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If You Have Ground Turkey, Dinner Is Basically Solved

    If you’re looking for Ground Turkey Recipes that are cozy, flexible, and weeknight-friendly, I’ve got you covered! From juicy meatballs to hearty casseroles and chili, these healthy dinner ideas won’t let you down.

    Ground turkey is a weeknight hero!

    cookbook author erin clarke of well plated

    Ground turkey is one of those ingredients I keep stocked in my kitchen at all times. It’s affordable, easy to cook with, and it’s one of the best lighter substitutes I’ve found for ground beef.

    Over the years, I’ve used ground turkey in so many recipes—I didn’t even realize just how many until I started rounding them up below!

    This post is a collection of the ground turkey recipes I turn to again and again: recipes that are reliable, family-friendly, and healthier ways to cook classic dishes. There’s something here for everyone!

    Ground turkey burger topped with avocado and cheese.

    Buying, Storing, and Cooking with Ground Turkey

    Before we get to the recipes, here are a few quick tips to help you get the best results when cooking with ground turkey:

    • Choose the right fat level. Ground turkey labeled 93/7 strikes a great balance between flavor and leanness. Extra-lean turkey (99%) works best in recipes with sauces or added moisture.
    • Store it properly. Keep raw ground turkey refrigerated and use it within 1–2 days, or freeze it for up to 3 months.
    • Season generously. Turkey is mild, so don’t be shy with herbs, spices, garlic, and onion.
    • Avoid overcooking. Ground turkey cooks quickly and can dry out if left too long, so remove it from the heat as soon as it’s browned.
    • Add moisture when needed. Eggs, breadcrumbs, grated veggies, or sauces help keep turkey tender and juicy.

    Turkey Meatballs & Meatloaf Recipes

    These recipes prove that ground turkey can be just as delicious and satisfying as traditional beef versions. In fact, a lot of the time I like it even better!

    a plate of homemade turkey meatballs

    Turkey Meatballs

    Juicy, tender, and endlessly versatile, these turkey meatballs are a weeknight staple that works just as well over pasta as they do tucked into a sub.

    Check out this recipe

    Classic Crock Pot Turkey Meatballs

    Crock Pot Turkey Meatballs

    Let the slow cooker do the work with these hands-off turkey meatballs that turn out flavorful and tender every single time.

    Check out this recipe

    A moist turkey meatloaf on a plate

    Turkey Meatloaf

    This lighter take on classic meatloaf is just as comforting and satisfying, with plenty of flavor and a perfectly sliceable texture.

    Check out this recipe

    Cranberry Turkey Meatballs with Apple and Sage

    Cranberry Turkey Meatballs

    Sweet, tangy, and perfect for holidays or parties, these cranberry turkey meatballs are always the first thing to disappear.

    Check out this recipe

    Healthy Moroccan Meatballs with Whole Wheat Couscous

    Moroccan Meatballs

    Warm spices and bold flavors make these Moroccan-inspired turkey meatballs feel special, even though they’re surprisingly easy to make.

    Check out this recipe

    a plate of juicy air fryer meatballs

    Air Fryer Meatballs

    Crisp on the outside and juicy inside, these air fryer turkey meatballs cook fast and are perfect for busy weeknights.

    Check out this recipe

    Easy, DELICIOUS Italian Whole30 Meatballs and Sauce with ground turkey, almond flour, and Italian seasoning. A healthy, low carb recipe that families love! Serve right away or keep warm in the crockpot #paleo #glutenfree #whole30 #meatballs

    Whole30 Meatballs and Sauce

    Simple, clean ingredients and big flavor make these Whole30-compliant meatballs a great option for meal prep or special diets.

    Check out this recipe

    Homemade Swedish meatballs in skillet

    Swedish Meatballs

    Cozy and creamy, these lighter Swedish-style turkey meatballs bring all the comfort without feeling too heavy.

    Check out this recipe

    Ground Turkey Burgers and Sandwiches

    Ground turkey makes juicy, flavorful burgers when seasoned well. Still skeptical? Add one of these recipes to your menu!

    Italian turkey burger with cheese and vegetables on a white plate

    Italian Turkey Burgers

    Seasoned with herbs and garlic, these Italian-style turkey burgers are juicy, flavorful, and perfect for switching up burger night.

    Check out this recipe

    juicy turkey burgers topped with avocado and cheese

    Turkey Burgers

    A classic, no-fuss turkey burger recipe that’s juicy, dependable, and easy to customize with your favorite toppings.

    Check out this recipe

    Paleo Sweet Potato Turkey Burgers with Chipotle and Avocado. Easy to make and freeze ahead!

    Chipotle Sweet Potato Turkey Burgers

    Smoky chipotle and naturally sweet potatoes give these turkey burgers big flavor and a little kick.

    Check out this recipe

    Healthy Hawaiian Teriyaki Burger recipe. Recipe at wellplated.com | @wellplated

    Teriyaki Burgers with Grilled Pineapple

    These teriyaki turkey burgers are sweet, savory, and perfect for when you want something a little different from the usual.

    Check out this recipe

    Homemade Crock Pot Sloppy Joes with Ground Turkey, Chickpeas, and Feta. An easy, healthy, and kid-friendly recipe your whole family will love! Freezer friendly and the slow cooker does the work. Recipe at wellplated.com | @wellplated

    Greek Crock Pot Sloppy Joes

    A fun twist on a classic, these Greek-inspired sloppy joes are packed with flavor and made extra easy in the slow cooker.

    Check out this recipe

    Soups and Chili with Ground Turkey

    Ground turkey shines in soups and chili. Since it’s simmered in the liquid, you don’t have to worry about it going dry on you!

    Award-winning Healthy Turkey Chili with Sweet Potatoes, lean turkey, and avocado. Perfectly spiced, easy, and filling! Just 227 calories per serving! Recipe at wellplated.com | @wellplated

    Healthy Turkey Chili

    Hearty, comforting, and packed with protein, this turkey chili is perfect for cozy nights without feeling too heavy.

    Check out this recipe

    Slow Cooker Turkey Quinoa Chili

    Slow Cooker Turkey Chili with Sweet Potatoes

    A little sweet, a little savory, and incredibly satisfying, this slow cooker chili is a set-it-and-forget-it favorite.

    Check out this recipe

    Pumpkin chili in a Dutch oven

    Pumpkin Chili

    Pumpkin adds richness and subtle sweetness to this turkey chili, making it perfect for fall and winter dinners.

    Check out this recipe

    Instant Pot chili in bowl topped with sour cream and cheese

    Instant Pot Chili

    Fast, flavorful, and weeknight-friendly, this Instant Pot turkey chili is ready in a fraction of the usual time.

    Check out this recipe

    Two bowls of hamburger soup with vegetables

    Crock Pot Hamburger Soup

    This cozy soup uses ground turkey for a lighter spin on a classic, slow-simmered comfort meal.

    Check out this recipe

    Ground Turkey Casserole Recipes

    Hello comfort food! Replacing the ground beef with ground turkey makes cozy casseroles a little bit healthier.

    bowl of Crock Pot Mexican Casserole topped with melted cheese

    Crockpot Mexican Casserole

    Bold flavors, minimal prep, and lots of comfort make this slow cooker casserole a family favorite.

    Check out this recipe

    Stuffed Pepper Casserole with cheese, meat, bell peppers, and tomatoes in a skillet with cheese on top.

    Stuffed Pepper Casserole

    Easy Stuffed Pepper Casserole takes classic stuffed pepper ingredients like rice, ground meat, tomato and cheese and turns them into a healthy one pot meal!

    Check out this recipe

    Easy Homemade Whole30 Breakfast Casserole with sausage, spinach, eggs, and tomatoes in a serving dish

    Whole30 Breakfast Casserole

    Protein-packed and make-ahead friendly, this breakfast casserole is great for meal prep or feeding a crowd.

    Check out this recipe

    Two baked spaghetti squash halves filled with meat sauce and melted cheese, garnished with chopped parsley.

    Spaghetti Squash Casserole

    A lighter, veggie-forward casserole that still feels cozy and satisfying thanks to seasoned ground turkey.

    Check out this recipe

    Healthy Slow Cooker Taco Casserole

    Crockpot Taco Casserole

    Cheesy, comforting, and packed with taco flavor, this casserole is always a hit at the dinner table.

    Check out this recipe

    Italian-Inspired Ground Turkey Recipes

    Ground turkey pairs beautifully with tomato sauces, herbs, and cheese. Mangia!

    Healthy weeknight Turkey Bolognese. Easy recipe and tastes authentic! The thick, rich sauce tastes like it’s been simmering all day, but is ready in minutes, not hours. Recipe at wellplated.com.

    Turkey Bolognese

    Rich, saucy, and comforting, this turkey bolognese is a lighter take on the classic that still feels indulgent.

    Check out this recipe

    Healthy zucchini ravioli in a baking dish

    Zucchini Ravioli

    Fresh zucchini stands in for pasta in this clever, lighter dish that still delivers big Italian flavors.

    Check out this recipe

    Four spaghetti squash halves filled with lasagna flavor

    Spaghetti Squash Lasagna

    All the cozy layers you love about lasagna, made lighter with spaghetti squash and ground turkey.

    Check out this recipe

    Mexican-Inspired Ground Turkey Recipes

    Ground turkey soaks up all those yummy Tex-Mex seasonings just like ground beef.

    the best easy and healthy taco salad in a large bowl

    Healthy Taco Salad

    Fresh, flavorful, and satisfying, this taco salad is perfect for when you want something light but filling.

    Check out this recipe

    Healthy Taco Spaghetti Squash Boats with Cheese, Ground Turkey, and Black Beans. Easy, filling, and low carb! Great for busy families. Everyone loves this recipe! {gluten free}. Recipe at wellplated.com

    Taco Spaghetti Squash Boats

    These squash boats are fun to serve and packed with taco-seasoned turkey and melty goodness.

    Check out this recipe

    Instant Pot Mexican Casserole. A healthy Instant Pot Mexican recipe with rice, beans, chicken or turkey, and fresh veggies. An easy pressure cooker recipe that’s absolutely delicious!

    Instant Pot Mexican Casserole

    Quick, comforting, and full of bold flavor, this Instant Pot casserole is a weeknight lifesaver.

    Check out this recipe

    More Ground Turkey Recipes to Try

    Here are a few more reader favorites that deserve a spot in your rotation.

    Crockpot stuffed peppers in a slow cooker with a fork in one

    Crockpot Stuffed Peppers

    Slow-cooked and comforting, these stuffed peppers are perfect for hands-off dinners and meal prep.

    Check out this recipe

    Browned turkey sausage patties in skillet

    Turkey Sausage

    Homemade turkey sausage is easy to make and perfect for breakfast, meal prep, or adding to recipes.

    Check out this recipe

    Easy Chili Mac and Cheese in a dutch oven with a spoon

    Chili Mac and Cheese

    Creamy, cozy, and extra comforting, this mashup of chili and mac is always a crowd-pleaser.

    Check out this recipe

    healthy egg roll in a bowl

    Egg Roll in a Bowl

    All the flavors of an egg roll, minus the wrapper, in a quick skillet meal that’s great for busy nights.

    Check out this recipe

    Healthy Instant Pot stuffed peppers

    Instant Pot Stuffed Peppers

    These stuffed peppers cook up quickly in the Instant Pot and are hearty, flavorful, and satisfying.

    Check out this recipe

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