Ground turkey is a lean and versatile meat that can be used to make delicious protein-packed dinners. From tacos and pasta sauces to soups and sandwiches ground turkey is an easy way to add flavor and nutrition to your weeknight meals. In this article, we will explore 20 amazing dinner recipes featuring ground turkey.
Why Choose Ground Turkey?
Ground turkey breast is lower in fat and calories compared to ground beef. A 3 ounce serving of lean ground turkey only has 7 grams fat and 120 calories, while the same amount of lean ground beef contains 15 grams fat and 179 calories. The lower fat content makes ground turkey an ideal choice if you are watching your weight.
Ground turkey is also rich in protein, vitamins and minerals A serving contains 25 grams protein along with iron, zinc, potassium, phosphorus and B vitamins The high protein keeps you feeling full and satisfied after your meal.
Ground turkey is available in different fat percentages Opting for 7% fat or lower will provide maximum health benefits. The lean meat lacks flavor, so be sure to season it well
20 Ground Turkey Dinner Recipes
Here are 20 flavorful ground turkey recipes to give your dinner routine a refreshing change:
Turkey Tacos
Ground turkey makes delicious protein-packed tacos. Brown the meat with taco seasoning and pile it high on tortillas along with cheese, lettuce, tomato and avocado. Serve with rice and beans for a Mexican-inspired meal.
Turkey Bolognese
For a lighter version of classic Bolognese, use lean ground turkey instead of ground beef. Simmer it in a rich tomato sauce with veggies and spoon over hot pasta. Sprinkle with Parmesan for a satisfying dinner.
Turkey Meatballs
Make baked turkey meatballs in your favorite sauce for an easy dinner. Cook them in marinara sauce for pasta night or in barbecue sauce for sandwiches. The meatballs can be prepared ahead of time and frozen.
Turkey Chili
Whip up a pot of hearty three bean turkey chili. Brown the ground turkey with onions and chili powder, then add beans, tomatoes, corn and seasonings. Garnish with avocado, cheese and cilantro.
Turkey Lettuce Wraps
Sauté ground turkey in an Asian style sauce and serve in lettuce cups. Add water chestnuts, mushrooms, bean sprouts and other crunchy vegetables for texture. Kids will love assembling their own lettuce wraps.
Cilantro Lime Turkey Burgers
Jazz up basic turkey burgers by adding lime juice, cilantro, chili powder and crunchy bell peppers. The bright citrus flavor pairs well with avocado slices and pepper jack cheese.
Turkey Swedish Meatballs
For a lighter take on Swedish meatballs, use a blend of ground turkey and pork. Simmer the meatballs in a creamy sauce with dill and serve over buttered egg noodles.
Turkey Sausage Pasta
Brown turkey sausage along with garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, spinach and herbs. Toss the mixture with hot pasta and feta or Parmesan for a fast and flavorful dinner.
Easy Turkey Stir Fry
Stir fry thinly sliced turkey breast with broccoli, carrots, bell pepper and onions. Cook in sesame oil and season with ginger, garlic and soy sauce. Serve over brown rice or quinoa.
Turkey Shepherd’s Pie
Trade ground beef for turkey in comforting shepherd’s pie. Use cooked turkey, peas, carrots and corn in a creamy sauce topped with fluffy mashed potatoes.
Cranberry Turkey Meatloaf
Add chopped cranberries and pecans to your turkey meatloaf recipe for delicious flavor and texture. Glaze the top with a sweet and tangy sauce as it bakes.
Cheesy Turkey and Rice Casserole
Mix ground turkey with rice, cheese and cream soup for an easy one-dish casserole. Customize it with your favorite veggies like peas, carrots or broccoli.
Italian Turkey Stuffed Peppers
Fill bell peppers with a savory mixture of lean ground turkey, marinara sauce, Italian spices and shredded mozzarella. Bake until the filling is hot and the cheese is melted.
Turkey Sloppy Joes
Ground turkey makes lighter sloppy joes than the traditional ground beef version. Cook it in a sweet and tangy sauce and pile it high on soft buns.
Ground Turkey Noodle Soup
Whip up a batch of noodle soup with shredded carrots, onions and ground turkey. Season it with fresh herbs and enjoy with whole grain crackers or bread.
Buffalo Turkey Burgers
Prepare juicy turkey burgers and brush them with buffalo wing sauce as they grill. Serve on whole wheat buns with blue cheese dressing for a fun twist.
Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet
Cook crumbled ground turkey in a skillet with diced sweet potato, spinach and seasonings. It’s a fast one-pan meal for busy weeknights.
Turkey Meatball Subs
Grill up turkey meatballs with sliced bell peppers and onions, then pile everything on sub rolls. Add melted mozzarella for hearty 6-inch subs.
Zesty Turkey Taco Salad
Top colorful chopped salads with protein-packed ground turkey. Keep it light by using plenty of fresh vegetables, beans and avocado along with lighter dressing.
Mix Up Your Dinner Routine With Ground Turkey
As you can see, ground turkey is endlessly versatile for making healthy dinners. It has a mild flavor that pairs well with bold seasonings in recipes like tacos, chili and meatballs. Try out a new turkey recipe once a week to add more variety to your meal plan. Ground turkey provides a welcome break from ground beef and chicken routines.
Popular Recipes with Ground Turkey
Looking for some quick inspiration? These ground turkey recipes are the most popular ones on my site right now. Readers can’t stop making them! If you’re not sure where to start, why not give these simple ideas a go?
The Best Ground Turkey Recipes
These are some of my favorite ways to eat ground turkey. I’m especially fond of the meatloaf recipe – you have to try it!
Ground Turkey Pasta Bake
FAQ
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