20 Ground Turkey Recipes That Are Packed with Protein

Ground turkey is a versatile and lean protein that can be used to create a variety of dishes. From hearty dinners to lighter options, here are 20 recipes that highlight ground turkey as a star ingredient.

1. Ground Turkey Tacos

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground turkey
• 1 packet taco seasoning
• 1/4 cup water
• 8 taco shells
• Toppings: shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, shredded cheese, and salsa

Directions:

• Heat a skillet over medium heat and cook ground turkey until browned.
• Add taco seasoning and water, stirring to combine.
• Simmer for 5 minutes.
• Fill taco shells with turkey mixture and desired toppings.

Tip: Add a splash of lime juice to the cooked ground turkey before assembling the tacos. The acidity will brighten the flavors and balance the richness of the meat.

2. Turkey Meatballs

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground turkey
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1 egg
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

• Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
• Mix ground turkey, breadcrumbs, egg, Parmesan, and seasonings in a bowl.
• Shape mixture into small balls and place on a baking sheet.
• Bake for 20 minutes or until cooked through.

Tip: For extra moisture and flavor, mix in 1-2 tablespoons of grated zucchini or finely chopped spinach into the meatball mixture before baking.

3. Turkey and Vegetable Stir-Fry

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground turkey
• 2 cups mixed vegetables (broccoli, bell peppers, carrots)
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 1 tbsp sesame oil
• 1 tsp ginger (grated)
• 2 garlic cloves (minced)

Directions:

• Heat sesame oil in a skillet.
• Add garlic and ginger, sauté for 1 minute.
• Add ground turkey and cook until browned.
• Add vegetables and soy sauce, stir-fry until tender.

Tip: Toss in a teaspoon of cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons of water during the last minute of cooking to create a glossy, thickened sauce that clings to the ingredients.

4. Turkey Chili

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground turkey
• 1 can kidney beans
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 1 small onion (diced)
• 1 tsp chili powder
• 1/2 tsp cumin
• Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

• Heat a pot and sauté onion until softened.
• Add ground turkey and cook until browned.
• Stir in beans, tomatoes, and seasonings.
• Simmer for 20 minutes.

Tip: Add a small square of dark chocolate or a teaspoon of cocoa powder to the chili while it simmers. This enhances the depth of flavor and adds a subtle richness.

5. Turkey Stuffed Bell Peppers

Ingredients:

• 4 bell peppers (halved and seeded)
• 1 lb ground turkey
• 1 cup cooked rice
• 1/2 cup tomato sauce
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1/4 cup shredded cheese

Directions:

• Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
• Cook ground turkey and mix with rice, tomato sauce, and seasonings.
• Stuff bell peppers with turkey mixture and place in a baking dish.
• Top with cheese and bake for 25 minutes.

Tip: Lightly brush the outside of the bell peppers with olive oil before baking. This helps them soften evenly and adds a slight caramelized flavor.

6. Ground Turkey Lettuce Wraps

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground turkey
• 1/4 cup hoisin sauce
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp sesame oil
• 1 head butter lettuce

Directions:

• Heat sesame oil in a skillet and cook ground turkey until browned.
• Add hoisin sauce and soy sauce, stirring to coat.
• Serve turkey mixture in lettuce leaves.

Tip: Add a handful of chopped water chestnuts to the turkey mixture for a satisfying crunch and texture contrast.

7. Turkey and Spinach Lasagna

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground turkey
• 1 jar marinara sauce
• 12 lasagna noodles
• 2 cups ricotta cheese
• 2 cups spinach (chopped)
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella

Directions:

• Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
• Cook ground turkey and mix with marinara sauce.
• Layer lasagna noodles, turkey mixture, ricotta, spinach, and mozzarella in a baking dish.
• Repeat layers and bake for 40 minutes.

Tip: Use no-boil lasagna noodles to save time, and layer in a handful of fresh basil leaves between the turkey and spinach for a burst of freshness.

8. Turkey Burgers

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground turkey
• 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
• 1 egg
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Burger buns and toppings of choice

Directions:

• Mix ground turkey, breadcrumbs, egg, and seasonings in a bowl.
• Shape into patties and grill or pan-fry until cooked through.
• Serve on buns with desired toppings.

Tip: Add a tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce or Dijon mustard to the burger mixture for extra flavor and moisture.

9. Turkey Shepherd’s Pie

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground turkey
• 1 cup mixed vegetables
• 1 cup beef broth
• 4 cups mashed potatoes

Directions:

• Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
• Cook ground turkey and vegetables in a skillet.
• Add beef broth and simmer until thickened.
• Transfer to a baking dish, top with mashed potatoes, and bake for 20 minutes.

Tip: Mix a teaspoon of garlic powder or a handful of grated Parmesan cheese into the mashed potatoes for added flavor before topping the pie.

10. Turkey and Sweet Potato Skillet

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground turkey
• 2 sweet potatoes (diced)
• 1 small onion (chopped)
• 1/2 tsp paprika

Directions:

• Cook sweet potatoes in a skillet until softened.
• Add onion and ground turkey, cooking until turkey is browned.
• Season with paprika and serve.

Tip: Sprinkle a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg over the sweet potatoes while cooking to enhance their natural sweetness and complement the savory turkey.

11. Ground Turkey Bolognese

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground turkey
• 1 jar marinara sauce
• 1/2 cup diced onion
• 1/2 cup grated carrots
• Pasta of choice

Directions:

• Sauté onion and carrots in a skillet.
• Add ground turkey and cook until browned.
• Stir in marinara sauce and simmer for 15 minutes.
• Serve over cooked pasta.

Tip: Deglaze the skillet with a splash of red wine after browning the turkey to add depth and richness to the sauce.

12. Turkey Zucchini Boats

Ingredients:

• 4 zucchinis (halved and hollowed)
• 1 lb ground turkey
• 1 cup marinara sauce
• 1/4 cup shredded cheese

Directions:

• Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
• Cook ground turkey and mix with marinara sauce.
• Fill zucchini halves with turkey mixture, top with cheese, and bake for 20 minutes.

Tip: Sprinkle a little panko breadcrumbs on top of the cheese before baking for a crispy, golden finish.

13. Turkey Breakfast Sausage Patties

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground turkey
• 1 tsp sage
• 1/2 tsp paprika
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder

Directions:

• Mix ground turkey and seasonings in a bowl.
• Shape into small patties and cook in a skillet until browned.

Tip: Add a pinch of brown sugar to the seasoning mix for a hint of sweetness that balances the savory spices.

14. Turkey Fried Rice

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground turkey
• 3 cups cooked rice
• 1 cup mixed vegetables
• 2 tbsp soy sauce

Directions:

• Cook ground turkey in a skillet.
• Add rice, vegetables, and soy sauce.
• Stir-fry until combined and heated through.

Tip: Use day-old cooked rice for the best texture, and add a beaten egg to the skillet for extra protein and richness.

15. Turkey and Black Bean Quesadillas

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground turkey
• 1 cup black beans
• 1 cup shredded cheese
• 8 tortillas

Directions:

• Cook ground turkey and mix with black beans.
• Spread turkey mixture on tortillas, top with cheese, and cook in a skillet until golden brown.

Tip: Spread a thin layer of refried beans on the tortilla before adding the turkey mixture for extra creaminess and flavor.

16. Turkey Enchiladas

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground turkey
• 1 can enchilada sauce
• 1 cup shredded cheese
• 8 tortillas
• 1/2 cup diced onion

Directions:

• Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
• Cook ground turkey and onion in a skillet until browned.
• Fill tortillas with turkey mixture, roll them up, and place in a baking dish.
• Pour enchilada sauce over the tortillas and sprinkle with cheese.
• Bake for 20 minutes or until bubbly.

Tip: Lightly toast the tortillas in a dry skillet before filling and rolling them. This prevents them from becoming soggy during baking.

17. Turkey Sloppy Joes

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground turkey
• 1/2 cup ketchup
• 2 tbsp mustard
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• Burger buns

Directions:

• Cook ground turkey in a skillet until browned.
• Add ketchup, mustard, and Worcestershire sauce, stirring until combined.
• Simmer for 5 minutes and serve on burger buns.

Tip: Add a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar to the sauce for a tangy kick that cuts through the sweetness of the ketchup.

18. Turkey Meatloaf

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground turkey
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1 egg
• 1/4 cup ketchup
• 1/2 cup diced onion
• Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

• Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
• Mix all ingredients in a bowl.
• Shape mixture into a loaf and place on a baking sheet.
• Bake for 45 minutes or until cooked through.

Tip: Line the baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.

19. Turkey and Quinoa Stuffed Tomatoes

Ingredients:

• 4 large tomatoes (hollowed out)
• 1 lb ground turkey
• 1 cup cooked quinoa
• 1/2 cup marinara sauce
• 1/4 cup shredded Parmesan cheese

Directions:

• Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
• Cook ground turkey and mix with quinoa and marinara sauce.
• Stuff tomatoes with the mixture and place in a baking dish.
• Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and bake for 20 minutes.

Tip: Sprinkle a little smoked paprika over the stuffed tomatoes before baking for a subtle smoky flavor.

20. Turkey Stroganoff

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground turkey
• 1 cup mushrooms (sliced)
• 1/2 cup diced onion
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1 cup chicken broth
• Pasta or egg noodles

Directions:

• Cook ground turkey, onion, and mushrooms in a skillet until browned.
• Add chicken broth and simmer for 10 minutes.
• Stir in sour cream and heat gently (do not boil).
• Serve over cooked pasta or egg noodles.

Tip: Stir in a teaspoon of Dijon mustard along with the sour cream for a tangy, complex flavor that complements the creamy sauce.

Conclusion

Ground turkey offers endless possibilities for creating delicious and nutritious meals. With these 20 recipes, you can enjoy everything from comforting classics like meatloaf and chili to international favorites like stir-fries and enchiladas. Each dish is designed to be both flavorful and packed with protein, making it a perfect choice for everyday cooking. Give these recipes a try and enjoy the versatility of ground turkey in your meals!