:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/MSL-337663-ground-turkey-sheperds-pie-hero_7014-adaeae64a01e4721b159f424accdf5e9.jpeg)
Jason Donnelly
Ground turkey is one of the most versatile and healthy proteins you can cook with. Swapping in this lean option lets you make lighter versions of favorite meals without sacrificing flavor.
We're sharing our best ground turkey recipes for weeknight meals and mor. Yes, you'll find meatballs, burgers, chili, and stellar versions of the classics—but we've also included some less well-known ways to use ground turkey for weeknight meals. However you serve it, these recipes are bound to earn a regular spot in your dinner rotation.
Creamy Baked Tortellini With Spinach
Here's a pasta casserole you'll want to make on repeat! Store-bought fresh or frozen cheese tortellini are the base of the dish but it's the super-quick turkey ragu that's the real star of this pasta bake.
Turkey Meatballs in Apricot Sauce With Mint and Almonds
They're just so good! These meatballs have a soft, almost fluffy consistency since they don't get seared. The dried apricots steep with cinnamon and chicken broth then get puréed with onion, melding into a bubbling sauce with a subtle spice and a sweetness that kids will love.
Greek Turkey Burger
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/greek-turkey-burgers-0418-103271874-9a44557e964d45b2b477b0357a4b37c2.jpg)
Much as we love a big turkey patty in a burger bun, we also adore this refreshing and different take. These burgers are steamed so they don't dry out, then they get a quick post-steam sear and are served atop pita, along with hummus, cucumber spears, arugula, and lemony yogurt sauce.
Turkey and Mushroom Bolognese
Not only is this a lighter version of the classic Italian recipe, but it only requires 35 minutes of prep. Ground turkey, assorted mushrooms, carrots, and onion round out this delicious dish.
Ginger-Peanut Turkey Stir-Fry
As easy to make as it is satisfying, this ground turkey stir-fry comes together in a flash. With an ingredient list packed with peanut butter, fresh ginger, tender lettuce, sugar, and lime juice, everyone will be asking for seconds of this tasty creation.
Whole Stuffed Cabbage
Our take on the Eastern European classic uses ground turkey, kasha (roasted buckwheat kernels), cabbage, finely chopped onions, and fresh herbs for a spectacular dish.
Turkey-Pesto Meatball Soup
Ground turkey is mixed with panko breadcrumbs, lightly whisked egg, Parmigiano-Reggiano, salt, and freshly ground pepper to make these light meatballs. And to make prep even easier, the meatballs can be refrigerated for up to one day ahead of time.
Turkey Meatloaf With Hoisin Glaze
Meatloaf has long been a dinner staple. Our version, made with ground turkey, is a lightened-up take on the classic. It's topped with a homemade hoisin glaze for a sweet and tangy taste.
Instant Pot Turkey Chili
The multicooker is especially well-suited to making dishes like chili. Several vegetables and plenty of herbs and spices come together to create a dish full of heady aromas.
White Turkey Chili
This version of turkey chili uses cannellini beans and ground white turkey meat, plus veggies and spices—perfect to up your protein intake in less than 30 minutes.
One-Pot Turkey and Rice with Coconut Milk, Lime, and Fish Sauce
Here's a one-skillet meal that is sure to please. Lime juice, garlic, ginger, and coconut milk bring a new level of flavor to ground turkey. Another bonus: this recipe is quick to prep and fast to clean up.
Honey-Chipotle Turkey Meatballs
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/meatballs-med107845_vert_0-sq-0822-c2c8c644cf194ee5ba0c4183883041c6.jpg)
Ground turkey, garlic cloves, chopped chipotle chiles in adobo sauce, honey, and cider vinegar bring the flavor in this mouthwatering recipe.
Our Favorite Turkey Burger
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/favorite-turkey-burger-a100107-horiz-0723-bbb84e2facc44d1e82ffc3cdaa8154c7.jpg)
Clive Streeter
This recipe has Gruyère and mustard mixed in, giving it the perfect twist to an all-time favorite. The best part? You only need one bowl and minimal prep time to make 6 burgers—enough for a family cookout!
Turkey Meatloaf Muffins
A kid-friendly recipe the whole family will love? We're in! These turkey meatloaf muffins are packed with cheddar cheese, Worcestershire sauce, breadcrumbs, dry mustard powder, and garlic. The secret ingredient? Pickles!
Ground Turkey Shepherd's Pie
Jason Donnelly
Who says comforting food can't be lean? Our ground turkey shepherd’s pie is a lighter, healthier take on the beefy original that still has all the cozy, creamy feels.
Spaghetti With Turkey Meatballs
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/msledf_0303_turkeymeatballs_hd-6fda42385d244abfb9e4be8c8348ed41.jpg)
Sometimes you just need a speedy, easy, nostalgic meal—and here's where the classic spaghetti and meatballs check all of the boxes. Ground turkey is mixed with onion, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, and chopped parsley for a top-notch flavor, and since it comes together in less than an hour, you can enjoy it any night of the week.
Moussaka
Eggplant is layered with a mixture of ground turkey, tomatoes, onions, garlic, and spices; then topped with a light yogurt sauce. What else can you ask for? Our take on this decadent Mediterranean dish can be made up to 3 days ahead, and simply reheated in the oven when you're ready to serve it.
Hawaiian Turkey Burgers
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/hawaiian-turkey-burgers-8e269c23-0620-onecms-horiz-0922-d1efb4c5cfd946d1b3a0e801f1412ee8.jpg)
Amp up the flavor of turkey patties by infusing them with ginger, garlic, soy sauce, and sesame oil. Then, spread kicky jalapeño mayo on the buns and top it with hot off-the-grill pineapple slices. Boring? Never! Get ready for an explosion of flavors in your next cookout.
Ground Turkey Tacos
Here's a lighter take on the classic taco and it's all thanks to the lean ground turkey. Our recipe makes eight servings, so there's plenty for everyone.
Pot Sticker Dumplings and Soy-Vinegar Sauce
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/mh_1047_pot_sticker_dumplings_horiz_0-bbc96a57ddef4e87bc6806dff5464883.jpg)
The crispy-yet-soft texture of these dumplings explodes with ground turkey. There's a hint of punchy flavor from the soy-vinegar dipping sauce.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():focal(1999x0:2001x2)/ms-favorite-turkey-burger-13731bebb390458cb22c2c8fbb667349.jpg)
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():focal(941x0:943x2)/mld105909_1010_meatballs1_vert-66a06bedbbea4ccea1b036ea4c3ce984.jpg)
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():focal(492x0:494x2)/hearty-turkey-chili-WD106883_057-8ea6f72ee65448c3a7bad72471ae0e40.jpg)
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():focal(959x1122:961x1124)/greek-turkey-burgers-0418-103271874-9a44557e964d45b2b477b0357a4b37c2.jpg)
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():focal(2645x0:2647x2)/MSL-337663-ground-turkey-sheperds-pie-hero_7014-adaeae64a01e4721b159f424accdf5e9.jpeg)
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():focal(1999x0:2001x2)/ms-turkey-meatloaf-hoisin-glaze-plated-8133-0219-7e8962c0_horiz-6bc3df032ef9437babe5369402e38214.jpgitoki7dNMSut-ee46cb4baee247b082c6c613a48e1b78.jpg)
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():focal(621x0:623x2)/hawaiian-turkey-burgers-8e269c23-0620-onecms-horiz-0922-d1efb4c5cfd946d1b3a0e801f1412ee8.jpg)