The Best Ground Turkey Recipes for Easy Everyday Meals

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The Best Ground Turkey Recipes for Easy Everyday Meals

turkey meatballs on a bed of spaghetti

If you’re looking for Ground Turkey Recipes that are cozy, flexible, and weeknight-friendly, I’ve got you covered! From juicy meatballs to hearty casseroles and chili, these healthy dinner ideas won’t let you down.

Ground turkey meatballs on a bed of spaghetti.

Ground turkey is a weeknight hero!

cookbook author erin clarke of well plated

Ground turkey is one of those ingredients I keep stocked in my kitchen at all times. It’s affordable, easy to cook with, and it’s one of the best lighter substitutes I’ve found for ground beef.

Over the years, I’ve used ground turkey in so many recipes—I didn’t even realize just how many until I started rounding them up below!

This post is a collection of the ground turkey recipes I turn to again and again: recipes that are reliable, family-friendly, and healthier ways to cook classic dishes. There’s something here for everyone!

Ground turkey burger topped with avocado and cheese.

Buying, Storing, and Cooking with Ground Turkey

Before we get to the recipes, here are a few quick tips to help you get the best results when cooking with ground turkey:

  • Choose the right fat level. Ground turkey labeled 93/7 strikes a great balance between flavor and leanness. Extra-lean turkey (99%) works best in recipes with sauces or added moisture.
  • Store it properly. Keep raw ground turkey refrigerated and use it within 1–2 days, or freeze it for up to 3 months.
  • Season generously. Turkey is mild, so don’t be shy with herbs, spices, garlic, and onion.
  • Avoid overcooking. Ground turkey cooks quickly and can dry out if left too long, so remove it from the heat as soon as it’s browned.
  • Add moisture when needed. Eggs, breadcrumbs, grated veggies, or sauces help keep turkey tender and juicy.

Turkey Meatballs & Meatloaf Recipes

These recipes prove that ground turkey can be just as delicious and satisfying as traditional beef versions. In fact, a lot of the time I like it even better!

a plate of homemade turkey meatballs
Turkey Meatballs
Juicy, tender, and endlessly versatile, these turkey meatballs are a weeknight staple that works just as well over pasta as they do tucked into a sub.
Check out this recipe
Classic Crock Pot Turkey Meatballs
Crock Pot Turkey Meatballs
Let the slow cooker do the work with these hands-off turkey meatballs that turn out flavorful and tender every single time.
Check out this recipe
A moist turkey meatloaf on a plate
Turkey Meatloaf
This lighter take on classic meatloaf is just as comforting and satisfying, with plenty of flavor and a perfectly sliceable texture.
Check out this recipe
Cranberry Turkey Meatballs with Apple and Sage
Cranberry Turkey Meatballs
Sweet, tangy, and perfect for holidays or parties, these cranberry turkey meatballs are always the first thing to disappear.
Check out this recipe
Healthy Moroccan Meatballs with Whole Wheat Couscous
Moroccan Meatballs
Warm spices and bold flavors make these Moroccan-inspired turkey meatballs feel special, even though they’re surprisingly easy to make.
Check out this recipe
a plate of juicy air fryer meatballs
Air Fryer Meatballs
Crisp on the outside and juicy inside, these air fryer turkey meatballs cook fast and are perfect for busy weeknights.
Check out this recipe
Easy, DELICIOUS Italian Whole30 Meatballs and Sauce with ground turkey, almond flour, and Italian seasoning. A healthy, low carb recipe that families love! Serve right away or keep warm in the crockpot #paleo #glutenfree #whole30 #meatballs
Whole30 Meatballs and Sauce
Simple, clean ingredients and big flavor make these Whole30-compliant meatballs a great option for meal prep or special diets.
Check out this recipe
Homemade Swedish meatballs in skillet
Swedish Meatballs
Cozy and creamy, these lighter Swedish-style turkey meatballs bring all the comfort without feeling too heavy.
Check out this recipe

Ground Turkey Burgers and Sandwiches

Ground turkey makes juicy, flavorful burgers when seasoned well. Still skeptical? Add one of these recipes to your menu!

Italian turkey burger with cheese and vegetables on a white plate
Italian Turkey Burgers
Seasoned with herbs and garlic, these Italian-style turkey burgers are juicy, flavorful, and perfect for switching up burger night.
Check out this recipe
juicy turkey burgers topped with avocado and cheese
Turkey Burgers
A classic, no-fuss turkey burger recipe that’s juicy, dependable, and easy to customize with your favorite toppings.
Check out this recipe
Paleo Sweet Potato Turkey Burgers with Chipotle and Avocado. Easy to make and freeze ahead!
Chipotle Sweet Potato Turkey Burgers
Smoky chipotle and naturally sweet potatoes give these turkey burgers big flavor and a little kick.
Check out this recipe
Healthy Hawaiian Teriyaki Burger recipe. Recipe at wellplated.com | @wellplated
Teriyaki Burgers with Grilled Pineapple
These teriyaki turkey burgers are sweet, savory, and perfect for when you want something a little different from the usual.
Check out this recipe
Homemade Crock Pot Sloppy Joes with Ground Turkey, Chickpeas, and Feta. An easy, healthy, and kid-friendly recipe your whole family will love! Freezer friendly and the slow cooker does the work. Recipe at wellplated.com | @wellplated
Greek Crock Pot Sloppy Joes
A fun twist on a classic, these Greek-inspired sloppy joes are packed with flavor and made extra easy in the slow cooker.
Check out this recipe

Soups and Chili with Ground Turkey

Ground turkey shines in soups and chili. Since it’s simmered in the liquid, you don’t have to worry about it going dry on you!

Award-winning Healthy Turkey Chili with Sweet Potatoes, lean turkey, and avocado. Perfectly spiced, easy, and filling! Just 227 calories per serving! Recipe at wellplated.com | @wellplated
Healthy Turkey Chili
Hearty, comforting, and packed with protein, this turkey chili is perfect for cozy nights without feeling too heavy.
Check out this recipe
Slow Cooker Turkey Quinoa Chili
Slow Cooker Turkey Chili with Sweet Potatoes
A little sweet, a little savory, and incredibly satisfying, this slow cooker chili is a set-it-and-forget-it favorite.
Check out this recipe
Pumpkin chili in a Dutch oven
Pumpkin Chili
Pumpkin adds richness and subtle sweetness to this turkey chili, making it perfect for fall and winter dinners.
Check out this recipe
Instant Pot chili in bowl topped with sour cream and cheese
Instant Pot Chili
Fast, flavorful, and weeknight-friendly, this Instant Pot turkey chili is ready in a fraction of the usual time.
Check out this recipe
Two bowls of hamburger soup with vegetables
Crock Pot Hamburger Soup
This cozy soup uses ground turkey for a lighter spin on a classic, slow-simmered comfort meal.
Check out this recipe

Ground Turkey Casserole Recipes

Hello comfort food! Replacing the ground beef with ground turkey makes cozy casseroles a little bit healthier.

bowl of Crock Pot Mexican Casserole topped with melted cheese
Crockpot Mexican Casserole
Bold flavors, minimal prep, and lots of comfort make this slow cooker casserole a family favorite.
Check out this recipe
Stuffed Pepper Casserole with cheese, meat, bell peppers, and tomatoes in a skillet with cheese on top.
Stuffed Pepper Casserole
Easy Stuffed Pepper Casserole takes classic stuffed pepper ingredients like rice, ground meat, tomato and cheese and turns them into a healthy one pot meal!
Check out this recipe
Easy Homemade Whole30 Breakfast Casserole with sausage, spinach, eggs, and tomatoes in a serving dish
Whole30 Breakfast Casserole
Protein-packed and make-ahead friendly, this breakfast casserole is great for meal prep or feeding a crowd.
Check out this recipe
Two baked spaghetti squash halves filled with meat sauce and melted cheese, garnished with chopped parsley.
Spaghetti Squash Casserole
A lighter, veggie-forward casserole that still feels cozy and satisfying thanks to seasoned ground turkey.
Check out this recipe
Healthy Slow Cooker Taco Casserole
Crockpot Taco Casserole
Cheesy, comforting, and packed with taco flavor, this casserole is always a hit at the dinner table.
Check out this recipe

Italian-Inspired Ground Turkey Recipes

Ground turkey pairs beautifully with tomato sauces, herbs, and cheese. Mangia!

Healthy weeknight Turkey Bolognese. Easy recipe and tastes authentic! The thick, rich sauce tastes like it’s been simmering all day, but is ready in minutes, not hours. Recipe at wellplated.com.
Turkey Bolognese
Rich, saucy, and comforting, this turkey bolognese is a lighter take on the classic that still feels indulgent.
Check out this recipe
Healthy zucchini ravioli in a baking dish
Zucchini Ravioli
Fresh zucchini stands in for pasta in this clever, lighter dish that still delivers big Italian flavors.
Check out this recipe
Four spaghetti squash halves filled with lasagna flavor
Spaghetti Squash Lasagna
All the cozy layers you love about lasagna, made lighter with spaghetti squash and ground turkey.
Check out this recipe

Mexican-Inspired Ground Turkey Recipes

Ground turkey soaks up all those yummy Tex-Mex seasonings just like ground beef.

the best easy and healthy taco salad in a large bowl
Healthy Taco Salad
Fresh, flavorful, and satisfying, this taco salad is perfect for when you want something light but filling.
Check out this recipe
Healthy Taco Spaghetti Squash Boats with Cheese, Ground Turkey, and Black Beans. Easy, filling, and low carb! Great for busy families. Everyone loves this recipe! {gluten free}. Recipe at wellplated.com
Taco Spaghetti Squash Boats
These squash boats are fun to serve and packed with taco-seasoned turkey and melty goodness.
Check out this recipe
Instant Pot Mexican Casserole. A healthy Instant Pot Mexican recipe with rice, beans, chicken or turkey, and fresh veggies. An easy pressure cooker recipe that’s absolutely delicious!
Instant Pot Mexican Casserole
Quick, comforting, and full of bold flavor, this Instant Pot casserole is a weeknight lifesaver.
Check out this recipe

More Ground Turkey Recipes to Try

Here are a few more reader favorites that deserve a spot in your rotation.

Crockpot stuffed peppers in a slow cooker with a fork in one
Crockpot Stuffed Peppers
Slow-cooked and comforting, these stuffed peppers are perfect for hands-off dinners and meal prep.
Check out this recipe
Browned turkey sausage patties in skillet
Turkey Sausage
Homemade turkey sausage is easy to make and perfect for breakfast, meal prep, or adding to recipes.
Check out this recipe
Easy Chili Mac and Cheese in a dutch oven with a spoon
Chili Mac and Cheese
Creamy, cozy, and extra comforting, this mashup of chili and mac is always a crowd-pleaser.
Check out this recipe
healthy egg roll in a bowl
Egg Roll in a Bowl
All the flavors of an egg roll, minus the wrapper, in a quick skillet meal that’s great for busy nights.
Check out this recipe
Healthy Instant Pot stuffed peppers
Instant Pot Stuffed Peppers
These stuffed peppers cook up quickly in the Instant Pot and are hearty, flavorful, and satisfying.
Check out this recipe

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