If this doesn’t scream dinner, I don’t know what does. We’ve been all about the easy ground turkey recipes lately (hello high protein and low fat!) and this one tops our list — and my toddler’s . He loves a big bowl of this ground turkey pasta with parmesan on top.
Sometimes I’ll make a double batch of this because it stores in the fridge really well and the leftovers are 10/10.
“Delicious! This recipe was super easy to make but felt kind of fancy. I was skeptical about the anchovy paste but used it anyway, and I’m glad I did. This recipe has great flavor!” – Nicole
Trying to figure out what to make with ground turkey? This ground turkey recipe is so filling, savory, and crowd-pleasing. It has 42g protein/serving and was inspired by a meal my mom made us as kids at least once a week. It’s made with macaroni shells and the most delicious ground turkey red sauce that has a bit of cream added right at the end. It’s served with parmesan cheese and fresh parsley.
PS: if you love this recipe, try our Ground Chicken Bolognese, but swap the chicken for lean ground turkey!
Ground turkey has become an increasingly popular alternative to ground beef due to its lower fat content and price point. While ground beef contains about 20% fat, ground turkey only contains 10-15% fat depending on whether you choose breast meat or thigh and leg meat. It’s an excellent source of lean protein with less saturated fat and calories than beef.
In this article we’ll explore 12 delicious high protein ground turkey recipes that are perfect for healthy weeknight dinners or meal prepping. These recipes are easy to make packed with flavor, and will satisfy your cravings!
Why Choose Ground Turkey?
Here are some of the top benefits of cooking with ground turkey
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Lower in fat and calories: Ground turkey breast contains about 10-15% fat versus 20-25% in lean ground beef. This means less saturated fat and calories per serving.
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High in protein: A 3 ounce serving of ground turkey packs about 22 grams of protein. This makes it an excellent choice for boosting protein intake.
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More affordable: Ground turkey costs 25-30% less than the equivalent amount of ground beef. It’s an economical protein choice.
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Versatile: Ground turkey works great in recipes that typically call for ground beef like chili, tacos, pasta sauce, burgers, and more. Easy to substitute!
12 High Protein Ground Turkey Recipes
- Teriyaki Turkey Stir Fry
With just 6 core ingredients and massive 38 grams of protein per serving, this 30 minute healthy teriyaki ground turkey stir fry is one of the best high protein meal prep options. It’s ready in under 30 minutes!
- Spaghetti Squash Casserole
This spaghetti squash casserole uses ground turkey in place of ground beef for a lighter take on the classic. Each serving has 29 grams of protein.
- Stuffed Yellow Peppers
Ground turkey and rice fill these baked stuffed peppers for a protein-packed vegetarian dinner option. One pepper packs about 19 grams of protein.
- Greek Turkey Burgers
These delicious Greek turkey burgers with tzatziki deliver 27 grams of protein thanks to the addition of spinach and feta cheese.
- Turkey Meatballs
Make a high protein dinner with these Italian-style turkey meatballs. A serving contains around 22 grams of protein.
- White Turkey Chili
This healthy crockpot white turkey chili packs 29 grams of protein per bowl thanks to turkey, white beans, and bulgur wheat. It’s also low fat.
- Turkey Stuffed Peppers
Roasted bell peppers get stuffed with a flavorful ground turkey and wild rice filling in this recipe that delivers 26 grams of protein per stuffed pepper half.
- Turkey Enchilada Casserole
This easy ground turkey enchilada bake has 33 grams of protein per serving for a Mexican-inspired high protein dinner.
- Turkey Meatballs with Spaghetti Squash
For a lower carb dinner, try these turkey meatballs served over baked spaghetti squash. There’s 32 grams of protein per serving.
- Turkey Taco Lettuce Wraps
These taco spiced ground turkey lettuce wraps make an easy high protein lunch or light dinner with 25 grams of protein each.
- High Protein Turkey Burgers
Kick up your burger game with these juicy turkey burgers with goat cheese and arugula – 26 grams of protein!
- Thai Turkey & Zucchini Noodles
For a gluten-free, veggie packed dinner, try this Thai ground turkey with zucchini noodles – 29 grams of protein per serving.
Tips for Cooking with Ground Turkey
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Choose 93% lean ground turkey breast for less fat and calories. Ground turkey thigh contains more fat.
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Be careful not to overcook ground turkey. It dries out quickly. Cook just until no longer pink.
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Mix in diced mushrooms, onions, garlic, oats or panko breadcrumbs to help keep ground turkey moist.
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Add bold seasonings and sauces. Ground turkey has a mild flavor so benefits from spices, herbs and sauces.
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Cook recipes that call for ground beef with ground turkey instead. It works great in most recipes.
The Bottom Line
Ground turkey is a fantastic high protein and lower fat alternative to ground beef. With a bit of seasoning, it can be just as flavorful in recipes like chili, pasta sauce, burgers, wraps, and more. Try out some of these top high protein ground turkey recipes to enjoy delicious and nutritious family dinners any night of the week. Your taste buds and health will thank you!
What You Need for Ground Turkey Pasta
- Noodles: It wouldn’t be ground turkey shells without the shells! But, you’re more than welcome to use your favorite noodle. Some favorite include spaghetti, rigatoni, pappardelle, and elbows.
- Onion and garlic: onion and garlic are our holy grail when making a red pasta sauce. Feel free to use more or less of each.
- Ground turkey: you’ll need 1-lb. of ground turkey for this recipe. We suggest buying your meat directly from the butcher, but if you can’t, any kind will work.
- Italian seasoning: we were feeling a little extra and used our homemade Italian seasoning for this recipe. It a mixture of all the right spices that will make this pasta taste delicious.
- Tomato products: since this is a red sauce, you’re going to need tomato sauce and tomato paste.
- Anchovy paste: hear us out. Anchovy paste adds such a wonderful flavor. If it’s not your jam or you can’t find it, feel free to omit it. Plus, if you read the comments, our readers are saying not to skip it!
- Heavy cream: a little bit of cream really brightens up the ground turkey pasta recipe!
- Parmesan cheese: it wouldn’t be pasta without the parm!
What % fat ground turkey should I use?
We used a 97% lean/3% fat ground turkey and it was perfect. Feel free to use whatever you have on hand.
Make your own Homemade Italian Seasoning with just 10 ingredients you likely already have in your spice cupboard, and you’ll be on your way to the most flavorful recipes in no time.
The One-Pan, High Protein Ground Turkey Meal Prep Recipe You Need to Try
FAQ
Is ground turkey high in protein?
Is ground turkey healthy for weight loss?
Is ground turkey better than chicken for protein?
How much protein is in 4 oz lean ground turkey?
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Protein (g)
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22.44
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Total lipid (fat) (g)
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10.78
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Carbohydrate, by difference (g)
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0
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Energy (kcal)
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192.7
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Sugars, total (g)
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0
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What are some healthy ground turkey recipes?
Make a filling and flavorful meal with these healthy ground turkey recipes. Turkey is a versatile protein that can be used in chilis, stuffed peppers and more. From Taco Spaghetti Squash Boats to Turkey & Brown Rice Chili, these turkey recipes are delicious and the perfect option for tonight’s menu. Was this page helpful?
What are the best ground turkey recipes for meal prep?
All of these recipes are also great for meal prep. Spicy Ground Turkey Stir Fry is one of the best ground turkey recipes! Low carb, Whole30, paleo and done in under 30 minutes with 7 simple ingredients. This easy meal is great for meal prepping or a quick dinner.
How long does it take to cook a ground turkey?
If you’re short on time – ground turkey is an awesome protein to cook with. It only takes 10-15 minutes to make – making it the perfect weeknight staple! All of these recipes are also great for meal prep. Spicy Ground Turkey Stir Fry is one of the best ground turkey recipes!
How much protein is in a ground turkey burger?
With 27 grams of protein per 100 grams of meat (beef has 14 grams), these ground turkey recipes are about to become your new dinner staples. These burgers can be made inside, year-round, on a griddle pan. The oats help to lower cholesterol, and the feta adds a delicious Greek twist to the burger.