Ground turkey holds a special place in my heart when it’s time to prepare food.
Not only is it versatile and nutritious, but it also forms the base of so many dishes, from tacos to stir-fries to an almost-instant “turkey” gravy that can dress up so many things and have it all come together in the just right amount of time.
As for the flavor trifecta, while onions and garlic are a pretty much obligatory combo in the bases of most savory dishes, I like to use bell peppers to bring a little sweet, mild flavor; cumin, which, to my taste, holds together the rich, nutty earthiness of so many of the dishes I’m likely to whip up in a hurry; and paprika, which, as I think I’ve pointed out before, has the potential to be anything from sweet to smoky to downright spicy.
The 17 Best Recipes with Ground Turkey
1. Ground Turkey Zucchini Boats
One of my favorite recipes using ground turkey is for Turkey Zucchini Boats.Â
These Turkey Zucchini Boats are really simple to pull together. You just slice your zucchini lengthwise and scoop out the inside .
Then, you make a mixture of shredded turkey, diced tomatoes, diced onions, garlic, and Italian seasoning (surprise, surprise) and stuff it into the zucchini. Then, you top it with cheese and bake.
Ingredients
Ground turkey
Zucchinis
Onion
Garlic
Diced tomatoes
Italian seasoning
Shredded cheese
Instructions
1. Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking. Take two medium-sized zucchini and slice them in half lengthwise. Use a spoon to remove the seeds, and you now have your “zucchini boats.”
2. In a frying pan over medium heat, sauté the onion and garlic until they are aromatic. Then, add the turkey and continue cooking until it is browned.
3. Add the diced tomatoes and Italian seasonings, and then cook for a few more minutes. Fill the zucchini boats with the turkey mixture.
4. Arrange the stuffed zucchinis in a baking dish, cover them with shredded cheese, and slide the dish into the oven for 20 to 25 minutes. The cooking time will yield zucchinis that yield under gentle pressure, yet hold their shape. The cheese will have melted and slightly browned.
2. Spicy Ground Turkey Ramen
Enticingly delicious, Spicy Ground Turkey Ramen takes the well-loved noodle dish to new heights. Ground turkey is cooked with soy sauce and garlic, blended with slightly thickened sriracha and green onion to transform the turkey into something special.
But the broth? It’s so easy to make this ramen spicy and have it burst with flavor.
Ingredients
Ground turkey (about 1 lb)
Ramen noodles (2 packs, discard seasoning)
Soy sauce (2 tablespoons)
Sriracha (1-2 tablespoons, to taste)
Chicken broth (3 cups)
Green onions (2, chopped)
Garlic cloves (3, minced)
Instructions
1. In a sizable skillet or pot set over medium heat, brown the ground turkey until cooked through. As it cooks, continue to break it up into smaller, bite-sized pieces.
2. Minced garlic goes in, and for the next minute, you let it work its magic, making the kitchen smell wonderful, of course, but also doing something crucial and humble: activating all the flavors in this dish. Then, it’s time to bring in the soy sauce and sriracha. You mix them into the turkey until everything is well combined.
3. Add the chicken broth and bring it to a boil. When it is boiling, add the ramen noodles and boil them until tender, 3-4 minutes.
4. Top the ramen with finely chopped green onions, and serve. If you like, you can pump up the flavor even more by adding more soy sauce or even some sriracha to your bowl.
3. Ground Turkey and Sweet Potato Skillet
I take great pleasure in preparing delicious dishes like the Ground Turkey and Sweet Potato Skillet. This uncomplicated dish has it all, combining ground turkey, sweet potatoes, onions, and garlic, all expertly seasoned with smoked paprika.
It’s one of my most trusty recipes when I’m looking for something to whip up with ground turkey.
Ingredients
1 pound ground turkey
2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
1 yellow onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
Salt and pepper, to taste
2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
1. A large skillet should be set to medium heat and 1 tablespoon of olive oil added. Then, combine the diced onions and minced garlic in the skillet. Cook until the onions have turned translucent, which should take about 3 minutes.
2. Place the ground turkey in the skillet, and using a spatula, break it apart and spread it evenly throughout the skillet. Allow the turkey to cook, undisturbed for a bit, until it has started to brown. Then, stir and continue cooking until all the turkey is browned and no longer pink, 5-7 minutes total. Season with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika.
3. To one side of the skillet, move the turkey. Add the last tablespoon of olive oil to the empty side of the skillet. Add the diced sweet potatoes and Onion. Stir a bit, and then let everything cook for about 10-12 minutes, until the sweet potatoes are tender. Stir occasionally.
4. Season it to taste, and serve it warm.
4. Ground Turkey Cabbage Stir-Fry
Ground Turkey and Cabbage Stir-Fry is a delightful, savory dish that features—yes—ground turkey and green cabbage but really shines because of its blending of flavors—pungent garlic, sharp ginger, with salt and pepper to taste, and a dash of soy sauce. I would venture that this is a great introduction recipe for working with both ground turkey and cabbage.
Ingredients
Ground turkey (1 pound)
Green cabbage, thinly sliced (4 cups)
Soy sauce (2 tablespoons)
Ginger, minced (1 tablespoon)
Garlic, minced (2 cloves)
Green onions, sliced (2 stalks)
Olive oil (2 tablespoons)
Instructions
1. In a big skillet, over a medium flame, warm olive oil. Stir in the minced ginger and garlic. Sauté for about half a minute, until they become fragrant.
2. Place the ground turkey in the skillet. Use a spoon to break it up as it cooks. Cook it for about 5-7 minutes until it’s browned.
3. Add the sliced cabbage and soy sauce, then mix. Keep cooking and mixing for 5 to 7 minutes, and the cabbage will become tender.
4. Serve the stir-fry, garnished with slivered green onions.
5. Thai Ground Turkey Lettuce Wraps
Ground turkey gets a flavor boost from this healthy and tasty recipe that I love making: Thai Ground Turkey Lettuce Wraps. They’re very easy to prepare.
I make the filling with ground turkey, soy sauce, and lime juice. Then I use the very large and tender outer leaves of a head of lettuce to wrap it up.
Ingredients
1 lb ground turkey
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon fish sauce
1 tablespoon lime juice
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1 tablespoon brown sugar
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 head of butter lettuce or romaine lettuce, leaves separated
Instructions
1. In a large skillet, warm the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the turkey and cook it until it is brown. Use a spoon to break up the turkey into smaller bits while it cooks, which should take about 5-7 minutes.
2. Incorporate the garlic, soy sauce, fish sauce, lime juice, and brown sugar into the blend. Allow it to simmer for another couple of minutes, so that it congeals with the other elements and tastes come together.
3. Take the blend from the heat and allow it to cool enough to handle. Spoon a portion of the turkey blend into each lettuce leaf. Wrap the leaf around the filling and serve immediately. Eat and enjoy!
6. Ground Turkey Tikka Masala
A delectable take on a classic dish, Ground Turkey Tikka Masala combines the turkey with Greek yogurt, tikka masala paste, and warming spices like good old onion and garlic. Ground turkey recipes show off the turkeys flavor and, in this case, its capacity to become a next-level Indian dish.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 2 tablespoons tikka masala paste
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
1. Take a big bowl and combine the ground turkey well with Greek yogurt and tikka masala paste. Once you’re done mixing, let it marinate for at least 15 minutes.
2. A big frying pan over medium heat is the place to be for sautéing the onion and garlic. For this, you should have 1 medium onion, chopped, and 3 or 4 cloves of garlic, minced, ready. Â
3. Incorporate the marinated turkey mixture into the skillet, and cook while breaking apart the meat until it turns brown and is completely finished cooking, about 8 to 10 minutes.
4. Add the diced tomatoes, then season the mixture with salt and pepper. Allow the mixture to simmer for an additional 10 minutes, letting the sauce thicken ever-so-slightly. Serve the dish piping hot and enjoy.
7. Turkey and Quinoa Stuffed Peppers
I love that Turkey and Quinoa Stuffed Peppers unite ground turkey recipes, along with my favorites of quinoa and bell peppers, into one nutritious dish. This recipe features ground turkey, cooked quinoa, diced tomatoes, onion, and nice garlicky flavor.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 1 cup cooked quinoa
- 4 large bell peppers, halved and seeded
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes, drained
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Instructions
1. Set the oven to 375°F. Prepare the bell peppers by cutting them in half vertically and taking out the seeds and membranes.
2. In a big skillet, medium-hot, cook the diced onion until it’s see-through. Throw in the minced garlic and let it cook alongside the onion for about a minute. Now add a pound of ground turkey. Stir it around, breaking it up as you go, and let it cook until it’s no longer pink.
3. Combine the prepared quinoa, chopped tomatoes, and Italian seasoning; mix well. Add salt and pepper to taste for seasoning.
4. Fill each half of the bell pepper with the turkey and quinoa mixture. Set the filled peppers in a baking dish and cover with foil. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, until the peppers are tender. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5 minutes to lightly char the tops. Enjoy!
8. Ground Turkey Chili with Cocoa
I adore crafting delicious and filling dishes such as this Chili with Cocoa and Ground Turkey. There are many reasons to love ground turkey, and one of the chief among them is that it’s a fantastic and cheap source of protein.
But it must be said: Ground turkey is not the most exciting ingredient in the world. And yet, somehow, it is the backbone of one of the kitchen’s most adventurous dishes.
Ingredients
Ground turkey
Onion, diced
Garlic, minced
Canned tomatoes
Kidney beans, drained and rinsed
Chili powder
Unsweetened cocoa powder#
Instructions
1. In a sizable pot over medium heat, brown the ground turkey until it is no longer pink. If there’s an excess of fat, drain it.
2. In a large pot, combine the chopped onion and minced garlic, and cook until the onion is clear.
3. Add the canned tomatoes, kidney beans, chili powder, and cocoa powder to the mixture and combine thoroughly.
4. Allow the chili to meld into a thick and hearty dish. Simmer it for 20-30 minutes, stirring it with a wooden spoon occasionally to help the flavors meld. Like any dish that has been thickened, it needs to be seasoned adequately to bring out its best flavor. Taste it just before serving and adjust to what pleases your palate.
9. Ground Turkey Shepherd’s Pie
I love to make and serve the dish known as Ground Turkey Shepherd’s Pie. It’s a comforting, homey meal that even the pickiest eaters have enjoyed at my kitchen table.
At its heart (and mine, really), it’s a meat pie made with ground turkey that’s seasoned to perfection. And we all know that the perfect comfort food has to include a generous helping of mashed potatoes; that’s in there, too.
These ground turkey shepherd’s pie ingredients come together to create a filling meal that’s great for leftovers, especially if you have anyone in your home that subscribes to the “always eat cold pizza” rule.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn)
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken or beef broth
- 2 cups mashed potatoes
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
1. Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) to preheat. In a large frying pan, over a medium fire, cook the ground turkey along with the chopped onion and minced garlic until the meat is brown and the onion is clear enough to see through.
2. Combine the frozen mixed vegetables and broth in the skillet, using a spoon to mix them well. Let everything bubble for about 5 minutes until the vegetables warm up with that nice heated-together flavor.
3. Place the turkey and vegetable mixture into a baking dish, and spread it evenly around the bottom. Spoon in the mashed potatoes, smoothing them over the turkey and vegetable mixture with a rubber spatula.
4. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes, or until the mashed potatoes are lightly browned. Let cool slightly and serve.
10. Mediterranean Ground Turkey Bowls
Mediterranean Ground Turkey Bowls are one of the wholesome, nourishing dishes I associate with recipes that use ground turkey. Combined with the ingredient list I have in mind, ground turkey, mingling well with olive oil.
When I make this Mediterranean dish, I have the pleasure of using not just one, but several wonderful ingredients: ground turkey, olive oil, onion, garlic, cherry tomatoes, fresh spinach, and crumbled feta cheese.
Ingredients
Ground turkey
Olive oil
Diced onion
Minced garlic
Cherry tomatoes, halved
Baby spinach
Feta cheese, crumbled
Instructions
1. In a medium skillet, warm olive oil over medium heat. Mix in the diced onion and minced garlic, and cook until the onion is translucent.
2. Put the ground turkey in the skillet, cooking and stirring until it is browned and cooked all the way through.
3. Add the cherry tomatoes and baby spinach, and cook until the spinach is wilted.
4. In bowls, serve the turkey mixture and finish each with a generous amount of crumbled feta.
11. Ground Turkey Cauliflower Curry
Cauliflower and ground turkey form the base for this curry, with onions taking on the aromatic, flavorful role of an allium in the dish.
But what really defines this meal is the seasoning and the sauce: a delightful blend of curry powder with coconut milk. For this recipe and more, take a look at some ground turkey meal prep ideas to add variety to your lunch or dinner plans.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 1 small head of cauliflower, cut into florets
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon curry powder
- 1 can (14 ounces) coconut milk
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
1. In a big frying pan on medium heat, brown the ground turkey until it is cooked all the way through. Be sure to use a spatula to break the turkey apart. When it is done, remove it from the skillet and set it aside.
2. In the identical frying pan, combine the diced onion and minced garlic. Cook until the onion turns clear and takes on a somewhat soft texture, which it should be doing for about 3-4 minutes.
3. To make the dish, start by adding curry powder to a large skillet. This will serve as the base for the flavors. Next, stir the onions and garlic in so that they are fully coated with the spice blend. After the aromatics have been sufficiently spiced, add in full cauliflower florets. These will be the main ingredient and should be fully immersed in the seasoned oil.
4. Put the cooked turkey back into the frying pan, tipped with the coconut milk, and give it a good stir. Add salt and pepper to taste. Let it simmer for about 10-15 minutes until the florets are fork-tender. If you need to, adjust the seasoning before serving it directly from the pan.
12. Turkey and Spinach Stuffed Mushrooms
Turkey and Spinach Stuffed Mushrooms meld ground turkey, fresh spinach, and breadcrumbs with Parmesan cheese to create savory bites. Ground turkey can be a base for so many easy, healthy, and delicious recipes.
And this one, with its combination of taste, texture, and nutrition, is a favorite.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 16 large cremini or button mushrooms, stems removed
Instructions
1. Set the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit, or 190 degrees Celsius. Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper.
2. In a combining bowl, mix the ground turkey, spinach, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic, salt, and pepper until well blended.
3. Fill the mushroom caps with the mixture and lightly pack it in.
4. Place the stuffed mushrooms on the baking sheet that has been prepared and ready for use. Put them in the oven and set the timer for 20-25 minutes. You want to keep an eye on them. When they come out, they should be tender with just a little bit of chew, and the stuffing should not be “wet” but should hold together—think of that as an ideal mushroom moment.
13. Ground Turkey Enchilada Casserole
One comforting recipe that my family loves is Ground Turkey Enchilada Casserole. It combines all of the usual suspects you’d find in an enchilada stuffed and topped with red sauce: ground turkey, an enchilada-worthy sauce, Mexican blend cheese, and corn tortillas.
But it bakes beautifully in a casserole dish and serves easily. I can’t say enough good things about this healthy version of a Mexican comfort food classic.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 1 can (10 oz) red enchilada sauce
- 1 cup shredded Mexican blend cheese
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 6 corn tortillas
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
Instructions
1. Set your oven to heat up to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius). Take a large skillet and use it to cook one pound of ground turkey and one medium onion—diced—in the skillet over medium heat. Continue cooking until the turkey is browned and the onion has softened.
2. Add the black beans and ground cumin, then pour in the enchilada sauce. Combine thoroughly and allow to simmer for about five minutes.
3. In a casserole, lay down the first layer of corn tortillas. Then add half of the ground turkey mixture along with a good amount of cheese. Repeat the layering process with the remaining tortillas, turkey mixture, and cheese. Your final layer needs to be corn tortillas and cheese—a layer that will give the final dish a nice crust.
4. Preheat the oven, and then bake in the oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Slightly cool, and then serve.
14. Korean Ground Turkey Bowls
What I appreciate about Korean Ground Turkey Bowls is that they provide a fast and tasty variation on familiar fare. In my ground turkey dinners, this one calls for soy sauce, brown sugar, and the good old garlic and ginger combo that makes so many Asian dishes sing.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ginger, minced
- 2 green onions, sliced
Instructions
1. In a frying pan, warm the sesame oil at medium temperature. Toss in the minced garlic and ginger, stirring until they emit a delightful aroma—about 1 minute.
2. Incorporate the ground turkey into the skillet, using a spoon to break it apart. Allow the turkey to cook until it is browned and has lost all signs of being undercooked.
3. Mix the soy sauce and brown sugar into the turkey, making sure they coat the meat uniformly. Continue to cook for an extra 2-3 minutes, letting the sauce do its work.
4. Before serving, top with sliced green onions. Dish it out over your choice of a grain or cooked rice.
15. Ground Turkey Shakshuka
I delight in making recipes that call for ground turkey, and this one here—ground turkey shakshuka—is no exception. It is an onion, red bell pepper, garlic, and crushed tomato base with ground turkey nestled on top and very satisfyingly cooked eggs completing the dish.
The way I do it, anyway. And really, what’s not to love about that?
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 1 onion, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 4 to 6 eggs
Instructions
1. A big skillet on medium heat is the perfect place to soften onion and red bell pepper. Cook the two together for about 5 minutes, and you have the base for so many dishes.
2. Incorporate the ground turkey and minced garlic, turning up the heat and cooking until the turkey is no longer pink.
3. Incorporate the crushed tomatoes and ground cumin, and let it simmer for 10 minutes.
4. Create hollows in the ingredients and break an egg into each hollow. Put on the lid and cook until the eggs reach your desired doneness.
16. Ground Turkey and Kale Soup
I adore the nutritious and cozy nature of my Ground Turkey and Kale Soup, where the star ingredients are ground turkey, kale, onion, carrot, and garlic. So “Recipes with Ground Turkey” is utterly perfect for this delicious, hearty soup that feels at home any time of year.
Ingredients
Ground turkey
Kale, chopped
Onion, diced
Carrots, sliced
Garlic, minced
Chicken broth
Olive oil
Instructions
1. In a spacious saucepan, warm olive oil over medium heat. Place the chopped onion in the saucepan and cook until it is three-quarters of the way to translucent.
2. Place the ground turkey into the pot, breaking it apart as it cooks, and cooking it until it is browned.
3. Add the garlic and carrots, and cook for another 2 to 3 minutes.
4. Add the chicken broth and the chopped kale. Bring the soup to a simmer and cook until the kale is tender, about 10-15 minutes.
17. Ground Turkey and Lentil Stew
A wholesome, hearty Ground Turkey and Lentil Stew combines the essential protein of ground turkey with the nutty taste and texture of lentils. This stew also incorporates the flavors of diced tomatoes, onions, garlic, and carrots, and is combined with a trusty chicken broth to create yumminess in a bowl.
Ingredients
Ground turkey
Lentils
Diced tomatoes
Onion
Garlic
Carrots
Chicken broth
Instructions
1. In a big pot, cook the diced onion and minced garlic to a state of translucence.
2. Incorporate ground turkey and sauté until it’s a nice brown color.
3. Add the diced tomatoes, chopped carrots, lentils, and chicken broth, and mix them in thoroughly.
4. Bring to a boil, then lower the heat. Let it simmer until the lentils are tender. This should take around 30 minutes.
