20 Ground Turkey Recipes for Easy Weeknights

Ground turkey is one of the most useful ingredients for busy weeknights: it is lean, affordable, quick-cooking and takes on almost any flavor you give it. These 20 recipes turn a pound or two of ground turkey into dinners the whole family will actually look forward to.

You will find one-pan skillets, saucy pastas, rice bowls, comforting casseroles and lighter low-carb options, with flavors from Mexico, Korea, Thailand, Italy and the Mediterranean. Most are ready in 30 to 45 minutes, and every recipe cooks the turkey to a safe 165°F (74°C).

1. Cheesy Ground Turkey Taco Rice Skillet

Taco-seasoned turkey, rice, black beans and corn cook together in one skillet under a blanket of melted cheddar. It is a complete dinner with just one pan to wash.

Servings: 6 · Total time: 35 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 lb ground turkey
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 tbsp taco seasoning
• 1 cup long-grain white rice
• 1 (14.5-oz) can diced tomatoes
• 1 3/4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 (15-oz) can black beans, drained
• 1 cup corn
• 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar
• Avocado, cilantro and sour cream, for topping

Instructions

1. Brown the turkey with the onion in the oil for 7 to 8 minutes until cooked to 165°F (74°C). Stir in the taco seasoning.
2. Add the rice, tomatoes and broth, bring to a boil, cover and simmer 18 minutes until the rice is tender.
3. Stir in the beans and corn, top with cheddar, cover 3 minutes to melt and serve with toppings.

2. Turkey Bolognese

A rich, slow-simmered style meat sauce made with ground turkey, carrots, celery and tomatoes coats pasta beautifully. A splash of milk keeps the lean meat tender.

Servings: 6 · Total time: 50 minutes

Ingredients

• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 onion, carrot and celery stalk, finely diced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 1/2 lb ground turkey
• 1 tsp kosher salt
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 1/2 cup whole milk
• 1 (28-oz) can crushed tomatoes
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 lb pappardelle or rigatoni
• Grated Parmesan, for serving

Instructions

1. Cook the vegetables in the oil for 8 minutes, add the garlic for 1 minute.
2. Add the turkey and salt and cook, breaking it up, until browned and 165°F (74°C). Stir in the tomato paste, then the milk and simmer until absorbed.
3. Add the tomatoes and oregano and simmer 25 minutes.
4. Toss with cooked pasta and serve with Parmesan.

3. Korean-Style Ground Turkey Bowls

Ground turkey simmered in a sweet, spicy soy, garlic and ginger sauce is spooned over rice with crunchy vegetables. It is a 20-minute dinner that beats takeout.

Servings: 4 · Total time: 20 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 tbsp neutral oil
• 1 1/2 lb ground turkey
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tbsp grated fresh ginger
• 1/3 cup soy sauce
• 3 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 tbsp sriracha
• 1 tsp gochugaru or red pepper flakes
• 1 tsp toasted sesame oil
• 4 cups cooked rice
• Cucumber, shredded carrots, green onions and sesame seeds, for topping
• Fried eggs cooked until set (optional)

Instructions

1. Brown the turkey in the oil for 7 to 8 minutes until cooked to 165°F (74°C).
2. Add the garlic and ginger for 1 minute, then the soy sauce, sugar, sriracha and gochugaru and simmer 3 minutes until glossy. Stir in the sesame oil.
3. Serve over rice with the vegetables, sesame seeds and an egg if you like.

4. Turkey Taco Zucchini Boats

Halved zucchini filled with taco-seasoned turkey and cheese bake into a light, low-carb dinner that still feels hearty. Top them with salsa and avocado.

Servings: 4 · Total time: 40 minutes

Ingredients

• 4 medium zucchini, halved lengthwise
• 1 lb ground turkey
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1/2 onion, diced
• 2 tbsp taco seasoning
• 1/2 cup salsa
• 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack
• Avocado and cilantro, for topping

Instructions

1. Heat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Scoop out the zucchini centers, chop the flesh and set the shells in a baking dish.
2. Brown the turkey, onion and zucchini flesh in the oil until the turkey reaches 165°F (74°C). Stir in the taco seasoning and salsa.
3. Fill the shells, top with cheese and bake 18 to 20 minutes until tender. Top with avocado and cilantro.

5. Turkey Meatballs in Marinara

Juicy turkey meatballs with Parmesan and herbs simmer in marinara and finish under melted mozzarella. Serve them over pasta or in sub rolls.

Servings: 6 · Total time: 40 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 lb ground turkey
• 1/2 cup panko
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1 large egg
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tbsp chopped parsley
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1 tsp kosher salt
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 3 cups marinara sauce
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella
• Fresh basil, for serving

Instructions

1. Soak the panko in the milk, then mix in the turkey, egg, Parmesan, garlic, parsley, Italian seasoning and salt. Roll into 24 meatballs.
2. Brown in the oil in a large skillet for 6 minutes, turning.
3. Add the marinara, cover and simmer 15 minutes until the meatballs reach 165°F (74°C).
4. Top with mozzarella, cover 2 minutes to melt and garnish with basil.

6. Turkey Shepherd’s Pie

Savory ground turkey and vegetables in gravy under a golden mashed potato crust make a lighter version of the classic. It is perfect for cold weeknights.

Servings: 6 · Total time: 1 hour

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 lb ground turkey
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tsp thyme
• 1 cup frozen peas
• 4 cups mashed potatoes
• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar

Instructions

1. Heat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Brown the turkey, onion and carrots in the oil until the turkey reaches 165°F (74°C).
2. Stir in the tomato paste and flour, then the broth, soy sauce and thyme and simmer until thick. Add the peas.
3. Spread in a baking dish, top with mashed potatoes and cheddar and bake 25 minutes until golden.

7. Ground Turkey Enchilada Casserole

Layers of tortillas, seasoned turkey, black beans, enchilada sauce and cheese bake into an easy, crowd-pleasing casserole. It has all the flavor of enchiladas with none of the rolling.

Servings: 8 · Total time: 50 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 lb ground turkey
• 1 onion, diced
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp chili powder
• 1 (15-oz) can black beans, drained
• 2 (10-oz) cans red enchilada sauce
• 10 corn tortillas, quartered
• 2 1/2 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend
• Cilantro and sour cream, for serving

Instructions

1. Heat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Brown the turkey and onion in the oil until 165°F (74°C), then stir in the spices and beans.
2. Layer sauce, tortillas, turkey mixture and cheese in a 9×13-inch dish, repeating twice and ending with cheese.
3. Bake 25 minutes until bubbling. Serve with cilantro and sour cream.

8. Thai Basil Ground Turkey

Ground turkey stir-fried with garlic, chilies, fish sauce and a big handful of basil is a fiery, fragrant 15-minute dinner. Serve it over jasmine rice.

Servings: 4 · Total time: 15 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 tbsp neutral oil
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 Thai chilies, sliced
• 1 1/2 lb ground turkey
• 2 tbsp fish sauce
• 1 tbsp oyster sauce
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp brown sugar
• 2 cups fresh basil leaves
• Jasmine rice, for serving

Instructions

1. Heat the oil in a wok and stir-fry the garlic and chilies for 30 seconds.
2. Add the turkey and cook, breaking it up, until browned and 165°F (74°C).
3. Add the sauces and sugar and toss for 1 minute, then fold in the basil until wilted. Serve over rice.

9. Turkey Stuffed Shells

Jumbo shells filled with a creamy turkey, ricotta and spinach mixture bake in marinara under bubbling mozzarella. They can be assembled ahead and frozen.

Servings: 6 · Total time: 1 hour

Ingredients

• 24 jumbo pasta shells
• 1 lb ground turkey
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 15 oz ricotta
• 2 cups chopped spinach
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan
• 1 large egg
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 3 cups marinara sauce
• 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella

Instructions

1. Heat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook the shells until just al dente.
2. Brown the turkey with the garlic in the oil until 165°F (74°C). Cool slightly, then mix with the ricotta, spinach, Parmesan, egg and Italian seasoning.
3. Spread half the marinara in a baking dish, fill the shells and arrange on top. Cover with the remaining sauce and mozzarella.
4. Bake covered 20 minutes, then uncovered 10 minutes until bubbling.

10. Turkey Egg Roll in a Bowl

All the savory flavors of an egg roll, with ground turkey, cabbage, carrots, garlic and ginger, stir-fried in one pan for a fast, low-carb dinner. Sriracha mayo on top is optional but recommended.

Servings: 4 · Total time: 20 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 tbsp toasted sesame oil
• 1 lb ground turkey
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tbsp grated fresh ginger
• 1 (14-oz) bag coleslaw mix
• 3 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp rice vinegar
• 4 green onions, sliced
• Sriracha mayo, for drizzling

Instructions

1. Brown the turkey in the oil until cooked to 165°F (74°C). Add the garlic and ginger for 1 minute.
2. Add the coleslaw mix, soy sauce and vinegar and stir-fry 4 to 5 minutes until just tender.
3. Top with green onions and a drizzle of sriracha mayo.

11. Mediterranean Turkey Meatball Pitas

Herby turkey meatballs with feta and oregano are tucked into warm pitas with crisp vegetables and cool tzatziki. They are fresh, filling and great for meal prep.

Servings: 4 · Total time: 30 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground turkey
• 1/3 cup crumbled feta
• 1/4 cup panko
• 1 large egg
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tbsp chopped parsley
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1/2 tsp ground cumin
• 1/2 tsp kosher salt
• 4 pitas, warmed
• Cucumber, tomato, red onion and tzatziki, for serving

Instructions

1. Heat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Mix the turkey, feta, panko, egg, garlic, herbs and spices and roll into 16 meatballs.
2. Bake on a lined sheet 15 to 18 minutes until browned and 165°F (74°C).
3. Fill the pitas with meatballs, vegetables and tzatziki.

12. Unstuffed Cabbage Roll Skillet

Ground turkey, cabbage, rice and tomatoes cook together in one skillet for all the flavor of cabbage rolls without the work. A dollop of sour cream finishes it off.

Servings: 6 · Total time: 40 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 lb ground turkey
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 onion, diced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 6 cups chopped green cabbage
• 1 (14.5-oz) can diced tomatoes
• 1 (8-oz) can tomato sauce
• 3/4 cup long-grain rice
• 1 1/2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp kosher salt
• Sour cream and dill, for serving

Instructions

1. Brown the turkey and onion in the oil until the turkey reaches 165°F (74°C). Add the garlic for 1 minute.
2. Stir in the cabbage, tomatoes, tomato sauce, rice, broth, paprika and salt.
3. Cover and simmer 20 to 25 minutes until the rice and cabbage are tender. Serve with sour cream and dill.

13. One-Pot Turkey Chili Mac

Chili and mac and cheese meet in one pot, with ground turkey, beans and pasta simmered in a smoky tomato sauce and topped with cheddar. Kids absolutely love it.

Servings: 6 · Total time: 35 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground turkey
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 tbsp chili powder
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 (14.5-oz) can diced tomatoes
• 1 (15-oz) can kidney beans, drained
• 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 8 oz elbow macaroni
• 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar
• Green onions, for topping

Instructions

1. Brown the turkey and onion in the oil until the turkey reaches 165°F (74°C). Add the spices for 30 seconds.
2. Add the tomatoes, beans, broth and pasta and simmer, stirring often, 12 to 14 minutes until the pasta is tender.
3. Stir in half the cheese, top with the rest and green onions.

14. Turkey Quesadillas

Crisp tortillas filled with seasoned ground turkey, peppers and melted cheese are a 20-minute dinner everyone can customize. Serve with salsa and guacamole.

Servings: 4 · Total time: 20 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground turkey
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 bell pepper, diced
• 2 tbsp taco seasoning
• 1/4 cup water
• 4 large flour tortillas
• 2 cups shredded Monterey Jack
• Salsa and guacamole, for serving

Instructions

1. Brown the turkey and pepper in the oil until the turkey reaches 165°F (74°C). Add the seasoning and water and simmer until absorbed.
2. Fill half of each tortilla with cheese and turkey and fold.
3. Cook in a dry skillet 3 minutes per side until golden and melted. Cut into wedges.

15. Ground Turkey and Broccoli Stir-Fry

Ground turkey and crisp broccoli in a glossy garlic ginger sauce is a fast, balanced dinner that is ready before the rice finishes. It is a smart way to get more vegetables into the week.

Servings: 4 · Total time: 20 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 tbsp neutral oil
• 1 lb ground turkey
• 4 cups broccoli florets
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tbsp grated fresh ginger
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 2 tbsp honey
• 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 1/4 cup water
• 1 tsp toasted sesame oil
• Cooked rice and sesame seeds, for serving

Instructions

1. Brown the turkey in the oil until 165°F (74°C) and push to one side.
2. Add the broccoli and 2 tablespoons water, cover and steam 3 minutes until crisp-tender.
3. Add the garlic, ginger, soy sauce, honey and cornstarch mixture and toss until glossy. Stir in the sesame oil and serve over rice.

16. Spaghetti Squash Turkey Bake

Tender spaghetti squash strands are tossed with a turkey marinara sauce and baked under mozzarella for a lighter take on baked spaghetti. It is cozy, cheesy and low-carb.

Servings: 4 · Total time: 1 hour

Ingredients

• 1 large spaghetti squash, halved and seeded
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 lb ground turkey
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 cups marinara sauce
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1/2 cup ricotta
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan

Instructions

1. Heat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Roast the squash cut side down for 35 to 40 minutes until tender, then scrape into strands.
2. Brown the turkey and garlic in the oil until 165°F (74°C), then add the marinara and Italian seasoning.
3. Toss the squash with the sauce, spread in a baking dish, dot with ricotta and top with mozzarella and Parmesan.
4. Bake 15 minutes until bubbling.

17. Turkey Swedish Meatballs

Tender turkey meatballs with a hint of allspice simmer in a silky, creamy brown gravy for a lighter version of the classic. Serve them over egg noodles or mashed potatoes.

Servings: 4 · Total time: 35 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground turkey
• 1/3 cup panko
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1 large egg
• 1/4 tsp ground allspice
• 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
• 1 tsp kosher salt
• 2 tbsp butter
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 cups low-sodium beef broth
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• Egg noodles and parsley, for serving

Instructions

1. Mix the turkey, panko, milk, egg, spices and salt and roll into 20 meatballs.
2. Brown in the butter 6 minutes and remove. Whisk the flour into the pan, then the broth, cream and soy sauce.
3. Return the meatballs and simmer 8 to 10 minutes until the gravy thickens and they reach 165°F (74°C). Serve over noodles with parsley.

18. Turkey Picadillo

Ground turkey simmered with tomatoes, potatoes, olives and raisins makes a sweet-savory Latin American dish full of flavor. Serve it with rice or in warm tortillas.

Servings: 6 · Total time: 40 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 lb ground turkey
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 onion, diced
• 1 bell pepper, diced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 (8-oz) can tomato sauce
• 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 large potato, diced small
• 1/3 cup sliced green olives
• 1/4 cup raisins
• 1 tsp kosher salt
• Cooked rice, for serving

Instructions

1. Brown the turkey, onion and pepper in the oil until the turkey reaches 165°F (74°C). Add the garlic and cumin.
2. Stir in the tomato sauce, broth, potato, olives, raisins and salt.
3. Cover and simmer 20 minutes until the potatoes are tender. Serve over rice.

19. Turkey Taco Stuffed Sweet Potatoes

Baked sweet potatoes split open and loaded with taco turkey, black beans and melted cheese make a filling, fiber-rich dinner. Greek yogurt and salsa add a cool, tangy finish.

Servings: 4 · Total time: 1 hour

Ingredients

• 4 medium sweet potatoes
• 1 lb ground turkey
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp taco seasoning
• 1 (15-oz) can black beans, drained
• 1/2 cup salsa
• 1 cup shredded cheddar
• Greek yogurt and cilantro, for topping

Instructions

1. Heat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Prick the sweet potatoes and bake 45 to 50 minutes until tender.
2. Brown the turkey in the oil until 165°F (74°C), then stir in the seasoning, beans and salsa.
3. Split the potatoes, fill with turkey, top with cheese and return to the oven 5 minutes to melt.
4. Top with yogurt and cilantro.

20. Ground Turkey Orzo Skillet with Spinach and Feta

Orzo cooks right in the pan with ground turkey, garlic, lemon and spinach, then gets crumbled feta on top. It is a bright, Greek-inspired dinner in 30 minutes.

Servings: 4 · Total time: 30 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground turkey
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 onion, diced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 cup orzo
• 2 1/2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 3 cups baby spinach
• Zest and juice of 1 lemon
• 1/2 cup crumbled feta
• 1/2 tsp kosher salt

Instructions

1. Brown the turkey and onion in the oil until the turkey reaches 165°F (74°C). Add the garlic and oregano.
2. Stir in the orzo and broth, cover and simmer 10 to 12 minutes until tender, stirring once.
3. Fold in the spinach, lemon zest and juice and salt, then top with feta.