9 Ground Turkey Dinner Recipes You’ll Love

Ground turkey is often my go-to when I want something that’s both healthy and versatile. Not only is it a lean protein source, but it also takes on flavors beautifully, allowing for endless culinary creativity.

Whether you’re in the mood for something cozy or inspired by global cuisines, ground turkey is a star ingredient. In this article, I’ll walk you through 9 ground turkey dinner recipes that will delight your taste buds and add variety to your meals.

1. Mediterranean Stuffed Bell Peppers

Stuffed bell peppers take me back to a cozy weeknight at home. This Mediterranean-inspired version puts a healthy spin on a classic dish and makes for a delightful feast. The vibrant colors and hearty filling always make a stunning presentation in the kitchen.

Ingredients:

• 4 large bell peppers
• 1 lb ground turkey
• 1 can (14 oz) artichoke hearts, drained and chopped
• ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 shallot, chopped
• ¼ cup parsley, chopped
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp dried oregano
• Optional: ½ cup crumbled feta cheese

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large bowl, mix ground turkey, artichoke hearts, sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, shallot, parsley, salt, pepper, and oregano until well combined.
3. Cut the tops off the bell peppers and remove seeds. Stuff each with the turkey mixture.
4. Place the stuffed peppers in a baking dish. Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes, then uncover and bake for another 10-15 minutes until turkey is fully cooked.
5. Optionally, sprinkle feta cheese on top before serving. Serve with cauliflower rice or quinoa.

2. Baked Polenta Casserole with Ground Turkey

There’s something wonderfully comforting about a hot casserole right out of the oven. This baked polenta dish with a layer of melty cheese and savory turkey is a hearty meal perfect for cool evenings at home.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground turkey
• 1 cup polenta
• 4 cups water or broth
• 2 cups marinara sauce
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• Fresh basil, chopped

Instructions:

1. Cook polenta according to package instructions using 4 cups of water or broth. Set aside.
2. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Brown ground turkey, then stir in garlic powder, salt, pepper, and marinara sauce. Simmer for 5 minutes.
3. Spread polenta in the bottom of a greased baking dish. Layer turkey mixture on top.
4. Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheese over the turkey.
5. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes, until golden and bubbly. Garnish with fresh basil.

3. Turkey Taco Soup

Taco night becomes simpler yet just as delicious in soup form. This turkey taco soup is a family favorite — it’s easy to whip up and truly warms the soul. Personalize your bowl with your favorite taco toppings.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground turkey
• 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1 can (14 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can (14 oz) corn, drained
• 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• 1 packet taco seasoning (or 1 tbsp chili powder, 1 tsp cumin, ½ tsp paprika, ½ tsp garlic powder, ½ tsp onion powder, ¼ tsp salt)
• Optional toppings: Avocado, shredded cheese, tortilla chips

Instructions:

1. Brown ground turkey in a large pot over medium heat. Add taco seasoning and stir well.
2. Stir in diced tomatoes, black beans, corn, and broth. Bring to a simmer.
3. Let cook for 15-20 minutes to allow flavors to blend.
4. Serve hot with toppings like avocado, cheese, and tortilla chips.

4. Paleo Turkey Lasagna with Zucchini

When you’re craving the comfort of lasagna but seeking a healthier option, this recipe hits the spot. By using zucchini slices instead of noodles, this paleo-friendly dish offers a lighter, satisfying indulgence.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground turkey
• 2 medium zucchinis, sliced lengthwise into thin strips
• 1 cup marinara sauce
• 1 cup cashew cream or Greek yogurt
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (optional)
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Sprinkle zucchini slices with salt and let them sit for 10 minutes to draw out moisture. Pat dry.
3. Cook ground turkey over medium heat, then add marinara sauce, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes.
4. In a baking dish, layer zucchini slices, turkey mixture, and cashew cream or Greek yogurt. Repeat layers.
5. Optionally, top with mozzarella cheese.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes, until golden and bubbling.

5. Easy Ground Turkey Burritos

Who doesn’t love a good burrito? These turkey burritos are not only delicious but also incredibly easy to prepare. You can make extras and freeze for those nights when you need a quick meal.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground turkey
• 1 can (14 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1 packet taco seasoning
• Tortillas
• Optional toppings: Shredded cheese, salsa, avocado

Instructions:

1. Cook ground turkey in a pan over medium heat. Add taco seasoning and mix well.
2. Stir in black beans and diced tomatoes. Cook for 5 minutes.
3. Fill tortillas with the turkey mixture and desired toppings.
4. Roll them up and enjoy immediately, or freeze for later.

6. Ground Turkey Skillet with Fresh Veggies

When freshness is key, this ground turkey skillet with an array of vibrant veggies is unbeatable. It’s a quick, wholesome meal that doesn’t skimp on flavor or satisfaction.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground turkey (93% lean)
• 1 bell pepper, chopped
• 1 medium zucchini, chopped
• 1 can (14 oz) fire-roasted tomatoes
• 1 cup frozen corn
• 1 can (14 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp paprika
• ½ tsp onion powder
• Optional: Cheese of choice (e.g., Parmesan)

Instructions:

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet. Brown turkey with salt, paprika, and onion powder.
2. Add bell pepper, fire-roasted tomatoes, corn, and black beans.
3. Stir in zucchini and cook until veggies are tender.
4. Top with cheese and serve.

7. Slow Cooker Lasagna Soup

For those days when you’re busy yet yearning for a homey meal, slow cooker lasagna soup is the answer. It’s a wonderfully convenient way to transform lasagna into a comforting soup with minimal effort.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground turkey
• 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1 can (14 oz) tomato sauce
• 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• 1 cup lasagna noodles, broken into pieces
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions:

1. In a slow cooker, combine turkey, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and broth. Cook on low for 4 hours.
2. Add broken lasagna noodles 30 minutes before serving.
3. Stir in cheeses before serving.

8. Healthy Stuffed Sweet Potatoes

Savory and sweet collide deliciously in these stuffed sweet potatoes. They’re a wholesome way to enjoy familiar flavors with a nutritious twist.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground turkey
• 2 medium sweet potatoes
• 1 can (14 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
• ½ cup shredded cheese
• Optional toppings: Ranch and buffalo sauce

Instructions:

1. Bake sweet potatoes at 400°F (204°C) for 45 minutes until tender.
2. Cook turkey with black beans and seasonings of choice.
3. Cut open baked sweet potatoes and fill with turkey mixture.
4. Drizzle with ranch and buffalo sauce.

9. Ground Turkey Lettuce Wraps

Ground turkey lettuce wraps are my crowd-pleasers during gatherings. They offer a refreshing take on tacos while being light and fun to eat. Perfect for a party or a laid-back family meal.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground turkey
• 1 packet taco seasoning
• Lettuce leaves (butter, romaine, or iceberg)
• Optional toppings: Avocado, shredded cheese

Instructions:

1. Brown ground turkey with taco seasoning.
2. Fill lettuce leaves with turkey mixture.
3. Top with avocado, cheese, or other toppings.

Final Thoughts

These 9 ground turkey dinner recipes showcase the versatile nature of this lean meat. From Mediterranean flavors to comforting casseroles, there’s something here for every palate.

I encourage you to experiment with these recipes or even tweak them to match your taste — the possibilities are truly endless. Don’t forget to take advantage of meal prep and freezing options for quick dinners on busy nights.

Now it’s your turn: share your favorite ground turkey recipes in the comments!