12 Easy Ground Turkey Recipes for Busy Weeknights

Ground turkey is a versatile and healthy ingredient that can be used to make quick, easy, and delicious meals. These 12 easy ground turkey recipes are perfect for busy weeknights when you want a nutritious dinner on the table fast.

Why Cook with Ground Turkey?

There are many benefits to cooking with ground turkey instead of ground beef:

• It’s lower in fat and calories – Ground turkey is typically 85-90% lean while ground beef is usually 80% lean. This cuts back on saturated fat and calories.

• It’s affordable – Ground turkey costs less per pound on average than ground beef Buying turkey helps stretch your grocery budget

• It’s rich in nutrients – Turkey provides niacin, selenium, vitamin B6 and zinc It’s a good source of protein without too much saturated fat.

• It’s versatile – Ground turkey works well in everything from pasta sauce and tacos to meatballs and burgers.

12 Quick & Easy Ground Turkey Recipes

1. Turkey Taco Stuffed Peppers

• Cook time: 35 mins
• Servings: 4

This flavorful recipe combines tacos and stuffed peppers. The ground turkey filling has taco seasoning, black beans, corn and cheese.

2. Turkey Meatballs with Zucchini Noodles

• Cook time: 30 mins
• Servings: 4

For a lighter take on classic spaghetti and meatballs, try these turkey meatballs served over healthy zucchini noodles.

3. Turkey Chili

• Cook time: 35 mins
• Servings: 6-8

Warm up with turkey chili! This leaner version uses ground turkey in place of beef. Top with cheese, cilantro or green onion.

4. Turkey Veggie Casserole

• Cook time: 45 mins
• Servings: 6

This easy turkey casserole is loaded with vegetables like carrots, broccoli and cauliflower. It’s perfect for using up produce.

5. Chipotle Turkey Lettuce Wraps

• Prep time: 10 mins
• Servings: 3

Lettuce wraps make the perfect low-carb lunch or light dinner. Sautéed ground turkey gets spiced up with smoky chipotle.

6. Italian Turkey Skillet

• Cook time: 30 mins
• Servings: 4

This one-pan dinner combines turkey sausage, zucchini and sun-dried tomatoes for a meal that’s ready in 30 minutes flat.

7. Turkey Broccoli Alfredo

• Cook time: 20 mins
• Servings: 4

For a lighter take on creamy pasta, try this turkey broccoli Alfredo. It uses Greek yogurt in place of heavy cream.

8. Cheesy Turkey and Rice Casserole

• Cook time: 55 mins
• Servings: 6

With turkey, rice, cheese and creamy soup, this classic casserole makes a cozy, crowd-pleasing family dinner.

9. Hawaiian Turkey Burgers

• Prep time: 10 mins
• Cook time: 15 mins
• Servings: 4

These tasty turkey burgers are topped with grilled pineapple and teriyaki sauce for a fun Hawaiian twist.

10. Turkey-Stuffed Spaghetti Squash

• Cook time: 1 hour
• Servings: 4

Spaghetti squash halves get stuffed with a savory turkey and vegetable filling. It’s a nice low-carb alternative to pasta.

11. Quick Turkey Stir Fry

• Cook time: 20 mins
• Servings: 4

Get a healthy dinner on the table in just 20 minutes with this easy turkey stir fry. Load it up with your favorite veggies.

12. Turkey Enchilada Skillet

• Cook time: 25 mins
• Servings: 4

All the flavors of enchiladas without the rolling. Just sauté ground turkey with enchilada sauce and bake with tortillas and cheese.

Tips for Cooking Ground Turkey

Follow these simple tips for foolproof ground turkey every time:

• Sauté over medium-high heat until browned and cooked through (no longer pink). Be sure to break up large clumps as it cooks.

• Drain excess fat after cooking. Blot with paper towels if needed.

• Add bold seasonings and spices. Turkey benefits from things like chili powder, garlic, paprika, cumin and cayenne.

• Prevent dryness by mixing in flavorful ingredients like salsa, pesto or cheese.

• For juicier texture in patties or meatballs, mix in a few tablespoons of broth, milk or egg.

With these easy recipes and cooking tips, you’ll see how simple it is to start cooking healthy ground turkey meals for your family. The variety of flavors and dishes you can make is endless.