One of the biggest perks of ground turkey is its convenience. Unlike a whole holiday bird, which requires hours of preparation—thawing, brining, roasting, and carving—ground turkey is ready to cook straight from the fridge. Yet, it still delivers that delicious, tender taste, including the dark meat flavor so many crave during festive gatherings.
You can easily swap ground turkey into most recipes that call for ground beef or chicken with great results. Just keep a few simple tips in mind: cook it at a slightly lower temperature, add a little extra oil to prevent dryness, and always ensure it reaches the safe internal temperature of 165°F. Once you get the hang of it, making everything from sloppy joes to crispy, cheesy tacos with ground turkey is just as effortless as using any other ground meat.
If you’re not quite ready to experiment on your own, don’t worry—we’ve got you covered. These 10 easy ground turkey recipes will inspire you, proving that this versatile protein shines in everything from hearty stews to juicy burgers. No matter what you’re in the mood for, there’s always a delicious way to put ground turkey on the menu!
SOUTHWEST TURKEY VEGETABLE AND RICE SKILLET – RECIPE RUNNER
Ground turkey and rice make a perfect pair in this simple, one-pan meal. With pantry staples like canned corn and a 30-minute cook time, it’s an easy go-to for busy weeknights.
GROUND TURKEY PASTA IN ROMESCO SAUCE – SWEET PEAS AND SAFFRON
Romesco, a bold and smoky Spanish sauce made with roasted red peppers and almonds, adds rich depth to this comforting pasta dish. For an easy shortcut, swap in store-bought red pepper pesto.
STRAWBERRY BALSAMIC TURKEY SKILLET – FOOD FAITH FITNESS
This sweet and savory turkey skillet dish is light, refreshing, and pairs perfectly with rice or quinoa. No fresh strawberries? No problem—frozen berries work just as well.
GROUND TURKEY SHEPHERD’S PIE – LAURA FUENTES
This turkey-based twist on classic shepherd’s pie proves that mashed potatoes make everything better. Hearty, satisfying, and perfect for a cozy night in.
TURKEY BOLOGNESE – CHELSEA’S MESSY APRON
With the addition of beef bouillon and Worcestershire sauce, this turkey bolognese delivers a surprisingly rich, beefy flavor. Fire-roasted canned tomatoes add an extra layer of depth.
TURKEY SWEDISH MEATBALLS – THE COMFORT OF COOKING
This lighter take on traditional Swedish meatballs is just as creamy and comforting. A mix of eggs, milk, and breadcrumbs keeps them tender and moist.
ONE-POT TACO PASTA WITH GROUND TURKEY – NOT ENOUGH CINNAMON
Can’t decide between tacos and pasta? This fusion dish lets you enjoy both! With black beans for added protein and a bold, zesty flavor, it’s a satisfying weeknight favorite.
GREEK TURKEY TACOS – LOVE AND OLIVE OIL
Got stale pita bread? Revive it in a skillet with a little olive oil, then use it as the base for these flavorful Greek-inspired turkey tacos.
TURKEY FLORENTINE CALZONES – WHOLEFULLY
Stuffed with turkey, spinach, and cheese, these calzones prove that hand pies aren’t just for traditional pizza flavors. Don’t forget the marinara sauce for dipping!
CROCKPOT MINI TURKEY MEATBALL VEGETABLE SOUP – REAL FOOD WHOLE LIFE
Mini turkey meatballs make this slow-cooker soup extra fun and satisfying. Freeze any leftovers for an easy, warming meal whenever you need it.
CONCLUSION
These simple and delicious ground turkey recipes make it easy to put a healthy and flavorful meal on the table any night of the week!
