Ground turkey is a versatile and healthy protein that can be transformed into a variety of delicious meals.
Leaner than ground beef, it’s a great option for those looking to reduce their saturated fat intake while still enjoying satisfying dishes.
This article explores 21 recipes using ground turkey, venturing across international flavors and classic comfort food.
Global Adventures:
- Turkey Bulgogi Lettuce Wraps: Infuse ground turkey with Korean flavors using gochujang (Korean chili paste), soy sauce, sesame oil, and ginger. Serve with lettuce leaves, kimchi, and rice for a fun and flavorful dinner.
- Thai Turkey Curry: This fragrant curry combines ground turkey with coconut milk, red curry paste, vegetables like bell peppers and carrots, and fresh herbs like basil and cilantro. Serve it over rice for a comforting and satisfying meal.
- Greek Turkey Burgers with Tzatziki: These juicy burgers are seasoned with oregano, thyme, and feta cheese, offering a taste of the Mediterranean. Top them with crumbled feta, sliced red onion, and a dollop of cool and refreshing tzatziki sauce.
- Stuffed Poblano Peppers with Mexican Turkey Rice: These colorful peppers are filled with a ground turkey mixture seasoned with cumin, chili powder, and black beans. Top them with shredded cheese and bake for a complete and satisfying meal.
- Turkey Shepherd’s Pie: This twist on a classic uses ground turkey instead of lamb. Layer seasoned ground turkey with vegetables like peas and carrots, top it with creamy mashed potatoes, and bake until golden brown.
Comfort Food Classics:
- One-Pan Turkey Chili: This hearty chili is perfect for a cozy night in. Brown ground turkey with onions and peppers, then simmer it with kidney beans, corn, diced tomatoes, and your favorite chili spices.
- Turkey Meatloaf Muffins: These individual-sized meatloaves are perfect for meal prep or a fun weeknight dinner. Combine ground turkey with breadcrumbs, egg, and your favorite meatloaf seasonings. Bake in muffin tins for a delicious and convenient option.
- Turkey Sloppy Joes: A childhood favorite gets a healthy upgrade with ground turkey. Simmer ground turkey with ketchup, brown sugar, mustard, and Worcestershire sauce for a tangy and sweet sauce. Serve on hamburger buns with your favorite toppings.
- Turkey Lasagna: This classic dish is easily made with ground turkey. Layer cooked ground turkey with ricotta cheese, marinara sauce, and lasagna noodles. Bake until bubbly and golden brown for a family-pleasing dinner.
- Turkey Taco Soup: This quick and easy soup is perfect for busy weeknights. Brown ground turkey with taco seasoning, then simmer it with broth, diced tomatoes, corn, black beans, and your favorite taco toppings.
Pasta Perfection:
- Pesto Pasta with Turkey and Kale: This vibrant dish combines the creaminess of pesto with the heartiness of ground turkey and kale. Saute ground turkey with garlic and onions, then toss it with cooked pasta, pesto, and kale for a flavorful and nutritious meal.
- Turkey Bolognese Sauce: This rich and flavorful sauce is perfect for serving over your favorite pasta. Saute ground turkey with onion, carrot, and celery, then simmer it with tomatoes, red wine, and Italian herbs.
- Turkey Tetrazzini: This creamy casserole is made with ground turkey, mushrooms, peas, and a creamy sauce. Top it with breadcrumbs and bake until golden brown for a decadent and comforting dish.
- Turkey and Vegetable Stir-Fry: This quick and easy stir-fry is perfect for a healthy weeknight meal. Saute ground turkey with your favorite vegetables like broccoli, snap peas, and bell peppers. Serve it over rice or noodles for a complete meal.
Lighter Fare:
- Turkey Stuffed Sweet Potatoes: These colorful stuffed sweet potatoes are a complete and nutritious meal. Roast sweet potatoes, then fill them with a mixture of seasoned ground turkey, black beans, corn, and salsa.
- Turkey and Veggie Burgers: These juicy burgers are packed with vegetables like grated carrots and zucchini, making them a great option for a lighter meal. Top them with your favorite burger fixings like lettuce, tomato, and avocado.
- Turkey Taco Salad: This fun and flavorful salad is perfect for a summer meal. Combine seasoned ground turkey with lettuce, tomatoes, corn, black beans, avocado, and your favorite taco toppings.
Breakfast Delights:
- Turkey Sausage Patties: These homemade sausage patties are a healthy and delicious way to start your day. Season ground turkey with sage, thyme, and fennel seeds, then form them into patties and cook until browned.
21 Delicious Dinners You Can Make with Ground Turkey (continued)
- Turkey Frittata: This savory Italian dish is a great way to use up leftover ground turkey. Combine cooked ground turkey with vegetables like chopped peppers and onions, then pour it over whisked eggs and cheese. Bake until set for a protein-packed breakfast or brunch.
- Breakfast Burritos with Turkey Chorizo: Give your breakfast burritos a Mexican twist with ground turkey chorizo. Season ground turkey with chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika, then scramble it with eggs. Wrap it in tortillas with your favorite breakfast fillings.
- Sheet Pan Eggs with Ground Turkey and Vegetables: This easy one-pan recipe is perfect for a busy morning. Toss chopped vegetables like broccoli florets and cherry tomatoes with olive oil and spices. Arrange them on a sheet pan with seasoned ground turkey and cracked eggs. Bake until the eggs are set and vegetables are tender for a complete and nutritious breakfast.
Bonus Tips:
- When browning ground turkey, break it up into small pieces with a spoon to ensure even cooking.
- Drain any excess fat from the ground turkey after browning to reduce the calorie content of your dish.
- Ground turkey can be substituted for ground beef in most recipes. You may need to adjust the cooking time slightly depending on the recipe.
- Leftover cooked ground turkey can be used in a variety of dishes throughout the week, such as soups, salads, or stir-fries.
- Don’t be afraid to experiment with different flavors and spices to create your own unique ground turkey recipes.
With these 21 recipes and a little creativity, you can enjoy delicious and healthy meals made with ground turkey throughout the week. From comforting classics to lighter fare and international flavors, there’s a ground turkey recipe out there for everyone.