19 Ground Turkey Recipes for Simple Weeknight Dinners
Ground turkey makes weeknight cooking easier while keeping meals light and healthy. These versatile recipes transform lean turkey into satisfying family dinners.
From comforting meatballs to flavorful burgers, each recipe offers a delicious way to enjoy this protein-packed ingredient without sacrificing taste.
01. Italian Bean and Turkey Meatballs
This version combines ground turkey with white beans, Italian herbs, and breadcrumbs for tender meatballs. The beans add extra protein and keep everything moist.
These meatballs freeze beautifully for meal prep and work great with pasta or marinara sauce. The Italian seasoning gives them authentic flavor.
Perfect for busy families who want healthy comfort food. You can make a big batch and freeze portions for later.
02. Protein-Packed Black Bean Turkey Burgers
Ground turkey mixes with black beans, onions, and spices to create juicy burgers that never dry out. The beans add fiber and keep patties moist.
This method prevents the common problem of dry turkey burgers. The black beans create a hearty texture that feels satisfying.
These fail-proof burgers come together quickly and work great for weeknight grilling. Even picky eaters love the mild flavor.
03. Tropical Hawaiian Turkey Burgers
These island-style burgers feature ground turkey patties with teriyaki glaze and grilled pineapple rings. Fresh or canned pineapple both work perfectly.
The teriyaki basting keeps turkey moist while adding sweet and savory flavors. Grilled pineapple caramelizes beautifully on top.
This version brings vacation vibes to your backyard barbecue. Great for summer entertaining or when you want something different.
04. Simple Turkey Meatloaf Without Glaze
This healthy meatloaf uses ground turkey, frozen bell peppers, and Italian breadcrumbs for easy prep. No sweet glaze means cleaner flavors.
The frozen peppers save chopping time and add vegetables without extra work. This approach keeps things simple and nutritious.
Perfect for families who prefer savory over sweet meatloaf. Takes less time than traditional versions but tastes just as comforting.
05. Cheesy Ground Turkey Noodle Casserole
Ground turkey combines with egg noodles and plenty of melted cheese for ultimate comfort food. This one-dish meal feeds the whole family.
The turkey stays tender when mixed with creamy cheese sauce and noodles. Everything bakes together for easy cleanup.
Great for families with little kids who love cheesy pasta dishes. You can prep this ahead and bake later.
06. Hearty White Turkey Chili
This lighter chili uses ground turkey, white beans, and green chiles for a unique twist. Cumin and oregano add warm spice flavors.
The white beans and turkey create a protein-rich meal that satisfies without heaviness. Spice levels adjust easily to taste preferences.
Perfect for cold nights when you want something different from regular chili. Garnish with cheese, sour cream, and cilantro.
07. Individual Turkey Meatloaf Muffins
These single-serve meatloaf portions bake in muffin tins with buttermilk keeping them extra moist. Ground turkey makes them lighter than beef versions.
The muffin tin method cooks faster than traditional meatloaf and creates perfect portion sizes. Buttermilk adds tangy flavor and tenderness.
Great for meal prep or families with different schedules. Kids love the individual portions, and they freeze beautifully.
08. Mediterranean Turkey Meatballs with Feta
Ground turkey mixes with spinach, feta cheese, and herbs for Greek-inspired meatballs. The feta adds salty richness while spinach provides nutrients.
These versatile meatballs can also be shaped into burger patties for different meals. Baking keeps them healthier than frying.
This method works great for Mediterranean meal nights. The flavors are bold enough to satisfy without being overwhelming.
09. Healthy Turkey Soft Tacos
Seasoned ground turkey fills soft tortillas with all your favorite taco toppings. Cumin, chili powder, and garlic create authentic Mexican flavors.
This healthier version cuts calories while keeping all the taste you love in tacos. The turkey absorbs seasonings beautifully.
Perfect for Taco Tuesday or any night you want quick, family-friendly dinner. Kids can customize their own toppings.
10. Homemade Turkey Breakfast Sausage
Ground turkey combines with sage, marjoram, and red pepper flakes to create preservative-free breakfast sausage. Much healthier than store-bought versions.
This method lets you control salt and spice levels perfectly. The herbs give it traditional sausage flavor without excess fat.
Great for meal prep since individual portions freeze well. Cook throughout the week for quick breakfast protein.
11. Low-Carb Taco Lettuce Wraps
Seasoned ground turkey fills crisp lettuce cups instead of tortillas for a lighter taco experience. All the flavor with fewer carbs.
The lettuce provides satisfying crunch while cutting calories significantly. Turkey seasoning stays the same as traditional tacos.
Perfect for low-carb diets or when you want something fresh and light. Great for summer meals or healthy lunches.
12. Quick Turkey Stroganoff
Ground turkey replaces beef in this healthier stroganoff with mushrooms, sour cream, and egg noodles. Ready in just 35 minutes total.
This version uses common pantry ingredients most families have on hand. The creamy sauce keeps turkey moist and flavorful.
Great for busy weeknights when you want comfort food fast. Kids love the creamy noodles, and parents appreciate the nutrition.
13. Lean Turkey Sloppy Joes
Ground turkey makes classic sloppy joes lighter while keeping all the messy, delicious appeal. Tomato sauce and seasonings create the signature flavor.
This healthier version saves fat and calories without sacrificing taste. The turkey absorbs the tangy sauce perfectly.
Perfect for picky eaters who might not notice the turkey substitution. Great for casual family dinners or kids’ parties.
14. Asian-Style Turkey Burgers
Soy sauce, fresh ginger, cilantro, and green onions give these turkey burgers bold Thai-inspired flavors. Much more interesting than plain burgers.
The Asian seasonings keep turkey moist while adding umami depth. These pair beautifully with peanut sauce and sautéed vegetables.
Great for adventurous eaters who want something different from regular burgers. The flavors are bold but not too spicy.
15. Make-Ahead Turkey Breakfast Burritos
Scrambled eggs, seasoned ground turkey, and cheese wrap up in tortillas for protein-packed breakfast burritos. Perfect for busy morning meal prep.
These freeze beautifully and reheat quickly in the microwave. The turkey adds extra protein to keep you satisfied longer.
Great for families with hectic schedules who need grab-and-go breakfasts. You can customize with different vegetables and seasonings.
16. Middle Eastern Spiced Turkey Sausages
Ground turkey forms into sausage shapes with Middle Eastern spices like cumin, coriander, and allspice. These taste like restaurant kafta sausages.
The warm spices transform plain turkey into something exotic and flavorful. Grilling gives them perfect texture and char.
Perfect for adventurous families who enjoy trying new flavors. These work great in pita bread with yogurt sauce.
17. Fast Pesto Turkey Meatballs
Store-bought pesto mixes with ground turkey and breadcrumbs for incredibly flavorful meatballs ready in 30 minutes. The pesto does all the work.
This shortcut method creates restaurant-quality results with minimal effort. The basil and garlic flavors shine through beautifully.
Great for busy nights when you want something special without extra work. Kids love these with pasta and marinara sauce.
18. Three-Ingredient Turkey Burgers
Ground turkey, fresh spinach, and creamy goat cheese create surprisingly moist and flavorful burgers. Sometimes simple ingredients work best.
The goat cheese keeps turkey from drying out while adding tangy richness. Spinach provides color and nutrients without strong flavor.
Perfect for weeknight cooking when you want something healthy but don’t have time for complicated recipes. Surprisingly satisfying results.
19. Colorful Stuffed Bell Peppers
Orange bell peppers stuff with seasoned ground turkey, rice, and vegetables for a complete meal. Much lighter than traditional beef versions.
This versatile recipe works as main course or appetizer using mini peppers. The orange peppers add beautiful color and sweet flavor.
Great for meal prep since they reheat well and look impressive. A wonderful change from usual stuffed pepper recipes.
Final Thoughts
These ground turkey recipes prove that healthy eating doesn’t mean sacrificing flavor or satisfaction. From quick weeknight dinners to meal prep favorites, turkey adapts beautifully to any cooking style.
Try a few different recipes to discover your family’s favorites and enjoy nutritious meals that everyone will love.