10+ Ground Turkey Recipes for Quick and Tasty Meals

Ground turkey’s one of those ingredients you can use in just about anything. It’s lean, cooks up fast, and works in so many dishes—pretty handy if you want something simple and healthy.

Ground turkey recipes are easy to prepare and loaded with flavor—ideal for any day, really. Whether you’re craving comfort food or something lighter, turkey fits the bill in lots of tasty ways.

1) Mom’s Ground Turkey and Peppers

This recipe’s a quick way to get a homemade meal on the table. Cook the turkey with onions, garlic, and bright bell peppers.

Chipotle chilis add a nice kick, but it’s not overwhelming. Serve with rice or noodles—whatever you’ve got.

It’s all made in one pot, so cleanup’s a breeze. Ground turkey thighs taste best, but regular works too.

Fresh veggies give it just enough texture and flavor to keep things interesting.

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground turkey (preferably turkey thighs)
• 1 cup chopped yellow onion
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1-2 chipotle chilis, chopped
• 2 bell peppers, sliced
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat (about 350°F / 175°C).
2. Add onions and garlic; sauté until soft.
3. Add ground turkey, breaking it up as it cooks.
4. Stir in chipotle chilis and bell peppers.
5. Cook until turkey is browned and peppers are tender.
6. Season with salt and pepper before serving.

2) Korean Ground Turkey with Cucumber Salad

This Korean ground turkey dish is a nice balance of sweet and spicy. Gochujang and brown sugar create a sauce that keeps the turkey juicy and flavorful.

You’ll pair it with a tangy cucumber salad for a cool, crisp contrast. The cucumber and carrots bring a fresh crunch that keeps things light.

Serve it over rice—white or brown, your call. It’s a fast weeknight dinner that feels a bit special, even though it’s not much work.

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground turkey
• 2 tbsp gochujang
• 1 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 tbsp tamari or soy sauce
• 1 tbsp sesame oil
• 1 cucumber, thinly sliced
• 1 carrot, shredded
• 1 tbsp rice vinegar
• 1 tsp sugar
• Salt, to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat sesame oil in a pan over medium heat (about 350°F / 175°C).
2. Add ground turkey, cook until browned (5-7 minutes).
3. Stir in gochujang, brown sugar, and tamari. Cook 2-3 minutes, blending flavors.
4. Toss cucumber and carrot with rice vinegar, sugar, and salt.
5. Serve turkey over rice with cucumber salad on the side.

3) Ground Turkey Stir Fry with Veggies

This stir fry’s a lifesaver on busy nights. Toss in your favorite mix of veggies and let the turkey soak up a savory sauce.

You get that satisfying crunch from the vegetables and the rich taste from the turkey. Serve it over rice or noodles—whatever you’re in the mood for.

The whole thing takes about 30 minutes. Add garlic, ginger, and soy sauce for that classic stir fry flavor.

Need a basic recipe? Check out Ground Turkey Stir Fry with Vegetables Recipe.

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground turkey
• 2 cups mixed vegetables (like bell peppers, broccoli, carrots)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp fresh ginger, grated
• 3 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp oil (vegetable or sesame)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat oil in a large pan over medium-high heat (about 350°F / 175°C).
2. Add garlic and ginger; cook for 1 minute.
3. Add ground turkey; break it up and cook until browned.
4. Toss in veggies, stir fry 5-7 minutes until just tender.
5. Pour in soy sauce; stir to coat.
6. Cook 2 minutes more, then serve warm.

4) Easy Shell Pasta with Ground Turkey

This is comfort food, plain and simple. Brown the ground turkey, then mix it with pasta shells and a savory tomato sauce.

You can get this meal on the table in about 30 minutes. It’s filling, quick, and uses lean turkey, so it’s a healthier option.

Throw in some garlic, onions, or extra veggies if you want. It’s cozy and doesn’t take much effort—always a win.

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground turkey
• 8 oz pasta shells
• 2 cups marinara or tomato sauce
• 1 small onion, diced (optional)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat (about 350°F / 175°C).
2. Add onion and garlic; sauté until soft.
3. Add ground turkey; cook until browned.
4. Stir in tomato sauce, salt, and pepper. Simmer 5 minutes.
5. Cook pasta shells as directed, then drain.
6. Mix pasta with turkey sauce and serve warm.

5) Healthy Ground Turkey Lo Mein

You can whip up a healthy turkey lo mein with just a few ingredients. Use lean turkey, fresh veggies like carrots and onions, and lo mein noodles.

Garlic and ginger give it a punch of flavor without piling on calories. The whole thing cooks fast—good news for weeknight dinners.

Stir in soy sauce, a little honey, and some sriracha if you like a kick. The noodles, veggies, and turkey make this filling but still light.

Got leftover turkey? Toss it in and make a new meal out of it.

Ingredients

• 1 pound lean ground turkey
• 2 medium carrots, thinly sliced
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cups mixed vegetables (like bell peppers or snap peas)
• 8 ounces lo mein noodles
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
• 3 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon honey
• 1/2 teaspoon sriracha (optional)
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil

Cooking Instructions

1. Cook lo mein noodles as the package says. Drain and set aside.
2. Heat oil in a pan over medium heat (350°F / 175°C).
3. Add garlic and ginger; sauté for a minute.
4. Add ground turkey; cook until no longer pink, about 5–7 minutes.
5. Toss in carrots, onion, and other veggies; cook until tender, about 4 minutes.
6. Stir in soy sauce, honey, and sriracha.
7. Add noodles; toss until everything’s mixed and hot.
8. Serve it up warm.

Try this turkey lo mein for a simple meal you’ll actually want to eat. More tips here.

6) Mexican Lasagna Lite with Turkey

This Mexican lasagna is a lighter spin on a classic, thanks to lean ground turkey. You’ll layer salsa, corn tortillas, and beans for a dish that’s filling but not heavy.

It comes together in about 40 minutes, which is pretty reasonable. Using low-sodium tomato sauce and ground turkey helps keep things on the healthier side.

Want to mix it up? Swap in whole wheat tortillas or toss in extra veggies like bell peppers.

Ingredients

• 1 pound lean ground turkey
• 12 white corn tortillas
• 1 ½ cups low-sodium tomato sauce
• 1 cup salsa
• 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 cup corn kernels
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 cup shredded low-fat cheese

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Brown turkey in a skillet over medium heat.
3. Stir in tomato sauce, salsa, beans, corn, cumin, and chili powder. Cook 5 minutes.
4. Spread a thin layer of turkey mixture in a baking dish.
5. Layer 4 tortillas on top, then add more turkey mixture. Repeat layers twice.
6. Top with cheese.
7. Bake for 25 minutes until cheese bubbles.
8. Let it cool for 5 minutes before serving.

7) Turkey Burgers with Avocado

Turkey burgers with avocado are a fresh way to enjoy ground turkey. The avocado keeps the burgers moist and adds a creamy bite.

You can mix avocado into the turkey or just pile it on top. Season your turkey with garlic, chili powder, salt, and pepper for a simple but tasty burger.

Add pepper jack cheese if you’re feeling it. Top with tomato or lettuce for crunch.

Want a little heat? Try a smoky chipotle sauce or homemade guac. These burgers cook up fast and make a satisfying meal.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound ground turkey
• 1 large ripe avocado (mashed or chopped)
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• Pepper jack cheese slices (optional)

Cooking Instructions:

1. Mix turkey, avocado, garlic, chili powder, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
2. Form into 4 patties.
3. Heat a grill or skillet to medium-high.
4. Cook burgers 5-6 minutes per side or until they hit 165°F (74°C).
5. Add cheese during the last minute.
6. Serve with your favorite buns and toppings.

8) One-Pot Chipotle Turkey and Peppers

This one-pot meal is big on flavor and low on hassle. Sauté ground turkey with onions, garlic, and bell peppers.

Chipotle chilis bring a smoky, spicy edge that makes the dish pop. Serve it with rice or noodles for a quick dinner.

It cooks fast and only uses one pan, so you won’t be stuck doing dishes all night.

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground turkey
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 bell peppers, sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1-2 chipotle chilis in adobo, chopped
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat (aim for about 350°F / 175°C).
2. Toss in onion and garlic. Sauté until they’re soft—shouldn’t take long.
3. Add the ground turkey. Stir and break it up as it cooks, until there’s no pink left.
4. Throw in bell peppers and chipotle chilis.
5. Season with salt and pepper. Let everything cook until the peppers get tender.
6. Serve hot. Rice or noodles on the side? Totally up to you.

9) Ground Turkey Meatloaf

Turkey meatloaf brings a classic comfort food vibe, just a bit lighter. You still get that cozy flavor, but the turkey keeps it lean.

It cooks faster than beef, which is handy on busy nights. I like to mix in onions, garlic, breadcrumbs, and an egg to help it all stick together.

A glaze on top gives it a sweet and tangy kick. You can really play with the flavors—throw in your favorite herbs or a dash of something spicy if you’re feeling bold.

This one’s great for families or meal prep, honestly. It’s hard to mess up.

Ingredients:

• 1 1/4 lbs ground turkey
• 1 cup chopped onion
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1 egg
• 2 tbsp butter or margarine (optional)
• Your choice of glaze

Cooking Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a bowl, mix turkey, onion, garlic, breadcrumbs, and egg.
3. Shape the mixture into a loaf and set it in a baking dish.
4. Spread glaze over the top.
5. Bake for 50-60 minutes, until it’s cooked through.
6. Let it rest for about 10 minutes before slicing.

10) Turkey Chili with Beans

Turkey chili with beans is one of those meals that just works anytime. You get ground turkey, your favorite beans—maybe kidney or black—and a bunch of spices for a kick.

It all cooks up in one pot, which makes cleanup a breeze. That’s a win in my book.

This chili comes together quickly, so it’s perfect for busy days. You get plenty of protein from the turkey and fiber from the beans.

Toss in tomatoes and spices and you’ve got something warm and satisfying. If you want to sneak in some extra veggies, go for it—no one will complain.

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground turkey
• 1 can (15 ounces) kidney beans, rinsed
• 1 can (15 ounces) crushed tomatoes
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Brown the ground turkey in a large pot over medium heat.

2. Toss in the onion and garlic. Cook until everything’s soft and fragrant.

3. Sprinkle in chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper.

4. Add the beans. Pour in the crushed tomatoes. Mix it all together.

5. Let it come to a boil. Dial the heat down and let it simmer for about 20 minutes.

6. Serve it up hot.

For more ideas, check out the Simple Turkey Chili Recipe.