10 Ground Turkey Recipes You'll Actually Crave

The Best Ground Turkey Recipes

Thai Basil Ground Turkey

253 CAL 20 MIN

This Spicy Thai Basil Ground Turkey is what I make when I want dinner to feel like takeout, but way healthier and faster. It's full of big flavors, like garlic, chili paste, fish sauce, and loads of Thai basil, cooked up in just one skillet. I love serving it over jasmine rice or tucked into lettuce wraps for something lighter, and the leftovers somehow taste even better the next day.

Greek Ground Turkey

325 CAL 20 MIN

This Greek ground turkey recipe is what I make when I want something fresh, filling, and wildly flavorful without a lot of effort. It's got all the big Mediterranean energy, like briny olives, juicy tomatoes, punchy red onion, and salty crumbles of feta, mixed into lean, seasoned turkey and ready in under 20 minutes. I love it stuffed in pita, scooped over rice bowls, or piled high on a salad with a dollop of tzatziki for good measure.

Ground Turkey Tostadas

457 CAL 20 MIN

If you're bored with your basic taco night, these tostadas are the crispy, satisfying upgrade you didn't know you needed. Seasoned ground turkey is layered on crunchy tostada shells with refried beans, melty cheese, and your favorite toppings, like creamy avocado, fresh salsa, and a splash of lime. They're quick enough for a busy weeknight and fun enough to feel like a Friday dinner party.

Ground Turkey Tacos

261 CAL 15 MIN

These ground turkey tacos are a solid go-to when I need something easy but don't want to sacrifice flavor. The meat is seasoned with a simple spice blend that somehow tastes like more effort than it is, and the tomato sauce keeps everything juicy without being messy. I usually make a quick slaw or slice up some avocado to go on top, and suddenly it feels like way more than just a basic taco night.

Zucchini and Ground Turkey Pizza Boats

228 CAL 35 MIN

If you've ever wanted pizza night to be just a little lighter but still hit all the right spots, these Zucchini and Ground Turkey Pizza Boats are your answer. Each zucchini half gets stuffed with seasoned ground turkey, tangy marinara, and melty mozzarella for a low-carb take on a weeknight favorite. It's everything you love about pizza: gooey cheese, savory sauce, and all, in a built-in veggie boat that's way more fun than a boring casserole.

BBQ Meatloaf Muffins

212 CAL 40 MIN

If meatloaf never really excited you, these BBQ meatloaf muffins will change your mind. Made with lean ground turkey, breadcrumbs, onion, garlic, and a smoky-sweet barbecue sauce, they bake up in a muffin tin for perfectly portioned meatloaves. They're tender on the inside, caramelized on top, and wildly convenient! Great for meal prep, picky eaters, or anytime you want comfort food that doesn't feel like a commitment.

Ground Turkey and Tomato Basil Zucchini Noodles

454 CAL 40 MIN

This one's a go-to when I want something light but still packed with flavor. Lean ground turkey gets simmered in garlic, diced tomatoes, and fresh basil until it's savory, juicy, and fragrant. Toss it all with zucchini noodles and you've got a low-carb "pasta" dinner that feels indulgent but won't leave you in a food coma. Plus, it comes together in under 30 minutes, so it's perfect for busy weeknights!

Pesto Ground Turkey with Zucchini

401 CAL 25 MIN

This Pesto Ground Turkey with Zucchini is one of those easy wins you keep on repeat. It's just ground turkey sautéed with garlic and onions, tossed with tender zucchini and finished with a big spoonful of basil pesto. It's bright, fresh, and surprisingly filling, especially with a sprinkle of parmesan or a side of pasta or rice. I like to make extra and throw it into wraps or bowls for lunch the next day.

Ground Turkey Sloppy Joes

199 CAL 30 MIN

Sloppy Joes were a childhood favorite of mine, but this grown-up version made with lean ground turkey is lighter, quicker, and honestly more flavorful than I remember. The sauce is sweet, tangy, and savory thanks to a mix of ketchup, Worcestershire, and a little mustard. It's one of those meals you can throw together in 20 minutes, pile onto a soft bun, and make weeknight dinners a breeze!

Ground Turkey and Butternut Squash Skillet

284 CAL 30 MIN

This Ground Turkey and Butternut Squash Skillet with Feta is one of those meals that hits the sweet spot between healthy and seriously satisfying. The butternut squash gets soft and a little caramelized, the turkey brings the protein, and then the feta swoops in with a salty punch that ties it all together. It's warm, cozy, and packed with flavor, but still light enough that you won't feel weighed down. I love making it in the fall, but honestly, I'd eat it any time of year.

Tips for Cooking with Ground Turkey

• Light or dark: If you want lighter ground turkey, use 99% lean ground turkey, which is light meat. If you prefer more of a turkey flavor, grab the 93% or even 85% for dark meat.
• Season smartly: Always season ground turkey while it's cooking, not just at the end. It's mild and soaks up flavors easily, so adding garlic, onion, herbs, or spices in the pan early on gives you way more flavor than just seasoning later.
• Add veggies: Grated zucchini, carrots, or mushrooms add moisture, stretch the meat further, and sneak in extra nutrients without changing the flavor much. This is especially helpful if you're cooking for picky eaters or kids.
• Rest: Just like with beef, let your ground turkey rest for a couple of minutes off the heat before serving. This helps redistribute juices so your dish tastes better, not drier.

The Best Seasonings for Ground Turkey

Here are some easy seasonings that can take ground turkey up a notch:

• Homemade Taco Seasoning or Fajita Seasoning: A must-have for Mexican-inspired meals.
• Italian Seasoning: Perfect for Italian-inspired meals like zucchini pizza boats.
• Cajun Seasoning: Great for adding a bit of kick to ground turkey.
• Homemade Poultry Seasoning: Just like chicken, poultry seasoning is perfect for ground turkey!
• Fresh or dried herbs (thyme, rosemary, oregano, basil): Perfect for Mediterranean-style dishes.
• Curry powder or garam masala: For bold, aromatic spice profiles.
• Sage: Especially good in fall or holiday-style recipes.
• Soy sauce: Brings in umami and saltiness for stir-fries or Asian-inspired dishes.
• Garlic powder and onion powder: Great for adding an aromatic flavor base.

Meal Prepping Ground Turkey to Use in Your Favorite Recipes

Here's how to cook and store ground turkey to use for your recipes:

• Fridge: Store cooked ground turkey in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freezer: Freeze cooked ground turkey in sealed bags or containers for up to 3 months.

More Ground Turkey Recipes

Ground Turkey Sloppy Joes

Zucchini and Ground Turkey Pizza Boats

Ground Turkey and Butternut Squash Skillet

Whole30 Asian Ground Turkey Stir-fry