11 Flavorful Recipes Using Ground Turkey to Make for a Quick Meal
Ground turkey is a lean, versatile protein. It works well for quick meals. This post shares 11 flavorful recipes. Each uses ground turkey.
You get simple ingredients and clear steps. These dishes save time and taste great. Whether you want tacos, burgers, or a hearty skillet, this list has options. Read on for easy, delicious ideas.

1. Turkey Taco Skillet
About: This turkey taco skillet brings bold flavors fast. Ground turkey mixes with spices, beans, and salsa. It cooks in one pan. You get a hearty meal in under 30 minutes. Top it with cheese or avocado. It’s simple, filling, and perfect for busy nights. Everyone will love the zesty taste.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 can black beans (15 oz), drained
- 1 cup salsa
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Salt and pepper
Instructions:
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Add ground turkey. Cook it for 5-7 minutes. Break it apart with a spoon.
- Sprinkle chili powder, cumin, and garlic powder over turkey. Stir well.
- Pour black beans and salsa into the skillet. Mix everything together.
- Cook for 5 minutes. Stir occasionally.
- Add shredded cheese on top. Cover the skillet. Let cheese melt for 2 minutes.
- Season with salt and pepper. Serve hot.
2. Turkey Burgers
About: These turkey burgers are juicy and quick. Ground turkey blends with simple seasonings. You grill or pan-fry them. They cook in 10 minutes. Add your favorite toppings like lettuce or tomato. It’s a lighter burger option that still satisfies. Great for a weeknight dinner.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper
- 4 burger buns
- Optional: lettuce, tomato, mayo
Instructions:
- Mix ground turkey, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, and onion powder in a bowl.
- Form mixture into 4 patties.
- Season patties with salt and pepper.
- Heat a skillet or grill over medium heat.
- Cook patties for 5 minutes on each side. Check they reach 165°F inside.
- Place patties on buns. Add toppings if you want. Serve warm.
3. Turkey Meatballs
About: These turkey meatballs are tender and flavorful. Ground turkey combines with breadcrumbs and herbs. You bake them in 20 minutes. Pair them with pasta or eat them alone. They’re easy to make and kid-friendly. A go-to for fast, cozy meals.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 400°F.
- Combine ground turkey, breadcrumbs, egg, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder in a bowl.
- Mix well. Form into 1-inch balls.
- Place meatballs on a baking sheet. Brush with olive oil.
- Bake for 20 minutes. Flip halfway through.
- Check they reach 165°F inside. Season with salt and pepper. Serve hot.
4. Turkey Stuffed Peppers
About: These turkey stuffed peppers are colorful and tasty. Ground turkey mixes with rice and spices. You stuff it into bell peppers. They bake in 30 minutes. It’s a full meal in one dish. Healthy and fun to eat.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 4 bell peppers, tops cut off, seeds removed
- 1 cup cooked rice
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- Salt and pepper
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 375°F.
- Cook ground turkey in a skillet over medium heat for 5-7 minutes.
- Add cumin, paprika, and tomato sauce. Stir well.
- Mix cooked rice into the turkey. Season with salt and pepper.
- Stuff mixture into bell peppers.
- Place peppers in a baking dish. Cover with foil.
- Bake for 30 minutes. Serve warm.
5. Turkey Chili
About: This turkey chili is warm and hearty. Ground turkey cooks with beans and tomatoes. It simmers in 20 minutes. You get a spicy, comforting bowl fast. Top it with sour cream or chives. Perfect for chilly nights or quick lunches.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 can kidney beans (15 oz), drained
- 1 can diced tomatoes (14.5 oz)
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- Salt and pepper
Instructions:
- Heat olive oil in a pot over medium heat.
- Add ground turkey. Cook for 5-7 minutes. Break it up with a spoon.
- Stir in chili powder and cumin.
- Add kidney beans and diced tomatoes. Mix well.
- Simmer for 20 minutes. Stir occasionally.
- Season with salt and pepper. Serve hot.
6. Turkey Lettuce Wraps
About: These turkey lettuce wraps are light and fresh. Ground turkey cooks with soy sauce and ginger. You wrap it in crisp lettuce. They take 15 minutes to make. It’s a fun, healthy meal. Great for a quick bite.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp ground ginger
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 8 large lettuce leaves
- Salt and pepper
Instructions:
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Add ground turkey. Cook for 5-7 minutes. Break it apart.
- Stir in soy sauce, ginger, and garlic powder.
- Cook for 2 more minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
- Spoon turkey mixture into lettuce leaves.
- Wrap leaves around filling. Serve fresh.
7. Turkey Sloppy Joes
About: These turkey sloppy joes are messy and delicious. Ground turkey simmers with a tangy sauce. You pile it on buns. It cooks in 20 minutes. Kids and adults love it. A fast twist on a classic.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 4 buns
- Salt and pepper
Instructions:
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Add ground turkey. Cook for 5-7 minutes.
- Stir in ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, and garlic powder.
- Simmer for 10 minutes. Stir occasionally.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Spoon mixture onto buns. Serve warm.
8. Turkey Pasta Skillet
About: This turkey pasta skillet is quick and creamy. Ground turkey pairs with pasta and cheese. It cooks in one pan. You finish it in 25 minutes. It’s comforting and easy. A family favorite for busy days.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cups uncooked pasta
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- Salt and pepper
Instructions:
- Cook pasta in boiling water for 8-10 minutes. Drain it.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Add ground turkey. Cook for 5-7 minutes.
- Pour marinara sauce into skillet. Stir well.
- Add cooked pasta. Mix everything together.
- Sprinkle mozzarella on top. Cover until cheese melts, about 2 minutes.
- Season with salt and pepper. Serve hot.
9. Turkey Zucchini Boats
About: These turkey zucchini boats are healthy and fun. Ground turkey fills hollowed zucchini. You bake them in 25 minutes. They’re low-carb and flavorful. Great for a light dinner. Everyone enjoys the fresh taste.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 4 zucchinis, halved, insides scooped out
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- Salt and pepper
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 375°F.
- Cook ground turkey in a skillet over medium heat for 5-7 minutes.
- Stir in Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and marinara sauce.
- Fill zucchini halves with turkey mixture.
- Place zucchini in a baking dish.
- Bake for 25 minutes.
- Season with salt and pepper. Serve warm.
10. Turkey Stir-Fry
About: This turkey stir-fry is fast and vibrant. Ground turkey cooks with veggies and soy sauce. It takes 15 minutes. You serve it over rice. It’s a colorful, tasty option. Perfect for a quick weeknight meal.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 cup chopped bell peppers
- 1 cup chopped broccoli
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper
Instructions:
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Add ground turkey. Cook for 5-7 minutes.
- Stir in bell peppers, broccoli, soy sauce, and garlic powder.
- Cook for 5 minutes. Stir often.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Serve over rice if you want. Enjoy hot.
11. Turkey Breakfast Hash
About: This turkey breakfast hash is savory and quick. Ground turkey cooks with potatoes and eggs. It’s ready in 20 minutes. You get a filling start to the day. It’s simple and packed with flavor. Great for mornings.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cups diced potatoes
- 1 tsp paprika
- 4 eggs
- Salt and pepper
Instructions:
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Add diced potatoes. Cook for 10 minutes. Stir occasionally.
- Add ground turkey. Cook for 5-7 minutes. Break it up.
- Sprinkle paprika over mixture. Stir well.
- Crack eggs into skillet. Cook for 3-4 minutes until eggs set.
- Season with salt and pepper. Serve hot.

Hi, I’m Liza Jensen, your culinary companion here at Recipe by Liza. 🍳🥗Cooking has always been my passion—I find joy in every whisk, every sizzle, and every aromatic spice. As a home cook and recipe developer, I’ve explored flavors from around the world, creating dishes that warm hearts and tantalize taste buds.Join me on this flavorful journey! Let’s swap kitchen stories, share tips, and celebrate the magic of food together.