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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"So quick and easy, fail-proof," says reviewer krisieyo1. "Typically turkey burgers get dry easily in my kitchen, but not with this quick recipe." Black beans and ground turkey pack a protein punch in these burgers, without all the beef!

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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."

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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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20 Ground Turkey Recipes for Easy Weekday Meals (21)

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20 Ground Turkey Recipes for Easy Weekday Meals (2024)

FAQs

How long can you keep ground turkey in the fridge? ›

You may store uncooked ground poultry in the refrigerator 1 to 2 days. After cooking, you may keep it 3 to 4 days. Frozen raw poultry is best used in 3 to 4 months; cooked ground poultry, 2 to 3 months.

When not to cook ground turkey? ›

Raw turkey meat should be light pink or beige, depending on the type of meat and its fat content. The meat color becomes dull as time passes, which is normal. However, if the meat has a brown, gray or yellow or green hue, you will want to part ways with it.

Is ground turkey healthier than ground beef? ›

Ground beef and turkey are both nutritious meats that provide protein, fat, and a variety of vitamins and minerals. Turkey is generally lower in saturated fat than beef. As such, it may be a better choice for heart health. Fat-free turkey is also the lowest calorie option if you're interested in weight loss.

Is ground turkey healthier than ground chicken? ›

Both chicken and turkey provide healthy protein. Generally, chicken tends to be higher in vitamin B6 and pantothenic acid, and turkey tends to be lower in calories, fat, and sodium while having more zinc, niacin, and vitamin B12.

Can I eat ground turkey after 7 days? ›

USDA recommends using cooked turkey within 3 to 4 days, kept refrigerated (40°F or less). Refrigeration slows but does not stop bacterial growth. Turkey can be frozen for 3 to 4 months. Although safe indefinitely, frozen leftovers can lose moisture and flavor when stored for longer times in the freezer.

How do you know when ground turkey has gone bad? ›

But as any poultry starts to go bad, it will start to turn an unpleasant shade of gray. If that pink hue starts to look slightly dull then it's time to use up your ground turkey immediately, and if it has a gray tint (even just a slight one), then it's time to toss it.

How do you add flavor to ground turkey? ›

There are plenty of easy ground turkey recipes out there. But, you will always need spices like olive oil, kosher salt and pepper, chili powder, and garlic powder. You can add minced garlic, and freshly chopped onions and peppers, for an extra edge.

Is it OK to leave cooked ground turkey out overnight? ›

The Two-Hour Rule

Havern explains: "The maximum amount of time perishable foods can [spend] in the danger zone is two hours. At two hours, the food must be consumed, stored correctly, or thrown away. This includes all cooked leftovers, [chopped] fruits and vegetables, meat, poultry, fish, eggs, and dairy products."

Is ground turkey OK if GREY? ›

But as any poultry starts to go bad, it will start to turn an unpleasant shade of gray. If that pink hue starts to look slightly dull then it's time to use up your ground turkey immediately, and if it has a gray tint (even just a slight one), then it's time to toss it.

Is it OK to eat ground turkey everyday? ›

The bottom line is yes—it is okay to include ground turkey in your diet regularly, though as with any food, it's crucial to eat it in moderation and variety in your food choices. Eating a diverse range of nutrient sources helps ensure you obtain all of the essential nutrients needed for enhancing overall health.

What does eating turkey do to your body? ›

Rich in Vitamins and Minerals

It contains vitamin B12, which helps support red blood cell formation, as well as zinc and iron, which help boost immunity. Turkey also provides a good dose of selenium, which has powerful antioxidant properties that help protect against disease.

What is the healthiest meat to eat? ›

Which Meat is the Healthiest?
  • Top overall: Lean cuts. ...
  • Lean cuts of Pork: ...
  • Healthiest: Skinless Turkey Meat. ...
  • Healthiest: Skinless Chicken Breast. ...
  • Healthiest: Flank, strip steak, and 95% lean ground beef. ...
  • Sources:

What is the unhealthiest meat? ›

Hot dogs, bacon, sausage, and regular ground beef should be avoided or consumed sparingly due to their high fat, calorie, and sodium content, and potential health risks. By using this ranking system, you can make informed choices about the meats you eat and maintain a healthy diet.

Do bodybuilders eat ground turkey? ›

Although beef is high in protein, turkey is also high in protein, which makes ground turkey meal prep for bodybuilding a popular thing for people looking to build a bit of muscle mass.

Is ground turkey considered a Processed Meat? ›

Processed meats are any meats that aren't fresh. People typically think of processed meat as only referring to pork and beef, but this category can also include poultry (chicken, turkey, duck) and fish.

Is ground turkey good after 5 days in fridge? ›

"Ground poultry is the most difficult to see (if it's fresh) visually. It could go bad before it even browns, so that's why you need to eat it immediately," said Peisker. Ground turkey and chicken usually last just two to three days in the fridge.

Is ground turkey good after 5 days? ›

It is generally recommended to consume cooked ground turkey within 3-4 days if stored properly in the refrigerator. After 5 days, there is an increased risk of bacterial growth and potential foodborne illness. It is best to discard the ground turkey to ensure your safety.

How long can uncooked meat stay in the fridge? ›

For raw ground meats, poultry, seafood and variety meats (liver, tongue, chitterlings, etc.), refrigerate them only 1 to 2 days before either cooking or freezing. Beef, veal, lamb and pork roasts, steaks and chops may be kept 3 to 5 days.

Can I keep a fresh turkey in the fridge for 6 days? ›

If properly stored, raw turkey can last in the fridge for 1–2 days, while cold cuts last up to 5 days. How long does cooked turkey last in the fridge? If you have leftovers that include cooked turkey, you can expect those to last in the refrigerator for 3–4 days.

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