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23 Meals With Ground Turkey That Turn This Lean Protein Into Something Truly Crave-Worthy

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Ground turkey has a reputation for being bland, but that’s only true if you don’t know what to do with it. The right meals with ground turkey can turn this lean protein into something bold, hearty, and impossible to ignore. It’s a great option for easy weeknight dinners, meal prep, or when you want something satisfying without a lot of extra fat. With the right seasonings and cooking techniques, ground turkey can hold its own against any other protein. If you’ve been stuck in a chicken or beef rut, it’s time to give turkey a real chance.

Open sandwich with seasoned ground meat and melted cheese on one half, and sliced cucumbers on the other, served with carrot sticks on a black plate.
Photo credit: Food Meanderings.

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Ground Turkey Meatballs

Three glazed ground turkey meatballs garnished with parsley and topped with skewers are arranged on a white plate, accompanied by fresh parsley in the background.
Ground Turkey Meatballs. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Ground Turkey Meatballs bring the perfect balance of sweet and savory with a tangy cranberry glaze. These bite-sized wonders make meals with ground turkey feel anything but boring. Whether you serve them as an appetizer or a main course, they’ll disappear fast!
Get the Recipe: Ground Turkey Meatballs

Ground Turkey Air Fryer Spring Rolls

Spring rolls on a rectangular white plate garnished with parsley, accompanied by a bowl of sweet chili sauce and additional parsley on the side.
Ground Turkey Air Fryer Spring Rolls. Photo credit: Easy Made Dishes.

Ground Turkey Air Fryer Spring Rolls deliver crunch without the grease, thanks to the magic of air frying. Packed with seasoned turkey and butternut squash, they’re proof that meals with ground turkey can be both crispy and light. Serve them up for a snack or a fun twist on dinner.
Get the Recipe: Ground Turkey Air Fryer Spring Rolls

Ground Turkey and Butternut Squash

A bowl of cooked butternut squash and ground beef, garnished with herbs and diced red peppers.
Ground Turkey and Butternut Squash. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Ground Turkey and Butternut Squash come together for a cozy, no-fuss meal that’s packed with flavor. When you need meals with ground turkey that are hearty but simple, this one checks all the boxes. It’s easy, satisfying, and perfect for busy nights.
Get the Recipe: Ground Turkey and Butternut Squash

Turkey Taco Salad

A bowl of taco salad with lettuce, cherry tomatoes, red onions, jalapeños, cheese, and tortilla chips. A striped napkin with a fork is beside the bowl.
Turkey Taco Salad. Photo credit: Get Inspired Everyday.

Turkey Taco Salad turns a simple salad into a crave-worthy meal with spiced turkey, crunchy greens, and a creamy cilantro dressing. If you’re looking for meals with ground turkey that are fresh yet filling, this one’s got your back. Toss in some crispy chips, and it’s a full-on flavor explosion!
Get the Recipe: Turkey Taco Salad

Turkey Meatballs in Tomato Sauce

A bowl of meatballs topped with tomato sauce and garnished with parsley. A side of rice is in a wooden bowl, with a fork and napkin nearby on a wooden surface.
Turkey Meatballs in Tomato Sauce. Photo credit: In the Kitch.

Turkey Meatballs in Tomato Sauce simmer in a rich, herby tomato sauce that’s perfect for busy nights. For those who rely on meals with ground turkey to keep dinner simple yet delicious, this is a must-try. Make a double batch and freeze some for later!
Get the Recipe: Turkey Meatballs in Tomato Sauce

Greek Meatball Soup

A pot of chicken meatballs in a creamy yellow sauce, garnished with fresh parsley. Surrounding items include a sliced lemon, grated carrot, and a yellow cloth on a blue surface.
Greek Meatball Soup. Photo credit: Chef's Pencil.

Greek Meatball Soup brings the bold flavors of youvarlakia to your table with tender turkey meatballs in a lemony broth. It’s one of those meals with ground turkey that feels light yet deeply comforting. Serve it with warm bread for the ultimate cozy dinner.
Get the Recipe: Greek Meatball Soup

Turkey Chili

Two bowls of chili: one in a blue pot and one in a red pot, garnished with sliced jalapeños, cheese, and green onions, placed on a table with a spoon and tortilla chips nearby.
Turkey Chili. Photo credit: Recipe Shuffle.

Turkey Chili keeps things hearty and easy with lean turkey, beans, and a blend of bold spices. This slow-cooked classic proves that meals with ground turkey can be just as rich and satisfying as beef-based versions. Perfect for meal prep or game day!
Get the Recipe: Turkey Chili

Turkey Breakfast Sausage

Cooked meat patties in a black skillet, garnished with sprigs of rosemary. A wooden spatula sits among the patties.
Turkey Breakfast Sausage. Photo credit: Get Inspired Everyday.

Turkey Breakfast Sausage packs a punch with savory rosemary and just the right amount of spice. It’s a must for meals with ground turkey that start your day off right. Serve it with eggs, in a breakfast sandwich, or on its own for a protein boost.
Get the Recipe: Turkey Breakfast Sausage

Baked Turkey Meatballs

A white bowl filled with meatballs coated in red sauce sits on a textured wooden surface, next to a parsley garnish, a spoon, and a folded napkin.
Baked Turkey Meatballs. Photo credit: Recipe Shuffle.

Baked Turkey Meatballs come together in minutes and deliver big flavor with minimal effort. If you need meals with ground turkey that work for meal prep, pasta night, or quick subs, this one’s a winner. Plus, baking means no stovetop mess!
Get the Recipe: Baked Turkey Meatballs

Ground Turkey Vegetable Soup

A bowl of vegetable soup with zucchini, potatoes, corn, peas, carrots, and ground meat in a tomato broth. A small dish of herbs and a checked napkin are next to it.
Ground Turkey Vegetable Soup. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Ground Turkey Vegetable Soup is a go-to for chilly days, packed with lean turkey, veggies, and a rich broth. It’s one of those meals with ground turkey that keeps things light while still feeling like comfort food. Enjoy it solo or with a slice of crusty bread.
Get the Recipe: Ground Turkey Vegetable Soup

Italian Turkey Meatballs

A plate of spaghetti topped with meatballs, tomato sauce, and grated cheese, garnished with fresh basil.
Italian Turkey Meatballs. Photo credit: Chef Denise.

Italian Turkey Meatballs bring all the flavors of a Sunday supper with a simple, homemade touch. When it comes to meals with ground turkey, this one delivers that classic, hearty taste without the extra fat. Serve them over pasta or in a sub for a satisfying meal.
Get the Recipe: Italian Turkey Meatballs

Caprese Turkey Burgers with Basil Vinaigrette

A blue plate with four burgers, sweet potato fries on the side, and a small bowl of green sauce in the center.
Caprese Turkey Burgers with Basil Vinaigrette. Photo credit: Heavenly Spiced.

Caprese Turkey Burgers with Basil Vinaigrette take the classic caprese combo and turn it into a juicy burger. Meals with ground turkey don’t have to be basic, and this one proves it with fresh basil, tomato, and melty mozzarella. Serve it up on a toasted bun and dig in!
Get the Recipe: Caprese Turkey Burgers with Basil Vinaigrette

White Bean Turkey Chili

A bowl of soup with beans, ground meat, cheese, tomatoes, and cilantro. Lime wedges and tortilla chips are on the side.
White Bean Turkey Chili. Photo credit: Chew Out Loud.

White Bean Turkey Chili is a quick, protein-packed meal that comes together in just 30 minutes. It’s proof that meals with ground turkey can be rich, hearty, and incredibly easy to make. Perfect for those nights when you need dinner fast!
Get the Recipe: White Bean Turkey Chili

Turkey Meatloaf With Cheese

A rectangular loaf of meatloaf with visible nuts and prunes sits on a black slate. Fresh leafy greens and an orange cloth are in the background.
Turkey Meatloaf With Cheese. Photo credit: Taste of Lithuania.

Turkey Meatloaf With Cheese is anything but boring, thanks to sautéed veggies, gooey cheese, and a hint of sweetness. When you need meals with ground turkey that feel like true comfort food, this one does the job. Even the leftovers won’t last long!
Get the Recipe: Turkey Meatloaf With Cheese

Turkey Chili

A blue bowl filled with scrambled eggs mixed with vegetables sits on a wooden surface, with a sprig of parsley in the background.
Turkey Chili. Photo credit: Food For Fitness.

Turkey Chili keeps things bold with smoky chili paste, crispy bacon, and even a splash of beer. When meals with ground turkey need a little extra oomph, this one brings the heat. Great for meal prep, game nights, or a casual weeknight dinner.
Get the Recipe: Turkey Chili

Shredded Turkey Tacos

Three tacos with shredded meat, avocado, tomato, and cilantro on a plate, accompanied by onion, salsa, sour cream, lime, and fresh cilantro on a marble surface.
Shredded Turkey Tacos. Photo credit: The Fresh Cooky.

Shredded Turkey Tacos turn leftover turkey into a meal that feels brand new. Meals with ground turkey don’t get much easier than this—just a quick citrus marinade and classic taco spices. Wrap them up in warm tortillas, and dinner is done!
Get the Recipe: Shredded Turkey Tacos

Sweet Potato Toast

Three sweet potato slices topped with a crumble and drizzled with chocolate and caramel sauces on a decorative orange-edged plate. A hand adds more drizzle to one slice.
Sweet Potato Toast. Photo credit: Tasty Cue.

Sweet Potato Toast with ground turkey and herb goat cheese brings the perfect mix of savory, creamy, and crispy. When you want meals with ground turkey that shake up your usual routine, this one is a solid pick. A little heat, a little sweetness, and a lot of flavor!
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Toast

Turkey Sloppy Joes

Open sandwich with seasoned ground meat and melted cheese on one half, and sliced cucumbers on the other, served with carrot sticks on a black plate.
Turkey Sloppy Joes. Photo credit: Food Meanderings.

Turkey Sloppy Joes are a quick, crowd-pleasing dinner that’s easy to throw together on a busy night. When meals with ground turkey need to be fast, kid-friendly, and full of flavor, this recipe delivers. Serve it on toasted buns for extra crunch!
Get the Recipe: Turkey Sloppy Joes

Ground Turkey Taco Bowls

A colorful burrito bowl with black beans, rice, avocado, shredded cheese, ground meat, diced tomatoes, lettuce, and a lime wedge. Salsa in a small bowl and tortilla chips nearby.
Ground Turkey Taco Bowls. Photo credit: Simply Scratch Made.

Ground Turkey Taco Bowls are perfect for meal prep or a simple lunch packed with protein and flavor. Need meals with ground turkey that work for the whole family? This one’s easy to customize, so everyone gets exactly what they like.
Get the Recipe: Ground Turkey Taco Bowls

Ground Turkey Potstickers

Plate of fried dumplings with a small bowl of dipping sauce, placed on a leaf. Some dumplings are whole, while one is cut to show the filling.
Ground Turkey Potstickers. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Ground Turkey Potstickers bring Asian-inspired flavors with a crispy, pan-fried finish. When you want meals with ground turkey that feel like takeout but taste even better, these dumplings hit the mark. Dip them in soy sauce, and they’re gone in seconds!
Get the Recipe: Ground Turkey Potstickers

Ground Turkey Taco Soup

A bowl of chili topped with diced avocado, sour cream, and cheese, garnished with a lime wedge and cilantro. Corn and beans are visible in the chili.
Ground Turkey Taco Soup. Photo credit: Simply Scratch Made.

Ground Turkey Taco Soup is loaded with bold flavors, protein, and a kick of spice. It’s one of those meals with ground turkey that comes together fast but tastes like it simmered all day. Perfect with tortilla chips for extra crunch!
Get the Recipe: Ground Turkey Taco Soup

Healthy Ground Turkey Stuffed Peppers

Stuffed bell peppers with cheese and herbs on a speckled plate and in a white casserole dish. A knife and fork are beside the plate on a white surface, with a red pot holder nearby.
Healthy Ground Turkey Stuffed Peppers. Photo credit: Worn Slap Out.

Healthy Ground Turkey Stuffed Peppers keep things simple with a mix of turkey, melty cheese, and wild rice. If you’re looking for meals with ground turkey that are hearty but not heavy, this one fits the bill. Baked until bubbly, it’s a dinner worth repeating.
Get the Recipe: Healthy Ground Turkey Stuffed Peppers

Shepherd's Pie with Ground Turkey

A slice of shepherd's pie with mashed potato topping, ground meat, peas, and carrots on a white plate with a fork beside it, set on a wooden table with a blue background.
Shepherd's Pie with Ground Turkey. Photo credit: Food Meanderings.

Shepherd's Pie with Ground Turkey puts a lighter spin on the classic, layering seasoned turkey with fluffy mashed potatoes. Meals with ground turkey don’t get more comforting than this—warm, filling, and perfect for batch cooking. A great way to use up those extra veggies, too!
Get the Recipe: Shepherd's Pie with Ground Turkey

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About Lisa MarcAurele

Lisa MarcAurele is a blogger and cookbook author. She created Little Bit Recipes to help people save money by minimizing leftovers when cooking for one or two people. Lisa is also a co-founder of Daily Life Travels, where you can discover new places to visit and things to do. You can sign up for her recipe emails to see all her latest content.

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