13 Ground Turkey Recipes to Make for a Healthier You
Ground turkey offers a lean, healthy protein choice for meals. This post shares 13 ground turkey recipes. Each recipe promotes better health with simple ingredients and clear flavors.
Readers enjoy easy-to-follow steps and tasty results. These dishes fit busy schedules and satisfy appetites.
From burgers to casseroles, the variety keeps cooking fun. Start making healthier meals today with these recipes.

1. Turkey Burger
About: This turkey burger delivers juicy flavor without extra fat. Fresh ingredients like onion and garlic add taste. It cooks fast on a skillet or grill. Serve it on a bun with lettuce and tomato for a light meal. This recipe swaps beef for turkey, cutting calories while keeping satisfaction high.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 4 burger buns
- Lettuce leaves
- Tomato slices
Instructions:
- Mix ground turkey, onion, garlic, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
- Shape mixture into 4 patties.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Cook patties for 5 minutes per side until browned.
- Place patties on buns.
- Add lettuce and tomato slices.
- Serve warm.
2. Turkey Meatballs
About: These turkey meatballs bring comfort in every bite. They bake in the oven, keeping prep simple. Pair them with pasta or eat them alone with sauce. Herbs like parsley boost flavor without adding fat. This dish offers a healthier twist on a classic favorite.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 egg
- 1/4 cup chopped parsley
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup marinara sauce
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 400°F.
- Combine turkey, breadcrumbs, egg, parsley, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
- Roll mixture into 12 balls.
- Place balls on a baking sheet.
- Bake for 20 minutes until cooked through.
- Heat marinara sauce in a pan.
- Add meatballs to sauce.
- Serve hot.
3. Turkey Chili
About: This turkey chili warms you up with bold spices. Beans and tomatoes add fiber and nutrients. It simmers on the stove for rich taste. Serve it with a spoon for a hearty, healthy dinner. This recipe cuts fat but keeps flavor strong.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 can kidney beans (15 oz), drained
- 1 can diced tomatoes (15 oz)
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions:
- Heat olive oil in a pot over medium heat.
- Cook onion for 3 minutes until soft.
- Add turkey and cook for 5 minutes until browned.
- Stir in beans, tomatoes, chili powder, cumin, and salt.
- Bring mixture to a boil.
- Lower heat and simmer for 20 minutes.
- Serve warm.
4. Turkey Stuffed Peppers
About: These turkey stuffed peppers burst with color and taste. Ground turkey mixes with rice and spices for a filling meal. They bake in the oven for easy cleanup. This dish looks great and supports healthy eating goals.
Ingredients:
- 4 bell peppers, tops cut off
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 1 cup cooked rice
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup tomato sauce
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 375°F.
- Cook turkey in a skillet over medium heat for 5 minutes until browned.
- Mix turkey with rice, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
- Stuff peppers with turkey mixture.
- Place peppers in a baking dish.
- Pour tomato sauce over peppers.
- Bake for 35 minutes until peppers soften.
- Serve hot.
5. Turkey Lettuce Wraps
About: These turkey lettuce wraps keep things light and fresh. Ground turkey cooks with soy sauce for savory flavor. Crisp lettuce holds the filling perfectly. This recipe skips carbs but delivers big taste in every bite.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ginger, grated
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 head lettuce, leaves separated
- 1 carrot, shredded
Instructions:
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Cook turkey for 5 minutes until browned.
- Add soy sauce, garlic, and ginger to turkey.
- Stir and cook for 2 minutes.
- Spoon turkey mixture into lettuce leaves.
- Top with shredded carrot.
- Serve fresh.
6. Turkey Tacos
About: These turkey tacos pack flavor into every bite. Spices like cumin and paprika season the meat. They assemble fast with tortillas and toppings. This recipe offers a lean twist on taco night that everyone enjoys.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 8 tortillas
- 1 cup salsa
- 1/2 cup shredded cheese
Instructions:
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Cook turkey for 5 minutes until browned.
- Add cumin, paprika, and salt to turkey.
- Stir and cook for 2 minutes.
- Warm tortillas in a pan for 1 minute.
- Spoon turkey into tortillas.
- Top with salsa and cheese.
- Serve warm.
7. Turkey Casserole
About: This turkey casserole combines comfort and health in one dish. Ground turkey blends with veggies and cheese. It bakes in the oven for a bubbly finish. This recipe makes dinner easy and filling without extra calories.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 1 cup shredded cheese
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup (10 oz)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Cook turkey for 5 minutes until browned.
- Mix turkey, peas, soup, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
- Spread mixture in a baking dish.
- Sprinkle cheese on top.
- Bake for 25 minutes until cheese melts.
- Serve hot.
8. Turkey Stir-Fry
About: This turkey stir-fry cooks fast and tastes fresh. Veggies like broccoli and peppers add crunch. Soy sauce brings savory flavor to the dish. Serve it over rice for a quick, healthy meal that satisfies.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1 bell pepper, sliced
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions:
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Cook turkey for 5 minutes until browned.
- Add broccoli, bell pepper, and garlic to skillet.
- Stir and cook for 5 minutes until veggies soften.
- Pour soy sauce over mixture.
- Stir for 1 minute.
- Serve hot over rice.
9. Turkey Sloppy Joes
About: These turkey sloppy joes offer messy, tasty fun. Ground turkey cooks with tomato sauce for a tangy bite. They pile onto buns for a quick meal. This recipe cuts fat but keeps the classic flavor kids and adults love.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 4 buns
Instructions:
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Cook turkey for 5 minutes until browned.
- Stir in tomato sauce, brown sugar, and salt.
- Simmer for 10 minutes until thick.
- Spoon mixture onto buns.
- Serve warm.
10. Turkey Shepherd’s Pie
About: This turkey shepherd’s pie layers flavor and comfort. Ground turkey mixes with veggies under mashed potatoes. It bakes golden in the oven. This recipe swaps beef for turkey, making it lighter but still hearty.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 1 cup frozen mixed veggies
- 2 cups mashed potatoes
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 375°F.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Cook turkey for 5 minutes until browned.
- Add veggies, salt, and pepper to turkey.
- Spread turkey mixture in a baking dish.
- Top with mashed potatoes.
- Bake for 30 minutes until golden.
- Serve hot.
11. Turkey Breakfast Sausage
About: This turkey breakfast sausage starts the day with lean protein. Spices like sage and thyme add bold flavor. It cooks fast in a skillet. Pair it with eggs for a healthy morning meal that keeps you full.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 1 teaspoon sage
- 1 teaspoon thyme
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions:
- Mix turkey, sage, thyme, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
- Shape mixture into 8 patties.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Cook patties for 4 minutes per side until browned.
- Serve warm.
12. Turkey Zucchini Boats
About: These turkey zucchini boats pack veggies and protein together. Ground turkey fills hollowed zucchini with tasty spices. They bake in the oven for a light, fun meal. This recipe keeps calories low and flavor high.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 4 zucchinis, halved and scooped
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup tomato sauce
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 375°F.
- Cook turkey in a skillet over medium heat for 5 minutes until browned.
- Mix turkey with garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Fill zucchini halves with turkey mixture.
- Place boats in a baking dish.
- Pour tomato sauce over boats.
- Bake for 25 minutes until zucchini softens.
- Serve hot.
13. Turkey Spinach Skillet
About: This turkey spinach skillet blends lean meat with fresh greens. Garlic and lemon juice lift the flavor. It cooks in one pan for easy cleanup. This recipe delivers a fast, healthy dinner that tastes great.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 1 teaspoon garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions:
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Cook turkey for 5 minutes until browned.
- Add garlic and cook for 1 minute.
- Stir in spinach, lemon juice, and salt.
- Cook for 2 minutes until spinach wilts.
- 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.