25 EASY GROUND TURKEY RECIPES FOR HEALTHY WEEKNIGHT DINNERS

Looking for the best ground turkey recipes? Here are 25 easy dinners that’ll make that pack of ground turkey anything but boring.

These 25 easy ground turkey recipes are perfect for healthy weeknight dinners when you want something simple, filling, and family-friendly.

Ground turkey cooks quickly and works well in everything from skillet meals and casseroles to pasta, bowls, soups, tacos, and burgers.

This list is full of practical ground turkey dinner ideas for busy nights, meal prep, and lighter family meals.

Many of these recipes use everyday ingredients and come together without a lot of prep, making them easy to fit into a packed week.

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EASY GROUND TURKEY RECIPES

1. Ground Turkey Taco Skillet

Seasoned ground turkey, black beans, corn and salsa simmer together under a blanket of melted cheese.

It’s a one-pan dinner that’s on the table in about 25 minutes.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground turkey
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1/2 onion, diced
• 2 tbsp taco seasoning
• 1 can black beans, drained
• 1 cup corn
• 1 cup salsa
• 1/2 cup water
• 1 cup shredded cheddar
• Cilantro, avocado and sour cream for topping

Instructions:

1. Heat oil in a large skillet and cook the onion for 3 minutes.
2. Add the turkey and cook until browned, breaking it up.
3. Stir in taco seasoning, beans, corn, salsa and water and simmer 5 minutes.
4. Top with cheese, cover until melted, and finish with your favorite toppings.

2. Baked Turkey Meatballs With Lemon Garlic Butter

Tender baked turkey meatballs get tossed in a buttery lemon garlic sauce.

Serve them over pasta, rice or with crusty bread to soak up the sauce.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground turkey
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1 egg
• 1/4 cup grated parmesan
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper
• Sauce: 3 tbsp butter, 3 cloves garlic, juice of 1 lemon, 1/4 cup chicken broth, parsley

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet.
2. Mix the turkey, breadcrumbs, egg, parmesan, garlic, seasoning, salt and pepper and roll into 1 1/2 inch balls.
3. Bake 15 to 18 minutes until cooked through.
4. Melt butter in a skillet, cook the garlic 1 minute, then add broth and lemon juice.
5. Toss the meatballs in the sauce and top with parsley.

3. Easy Ground Turkey Chili

A hearty pot of turkey, beans and tomatoes simmered with warm chili spices.

It tastes even better the next day, so make a big batch.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground turkey
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 onion, diced
• 1 bell pepper, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp chili powder
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
• 1 can kidney beans, drained
• 1 can black beans, drained
• 1 cup chicken broth
• Salt and pepper

Instructions:

1. Cook the onion and pepper in oil for 5 minutes.
2. Add the turkey and garlic and cook until browned.
3. Stir in chili powder and cumin for 1 minute.
4. Add tomatoes, beans and broth and simmer 25 to 30 minutes.
5. Season and serve with cheese, sour cream or green onions.

4. Ground Turkey Stuffed Peppers

Bell peppers get filled with seasoned turkey, rice and tomato sauce, then baked with cheese on top.

Use a mix of red, yellow and orange peppers for the prettiest pan.

Ingredients:

• 4 bell peppers, tops cut and seeded
• 1 lb ground turkey
• 1/2 onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup cooked rice
• 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F.
2. Brown the turkey with onion and garlic.
3. Stir in rice, tomatoes, seasoning, salt and pepper.
4. Stuff the peppers, stand them in a baking dish and add 1/4 cup water to the dish.
5. Cover with foil and bake 35 minutes, then top with cheese and bake 10 more.

5. Juicy Turkey Burgers

These turkey burgers stay moist thanks to a little grated onion and Worcestershire mixed in.

Grill them or cook them in a skillet, either way works great.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground turkey
• 2 tbsp grated onion
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper
• 4 burger buns
• Cheese, lettuce, tomato and your favorite sauce

Instructions:

1. Gently mix the turkey, onion, Worcestershire, garlic, paprika, salt and pepper.
2. Shape into 4 patties and press a small dimple in the center of each.
3. Cook over medium-high heat 5 to 6 minutes per side until 165°F inside.
4. Add cheese in the last minute and serve on toasted buns.

6. Asian Ground Turkey Lettuce Wraps

Turkey, water chestnuts and green onions get tossed in a sweet and savory hoisin sauce.

Spoon it into butter lettuce cups for a light, crunchy dinner.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground turkey
• 1 tbsp sesame oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp grated ginger
• 1 can water chestnuts, chopped
• 3 tbsp hoisin sauce
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp rice vinegar
• Green onions
• 1 head butter lettuce

Instructions:

1. Heat sesame oil and cook the turkey until browned.
2. Add garlic and ginger and cook 1 minute.
3. Stir in water chestnuts, hoisin, soy sauce and vinegar and cook 2 minutes.
4. Spoon into lettuce leaves and top with green onions.

7. Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet

Diced sweet potatoes, turkey, peppers and melted cheese come together in one cozy skillet.

It’s a favorite for meal prep because it reheats so well.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground turkey
• 2 medium sweet potatoes, diced small
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1/2 onion, diced
• 1 bell pepper, diced
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp chili powder
• 1/2 tsp cumin
• Salt and pepper
• 1 cup shredded cheese

Instructions:

1. Cook the sweet potatoes in oil, covered, for 8 to 10 minutes until tender.
2. Push aside and brown the turkey with onion and pepper.
3. Add the spices and stir everything together.
4. Top with cheese, cover until melted and serve.

8. Turkey Stuffed Zucchini Boats

Zucchini halves get filled with a saucy turkey mixture and baked under bubbly mozzarella.

It’s a great low carb dinner that uses up summer and fall zucchini.

Ingredients:

• 4 medium zucchini, halved lengthwise
• 1 lb ground turkey
• 1/2 onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup marinara
• 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella
• Grated parmesan

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F and scoop out the zucchini centers, chopping the flesh.
2. Brown the turkey with onion, garlic and the chopped zucchini.
3. Stir in marinara and seasoning.
4. Fill the zucchini boats, top with cheeses and bake 20 to 25 minutes.

9. Easy Turkey Bolognese

Ground turkey simmers with carrots, celery and tomatoes into a rich, meaty pasta sauce.

A splash of milk at the end makes it extra silky.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground turkey
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 onion, carrot and celery stalk, finely diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper
• 1 lb pasta
• Parmesan

Instructions:

1. Cook the onion, carrot and celery in oil for 6 to 8 minutes.
2. Add turkey and garlic and cook until browned.
3. Stir in tomato paste, tomatoes and seasoning and simmer 25 minutes.
4. Stir in the milk and season.
5. Toss with cooked pasta and top with parmesan.

10. Ground Turkey Enchiladas

Tortillas get stuffed with turkey, beans and cheese, then smothered in red enchilada sauce.

Freeze a pan for a busy night (they bake straight from frozen with 20 extra minutes).

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground turkey
• 1/2 onion, diced
• 1 tbsp taco seasoning
• 1 can black beans, drained
• 2 cups red enchilada sauce, divided
• 8 flour tortillas
• 2 cups shredded Mexican cheese
• Cilantro and sour cream

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F.
2. Brown the turkey with onion, then stir in seasoning, beans and 1/2 cup sauce.
3. Fill each tortilla with the mixture and a little cheese, roll and place seam side down in a baking dish.
4. Pour over the remaining sauce and cheese.
5. Bake 20 to 25 minutes and top with cilantro and sour cream.

11. Classic Turkey Meatloaf

A tender, flavorful meatloaf with a sweet and tangy ketchup glaze on top.

Grated veggies inside keep it juicy (nobody will notice them).

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs ground turkey
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• 2 eggs
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1 small onion, grated
• 1 carrot, grated
• 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• Salt and pepper
• Glaze: 1/2 cup ketchup, 2 tbsp brown sugar, 1 tbsp vinegar

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F.
2. Mix everything except the glaze and shape into a loaf on a lined pan.
3. Stir the glaze ingredients and spread half over the top.
4. Bake 45 minutes, add the rest of the glaze and bake 15 more until 165°F inside.
5. Rest 10 minutes before slicing.

12. Ground Turkey Shepherd’s Pie

Savory turkey and vegetable filling gets topped with creamy mashed potatoes and baked until golden.

It’s the coziest one-dish dinner for cold nights.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground turkey
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 carrots, diced
• 1 cup frozen peas
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 2 tbsp flour
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire
• 4 cups mashed potatoes
• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F.
2. Cook the onion and carrots in oil, then brown the turkey with garlic.
3. Stir in tomato paste and flour, then add broth and Worcestershire and simmer until thick.
4. Stir in the peas and spread in a baking dish.
5. Top with mashed potatoes and cheese and bake 20 to 25 minutes.

13. Korean Ground Turkey Rice Bowls

Sweet and spicy gochujang turkey gets spooned over rice with cucumbers and a fried egg.

It’s a 20-minute dinner that tastes like takeout.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground turkey
• 1 tbsp sesame oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp grated ginger
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 2 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 tbsp gochujang
• Cooked rice
• Cucumber, green onions, sesame seeds
• Fried eggs (optional)

Instructions:

1. Brown the turkey in sesame oil.
2. Add garlic and ginger and cook 1 minute.
3. Stir in soy sauce, brown sugar and gochujang and simmer 3 minutes.
4. Serve over rice with cucumber, green onions, sesame seeds and an egg.

14. Ground Turkey Egg Roll In A Bowl

All the flavor of an egg roll filling without the wrapper, cooked in one skillet.

A bag of coleslaw mix makes this ridiculously fast.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground turkey
• 1 tbsp sesame oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp grated ginger
• 1 bag (14 oz) coleslaw mix
• 3 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp rice vinegar
• Green onions and sriracha mayo

Instructions:

1. Brown the turkey in sesame oil.
2. Add garlic and ginger and cook 1 minute.
3. Add the coleslaw mix, soy sauce and vinegar and cook 4 to 5 minutes until tender-crisp.
4. Top with green onions and a drizzle of sriracha mayo.

15. Turkey And Spinach Stuffed Shells

Jumbo pasta shells get filled with turkey, spinach and ricotta, then baked in marinara.

It’s a great make-ahead dinner for busy weeknights.

Ingredients:

• 20 jumbo pasta shells
• 1 lb ground turkey
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups fresh spinach
• 1 cup ricotta
• 1 egg
• 1/2 cup parmesan
• 3 cups marinara
• 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F and cook the shells until just al dente.
2. Brown the turkey with garlic, then wilt in the spinach and let cool slightly.
3. Mix with ricotta, egg and parmesan.
4. Spread 1 cup marinara in a baking dish, fill the shells and arrange on top.
5. Cover with remaining sauce and mozzarella and bake 25 to 30 minutes.

16. Hearty Turkey Taco Soup

Ground turkey, beans, corn and tomatoes simmer in a zesty taco-seasoned broth.

Top it with crushed tortilla chips for crunch.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground turkey
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 tbsp taco seasoning
• 1 can black beans, drained
• 1 can pinto beans, drained
• 1 cup corn
• 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes with green chiles
• 3 cups chicken broth
• Toppings: cheese, sour cream, chips, avocado

Instructions:

1. Brown the turkey with onion in a large pot.
2. Stir in taco seasoning.
3. Add beans, corn, tomatoes and broth and simmer 20 minutes.
4. Ladle into bowls and add toppings.

17. Skillet Turkey Lasagna

All the layers of lasagna cooked in one pan with broken noodles, meat sauce and melty cheese.

No layering or oven needed, so it’s ready in about 30 minutes.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground turkey
• 1/2 onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 jar (24 oz) marinara
• 1 1/2 cups water
• 8 lasagna noodles, broken into pieces
• 1 cup ricotta
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella
• Fresh basil

Instructions:

1. Brown the turkey with onion and garlic in a deep skillet.
2. Add marinara, water and broken noodles and stir.
3. Cover and simmer 15 to 18 minutes, stirring now and then, until noodles are tender.
4. Dollop ricotta on top, sprinkle mozzarella, cover until melted and finish with basil.

18. Turkey Sloppy Joes

Sweet and tangy turkey sloppy joes piled onto toasted buns.

Kids love these and they come together in 20 minutes.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground turkey
• 1/2 onion, diced
• 1/2 bell pepper, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce
• 1/4 cup ketchup
• 1 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire
• 1 tsp mustard
• 4 hamburger buns

Instructions:

1. Brown the turkey with onion, pepper and garlic.
2. Stir in tomato sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, Worcestershire and mustard.
3. Simmer 10 minutes until thick.
4. Spoon onto toasted buns.

19. Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry

Turkey and crisp veggies get coated in a glossy homemade teriyaki sauce.

Use whatever veggies are in the fridge (frozen stir fry mix works too).

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground turkey
• 1 tbsp oil
• 3 cups mixed veggies (broccoli, peppers, carrots)
• Sauce: 1/3 cup soy sauce, 2 tbsp honey, 1 tbsp rice vinegar, 2 cloves garlic, 1 tsp ginger, 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 1/4 cup water
• Cooked rice
• Sesame seeds and green onions

Instructions:

1. Brown the turkey in oil and set aside.
2. Stir fry the veggies for 4 to 5 minutes.
3. Return the turkey and pour in the sauce.
4. Cook 1 to 2 minutes until thick and glossy.
5. Serve over rice with sesame seeds and green onions.

20. Ground Turkey Cabbage Skillet

Chopped cabbage and turkey cook down together in a savory soy and garlic sauce.

It’s cheap, low carb and ready in 20 minutes.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground turkey
• 1 tbsp oil
• 1/2 head cabbage, chopped
• 1 onion, sliced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tsp sesame oil
• Red pepper flakes
• Green onions

Instructions:

1. Brown the turkey in oil.
2. Add onion and garlic and cook 2 minutes.
3. Add cabbage, soy sauce and sesame oil and cook 6 to 8 minutes until tender.
4. Season with red pepper flakes and top with green onions.

21. Cheesy Turkey Taco Chili Mac

Pasta cooks right in a taco-spiced turkey chili, then gets stirred with melted cheddar.

It’s a one-pot dinner kids and adults both love.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground turkey
• 1/2 onion, diced
• 2 tbsp taco seasoning
• 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce
• 2 1/2 cups chicken broth
• 8 oz elbow macaroni
• 1 can black beans, drained
• 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar

Instructions:

1. Brown the turkey with onion in a large pot and stir in taco seasoning.
2. Add tomatoes, tomato sauce, broth and macaroni and bring to a boil.
3. Cover and simmer 10 to 12 minutes, stirring often, until pasta is tender.
4. Stir in beans and cheese until melted.

22. Ground Turkey Stroganoff

Turkey and mushrooms in a creamy sour cream sauce served over egg noodles.

It’s comfort food that feels lighter than the beef version.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground turkey
• 1 tbsp butter
• 8 oz mushrooms, sliced
• 1/2 onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp flour
• 1 1/2 cups beef or chicken broth
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire
• 3/4 cup sour cream
• 12 oz egg noodles, cooked
• Parsley

Instructions:

1. Brown the turkey and set aside.
2. Cook mushrooms and onion in butter until golden, then add garlic.
3. Sprinkle in flour, then whisk in broth and Worcestershire and simmer until thick.
4. Return the turkey, turn off the heat and stir in sour cream.
5. Serve over egg noodles with parsley.

23. Turkey Burrito Bowls

Taco-seasoned turkey, cilantro lime rice, beans, corn and salsa piled into one bowl.

Set everything out and let everyone build their own.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground turkey
• 2 tbsp taco seasoning
• 1/3 cup water
• 2 cups cooked rice
• Juice of 1 lime and 2 tbsp chopped cilantro
• 1 can black beans, warmed
• 1 cup corn
• Salsa, avocado, cheese and sour cream

Instructions:

1. Brown the turkey, add taco seasoning and water and simmer 3 minutes.
2. Stir lime juice and cilantro into the rice.
3. Divide rice into bowls and top with turkey, beans and corn.
4. Add salsa, avocado, cheese and sour cream.

24. Turkey Kofta Kebabs

Ground turkey mixed with onion, herbs and warm spices gets shaped onto skewers and grilled.

Serve with pita, tzatziki and a chopped salad.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground turkey
• 1/2 onion, grated and squeezed dry
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp chopped parsley
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp coriander
• 1/2 tsp paprika
• 1/4 tsp cinnamon
• Salt and pepper
• Pita and tzatziki for serving

Instructions:

1. Mix all the ingredients and chill 30 minutes.
2. Divide into 8 portions and shape around skewers.
3. Grill or pan-fry over medium-high heat 10 to 12 minutes, turning, until 165°F inside.
4. Serve with pita and tzatziki.

25. One Pot Tuscan Turkey Pasta

Ground turkey, sun-dried tomatoes and spinach in a creamy parmesan sauce with pasta.

Everything cooks in one pot, so cleanup is easy.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground turkey
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
• 3 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 8 oz penne
• 2 cups fresh spinach
• 1/2 cup grated parmesan
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning

Instructions:

1. Brown the turkey in oil with garlic.
2. Add sun-dried tomatoes, broth, cream, seasoning and pasta and bring to a boil.
3. Simmer uncovered 12 to 14 minutes, stirring often, until pasta is tender.
4. Stir in spinach and parmesan until wilted and creamy.