Are you tired of the same old dinner routine? Look no further! Ground turkey is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a wide variety of dishes, from tacos to pasta. With its mild flavor and lean protein, it’s a great option for busy weeknights when you need something quick and easy. In this article, we’ll explore 20 flavorful recipes that use ground turkey as the main ingredient.
From classic comfort foods like meatballs and chili, to international-inspired dishes like tacos and stroganoff, there’s something on this list for everyone. And with most of these recipes taking less than an hour to prepare, you can get a delicious dinner on the table in no time.
Turkey and Spinach Stuffed Peppers
Add a nutritious twist to traditional stuffed peppers with this flavorful recipe that combines lean turkey, wilted spinach, and sweet bell peppers.
Ingredients:
– 4 large bell peppers (any color), seeded and chopped
– 1 lb ground turkey breast
– 1/2 cup cooked spinach, drained and chopped
– 1 onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup cooked white rice
– 1 tsp paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine ground turkey, spinach, onion, garlic, rice, paprika, salt, and pepper.
3. Stuff each bell pepper with the turkey mixture, filling to the top.
4. Place peppers in a baking dish and drizzle with olive oil.
5. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until bell peppers are tender and filling is cooked through.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Ground Turkey Tacos with Avocado Crema
A flavorful twist on traditional tacos, this recipe combines juicy ground turkey with a creamy avocado crema, perfect for a quick and delicious dinner or lunch. With just a few ingredients and simple steps, you’ll be enjoying these tasty tacos in no time!
Ingredients:
– 1 lb ground turkey
– 1/2 medium onion, finely chopped
– 1/2 medium bell pepper, finely chopped
– 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and finely chopped
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1 packet of taco seasoning
– 8-10 corn tortillas
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional toppings: shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, shredded cheese, cilantro
Instructions:
1. Cook ground turkey in a large skillet over medium-high heat, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks.
2. Add chopped onion, bell pepper, and jalapeño; cook until vegetables are softened.
3. Add taco seasoning and stir to combine. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Warm tortillas by wrapping them in a damp paper towel and microwaving for 20-30 seconds.
5. Assemble tacos by spooning ground turkey mixture onto tortillas, then topping with avocado crema (see below).
Avocado Crema:
– 3 ripe avocados, mashed
– 1/2 lime, juiced
– Salt and pepper to taste
Mix all ingredients until smooth. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Healthy Turkey and Quinoa Skillet
This recipe combines the lean protein of turkey with the nutritious grains of quinoa, all in one delicious and easy-to-make skillet dish. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a healthy lunch option.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless turkey breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 1 cup cooked quinoa
– 1 red bell pepper, diced
– 1 small onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 teaspoon cumin
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: chopped fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions:
1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add the turkey and cook until browned, about 5-6 minutes. Remove from skillet and set aside.
3. Add the bell pepper, onion, and garlic to the skillet. Cook until vegetables are tender, about 4-5 minutes.
4. Stir in cooked quinoa, cumin, salt, and pepper. Cook for an additional minute.
5. Return the turkey to the skillet and stir to combine with quinoa mixture.
6. Serve hot, garnished with chopped cilantro if desired.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Turkey Meatballs in Marinara Sauce
A classic Italian-inspired dish with a twist – turkey meatballs instead of traditional beef or pork! This recipe yields tender and flavorful meatballs smothered in rich marinara sauce, perfect for pasta, subs, or as an appetizer.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound ground turkey
– 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
– 1 egg
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 onion, finely chopped
– 1 garlic clove, minced
– 1 cup marinara sauce (homemade or store-bought)
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine ground turkey, breadcrumbs, egg, olive oil, onion, and garlic. Mix well with hands until just combined.
3. Form into meatballs, about 1 1/2 inches in diameter. Place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
4. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until cooked through.
5. While the meatballs are baking, heat marinara sauce in a large skillet over medium-low heat.
6. Once the meatballs are done, add them to the skillet and simmer for an additional 10 minutes, allowing flavors to meld.
7. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: Approximately 30-35 minutes
Spicy Turkey and Black Bean Chili
This hearty chili recipe combines the flavors of spicy turkey, black beans, and roasted vegetables, perfect for a cozy night in or a crowd-pleasing meal.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb ground turkey
– 1 large onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 red bell pepper, diced
– 1 can (14.5 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
– 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes
– 1 tsp chili powder
– 1/2 tsp ground cumin
– 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1/4 cup water
Instructions:
1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the turkey over medium-high heat, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks.
2. Add the onion, garlic, and red bell pepper; cook until the vegetables are tender.
3. Stir in chili powder, cumin, and cayenne pepper. Cook for 1 minute.
4. Add black beans, diced tomatoes, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
5. Add water and bring to a simmer.
6. Reduce heat to low and let cook for 20-25 minutes or until flavors have melded together.
Cooking Time: 30-35 minutes
Turkey and Sweet Potato Hash
A hearty and flavorful breakfast or brunch option that combines the savory taste of turkey with the natural sweetness of sweet potatoes.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb cooked turkey breast, diced
– 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– 1 small onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: chopped fresh herbs (such as parsley or chives) for garnish
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Toss sweet potatoes with 2 tablespoons olive oil, salt, and pepper on a baking sheet. Roast for 20-25 minutes, or until tender.
3. In a large skillet, heat the remaining 2 tablespoons olive oil over medium-high heat. Add onion and garlic; cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
4. Add diced turkey to the skillet and stir to combine with the onion mixture. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.
5. Once sweet potatoes are done, add them to the skillet with the turkey mixture. Stir to combine and season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: Approximately 30-35 minutes
Greek-Style Turkey Lettuce Wraps
Greek-Style Turkey Lettuce Wraps: A flavorful twist on traditional wraps, these Greek-inspired lettuce wraps are perfect for a light and refreshing meal or snack.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound ground turkey breast
– 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 4 large lettuce leaves (such as romaine or butter lettuce)
– Tomatoes, cucumber slices, and red onion for topping (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
2. In a bowl, combine turkey, feta, parsley, olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
3. Form into 4 patties and cook for 5-6 minutes per side, until cooked through.
4. Warm lettuce leaves by wrapping them in a damp paper towel and microwaving for 20 seconds.
5. Assemble wraps by placing a patty on each lettuce leaf, topping with tomatoes, cucumber slices, and red onion if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Turkey and Mushroom Stroganoff
A classic comfort food dish gets a protein-packed twist with the addition of turkey and sautéed mushrooms. This creamy, savory recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound cooked turkey breast, diced
– 2 cups mixed mushrooms (button, cremini, shiitake), sliced
– 1 onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup chicken broth
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– 1 tablespoon tomato paste
– 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley or dill for garnish
– Cooked egg noodles (about 8 oz)
Instructions:
1. Cook the egg noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large skillet, sauté the mushrooms and onion in butter until tender. Add garlic and cook for an additional minute.
3. Stir in turkey, chicken broth, heavy cream, tomato paste, and mustard. Bring mixture to a simmer.
4. Reduce heat and let it cook for 5-7 minutes or until the sauce has thickened slightly.
5. Serve over cooked egg noodles, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.
Cooking Time: Approximately 20-25 minutes
Turkey and Zucchini Meatloaf
This recipe combines the richness of turkey with the freshness of zucchini, creating a unique and delicious twist on traditional meatloaf. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb ground turkey
– 1 medium zucchini, finely chopped
– 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
– 1 egg
– 1/4 cup ketchup
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: your favorite herbs or spices
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine ground turkey, chopped zucchini, breadcrumbs, egg, ketchup, and olive oil. Mix well with your hands until just combined.
3. Transfer the mixture to a loaf pan lined with parchment paper.
4. Bake for 45-50 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
5. Let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
One-Pan Turkey and Veggie Stir-Fry
This recipe is a flavorful and nutritious one-pan wonder that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a quick lunch. With just a few ingredients, you can have a delicious and balanced meal on the table in no time.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless turkey breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 1 onion, sliced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 bell pepper, sliced
– 2 cups mixed vegetables (such as broccoli, carrots, and snap peas)
– 2 teaspoons soy sauce
– 1 teaspoon honey
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Heat the oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
2. Add the turkey and cook until browned, about 5 minutes.
3. Add the onion, garlic, bell pepper, and mixed vegetables; cook until the vegetables are tender-crisp, about 5-7 minutes.
4. In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce and honey; pour over the turkey and vegetables.
5. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, until the flavors have melded together.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Garnish with cilantro leaves, if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Turkey and Kale Stuffed Shells
Elevate your pasta game with this creative twist on classic stuffed shells! This recipe combines the comforting flavors of turkey, kale, and ricotta cheese for a satisfying meal that’s perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients:
– 12 jumbo pasta shells
– 1 pound ground turkey
– 2 cups chopped kale, stems removed
– 1 cup ricotta cheese
– 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
– 1 egg
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook pasta shells according to package instructions; drain and set aside.
3. In a large skillet, cook turkey over medium-high heat until browned, breaking into small pieces as it cooks.
4. Add chopped kale and cook until wilted; season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. In a mixing bowl, combine cooked turkey mixture, ricotta cheese, mozzarella cheese, and egg. Mix well.
6. Stuff each pasta shell with the turkey-kale mixture and place in a baking dish. Drizzle with olive oil.
7. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until shells are tender and filling is heated through.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
BBQ Turkey Sliders with Coleslaw
Get ready to fire up your grill and serve up a delicious twist on classic sliders! These BBQ turkey sliders are packed with flavor and topped with a refreshing coleslaw.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound ground turkey
– 1/4 cup BBQ sauce
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 4 hamburger buns
– Coleslaw (store-bought or homemade)
– Lettuce, tomato, cheese, and pickles for toppings (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a bowl, combine ground turkey and BBQ sauce. Mix well with your hands until just combined.
3. Form into 8-10 small patties.
4. Brush grill with olive oil. Grill turkey patties for 3-4 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
5. Assemble sliders by placing turkey patties on hamburger buns and topping with coleslaw, lettuce, tomato, cheese, and pickles (if using).
6. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Turkey and Cornbread Casserole
A hearty, comforting casserole perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion. This recipe combines the flavors of roasted turkey with sweet cornbread and savory sauce.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound ground turkey
– 1 cup frozen corn kernels
– 1 cup cornbread mix
– 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 1/4 cup chopped green onions
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. In a large skillet, cook the ground turkey over medium-high heat until browned, breaking it up into small pieces as it cooks.
3. Add the corn kernels, olive oil, and thyme to the skillet and stir to combine. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.
4. In a separate bowl, mix together the cornbread mix and shredded cheese.
5. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray. Add the turkey mixture, followed by the cornbread mixture.
6. Top with chopped green onions and bake for 30-35 minutes or until the casserole is golden brown.
Cooking Time: 30-35 minutes
Turkey and White Bean Soup
Warm up with this comforting soup, packed with tender turkey, creamy cannellini beans, and aromatic vegetables.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound boneless, skinless turkey breast or thighs
– 1 can (15 oz) cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 carrots, peeled and chopped
– 2 celery stalks, chopped
– 4 cups chicken broth
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat oil over medium-high heat. Add turkey and cook until browned, about 5 minutes.
2. Add onion, garlic, carrots, and celery; cook until vegetables are tender, about 8 minutes.
3. Stir in chicken broth, diced tomatoes, and cannellini beans. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20-25 minutes or until turkey is cooked through.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Turkey and Broccoli Alfredo Pasta
This classic comfort food recipe combines the flavors of turkey, broccoli, and rich alfredo sauce with a comforting serving of pasta. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 8 oz pasta (fettuccine or linguine work well)
– 1 lb boneless, skinless turkey breast, cooked and diced
– 3 cups broccoli florets
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 tsp garlic powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Cook pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add turkey, broccoli, and garlic powder. Cook until turkey is heated through and broccoli is tender, about 5 minutes.
3. Pour in heavy cream and bring mixture to a simmer. Reduce heat to low and let sauce thicken, stirring occasionally.
4. Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and well combined.
5. Combine cooked pasta and turkey-broccoli mixture. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Serve hot, garnished with additional Parmesan cheese if desired.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Turkey and Cabbage Stir-Fry
This recipe is a flavorful and healthy twist on traditional stir-fries, combining tender turkey breast with crispy cabbage and savory soy sauce. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or meal prep.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless turkey breast, sliced into thin strips
– 2 cups shredded cabbage
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon soy sauce
– 1 teaspoon sesame oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
2. Add turkey breast and cook until browned, about 3-4 minutes. Remove from pan and set aside.
3. In the same pan, add remaining 1 tablespoon of oil and sauté garlic for 1 minute.
4. Add shredded cabbage to the pan and cook until slightly caramelized, about 2-3 minutes.
5. Return turkey breast to the pan and stir in soy sauce and sesame oil. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes or until turkey is cooked through.
7. Serve hot and enjoy!
Cooking Time: Approximately 15-20 minutes
Turkey and Eggplant Parmesan
A creative twist on the classic Italian-American dish, this recipe combines tender turkey breast with eggplant slices, marinara sauce, and melted mozzarella cheese for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb ground turkey
– 2 medium eggplants, sliced into 1/4-inch thick rounds
– 1 cup breadcrumbs
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 cup marinara sauce
– 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large skillet, cook the turkey breast until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks.
3. Meanwhile, brush both sides of eggplant slices with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Grill or bake for 5-7 minutes per side, or until tender.
4. Assemble the Parmesan by placing a few spoonfuls of turkey mixture onto a baking dish, followed by an eggplant slice, some marinara sauce, and a sprinkle of mozzarella cheese. Repeat layers two more times, finishing with a layer of cheese on top.
5. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Cooking Time: 40-45 minutes
Turkey and Lentil Shepherd’s Pie
This comforting casserole combines tender turkey, flavorful lentils, and creamy mashed potatoes for a satisfying meal that’s perfect for a chilly evening. With its rich aroma and savory flavors, this shepherd’s pie is sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb ground turkey
– 1 cup cooked lentils
– 1 onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup frozen peas and carrots
– 1 cup beef broth
– 2 tbsp tomato paste
– 2 tsp dried thyme
– 1/2 tsp salt
– 1/4 tsp black pepper
– 2 large potatoes, peeled and diced
– 1/4 cup milk or half-and-half
– 2 tbsp butter
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook turkey, lentils, onion, garlic, peas and carrots, beef broth, tomato paste, thyme, salt, and pepper in a large skillet over medium-high heat until the mixture is hot and bubbly.
3. Transfer the mixture to a 9×13-inch baking dish.
4. Top with mashed potatoes (see below) and dot with butter.
5. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the potatoes are golden brown.
Mashed Potatoes:
1. Boil diced potatoes until tender, about 15-20 minutes.
2. Drain and mash with milk or half-and-half, salt, and pepper.
Turkey and Pesto Stuffed Portobellos
This recipe combines the earthy flavor of portobello mushrooms with the creamy richness of pesto and savory turkey. Perfect for a party or special occasion, these stuffed mushrooms are sure to impress.
Ingredients:
– 4 large portobello mushrooms, stems removed
– 1/2 cup cooked turkey breast, diced
– 1/4 cup pesto
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: grated Parmesan cheese for garnish
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a bowl, mix together turkey, pesto, salt, and pepper.
3. Stuff each mushroom cap with the turkey-pesto mixture, dividing it evenly among the four caps.
4. Drizzle tops with olive oil and season with additional salt and pepper if desired.
5. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until mushrooms are tender and filling is heated through.
6. Garnish with Parmesan cheese if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Turkey and Cauliflower Rice Bowl
This recipe combines tender turkey breast with roasted cauliflower “rice” and a hint of savory flavors, perfect for a quick and nutritious meal.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless turkey breast
– 2 cups cauliflower florets
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1 tsp garlic powder
– 1/2 tsp paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: chopped green onions and lemon wedges for garnish
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a medium bowl, toss cauliflower florets with 1 tbsp olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
3. Spread cauliflower mixture on a baking sheet and roast for 15-20 minutes or until tender.
4. Meanwhile, cook turkey breast in a skillet over medium-high heat, about 5-6 minutes per side or until cooked through.
5. Slice the cooked turkey into thin strips.
6. Assemble bowls by placing roasted cauliflower “rice” at the bottom, followed by sliced turkey and any desired garnishes.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Summary
Discover 20 delicious recipes that showcase the versatility of ground turkey! From tacos to casseroles, these flavorful dishes are perfect for busy weeknights. Try Turkey and Spinach Stuffed Peppers or Ground Turkey Tacos with Avocado Crema for a Mexican-inspired twist. Or go Mediterranean with Greek-Style Turkey Lettuce Wraps. For a comforting classic, opt for Turkey and Sweet Potato Hash or Turkey Meatballs in Marinara Sauce. These quick and easy recipes are sure to please even the pickiest eaters.
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