20 Ground Turkey Recipes for Easy Weekday Meals (2024)

Ground turkey is often overshadowed by its more popular ground meat counterpart: Ground beef. We're still fans of ground beef around here, but there's no denying that ground turkey has a few advantages to boast about. Ground turkey is a naturally leaner meat, and it's super low cost. It makes it easier to eat healthy on a budget, and who among us isn't trying to do that? These easy ground turkey recipes require few ingredients and minimal prep work. Here are 20 ground turkey recipes that make for easy meals.

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White Chili with Ground Turkey

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Lighten up chili by using ground turkey instead of beef! "This white turkey chili is a great alternative to regular chili. This dish has a unique taste that even the pickiest eater will enjoy. Make sure you spice this one to taste! Garnish with cheese, salsa, sour cream and cilantro leaves, and serve with rolled tortillas on the side.," says recipe creator Donna Nugent.

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Ground Turkey Noodle Bake

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Ground turkey, egg noodles, and loads of cheese — what's not to love? Reviewer JVDdchef describes this as a "great meal for families with little kids."

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Goat Cheese and Spinach Turkey Burgers

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These turkey burgers require just three ingredients: Ground turkey, spinach, and goat cheese. While some turkey burgers can be dry, these are anything but: "These are really great turkey burgers! Very flavorful and moist," says reviewer Diana S.

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Lazygirl's Ground Turkey Stroganoff

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This is a healthier take on beef stroganoff that comes together in just 35 minutes from start to finish. "My kids love it," says reviewer KLSTRASSER. "I love that it's easy to prepare, and that I usually have the ingredients on hand."

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Momma's Sloppy Joes

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This All-American meal is made leaner with ground turkey. Reviewer Jeannette Wood Hill says, "Best sloppy joes recipe yet! Love using turkey for fat and calorie savings. My kids loved them and I have a daughter that is terribly picky!"

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Black Bean Turkey Burgers

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Homemade Turkey Breakfast Sausage

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"Homemade turkey sausage flavored with sage, marjoram, and a bit of red pepper with no preservatives. Freeze individually to store and cook throughout the week," says recipe creator cathy35. Talk about a meal-prep secret!

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Middle Eastern Turkey Dogs

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Get Middle-Eastern flavors in the form of an American hot dog. "My husband told me that these taste as good as the kafta (beef sausages) he gets at our favorite Middle Eastern restaurant," says reviewer DISNEYLANDGODDESS.

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Quick Bean and Turkey Italian Meatballs

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Serve up these turkey meatballs with spaghetti and sauce for a lighter take on a fan-favorite dinner. Plus they make great leftovers: "These freeze beautifully," says reviewer mkstevens09.

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Stuffed Orange Peppers

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These versatile stuffed peppers can be served as a meal or an appetizer if you choose to use mini bell peppers. "Very simple recipe but very flavorful. I made it exactly as written except I added a bit of garlic powder when browning the meat," says reviewer France C. "A wonderful twist on stuffed peppers and a nice change from the usual ground beef/rice/tomato sauce recipes you always see."

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Crazy Delicious Turkey Meatloaf

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Frozen bell peppers, ground turkey, and Italian bread crumbs are all you need to make this comfort-food staple. "First off, I love that this is healthy and easy," says reviewer. "Second, I also love that there's none of that sweet meatloaf glaze that way too many meatloaf recipes seem to have."

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Thai-Style Turkey Burgers

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Soy sauce, fresh cilantro, green onions, and ginger give these burgers Thai-inspired flavor. Try topping them with peanut sauce like reviewer Linda T: "I topped them with a mixture of sauteed onions, mushrooms, bean sprouts, and cilantro...also peanut sauce... yum."

Baked Spinach, Feta, and Turkey Meatballs

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This easy meatball recipe can also be used to make turkey burgers. Take it from reviewer Diego, who says, "Really tasty. Next time going to make them for hamburger patties."

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Turkey Soft Tacos

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"All in all the family enjoyed this 'healthier' version of one of our favorite meals," says reviewer Christina. Enjoy all your usual toppings and seasonings, but with fewer calories.

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Taco Lettuce Wraps

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Cut down on the carbs and the fat by substituting turkey for beef and lettuce for tortillas.

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Instant Pot Ground Turkey Taco Meat Recipe

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"It doesn't get much easier than this — lean ground turkey and salsa ranchera combined and made in a pressure cooker such as Instant Pot," says recipe creator bd.weld. "Perfect for tacos, burritos, or even a taco salad."

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Buttermilk Turkey Meatloaf Muffins

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These single-serve meatloaf muffins are as delicious as they are cute. "These turkey muffins go great with some turkey dressing," says recipe creator DELANIA.

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Hawaiian Turkey Burgers

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For a little island flavor, you can't go wrong with these teriyaki-basted turkey burgers, topped with grilled pineapple. "The only change I made is that I used canned pineapple rings instead of fresh because I was too lazy to cut up a fresh one. Canned worked fine too," says reviewer Soup Loving Nicole.

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Egg, Cheese, and Turkey Breakfast Burritos

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Meal prep these tasty, protein-packed breakfast burritos for busy mornings.

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Pesto Turkey Meatballs

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"Ridiculously easy turkey meatballs ready in 30 minutes and full of flavor thanks to lots of pesto. My kids love these turkey meatballs and they're endlessly versatile," says recipe creator and Allrecipes Editorial Director Diana Moutsopoulos.

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Ground Turkey: A Lean and Cost-Effective Meat Option

Ground turkey is often overshadowed by its more popular counterpart, ground beef. However, there are several advantages to using ground turkey in your meals. Here are some key points to consider:

Naturally Lean: Ground turkey is naturally leaner than ground beef, meaning it contains less fat. This can be beneficial for those looking to reduce their fat intake or maintain a healthier diet.
Low Cost: Ground turkey is generally more affordable than ground beef, making it an excellent choice for those on a budget. It provides a cost-effective option for incorporating meat into your meals without breaking the bank.
Healthier Option: Choosing ground turkey over ground beef can help you make healthier choices. It can be a valuable ingredient for anyone trying to eat healthy or lose weight, as it is lower in calories and fat content.
Versatile: Ground turkey can be used in a wide variety of recipes, just like ground beef. It can be used to make burgers, meatballs, chili, meatloaf, tacos, and much more. Its mild flavor allows it to adapt well to different seasonings and ingredients.
Easy Preparation: Ground turkey is easy to work with and requires minimal prep work. It can be a convenient option for quick and simple meals, especially for those with limited time or cooking skills.

Ground Turkey Recipes: Easy and Delicious Meal Options

This article includes a list of 20 ground turkey recipes that are both easy to prepare and tasty. These recipes showcase the versatility of ground turkey and provide a range of flavors and meal options. Here are some examples:

White Chili with Ground Turkey: A lighter alternative to traditional chili, this recipe incorporates ground turkey, spices, and garnishes like cheese, salsa, and sour cream.
Ground Turkey Noodle Bake: This family-friendly meal combines ground turkey, egg noodles, and cheese for a comforting and satisfying dish.
Goat Cheese and Spinach Turkey Burgers: These flavorful turkey burgers require only three ingredients: ground turkey, spinach, and goat cheese. They are moist and delicious.
Lazygirl's Ground Turkey Stroganoff: A healthier take on beef stroganoff, this recipe uses ground turkey and can be prepared in just 35 minutes.
Momma's Sloppy Joes: Ground turkey is used as a leaner alternative to beef in this classic American dish. It is a hit with both kids and picky eaters.

These are just a few examples of the ground turkey recipes mentioned in the article. Each recipe offers a unique twist and showcases the versatility of ground turkey in different cuisines and dishes. Whether you're looking for a quick weeknight meal or a healthier alternative to a favorite comfort food, ground turkey can be an excellent choice.

Note: The recipes shared in the article are not provided in the text you shared. If you would like specific recipes or more details about any particular recipe, please let me know!