When it comes to the usual protein sources, it’s hard to top ground turkey. It’s one of the most affordable and most versatile options out there. And because of its mild flavor, this lean protein works with just about any flavor profile, whether it’s taco seasoning, Moroccan spices, or classic Italian herbs. But if you find yourself making the same old boring patties, it’s time for an upgrade.
That won’t mean slaving away in the kitchen, or spending major dough on groceries, though. Each of the recipes below calls for one pound of ground turkey plus a few key ingredients (many of which you might already have on hand). Pro tip: When choosing your protein, we recommend opting for 100 percent white meat, which is lower in fat and calories. While a serving of regular ground turkey contains about three grams of saturated fat, ground turkey breast contains only about half a gram per serving. Here are 11 ground turkey recipes to shake up your healthy rotation.
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11 Healthy Ground Turkey Recipes You’ll Crave
1. Healthy Turkey Burgers
Makes 4 servings
Turkey burgers too often turn in to flavorless hockey pucks, but a healthy dose of minced garlic and freshly chopped parsley and rosemary keep these patties full of flavor and moisture. Serve wrapped in lettuce leaves to cut down on carbs and top with a thick slice of avocado and fresh tomato. This recipe makes four burgers, but cooked patties can easily be frozen to later use (defrost in the fridge before reheating on the grill or stovetop). Recipe and photo: Perry Santanachote / Life by Daily Burn
2. 20-Minute Turkey Tacos with Apple Salsa
Makes 4 servings
News flash: Salsa does not have to be made from tomatoes! Crisp apples make a refreshing chunky salsa to top the turkey taco mixture flavored with cumin, garlic and onion. If you’re not keen on eating tacos for days, the leftovers are easy to mix and match. Serve leftover filling and salsa over spinach or mixed greens for lunch, enjoy the leftover salsa with plain Greek yogurt for a sweet-and-savory snack, or cook the leftover turkey mixture with scrambled eggs for a protein-packed breakfast. (But really, who wouldn’t eat tacos for days?) Recipe and photo: Robyn / Real Food Whole Life
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3. Ground Turkey and Sweet Potato Stuffed Peppers
Makes 4 servings
When cooked up with diced sweet potatoes and onions, ground turkey makes the perfect protein-rich filling for sweet bell peppers. Fully stuffed, the stuffed peppers keep well in the fridge or freezer. Want a meal that’s a bit easier to eat on-the-go? Chop the stuffed peppers into more of a hash, and you’ll get the same great flavors without the need to sit down with a proper knife and fork. Recipe and photo: Olivia / Primavera Kitchen
4. Turkey Meatball Soup
Makes 4 servings
Meatballs don’t always have to be served atop spaghetti! Yes, this soup still nestles the turkey meatballs in a bath of tomato sauce, but the “broth” is anything but traditional marinara. While the meatballs get a burst of flavor from cilantro, parsley, and cumin, onion, garlic, chili powder, cumin, and hot sauce add depth to the sauce. Top with a healthy dose of cilantro and squeeze of lime for a splash of freshness before serving. Freeze leftovers in individual servings for easy reheating. Recipe and photo: Perry Santanachote / Life by Daily Burn
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5. Teriyaki Turkey Rice Bowl
Makes 4-6 servings
This might be the simplest way to make a week’s worth of dinners with one pound of ground meat. Quickly cook the turkey on the stovetop with chopped broccoli, grated carrots, and a mix of flavorings including garlic, ginger and soy sauce. The recipe suggests serving the mixture over rice, but don’t be afraid to get creative! The mix would go just as well as a filling for lettuce cups, on top of steamed vegetables or mixed with cooked rice noodles. Recipe and photo: Kristin / Yellow Bliss Road
6. Healthy Turkey Chili
Makes 6 servings
Swapping in ground turkey for beef is the easiest way to lighten up this classic comfort food dish. A one-cup serving of this turkey and white bean chili comes in at just 320 calories and an impressive 33 grams of protein and 13 grams of fiber. Pro tip: Freeze leftovers in individual servings for easy on-the-go lunches or a quick dinner. Recipe and photo: Perry Santanachote / Life by Daily Burn
7. Baked Asian Chicken Meatball Lettuce Wraps
Makes 24 meatballs, or about 6 servings
Most chicken (or turkey) meatballs are dry and flavorless, but these delicious bites certainly don’t face that fate! Adding a mixture of breadcrumbs and milk to the meatballs helps keep them moist even when reheated. Serve in lettuce wraps or with steamed broccoli or snow peas and drizzle with the extra sauce for tons of flavor. Note: The recipe calls for 1 ½ pounds of ground poultry, but you can easily adapt the recipe to use a standard 1 pound container by slightly reducing the amount of breadcrumbs and milk you add to the meatball mixture. Recipe and photo: Kelly Senyei / Just a Taste
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8. Zucchini Noodles and Meatballs
Makes 4-6 servings
Forget spaghetti noodles — zucchini noodles accompany these turkey meatballs just as well with a fraction of calories, fat and carbohydrates. Note: This recipe calls for 1 ½ pounds of ground turkey for six servings, but you could easily use just 1 pound and reduce the amount of breadcrumbs and milk slightly to compensate. Recipe and photo: Perry Santanachote / Life by Daily Burn
9. Quick and Easy Taco Salad
Makes 4 servings
Because ground turkey has such a mild flavor, it’s easy to liven up with whatever flavors you like. Here, our favorite bird gets kicked up a notch with cilantro, scallions and taco seasoning. Crunchy romaine lettuce serves as the base of this flavor-filled salad that gets topped with your favorite salsa, and if you want a little more indulgence, some low-fat cheese and a few crispy baked tortilla chips. Instead of dressing, squeeze a lime wedge over the top before digging in. Recipe and photo: Perry Santanachote / Life by Daily Burn
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10. Buffalo Chicken Sloppy Joes
Makes 4-6 servings
Put down the Manwich! This recipe is proof that fresh, wholesome ingredients can lend light-years more flavor than anything out of a can. Think of this easy 30-minute recipe as a cross between Sloppy Joes and buffalo wings. The (not so) secret ingredient in this flavorful ground turkey filling is buffalo wing sauce, along with onion, carrot and celery. Instead of the traditional Ranch dressing for dipping, each sandwich is topped with a healthier homemade Greek yogurt and blue cheese ranch sauce. Cut down on carbs by opting to serve the mix in lettuce wraps or atop roasted veggies. Recipe and photo: Spoonful of Flavor
11. Teriyaki Turkey Cabbage Rolls
Makes 4 servings of 2 rolls each
These quick and easy cabbage rolls are packed with protein-rich ground turkey, juicy pineapple chunks and plenty of vitamin-rich chopped veggies. The best part? It’s a one-pot dish so you can kick your feet up for a while. Recipe and photo: Krista / Destination Delish