37+ Healthy Ground Turkey Recipes (Best on the Internet!)  (2024)

Table of Contents
Quick, Easy Healthy Ground Turkey Recipes 1. Tasty Ground Turkey Soup 2. The BEST Air Fryer Turkey Burgers 3. 20-Minute Lettuce Cups 4. Indian-style Meatballs 5. Rice and Ground Turkey (In 30 Minutes) 6. Turkey and Zucchini Skillet 7. Turkey Meatballs In Lemon-Butter Garlic Sauce 8. Ground Turkey Korean Rice Bowls 9. Thai Turkey Meatballs 10. Ground Turkey and Sweet Potato Skillet 11. Ground Turkey + Black Bean Enchiladas 12. Peppers Stuffed with Ground Turkey 13. Healthy Turkey Chili 14. Healthy Turkey Sloppy Joes 15. Greek Turkey Rice Bowls 16. Swedish Turkey Meatballs 17. Sticky Asian-glazed Turkey Meatballs 18. Cheesy Ground Turkey Quesadillas 19. Garlic Butter Meatballs and Zucchini Noodles 20. Teriyaki Turkey 21. Ground Turkey Veggie Bowls 22. Ground Turkey Pizza 23. Ground Turkey Empanadas 24. Ground Turkey Flatbreads 25. Turkey Puttanesca 26. Ground Turkey Tacos 27. Turkey Goulash 28. White Bean and Turkey Chili 29. Turkey Spaghetti 30. Turkey Pasta Bake 31. Thai Turkey Coconut Curry 32. Curried Ground Turkey 33. Ground Turkey Rigatoni 34. Creamy Turkey Rigatoni 35. Creamy Ground Turkey Pasta With Butternut And Spinach 36. Ground Turkey Soup With Kale + Rice FAQs About Healthy Ground Turkey Recipes How healthy is ground turkey? How to season my ground turkey? Is ground turkey better than ground beef for weight loss? Is ground turkey healthier than chicken? Is it better to eat ground turkey or ground beef? Can ground turkey replace ground beef in all recipes? How do I keep ground turkey from drying out when cooking? What are the best dishes to make with ground turkey? Does ground turkey need to be cooked differently than ground beef? Is there a taste difference between ground turkey and ground beef? How long can I store ground turkey in the fridge? 37+ Healthy Ground Turkey Recipes (Best on the Internet!) Ingredients Instructions You’ll Also Love These Juicy Air Fryer Turkey Burgers Ground Turkey Soup Turkey Giblet Gravy Recipe (Without Drippings!) FAQs References

You thought you knew healthy ground turkey recipes and so did I! Boy was I wrong. These easy, SUPER-TASTY lowfat ground turkey recipes are all 10/10 winners.

Quick, Easy Healthy Ground Turkey Recipes

Ground turkey is lean and tasty protein that is easy to work with and cooks quickly and without fuss.

Check out some of my favorite succulent, delicious, healthy ground turkey recipes.

From mild and kid-friendly to spiced and robust, this mid-week recipe round-up will give you tons of flavor directions.Most of them can be made in under an hour. Let’s go!

1. Tasty Ground Turkey Soup

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My heartyground turkey soupis busting with veggies, potatoes and butternut squash. This is the perfect winter warmer.

This is one of my favorite healthy ground turkey recipes. It will be on the table in 30 minutes – perfect for a mid-week meal.

2. The BEST Air Fryer Turkey Burgers

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Sink your teeth into these succulent ground turkey meat burgers. Thisjuicy turkey burger recipeis made in an Air Fryer (think minimal waste and healthy).

I’ve added panko crumbs to the ground turkey mixture, and the result is moist and light.

It’s one of my favorite lowfat ground turkey recipes.

3. 20-Minute Lettuce Cups

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These daintylettuce cupsfrom Cooking Classy are the perfect speedy appetizer or light lunch.

They are deliciously flavored with soy sauce, hoisin, and sriracha. I love the addition of water chestnuts! You could also turn these into lettuce wraps – just as an idea!

4. Indian-style Meatballs

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Check out thissassy recipefrom 40 Aprons.

The tender and gently spiced meatballs get steeped in a creamy sauce. This recipe is dairy and gluten-free and inspired by a butter chicken recipe.

5. Rice and Ground Turkey (In 30 Minutes)

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Homemade Mastery brings us this satisfying and dead-easyrice and ground turkey dish.

This recipe features lip-smacking spices and flavors like cumin, mint, and olives. This is another brilliant mid-week meal, especially if you cook and cool the rice the day before. You could even use this to fill tacos!

6. Turkey and Zucchini Skillet

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Here’sa recipe from The Whole Cook: A one-pot healthy ground turkey skillet for busy weeknights. Who doesn’t love a one-skillet meal?

I really like the turkey to veggie ratio in this recipe. It also uses really simple and cost-effective ingredients and flavors like onions, zucchini, bell peppers, garlic powder etc. Nothing fancy but totally yum.

It’s one the lowfat ground turkey recipes I can’t wait to try.

7. Turkey Meatballs In Lemon-Butter Garlic Sauce

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Eek,this recipefrom Eat Well 101 is a dream.

The homemade ground turkey meatballs are cheesy and herby. They get served up in a lemony-garlic butter sauce.

Have them with a light salad and creamy mashed potatoes for the most delicious and easy meal.

8. Ground Turkey Korean Rice Bowls

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What about this stylishrecipefrom Oleander and Palm?

This easy turkey dish is light and bright. The turkey can be served with tons of crunchy and healthy sides. The post includes a spicy cucumber salad for extra sass.

9. Thai Turkey Meatballs

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I’m loving thisground turkey meatball recipefrom Foodie Crush.

These baked meatballs get slathered in a rich Thai-style coconut sauce. You can dial the heat up or down with this one, as you like.

10. Ground Turkey and Sweet Potato Skillet

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The Recipe Well delivers this awesome turkey andsweet potato skillet recipe.

Another day, another AMAZING skillet recipe to add to your repertoire. I love that this quick and simple dinner recipe includes black beans. It can be made in 30 minutes – give it a try!

11. Ground Turkey + Black Bean Enchiladas

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Diethood gives us thisrecipefor healthy and tasty ground turkey enchiladas.

Looking for a healthy, tasty recipe for enchiladas? Swap classic ground beef with turkey, as with this easy-going recipe.

12. Peppers Stuffed with Ground Turkey

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Grab this funrecipefor turkey-stuffed peppers from Recipe Rebel.

Stuffed peppers and veggies are always so impressive. They are simple to make yet present as a full-effort meal. This is a great summer recipe to serve with a loaded salad.

13. Healthy Turkey Chili

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Ambitious Kitchen sharestheir recipefor a healthy turkey chili.

This recipe has all the winning ingredients – kidney beans and corn. It features avocado (of course) and is wonderful with cheese and fresh cilantro. Make this your new crowd pleaser!

14. Healthy Turkey Sloppy Joes

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The Cooking Duo shares this (totally yummy)recipefor sloppy Joe.

With this recipe, the American classic undergoes a healthy transformation. Loaded with all the saucy goodness you’d expect from a regular Sloppy Joe, you’ve got to try it.

15. Greek Turkey Rice Bowls

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How fun is this recipe forGreek turkey rice bowlsfrom Greens and Chocolate?

I adore Greek flavors, gosh. This recipe over-delivers on yum – it has all the lemony, garlicky tastiness I crave from Greek food.

This is another meal-prep dish to add to your rotation, filled with healthy protein and bright tomatoes.

This is what lowfat turkey recipes should be, amirite?

16. Swedish Turkey Meatballs

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Grab this recipe for Swedish meatballrecipefrom Platings and Pairings.

This turkey meatball recipe in a creamy sauce is perfect spooned over mashed potatoes or steamed rice. Make it the night before and let the flavors meld…

17. Sticky Asian-glazed Turkey Meatballs

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Modern Meal Makeover shares this sticky, sweet, and sour turkeyrecipeon their site.

Still on the meatball trend – here is another beautiful way to make them. This recipe pairs sticky glazed turkey meatballs with fresh herbs and noodles.

18. Cheesy Ground Turkey Quesadillas

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Download this easy and fun lunchrecipefrom Girl Heart Food.

You can use this as a base recipe to add to or just as is. These are great for kids and can be prepared in advance. What a winner!

19. Garlic Butter Meatballs and Zucchini Noodles

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Here’s another deliciousrecipefrom Eat Well 101.

I love that this gets served in one pan – and it’s made with zoodles!

This is the perfect gluten-free diner to make in under 30 minutes.

20. Teriyaki Turkey

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Sneak a bunch of veggies into your meal with this Teriyaki turkeyrecipefrom Yellow Bliss Road.

You can make it with ground turkey and serve it with steamed brown rice and fresh herbs. You could also turn these into lettuce cups!

21. Ground Turkey Veggie Bowls

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Clean Healthy Meals is a site full of fresh and fun recipes, includingthis one!

This is another healthy and wise gluten-free recipe to try. You can switch up the veggies and make it with cauliflower instead.

22. Ground Turkey Pizza

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Eek, this groundturkey pizza recipefrom Just Short of Crazy is SO good.

This is a pretty easy recipe that is definitely a party-pleaser. Serve it with a happy summer salad, and you’ve got a balanced meal in front of you.

23. Ground Turkey Empanadas

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Skinny Taste has the cutest turkey empanadarecipeon their site.

This recipe uses homemade pizza dough,lean ground turkey, and a handful of other basic ingredients.

24. Ground Turkey Flatbreads

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I love these easy and tastyflatbreadsfrom Whitney Bond.

Honestly, this recipe is so simple, but they look incredibly pretty. Loaded with busty buffalo and blue cheese flavors; you’ve got to try them.

25. Turkey Puttanesca

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The Reluctant Entertainer brings you this healthyPuttanesca recipemade with ground turkey.

Olives, garlic, and tomatoes are the key ingredients in this dish. Serve it with lots of herbs and sliced bread.

26. Ground Turkey Tacos

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Ground turkey tacoswith a quick slaw from Sip and Sanity is a crowdpleaser of note.

I love the tasty crema this recipe gets served with – they look really pretty, too.

27. Turkey Goulash

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Make this turkeygoulash recipefrom Fake Ginger in 20 minutes or so.

This turkey goulash recipe is light and cozy all at once. I love how quick it is and how much my kids love this recipe.

28. White Bean and Turkey Chili

Download thisgorgeous recipefrom Flavor of the Moments.

Here’s a second turkey chili recipe for you to try. This one is loaded with white beans, which I love. This recipe has all the qualities of a slow-cooker turkey chili, except it gets made in less than an hour.

29. Turkey Spaghetti

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Easy Healthy Recipes delivers this wonderfulrecipefor Turkey Spaghetti.

This is a lighter version of the classic spaghetti recipe. It is a low-effort, high-pleasure meal. You can sneak veggies into this recipe, like spinach, zucchini, or carrots.

30. Turkey Pasta Bake

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A classicrecipewith a twist from Nourish and Fete.

It’ll be on the table in under an hour, loaded with cheesy goodness. Serve it with a side salad and a light dressing.

31. Thai Turkey Coconut Curry

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I love this colorfulrecipefor Thai Turkey Coconut Curry from Heart Bee Kitchen.

The Thai flavors in this recipe burst, and it has a creamy yet light sauce. This is lovely to serve on a special occasion or just when you have friends around.

32. Curried Ground Turkey

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Thank you, Simply Recipes, for this curriedground turkey recipe.

It gets served up with potatoes and peas – so lovely and easy as a mid-week meal.

33. Ground Turkey Rigatoni

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Kristine’s Kitchen Blog has this easy andtotally delicious recipefor a ground turkey rigatoni.

I mean – can anything be better? Serve it up with some extra veggies or your favorite salad. Enjoy any leftovers the next day.

34. Creamy Turkey Rigatoni

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Honey Butter gives us this creamy, dreamy turkey rigatonirecipe.

Sink your teeth into a bowl of this yummy rigatoni. I love how the arugula cuts through the creamy sauce.

35. Creamy Ground Turkey Pasta With Butternut And Spinach

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This is one of the most veggie-loaded healthy ground turkey recipes of the bunch.

A fun and family-friendlyrecipefrom Julia’s Album that’s an easy-going meal.

I love that the roasted butternut bulks up this pasta, adding extra fiber and color.

36. Ground Turkey Soup With Kale + Rice

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Here’s anotherrecipefrom Yellow Bliss Road for you to try out.

This 30-minute meal is brimming with goodness like kale, chicken broth, oregano, and ground turkey. It gets bulked up with rice so make a big pot and enjoy!

FAQs About Healthy Ground Turkey Recipes

Just skimming through? Here are some quick answers to the commonly-asked questions.

How healthy is ground turkey?

Ground turkey is generally healthy, especially if you choose a lean option. It’s lower in fat than many other meats, making it a good choice for a balanced diet.

How to season my ground turkey?

Season ground turkey with a mix of garlic powder, smoked paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper for a flavorful kick. I find ground turkey sweeter than ground chicken or other ground meats, so I like to include a bit of cayenne, too.

Is ground turkey better than ground beef for weight loss?

Yes, ground turkey is often better than ground beef for weight loss due to its lower fat and calorie content. It’s a leaner choice that can help manage calorie intake.

Is ground turkey healthier than chicken?

Ground turkey and chicken are both healthy options, each with its benefits. Turkey is slightly leaner, but chicken often provides a bit more protein.

Is it better to eat ground turkey or ground beef?

For those watching their fat intake, ground turkey is often a better choice than ground beef. It’s leaner, making it a healthier option for many people.

Can ground turkey replace ground beef in all recipes?

Yes, ground turkey can replace ground beef in most recipes. It’s particularly effective in dishes like chili, meatballs, and tacos, where spices and sauces add flavor.

How do I keep ground turkey from drying out when cooking?

To keep ground turkey from drying out when cooking, avoid overcooking it and consider adding a bit of olive oil or broth. Cooking it with moisture-rich ingredients also helps.

What are the best dishes to make with ground turkey?

Ground turkey shines in chili, meatballs, burgers, and tacos. Its mild flavor makes it a versatile ingredient in many recipes.

Does ground turkey need to be cooked differently than ground beef?

Ground turkey often requires slightly different cooking due to its lower fat content. It’s best cooked over medium heat to prevent drying out.

Is there a taste difference between ground turkey and ground beef?

Yes, there’s a taste difference. Ground turkey is milder and leaner, while ground beef is richer. Seasoning plays a key role in bridging taste gaps.

How long can I store ground turkey in the fridge?

According to the USDA, raw ground turkey should be used within 1-2 days of purchase. Cooked ground turkey can be stored in the fridge for up to 4 days.

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37+ Healthy Ground Turkey Recipes (Best on the Internet!)

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Servings 4

Dinner

American

Keyword healthy ground turkey recipes, lowfat ground turkey recipes

Ingredients

  • Ground Turkey

Instructions

  • Pick your favorite ground turkey recipe from the collection above and enjoy!

Keyword healthy ground turkey recipes, lowfat ground turkey recipes

Last Updated on February 21, 2024 by Jennifer Pallian BSc, RD

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37+ Healthy Ground Turkey Recipes (Best on the Internet!)  (2024)

FAQs

What's the healthiest ground turkey? ›

Additionally, choose lean cuts of either meat, such as 93% lean and 7% fat ground turkey or beef. Although, 99% fat-free turkey is the leanest option of all, with less than 1 gram of saturated fat per 3 ounces (85 grams) ( 6 ).

Is ground turkey good for you to lose weight? ›

Ground turkey is a great food choice for individuals looking to shed excess weight. It offers several health and nutritional benefits, including: High protein content: Ground turkey is an excellent source of lean protein — a crucial component of any weight loss diet.

What makes ground turkey taste better? ›

For meatballs and Italian-inspired recipes, you can't go wrong with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and oregano. If you're making a taco, lift the flavor of your ground turkey with ground cumin or taco seasoning.

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.

Can I eat ground turkey every day? ›

Your body can't store protein, so you need to consume it every day. As long as you don't eat too much turkey, it is a healthy way to get the protein you need. It's also a good source of beneficial vitamins and minerals like magnesium and niacin. Turkey is also an excellent source of selenium.

What brand is the best ground turkey? ›

Shady brook farms 93% lean and 7% fat ground turkey is perfect for making meatballs, burgers, or adding to pasta sauce. The turkey is perfectly juicy and not too fatty. The price is very accessible and you can easily buy it at any big store. I would recommend.

Is turkey good for losing belly fat? ›

Lean Meats

Metabolism-Boosting Powers: Chicken, turkey and other protein-packed lean meats take more energy for your body to break down than carbohydrate or fat-rich foods, therefore, burning slightly more calories during the digestive process. Tip: Trim off any visible fat from meat and poultry, including the skin.

What is the best meat for weight loss? ›

Skinless chicken, turkey and red meat such as pork chops with the fats trimmed off are basically lean meats. Turkey is one of the leaner proteins that is also high in vitamin B6 and niacin. According to Sollid, these nutrients promote cardiovascular health, digestion, energy, brain function, and other bodily functions.

Is ground turkey healthier than hamburger? ›

"Ground turkey contains less saturated fat than ground beef, giving it a more beneficial fat profile," says Beaver. "In its place, ground turkey instead contains more polyunsaturated fat, which is a protective, healthier type of fat."

What to add to ground turkey to give it flavor? ›

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.

How to season ground turkey to taste like beef? ›

Whenever I made turkey burgers, I would dissolve some beef bouillon in a little water and add it to the turkey with a little canola oil, then season and form the patties. The bouillon gave it some flavor and the water and oil helped with moisture. Just make sure not to overcook.

Do you season ground turkey before cooking? ›

Without a good sprinkle of salt and pepper (or any other herbs and spices), ground turkey cooks up bland and flavorless. Follow this tip: Seasoning is especially important when the turkey is the star of the plate, like with burgers, meatballs, and meatloaf.

Is 2 year old frozen ground turkey still good? ›

According to the Food Safety and Inspection Service of the US Department of Agriculture (USDA), ground turkey is safe for consumption indefinitely if continuously frozen. That's because freezing inactivates any microbes – i.e., bacteria, yeasts, and moulds – present in poultry until the meat is taken out to thaw.

Can I eat 5 day old cooked ground turkey? ›

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.

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

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."

What is the healthiest turkey to eat? ›

You might dig into the plentiful pile of turkey breast, which is typically considered the "healthier" choice.

Is 93% lean turkey healthy? ›

All in all, whether buying ground beef or ground turkey, the important thing is to buy at least 93/7 lean-to-fat ratio. Lowering saturated fat is the goal, as eating too much saturated fat can raise LDL cholesterol, increasing the risk for heart disease and stroke.

Which ground meat is the healthiest? ›

The Bottom Line

If you're eating for a healthy heart, lean ground turkey—which is lower in saturated fat—is the better pick for you. Of course, you can still enjoy ground beef from time to time, but choosing lean ground turkey more often will help your heart in the long run.

Is 99 lean ground turkey healthy? ›

With 28g of protein and 1g of fat per serving, our 99% Fat-Free Ground Turkey Breast puts a healthy spin on your favorite recipes. From lasagna to burgers and tacos, Shady Brook Farms® ground turkey is lean protein you can feel good about.

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