Turkey might be the quintessential Thanksgiving protein but who says you can't enjoy this at other times of the year? We believe that turkey, especially ground turkey, is THE protein of the year.
In addition to its versatility, ground turkey is also a low-cost, low-fat alternative to ground beef that can be easily made into a family dinner. Below you'll find 20 such ground turkey recipes where each one is primed and ready for your busy weekday dinners.
In turkey bolognese, ground turkey takes center stage as a lean protein source. It pairs perfectly with the rich and savory components of a Bolognese sauce. The turkey is sautéed with aromatic onions, garlic, and carrots, creating a flavorful base. The base is prepared with tomato paste and crushed tomatoes which add complexity to the dish.
The final touches come in the form of herbs like oregano, basil, and thyme to create a well-balanced pasta dish.
Out of many comforting chili recipes out there, Turkey chili stands out because of its nutritional composition. Along with ground turkey, which is a healthier protein compared to other options, the chili also contains kidney beans, black beans, tomatoes, and a blend of chili spices, including cumin, paprika, and chili powder.
As the chili simmers for hours, the turkey becomes tender, absorbing the complex flavors of the spices and melding with the beans and tomatoes. The slow cooker also allows for a convenient hands-off approach.
Sweet and Spicy Sloppy Joes bring a tantalizing twist to the classic comfort food. This reinvention of the beloved sandwich typically involves sautéing ground turkey, with aromatic onions and garlic. What sets this version apart is the addition of a sweet and spicy sauce, usually crafted from a blend of ketchup, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, and chili powder.
Make sure to find a good sandwich bread that can hold all the components of this Sloppy Joe together.
Traditionally, meatloaf is prepared with ground beef, however, the use of ground turkey offers a combination of light and dark meat. The versatility of turkey allows it to absorb the flavors of various seasonings, herbs, and spices.
Typically, turkey meatloaf incorporates ingredients like breadcrumbs or oats as binders, along with eggs and milk to maintain moisture. Vegetables such as onions, garlic, and bell peppers are also added to the meatloaf for both nutrition and a savory dimension. Finally, a glaze goes on top of the lead that is either ketchup or barbecue sauce.
Stuffed bell peppers are a great way to introduce fiber into your diet mixed with the goodness of turkey stuffing. Starting with hollowed-out bell peppers, it acts as an edible vessel ready to be filled with a delightful mixture of ground turkey. The ground turkey, lean yet rich in protein, takes on the savory essence of the seasonings.
As the stuffed peppers bake in the oven, the flavors meld together, and the peppers soften, resulting in a tender texture. The result is a colorful and nutritionally dense dish that combines the sweetness of bell peppers with the savory goodness of seasoned ground turkey. The addition of tomatoes and rice provides a delightful contrast in texture and an extra layer of heartiness.
Turkey meatballs are succulent spheres of seasoned ground turkey often cooked in a luscious sauce for flavor as well as texture. Since the meatballs are baked instead of fried, they are also healthier. These are incredibly versatile and make a perfect addition to various dishes.
Whether served atop spaghetti with marinara sauce, nestled in a sub roll for a meatball sandwich, or enjoyed on their own as a protein-packed snack, these baked delights bring a wholesome element to classic comfort food.
By substituting traditional beef with ground turkey in a lasagna, you maintain the heartiness of the dish while reducing overall fat content. The ground turkey, seasoned with aromatic herbs and spices, is the savory element that complements the layers of pasta, rich tomato sauce, and creamy béchamel or ricotta cheese.
For those seeking a healthier alternative or those simply looking to diversify their lasagna experience, turkey lasagnas provide a satisfying and nutritious option. You can further layer it with spinach, mushrooms, or other vegetables, if you'd like.
As a variation to the classic meatballs, meatloaf bites are similar to meatballs except they are cheesy and rich with stuffed cheese cubes and complementary seasonings. The mini morsels are prepared with ground turkey, breadcrumbs, herbs, seasonings, and cheese. The preferred variety of cheese includes cheddar, mozzarella, or even pepper jack.
When these bites are baked, the inside becomes juicy and tender while the cheese melds into a gooey, molten core. These are perfect for appetizers, lunchboxes, or party platters.
A Taco Bowl is often vibrant with a medley of veggies, protein, and the characteristic crunch of the crispy taco. In this version of the dish, seasoned ground turkey is the star. It is typically cooked with a blend of Mexican-inspired spices such as cumin, chili powder, and garlic to provide savory as well as aromatic profile.
The assembly of the taco bowl allows you to customize the other ingredients to your liking. A base of cilantro-lime rice or quinoa provides a hearty foundation, while the seasoned ground turkey adds a satisfying kick. Colorful toppings like fresh salsa, diced tomatoes, shredded lettuce, avocado slices, and a dollop of Greek yogurt or sour cream complete the bowl with texture and freshness.
Zucchini Boats are a great way to elevate traditional stuffed vegetables. This inventive dish combines the lean goodness of ground turkey sausage with the crisp freshness of zucchini. To prepare these boats, zucchinis are halved and hollowed and filled with a savory mixture of ground turkey sausage, aromatic herbs, and perhaps diced vegetables.
This dish caters to those seeking a lighter, protein-packed option while also celebrating the vibrant colors and nutrients of fresh vegetables. It is also one of the healthiest and flavorful zucchini recipes out there.
This one is for all the Asian cuisine fanatics out there. The crispy lettuce leaves are spooned with a mixture of ground turkey seasoned with soy sauce, ginger, garlic, and sesame oil. The vibrant filling often features water chestnuts for added crunch, green onions for freshness, and often a hint of hoisin sauce for a touch of sweetness.
The result is a harmonious blend of umami, sweetness, and a subtle kick of spice. These wraps provide a healthier alternative to traditional wraps or sandwiches, as the crisp lettuce provides a lightness to the otherwise heavy ingredients.
Who doesn't love a good juicy burger? In this iteration of the dish, ground turkey is shaped into patties along with grated cheddar cheese directly added to the mix. The burger is then expertly grilled or pan-seared. As per assembly, the toasted buns are adorned with crisp lettuce, ripe tomatoes, and perhaps a dollop of tangy condiments.
Because it is so versatile, you can enjoy it either on a summer barbecue or a casual weeknight dinner to celebrate wholesome ingredients and beautiful flavors.
A good stir fry has crispy veggies, rich flavors and a textural protein source. The dish begins with ground turkey which is cooked with accompanying ingredients like bell peppers, broccoli, carrots, and snap peas.
To infuse the stir fry with depth, a savory sauce featuring a combination of soy sauce, ginger, garlic, and sometimes a touch of honey or hoisin sauce is added. As you cook the ingredients in the sauce, it thickens and caramelizes to form a paste that coats each element of the stir fry.
Spaghetti and meatballs are a classic Italian comfort food. The dish features tender, oven-baked turkey meatballs placed into a bed of al dente spaghetti and smothered in a rich, tomato-based marinara sauce.
The use of ground turkey in the meatballs helps reduce the overall fat content and also introduces a slightly milder taste. So, if you're looking for a healthier pasta option and a way to incorporate lean protein into your diet, spaghetti and turkey meatballs are the way to go.
Breakfast sausage patties are a classic morning delight for a savory and satisfying start to the day. These flavorful discs of ground turkey or a combination of turkey and other meats are seasoned with a blend of herbs and spices, typically including sage, thyme, and black pepper. The mixture is then shaped into patties and cooked until golden brown and delicious.
One of the key characteristics of breakfast sausage patties is their versatility. They can be enjoyed on their own as a protein-packed main course or incorporated into various breakfast dishes. From pairing with various eggs recipes to sandwiching between layers of a buttered biscuit or English muffin, these patties are never a bad idea.
Spaghetti Pie is a comforting and inventive dish that takes the classic appeal of spaghetti to a whole new level. Essentially a savory pie, this creation involves mixing cooked spaghetti with eggs and cheese, creating a cohesive base that binds the dish together. The spaghetti mixture is then pressed into a pie dish.
Once the spaghetti crust is in place, you layer it with a ground turkey cooked with tomatoes, herbs, and spices. Finally, the dish is topped with a generous amount of melted cheese, creating a golden and gooey topping when baked.
Greek-style turkey burgers are possibly the best way to enjoy the flavors of Mediterranean cuisine. These burgers typically feature a blend of ground turkey seasoned with garlic, oregano, and mint. The addition of crumbled feta cheese provides a creamy and tangy element, while spinach adds a touch of freshness and vibrant green color.
The aromas of garlic and oregano evoke the streets of Athens, while the feta cheese brings a delightful creaminess reminiscent of traditional Greek salads. Served in warm pita bread with a dollop of tzatziki sauce, these burgers take on a distinctly Mediterranean flair.
Turkey Burger Soup captures the essence of a classic burger in a warm and savory broth. This soup reinvents the familiar flavors of a turkey burger, combining lean ground turkey with a medley of vegetables, herbs, and spices to create a nourishing and satisfying bowl.
The vegetables added include carrots, onions, and celery along with herbs like thyme and rosemary that elevate the soup's aromatic profile. Some variations also incorporate ingredients like brown rice or quinoa for added texture and nutrition.
Related: 20 Types Of Soups You Should Know How To Make
You've seen grilled burger versions on this list. In this iteration, these burgers are baked in the oven for a healthier alternative. This cooking method not only reduces the need for added fats but also allows the turkey burgers to retain moisture and develop a delightful tenderness.
We start with burger patties that are prepared with ground turkey mixed with ingredients like breadcrumbs, egg, and seasonings. The patties are then shaped and baked in the oven. This technique minimizes the risk of overcooking and promotes a more even distribution of flavors throughout the burger.
A pot pie is a comfort dish and how! It features ground turkey along with a few chunks of meat mixed with vegetables, and sometimes even leftover stuffing, all enveloped in a velvety, savory gravy. The filling is then encased in a buttery, flaky pie crust, creating a golden-brown masterpiece.
To prepare Turkey Pot Pie, leftover roasted turkey is repurposed, ensuring no part of the holiday feast goes to waste. The meat is combined with vegetables like peas, carrots, and sometimes potatoes. What works in a pot pie is the contrasting texture between the pie crust and the soft flavorful filling.
