We Have 18 Recipes for Ground Turkey That Are Easy and Full of Flavor (2024)

Turkey isn't just for Thanksgiving and to prove it, we compiled easy recipes that use ground turkey. With less fat than beef and less pricey than lamb, ground turkey is also fast-cooking and versatile.

Use ground turkey to lighten up a bowl of comforting chili, whip up some scrumptious meatballs, or fill dumplings or a savory pie. Whichever you choose, you'll end up with a simple satisfying meal that makes your weeknights easier.

01of 18

Turkey-Rosemary Bolognese

We Have 18 Recipes for Ground Turkey That Are Easy and Full of Flavor (1)

This tasty pasta dish requires scant hands-on time, but the sauce simmers low and slow until it's rich and flavorful. The recipe calls for finely chopped cooked turkey meat, but cooked ground turkey works great, too. Don't forget to serve with a baguette for sopping up extra sauce!

Get the Recipe

02of 18

Turkey Lasagna Rolls

We Have 18 Recipes for Ground Turkey That Are Easy and Full of Flavor (2)

What we love about this recipe is you can use cooked turkey in any form: ground, shredded, or diced. It's joined by other Thanksgiving stars—namely gravy, creamed spinach, and mashed potatoes—or whatever leftovers are in your fridge after the big meal. Add a jar of marinara sauce and sprinkle some cheese on top and you're good to go.

get the recipe

03of 18

Turkey-and-Rice Meatballs

We Have 18 Recipes for Ground Turkey That Are Easy and Full of Flavor (3)

These tasty meatballs make a fast and easy weeknight meal, so make at least two batches: one for tonight and the other to freeze for later. This recipe pairs them with a crunchy kale-and-apple salad and a creamy lemony tahini dressing.

get the recipe

04of 18

Pasta With Turkey and Broccoli

We Have 18 Recipes for Ground Turkey That Are Easy and Full of Flavor (4)

A quick sauté of ground turkey in a splash of olive oil with garlic, fennel seed, and red pepper flakes creates a pasta sauce that's every bit as savory and satisfying as many that require twice as much effort. Another trick? Streamline cooking and cleanup by cooking the broccoli in the same pot as your pasta.

get the recipe

05of 18

Smoky Turkey Chili

We Have 18 Recipes for Ground Turkey That Are Easy and Full of Flavor (5)

While chili is usually made with ground beef, this healthier version calls for ground turkey, along with tomatillos, poblano peppers, and a pinch of cinnamon. Top this comforting dish—also packed with beans, corn, and sweet potato—with sour cream, sliced pickled jalapeños, and grated pepper jack cheese. Dinner is served!

get the recipe

06of 18

Turkey Burgers With Lime Mayo and Crispy Oven Fries

We Have 18 Recipes for Ground Turkey That Are Easy and Full of Flavor (6)

This recipe uses ground turkey seasoned with garlic powder, oregano, and dried chilis to whip up flavorful burgers for the whole family. If you can handle even more deliciousness, top each with lime mayo and ripe avocado slices.

get the recipe

07of 18

Turkey Sloppy Joes With Coleslaw

We Have 18 Recipes for Ground Turkey That Are Easy and Full of Flavor (7)

Ground turkey has a reputation for being too dry, but this recipe puts an end to that bad rap. A mix of tomato sauce, barbecue sauce, and Worcestershire ensures this turkey sandwich is juicy and flavorful.

get the recipe

08of 18

Turkey-Barley Vegetable Soup

We Have 18 Recipes for Ground Turkey That Are Easy and Full of Flavor (8)

Warm and satisfying yet light and healthful, this soup is a well-balanced meal in a bowl. For the perfect accompaniment, add a crusty loaf, a pan of cornbread, or fluffy homemade biscuits.

get the recipe

09of 18

Turkey Taco Salad

We Have 18 Recipes for Ground Turkey That Are Easy and Full of Flavor (9)

For a lighter take on a classic taco, give this salad a whirl. Along with ground turkey, you'll find the usual taco components: beans, store-bought salsa, sour cream, and grated cheese. Sprinkle some tortilla chip pieces on top for a satisfying crunch.

get the recipe

Grilled Turkey-Zucchini Burgers

We Have 18 Recipes for Ground Turkey That Are Easy and Full of Flavor (10)

Dry turkey isn't a concern with these burgers thanks to moisture-packed zucchini. Garlic powder and cumin bring extra flavor to the patties, while a schmear of honey mustard and mayo adds irresistible creaminess.

get the recipe

11of 18

Turkey and Scallion Dumplings

We Have 18 Recipes for Ground Turkey That Are Easy and Full of Flavor (11)

This recipe calls for leftover chopped cooked turkey, but ground turkey works great, too. Serve these dumplings with a simple tamari-based dipping sauce, or drop them into a miso broth for a satisfying meal. Either way, this dish is an easy copy of your favorite take-out appetizer.

get the recipe

12of 18

Ricotta Meatballs

We Have 18 Recipes for Ground Turkey That Are Easy and Full of Flavor (12)

Combine ground turkey with ground beef for these easy-to-make meatballs that also include ricotta, bread crumbs, and grated Parmesan cheese. For a complete meal, serve over pasta, zucchini noodles, or polenta .

get the recipe

13of 18

Turkey-Pumpkin Chili

We Have 18 Recipes for Ground Turkey That Are Easy and Full of Flavor (13)

This dish is the epitome of fall flavors—chili, pumpkin, and turkey—in a warm, nourishing bowl with a couple twists from traditional chili. It features cannellini beans (instead of pintos) and is seasoned with just coriander and paprika (instead of chili powder and cumin), but goes great with tortilla chips just the same.

Get the Recipe

14of 18

Turkey Burgers With Cajun Grilled Onions

We Have 18 Recipes for Ground Turkey That Are Easy and Full of Flavor (14)

This recipe mixes ground turkey with grated Gruyère or Swiss cheese—resulting in a moister, juicier patty—as well as minced garlic and chili powder to kick up the flavor. Top with grilled onion slices and a sprinkle of your favorite Cajun seasoning to end the argument once and for all that turkey burgers are dry and flavorless.

Get the Recipe

15of 18

Turkey and Cheese Pupusas

We Have 18 Recipes for Ground Turkey That Are Easy and Full of Flavor (15)

Ever tried pupusas? It's a Central American dumpling-like dish made with corn flour and filled with meat, cheese, or beans. This one is stuffed with mozzarella and cooked turkey, which can be ground, shredded, or chopped. Pan-fry them to a golden brown, top with salsa verde and sour cream, and you'll know why El Salvador adopted it as their national dish.

Get the Recipe

16of 18

Cauliflower Shepherd's Pie

We Have 18 Recipes for Ground Turkey That Are Easy and Full of Flavor (16)

This light version of the British classic features ground turkey (instead of lamb or beef) and a mashed topping made of cauliflower (instead of potatoes). Another difference is it only takes 30 minutes to start to finish. Healthier and quicker: What's not to love?

Get the Recipe

17of 18

Sweet Potato and Turkey Tagine

We Have 18 Recipes for Ground Turkey That Are Easy and Full of Flavor (17)

Sweet potato is a common ingredient in this North African staple, but turkey is an unconventional diversion. Whether you use chunks of leftover cooked turkey as the recipe suggests, or substitute with ⅔ to 1 pound of ground turkey, you'll get a hearty stew flavored with warm spices that goes great with couscous or rice.

Get the Recipe

18of 18

Green Chilaquiles

We Have 18 Recipes for Ground Turkey That Are Easy and Full of Flavor (18)

The hardest part of this nacho-like Mexican dish is the decision-making: Snack, appetizer, or a meal? Shredded leftover turkey or browned ground turkey? Queso fresco, cotija, or feta cheese? Homemade chips and salsa or store-bought? Make it your own and crunch away!

Get the Recipe