helping the skin brown nicely.

Ingredients

• 1 whole turkey (12-14 pounds)
• 2 tablespoons kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 4 tablespoons butter, softened
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Fresh herbs (thyme, rosemary)

Cooking Instructions

1. Pat turkey dry. Mix salt, pepper, and baking powder. Rub all over turkey.
2. Let turkey rest uncovered in the fridge for at least 12 hours.
3. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
4. Mix butter, garlic, and herbs. Gently lift skin and spread butter mixture under it.
5. Roast turkey at 425°F (220°C) for 45 minutes.
6. Lower oven to 325°F (160°C). Roast until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C), about 2 more hours.
7. Baste every 30 minutes with pan juices.
8. Let turkey rest 20 minutes before carving.

5) Ground Turkey Meatballs in Marinara Sauce

You can make tasty turkey meatballs that stay juicy by using ground turkey mixed with simple ingredients like onion, garlic, and parmesan cheese. After shaping the meatballs, bake them in the oven until they are golden brown and cooked through.

Once baked, simmer the meatballs in marinara sauce on low heat for about 10 minutes. This helps the flavors come together and keeps the meatballs moist.

Serve these meatballs with pasta, rice, or even on their own with a side salad for a quick and satisfying meal.

Ingredients

• 2 lbs ground turkey
• 1 cup diced red onion
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 ½ cups fresh spinach, diced
• ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
• 2 cups marinara sauce
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a bowl, mix ground turkey, onion, garlic, spinach, parmesan, salt, and pepper.
3. Shape mixture into meatballs, about 1 ½ inches each.
4. Place meatballs on a baking sheet and bake 20 minutes or until cooked through.
5. Transfer meatballs to a pan, add marinara sauce, and simmer on low for 10 minutes.
6. Serve warm.

6) Chipotle Citrus-Glazed Turkey Tenderloins

You’ll love the mix of spicy chipotle and bright citrus in this turkey tenderloin recipe. The glaze is sweet, tangy, and a little smoky, making the turkey juicy and full of flavor.

It cooks quickly, so it’s perfect for an easy weeknight meal or a simple dinner with friends. This recipe uses orange juice and lime juice for the citrus, combined with chipotle peppers to add heat.

The glaze caramelizes on the turkey as it bakes, giving it a beautiful, glossy finish. You can serve it with rice, vegetables, or a fresh salad.

Ingredients

• 4 turkey breast tenderloins (about 5 ounces each)
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper
• 1 tablespoon canola oil
• 3/4 cup fresh orange juice
• 2 tablespoons lime juice
• 1-2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, finely chopped
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Pat the tenderloins dry and season with salt and pepper.
3. Heat oil in a pan over medium-high heat. Sear the tenderloins until golden brown on all sides.
4. Mix orange juice, lime juice, chipotle peppers, and brown sugar to make the glaze.
5. Place the turkey in a baking dish and brush the glaze over the meat.
6. Bake for 20-25 minutes, basting occasionally with more glaze.
7. Let rest for 5 minutes before slicing and serving.

7) Healthy Turkey Meatloaf with Vegetables

You can make a tasty and healthy turkey meatloaf by adding lots of vegetables. Carrots, spinach, peppers, and onions work well to keep the meatloaf moist and full of flavor.

Mixing veggies into the turkey makes it a great way to eat more vegetables without extra effort. This meatloaf is simple to prepare and bakes into a tender dish.

You can even add a touch of sweet sauce on top to balance the savory taste. It also reheats nicely, so it’s perfect for meal prep.

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground turkey
• 1 cup shredded carrots
• 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
• 1/2 cup bell peppers, diced
• 1/2 cup onion, finely chopped
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1 egg
• 1/4 cup ketchup (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Mix all ingredients in a large bowl until combined.
3. Shape the mixture into a loaf and place it in a baking dish.
4. Bake for 50-60 minutes until cooked through.
5. Let rest for 10 minutes before slicing.

For more tips and recipes, check out this Healthy Turkey Meatloaf.

8) Turkey Chili with Beans and Spices

Make a tasty turkey chili by mixing lean ground turkey with beans and spices. The beans add texture and fiber, while the spices give it a warm, smoky flavor.

Start by browning the turkey in a pot. Add onions, garlic, and chili seasoning.

Pour in diced tomatoes and your choice of beans. Let it simmer so the flavors blend well.

You can enjoy it on its own or with a side of rice or bread. Try adding your favorite veggies for extra nutrition.

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground turkey
• 1 can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Brown the ground turkey in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Add chopped onion and garlic; cook until soft.
3. Stir in chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper.
4. Pour in diced tomatoes and beans.
5. Bring to a boil, then lower heat and simmer for 30 minutes.
6. Stir occasionally until chili thickens.
7. Serve warm.

For a detailed recipe, visit Damn Good Turkey Chili with Beans & Beer.

9) Turkey-Stuffed Bell Peppers

Turkey-stuffed bell peppers are a tasty and healthy dinner option. Brown ground turkey with onions and garlic.

Mix in cooked rice and your favorite seasonings. Cut the tops off the bell peppers and remove the seeds.

Stuff the peppers with the turkey mixture. Bake them in the oven until the peppers are tender and the filling is cooked through.

Top the peppers with cheese in the last few minutes of baking for a melty finish. This dish is great for meal prep.

Ingredients

• 6 large bell peppers (any color)
• 1 lb lean ground turkey
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups cooked rice (wild or white)
• 1 cup diced tomatoes
• ½ cup shredded cheese (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Brown ground turkey with onion and garlic in a skillet.
3. Stir in cooked rice, diced tomatoes, salt, and pepper.
4. Cut tops off peppers and remove seeds.
5. Fill peppers with turkey mixture.
6. Place stuffed peppers upright in a baking dish.
7. Bake for 30-35 minutes, until peppers are tender.
8. Add cheese on top in the last 5 minutes, if using.
9. Serve warm.

Find more details on Ground Turkey Stuffed Peppers.

10) “Egg Roll in a Bowl” Ground Turkey Stir-Fry

This dish is a quick and healthy dinner you can make in one pan. Use ground turkey with shredded cabbage and carrots.

You get the flavors of an egg roll without the wrapper. Cook the turkey until browned, then add the veggies and soy sauce.

It only takes about 20 to 30 minutes. You can enjoy it as is or serve it over rice.

This recipe is low-carb but still filling. It’s great if you want a simple meal with lots of veggies and protein.

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
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp sesame oil

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat sesame oil in a large pan over medium heat.

2. Add ground turkey. Cook until the turkey is no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes.

3. Stir in garlic and ginger. Add carrots and cabbage. Cook for 5-7 minutes until the veggies soften.

4. Pour in soy sauce and mix well. Heat everything for 2-3 minutes.

5. Serve warm on its own. You can also serve it over cooked rice.