Ground turkey recipes that are anything but boring!! Grab this healthy protein and make an amazing dinner tonight.
When it comes to quick cooking, lean proteins, it's hard to beat ground turkey. It's easy to find, affordable, and takes on flavor really well. From burgers to soups to stir fries, tacos, and more, ground turkey can be used in so many different recipes.
Plus when compared to ground beef, it has fewer calories and less saturated fat. This is especially true if you choose lean ground turkey or ground turkey breast. And compared to ground chicken, it's easier to find and usually cheaper.
The one complaint I hear about ground turkey is that it can by dry and flavorless. But I promise you won't have to worry about that with these ground turkey recipes. They are packed with flavor, easy to prepare, and even good for you.
So go out and grab some ground turkey and get ready to make an amazing, healthy dinner!
Ground Turkey Burger Recipes
Turkey Apple Burgers, love the sweet and savory twist to dinners? Give this apple turkey burger a try. A juicy burger that is topped with crisp apples.
Asian Turkey Burgers with Sriracha Lime Yogurt Sauce, is probably one of the most flavorful burgers. An Asian flare with a spiced up Sriracha sauce that tops the burger off.
Salsa and Cheese Stuffed Turkey Burgers, are what dreams are made of. You have a burger that has a cheesy center, so when you bite into it you have a nice cheesy surprise.
Healthy Ranch Turkey Burgers, need to be at the top of your list if you are a fan of ranch. A healthy and juicy turkey burger that has fresh tomatoes and ranch served on a tender bun.
Green Chile Turkey Burgers, is the perfect burger to toss on the grill. Pair with some turnip fries or salty chips.
Pizza Turkey Burgers, combine the flavor of a burger and pizza in one. Marinara sauce, Italian flavored burger and topped with melted cheese.
Soups and Stews with Ground Turkey
Spinach Tortellini Soup that's ready in just 30 minutes and hearty and filling from the turkey and tortellini.
Healthy Ground Turkey Chili, is a lighter chili that is packed with beans, chili seasonings and ground turkey.
Whole30 Turkey and Sweet Potato Chili, is a must make. I love the pairing of turkey with sweet potatoes and this chili is unique and different than a traditional chili. You have to try this recipe on a cold chilly day.
Ground Turkey Slow Cooker Recipes
Slow Cooker Turkey Picadillo, is a favorite in our home. Loaded with rich and bold flavors, a good amount of spice and flavors that will leave you reaching for one scoop.
Slow Cooker Turkey Tacos, are a great replacement for the Taco Tuesday. A lean ground turkey that is cooked in your slow cooker, serve in a warm corn tortilla or even a hard shell for a delicious meal.
Tuscan Turkey Sloppy Joes, are made in the slow cooker and great to serve on a hoagie roll or whole grain bread.
Pasta Recipes with Ground Turkey
Turkey Sausage and Broccoli Pasta, can be made and then saved to reheat for lunch the next day. Sometimes you just crave some pasta, and this broccoli and turkey sausage make it exceptional in flavor.
Turkey Fajita Stuffed Zucchini, are so fun to serve up, each person gets their own stuffed zucchini. Great for using up your zucchini from the garden, and has the Mexican fajita flavors.
Pesto Spaghetti Squash with Turkey Sausage, will give you that pasta texture but in a lower carb form thanks to your spaghetti squash. The pesto pairs nicely with the squash and turkey.
Spaghetti Arrabiata with Turkey, spices up your dinner. This lean ground turkey spaghetti recipe does carry a little bit of heat. Pair with al dente pasta and top with parmesan and call it a meal fit for a king or queen.
Spinach Meatballs made with a combination of ground turkey, Italian seasoning, garlic, onion, and frozen spinach make the perfect pairing for pasta.
Ground Turkey Stir Fries
Spicy Green Bean and Ground Turkey Stir Fry is one of the most popular recipes on Slender Kitchen and makes the best easy meal.
Whole30 Asian Ground Turkey Stir-fry, is a quick and easy weeknight meal you can make, that takes minimal time. Healthy and perfect for veggie lovers.
Spicy Turkey, Mushroom, and Green Bean Stir Fry that's ready in less than 30 minutes, packed with veggies, and super tasty.
Asian Ground Turkey Stir Fry that's packed with veggies, a snap to make, and can be made mild or spicy.
Even More Ground Turkey Recipes For Dinner
Grilled Turkey Lula Kebabs, gives you that Mediterranean flavor in every bite. Fresh parsley, lots of spices, all grilled in a kebab form.
Turkey Moussaka, gives you a lighter version of your favorite Greek Dish. Layers of spices, veggies, eggplant and ground turkey. This recipe is anything but bland.
Turkey Quiche Muffins with Broccoli, are a bite-size muffin that is filling, cheesy, and loaded with ground turkey, broccoli, cheese and more.
Turkey Enchilada Stuffed Portabella Mushrooms, can be a hearty dinner or lunch dish to make for anyone who is a fan of mushrooms. You get the enchilada flavors but without the tortilla, and stuffed in a mushroom.
Greek Tostadas with Turkey, served on a toasted pita, greek flavors, ground turkey, fresh tomatoes, feta cheese and more.
Greek Turkey and Feta Stuffed Eggplant, is a stuffed eggplant with turkey, Greek seasonings, and crumbles of feta cheese. This is one hearty and low carb dinner.
Turkey and Black Bean Tostadas with Cilantro Sauce, makes for one simple and easy weeknight meal. Hearty black beans, ground turkey, served on a tostada with a cilantro sauce that is packing some amazing flavors.
Salsa Verde Turkey Tacos made with just three ingredients are an easy weeknight meal that will everyone loves.
Still curious about cooking with ground turkey? Here are some common questions about how to use ground turkey.
Is ground turkey better for you than ground beef?
Generally speaking, ground turkey is a healthier option than ground beef since it has lower amounts of saturated fat and calories than standard ground beef. This can change slightly depending on the type of ground turkey and the type of ground beef. For example, 99% lean ground turkey will have less saturated fat, fat grams, and calories than all types of ground beef. However, 95% lean ground beef has less fat and calories than ground dark meat turkey. A good rule of thumb is that the leaner the ground meat it, the healthier it is.
How long does it take to cook ground turkey?
If you are browning ground turkey for something like a stir fry, tacos, or pasta recipe - it usually takes between 7-10 minutes on medium high heat. Simply break up the meat as it cooks. It is ready when there is no pink.
If you are making something like a meatball, burger, or another type of dish - the cooking time will vary based on the temperature you are cooking the turkey and the thickness of the dish. Refer to specific recipe instructions in that case.
How long does it take to cook turkey burgers?
A standard sized turkey burger will take 4-5 minutes per side in a hot skillet or on a grill. Thicker burgers or stuffed burgers will take longer. Unlike beef burgers, turkey burgers need to be completely cooked through. It is ready when the meat reaches 165 degrees and is no longer pink.
How long does ground turkey keep for?
According to the governmental food safety website, ground meat should be used within 1-2 days of cooking. Ground turkey can be frozen if you will not use it in time. It will last 3-4 months in the freezer. Cooked ground turkey can last in the fridge for 3-4 days.
How do you know if ground turkey is spoiled?
If you have any question about whether your meat is good or not, the best option is to dispose of it. However, when ground turkey is spoiled, it usually has an off or sour smell. It can also have a slimy texture or a dull appearance.
Is ground turkey fat free?
It depends on what type of ground turkey you buy. 99% lean ground turkey is virtually fat free but there is also 93% lean options and ground dark meat options which can have up to 20% fat.