10+ Ground Turkey Recipes for Dinner Easy and Delicious Meals to Try Tonight

Ground turkey’s a flexible, lean protein that works in all sorts of dinner recipes. If you’re after something tasty but a bit lighter than beef, it’s a solid pick.

You can use ground turkey in many easy and delicious meals that suit different tastes and cooking styles.

When you cook with ground turkey, you’ve got plenty of ways to keep dinners interesting without much extra effort. Whether you want a quick weeknight fix or something a bit more special, turkey can slide right into dishes you already love.

Ingredients

• Ground turkey
• Onion
• Garlic
• Bell peppers
• Spices (salt, pepper, paprika, etc.)

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat a pan over medium heat.
2. Add chopped onion and garlic, sauté until soft.
3. Add ground turkey and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes (165°F / 74°C internal temperature).
4. Mix in diced bell peppers and spices, cook for another 3-5 minutes.
5. Serve with your choice of side like rice or pasta.

1) Shawarma Stuffed Peppers with Ground Turkey

Try stuffing bell peppers with ground turkey for a dinner that feels new but isn’t hard to make. Season the turkey with cumin, coriander, turmeric, and cinnamon for that cozy shawarma vibe.

Brown the turkey with salt and pepper, then fill the hollowed-out peppers. Bake for about 35 minutes until the peppers soften and the filling cooks through.

Top with fresh mint and scallions after baking. It’s a simple way to get a flavorful, healthy meal on the table.

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground turkey
• 4 large bell peppers
• 1/2 tsp salt
• Black pepper, to taste
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp ground coriander
• 1/2 tsp turmeric
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon
• Pinch of cayenne (optional)
• 2 scallions, thinly sliced
• 1/4 cup fresh mint, chopped

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cut tops off bell peppers and remove seeds.
3. In a pan, brown ground turkey with spices, salt, and pepper.
4. Stuff peppers with turkey mixture.
5. Place peppers in a baking dish and bake for 35 minutes.
6. Top with scallions and mint before serving.

2) Turkey Lasagna with Spinach and Ricotta

Turkey lasagna gets a boost from spinach and ricotta, which bring a fresh, creamy layer without making things heavy. Lean ground turkey keeps it light but filling.

Cook the turkey with onions and tomato sauce. Mix ricotta with thawed spinach for a smooth spread.

Layer noodles, meat sauce, and the spinach-ricotta mix in your baking dish. Bake at 375°F (190°C) until bubbly and golden.

This one’s great for family dinners—and honestly, leftovers are even better the next day.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound lean ground turkey
• 9 lasagna noodles
• 16 oz frozen spinach, thawed and drained
• 2 cups ricotta cheese
• 3 cups tomato sauce
• ½ cup chopped onion

Cooking Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook turkey and onion in a pan until turkey is browned.
3. Stir in tomato sauce and simmer.
4. Mix spinach with ricotta cheese.
5. Layer noodles, meat sauce, and spinach-ricotta mixture in a baking dish.
6. Repeat layers, ending with sauce on top.
7. Bake for 35-40 minutes until bubbly and golden.

3) Mom’s Chipotle Ground Turkey and Peppers

This one’s easy and packs a punch of flavor. Start by sautéing ground turkey with onions, garlic, and bell peppers.

Chipotle chili brings a smoky, mild heat that wakes up the dish. Serve it with rice or noodles for a full meal.

You’ll only need one pot, so cleanup’s a breeze.

Ingredients

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

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Add onions and garlic, cook until soft.
3. Add bell peppers and cook for 3 minutes.
4. Add ground turkey, breaking it up with a spoon.
5. Stir in chipotle chilis, salt, and pepper. Cook until turkey is browned and cooked through, about 8-10 minutes.
6. Serve hot with rice or noodles.

4) Easy Shell Pasta with Ground Turkey Tomato Sauce

If you want a fast, satisfying dinner, this is it. Cook lean ground turkey with a savory tomato sauce and toss in tender pasta shells.

The whole thing comes together in about 30 minutes. You can throw in your favorite spices or sneak in some veggies if you like.

Ground turkey keeps it lean, and the tomato sauce brings all the flavor. It’s a crowd-pleaser, honestly.

Ingredients

• 1 lb (450g) lean ground turkey
• 12 oz (340g) pasta shells
• 1 can (15 oz/425g) tomato sauce
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tsp dried basil (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat.
2. Add onion and garlic, cook until soft.
3. Add ground turkey, cook until browned.
4. Stir in tomato sauce, basil, salt, and pepper. Simmer 10 minutes.
5. Cook pasta shells according to package instructions.
6. Drain pasta and mix with the turkey tomato sauce.
7. Serve warm.

5) Turkey Meatballs in Marinara Sauce

Turkey meatballs are a solid dinner move any night. They cook fast and stay moist with a little cheese and seasoning mixed in.

Brown the meatballs, then let them simmer in marinara sauce to soak up all that flavor. Pair with pasta, rice, or even steamed veggies.

If you want a straightforward recipe, check out these turkey meatballs in marinara sauce.

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground turkey
• 1/2 cup bread crumbs
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 egg
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 cups marinara sauce

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Mix turkey, bread crumbs, cheese, egg, garlic, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
3. Form mixture into small meatballs.
4. Brown meatballs in a pan for 7-8 minutes, turning to brown all sides.
5. Pour marinara sauce over meatballs and bring to a boil.
6. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes.
7. Serve hot with your favorite side.

6) Healthy Ground Turkey Skillet with Veggies

A ground turkey skillet with veggies is about as easy as dinner gets. Cook lean turkey with zucchini, peppers, and corn for a colorful, nutrient-packed meal.

Season with garlic and whatever herbs you like. It all comes together in one pan, so you won’t have a mountain of dishes.

You can toss in green beans or fire-roasted tomatoes for a twist. For more ideas, check out this ground turkey skillet recipe with veggies.

Ingredients

• 1 lb lean ground turkey
• 3 zucchinis, sliced
• 1 bell pepper, diced
• 1 cup corn
• 5 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
3. Add ground turkey and cook until no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes.
4. Stir in zucchini, bell pepper, and corn. Cook until veggies are tender, about 8-10 minutes.
5. Season with salt and pepper before serving.

7) Ground Turkey Enchilada Skillet

Here’s a quick way to use ground turkey for dinner. Cook the turkey with enchilada sauce, black beans, and veggies—all in one pan.

Top with cheese and let it melt for a gooey finish. This skillet is great for sneaking in extra veggies like corn or bell peppers.

You’ll barely have any cleanup, and it’s honestly just tasty. For more details, see Ground Turkey Enchilada Skillet Meal.

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground turkey
• 1 cup enchilada sauce
• 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 cup corn (fresh or frozen)
• 1 bell pepper, diced
• 1/2 red onion, diced
• 1 cup shredded cheese
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
2. Add onion and bell pepper; cook until soft.
3. Add ground turkey and cook until no longer pink.
4. Stir in chili powder, cumin, enchilada sauce, black beans, and corn.
5. Simmer for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally.
6. Sprinkle cheese over the top, cover, and cook until cheese melts.
7. Serve warm with tortillas or rice.

8) Turkey and Quinoa Meatloaf

Turkey and quinoa meatloaf is a healthier spin on the classic. You just mix ground turkey with cooked quinoa, which bumps up the protein and gives it a nice texture.

It’s filling and honestly, not hard to throw together at all. I like tossing in spices like garlic powder, onion powder, and a little cayenne if I’m feeling bold.

A tomato-based glaze on top keeps things moist and adds a bit of tang. You can sneak in veggies too—carrots or kale work well.

Bake at 350°F (175°C) until the loaf is cooked through and still juicy. It’s a great dinner, and leftovers reheat without fuss.

Ingredients

• 1.5 to 2 pounds ground turkey
• 1 cup cooked quinoa
• 2 eggs
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/3 cup tomato paste (for glaze)

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a big bowl, mix turkey, quinoa, eggs, onion powder, garlic powder, cayenne, salt, and pepper.
3. Shape the mixture into a loaf and set it in a baking dish.
4. Spread tomato paste over the top for the glaze.
5. Bake for 55-60 minutes, until it’s cooked through.
6. Let it rest about 5 minutes before slicing.

9) Ground Turkey Chili with Beans

Ground turkey chili with beans is one of those easy, healthy dinners you can whip up any night. It packs plenty of protein and fiber from both the turkey and beans.

You can play with the spices—make it as spicy or as mild as you want. Everything cooks in one pot, which really helps with cleanup.

Use kidney beans, black beans, or both if you’re indecisive. Onions, bell peppers, and carrots add extra flavor and a bit of crunch.

If you want a solid recipe to follow, check out The Kitchen Girl’s website for her turkey chili—it’s straightforward and tasty.

Ingredients

• 1 lb lean ground turkey
• 1 can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 1 cup chopped onion
• 1 cup diced bell peppers
• 1 cup chopped carrots
• 2 tbsp chili powder
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup water or broth

Cooking Instructions

1. Brown the ground turkey in a big pot over medium heat.
2. Add onion, bell peppers, and carrots; cook until they soften up.
3. Stir in chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
4. Add beans, diced tomatoes, and water or broth.
5. Bring to a simmer, cover, and let it cook for 20-30 minutes.
6. Taste it and adjust the seasoning before you serve.

10) Ground Turkey Lo Mein Stir Fry

You can make a quick, tasty dinner by tossing ground turkey into a lo mein stir fry. It cooks up fast and uses plenty of fresh veggies with a punchy sauce.

Start by browning the turkey in a hot skillet. Add garlic, carrots, and scallions for a mix of flavors that just works.

Throw in cooked noodles and a simple soy-based sauce to tie it all together. This dish is quick, low in fat, and honestly perfect for those hectic nights.

You get protein, veggies, and noodles all in one bowl—what’s not to like?

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground turkey
• 2 medium carrots, thinly sliced
• 3 scallions, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 8 ounces cooked lo mein noodles
• 3 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1 teaspoon ginger, minced

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat some oil in a big skillet over medium-high heat.

2. Toss in the ground turkey and let it brown—should take around 6-8 minutes.

3. Add the garlic, carrots, and scallions. Stir and cook for another 2-3 minutes.

4. Throw in the cooked noodles, pour in soy sauce, and add ginger. Toss everything together.

5. Stir it all for 2 more minutes. Make sure it’s heated through.

6. Serve it up while it’s still warm.