Say goodbye to bland, dry, and flavorless ground turkey recipes and hello to flavor-packed, juicy, and protein-packed ground turkey recipes. They can all be made with minimal prep, minimal ingredients, and minimal effort, so you’ll save time without sacrificing flavor.

A wooden spoon scooping a serving of cooked shell pasta with ground turkey and marinara.

Goodbye Bland, Boring Ground Turkey!

If you have a pound of ground turkey in your fridge or freezer and have no clue what to do with it, I’ve got you covered! Ground turkey is a great base for light & fresh meals because it’s lean, high in protein, takes on the flavors you choose, and is quick and easy to cook — making it perfect for last minute dinners and beyond.

Close up shot of a pan filled with cooked pasta shells, ground turkey, and marinara on the gray background with a wooden spoon.
4.97 stars (29 ratings)

Ground Turkey Pasta (30-Minute Dinner!)

This quick, easy ground turkey pasta comes together quickly in under 30 minutes! Packed with fresh, wholesome veggies like zucchini and carrots that are "hidden" so they melt right into the Italian-style creamy sauce; you will love this easy dinner idea that actually makes ground turkey taste good!
Ingredients: pasta shells, olive oil, salt, onion, zucchini, carrot, ground turkey, garlic, Italian seasoning, marinara sauce, cream cheese.
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An overhead shot of a white rectangular baking pan with cooked enchiladas topped with enchilada sauce, melted cheese, avocado slices, jalapeño slices, and cilantro on a white background with a white and blue stripped napkin, wooden spoon, and a bunch of a cilantro.
4.95 stars (17 ratings)

Ground Turkey Enchiladas

This ground turkey enchiladas recipe is a delicious and healthy meal that’s easy to make and perfect for a busy weeknight dinner or as a make ahead meal. It’s a time saving main course that uses just a handful of ingredients and is sure to be a new family favorite!
Ingredients: olive oil, onion, ground turkey, salt, cumin, garlic powder, chili powder, black beans, cheese, enchilada sauce, tortillas.
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Overhead shot of tacos on parchement paper squares.
5 stars (6 ratings)

Summer Ground Turkey Tacos (with Sweet Corn Salsa!)

These super tasty ground turkey tacos take just 20-minutes to make, and are full of simple, yet super-flavorful, fresh ingredients. Paired with a ultra-fast homemade sweet corn salsa, this is a easy dinner idea that will fill you up without weighing you down!
Ingredients: olive oil, ground turkey, cumin, mild chili powder, garlic powder, salt, tomatillo salsa, corn tortillas, corn, red onion, lime juice, cilantro.
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Top down view of a ground turkey sweet potato skillet in a blue and black pan with fresh herbs on a white background.
5 stars (4 ratings)

Easy Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet

This healthy ground turkey sweet potato skillet is a fast, easy last minute dinner idea that’s so tasty you’ll want to put into your regular weeknight rotation. It’s ready in under 30 minutes, so keep this one in your backpocket for busy weeks!
Ingredients: ground turkey, sweet potatoes, olive oil, garlic powder, shredded cheese (traditional or dairy-free), baby spinach, chipotle honey vinaigrette and salt.
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top down view of a white plate filled with a 20-minute ground turkey and green bean skillet with a striped green napkin on the side
5 stars (5 ratings)

Ground Turkey + Green Bean Skillet (20-Minute Dinner!)

This ground turkey and green beans skillet with sauce comes together in 20 minutes using one pan! It's savory, satisfying, and packed full of Asian-inspired My top tip? Double this quick and easy recipe. You'll want leftovers!
Ingredients: ground turkey (light or dark meat), green beans, garlic, ginger, honey, chicken stock, lime juice (or rice wine vinegar), tamari, arrowroot powder, olive oil, and salt.
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Overhead image of a white enameled dutch oven with spaghetti, with tomato sauce and ground turkey. The dutch oven is surrounded by a plate of cooked spaghetti, a bowl of parmesan cheese, a wooden bowl with salt, fresh herbs, and a white and blue striped tea towel.
5 stars (6 ratings)

Easiest Ground Turkey Spaghetti (6-Ingredients)

The easiest ground turkey spaghetti sauce you'll find, this recipe combines 6 simple ingredients like garlicky marinara sauce and ground turkey for a flavor packed meal that's nearly effortless!
Ingredients: olive oil, onion, salt, ground turkey, granulated garlic, Italian seasoning, marinara sauce, spaghetti (or gluten-free spaghetti).
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A large skillet filled with avocado, ground turkey, and chopped vegetables.
5 stars (7 ratings)

20-Minute Ground Turkey Taco Skillet (w/ Beans & Corn)

Solve dinner tonight with this quick & easy turkey taco skillet! Made with ground turkey, beans and corn, it’s a flavorful and filling protein-packed meal that comes together in just 20 minutes. Trust me, this is one is a family dinner win you'll want to make on repeat!
Ingredients: ground turkey, onion, garlic powder, cumin, canned black beans, canned fire-roasted tomatoes, frozen corn, olive oil and salt.
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5-ingredient free meatballs on zucchini noodles in white bowl with fork and striped napkin
4.96 stars (25 ratings)

5-Ingredient “Free” Meatballs (Gluten-Free + Egg-Free + Dairy-Free)

These easy meatballs are free of all the major allergens and made without egg, without breadcrumbs, and are gluten-free and dairy-free, too! Easy to make with ground turkey or ground beef, they are perfect to batch prep and serve with marinara or on their own.
Ingredients: ground turkey (or ground beef), onion, garlic, nutritional yeast, almond flour (or oat flour)
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Close up shot of turkey meatballs sprinkled with parsley on a white plate.
4.89 stars (9 ratings)

Gluten Free Turkey Meatballs

These easy, delicious gluten free turkey meatballs are made with ground turkey, without breadcrumbs or eggs, and can easily made and frozen.
Ingredients: ground turkey, bell peppers, onions, oat flour (or almond flour), olive oil, garlic powder and salt.
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closeup view of turkey chili in a white bowl with chips and lime slices
5 stars (22 ratings)

Easy Slow Cooker Turkey Chili

This easy slow cooker turkey chili is the BEST wholesome chili that's packed with lean ground turkey, plenty of veggies, and hearty beans! So simple, delicious and crowd-pleasing, it's a sure hit any time you want a hearty, filling, and nourishing meal.
Ingredients: ground turkey, canned beans, bell peppers, onion, sweet potato, tomatoes, cumin, chili powder, lime juice, and other spices.
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white bowl of crockpot turkey meatballs on blue background with striped napkin
5 stars (17 ratings)

Juicy Slow Cooker Turkey Meatballs in Marinara (No Egg)

Full of fresh herbs like basil, and slow simmered in a simple marinara sauce, this slow cooker turkey meatball recipe is packed with protein, and made without breadcrumbs or eggs. Plus, there's no pre-cooking, so it's super easy to prep and the meatballs come out juicy and will truly melt-in-your-mouth.
Ingredients: ground turkey, marinara sauce, basil, spinach, onion, garlic powder, parmesan and salt.
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sloppy joe sandwich on a white plate with leafy greens and striped blue napkin
4.67 stars (9 ratings)

Slow Cooker Ground Turkey Sloppy Joes

Made with ground turkey meat and a homemade sloppy joe sauce including tomato paste, ketchup, and simple spices, this wholesome slow cooker turkey sloppy joe recipe takes ground turkey from a basic protein to a delicious, craveable family meal!
Ingredients: ground turkey, tomato paste, ketchup, mustard, olive oil, garlic powder, onions, red bell peppers, water and salt.
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two slow cooker turkey tacos on a white plate with cilantro and lime wedges
5 stars (2 ratings)

Easy Slow Cooker Turkey Tacos

These easy slow cooker turkey tacos combine ground turkey meat with tomato sauce & a few simple spices for the perfect, easy prep taco filling. Make tonight taco night!
Ingredients: ground turkey, tomato sauce, olive oil, cumin, chili powder, granulated garlic powder, paprika and salt
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4.89 stars (9 ratings)

Slow Cooker Paleo Turkey Apple Chili (+ 30-Minute Stovetop Option)

Sweet, spicy, and easy to throw together, Slow Cooker Paleo Turkey Apple Chili is perfect for fall or anytime of year. With a 30-Minute stovetop option you can make this one anytime.
Ingredients: ground turkey, onion, garlic, cumin, chipotle peppers, apples, tomato sauce, lime juice, and other seasonings
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5 stars (15 ratings)

Crockpot Mini Turkey Meatball Vegetable Soup

Crockpot Mini Turkey Meatball Vegetable Soup is hearty one-pot meal that’s packed with the good stuff. A gluten-free, dairy-free, paleo, whole30 recipe your family will love.
Ingredients: ground turkey (or ground beef), onion, carrots, celery, zucchini, tomatoes, stock, spinach, Italian seasoning and other spices
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5 stars (4 ratings)

Instant Pot Turkey Paleo Pumpkin Chili

Instant Pot Turkey Paleo Pumpkin Chili is a simple, nourishing one-pot meal that can be prepared in a matter of minutes. A gluten-free, dairy-free, paleo, whole30 recipe.
Ingredients: ground turkey, pumpkin puree, chicken stock, tomato sauce, bell pepper, onion, cumin and other spices
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two instant pot turkey tacos on a white plate with cilantro and lime wedges
5 stars (3 ratings)

Easy Instant Pot Turkey Tacos

These Easy Instant Pot Turkey Tacos combine ground turkey meat with tomato sauce and simple spices for an easy prep taco filling. Make tonight taco night!
Ingredients: ground turkey, chicken stock, tomato paste, olive oil, mild chili powder and other spices
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top down view of a turkey taco skillet in a blue pan on a blue background
5 stars (3 ratings)

Easiest Ground Turkey Skillet + 20 More Ground Turkey Recipes

by Robyn Conley Downs
Servings: 4 servings
Prep: 5 minutes
Cook: 20 minutes
Total: 25 minutes
Solve weeknight dinner tonight with this quick turkey taco skillet! Made with simple pantry ingredients like ground turkey, it’s a lighter meal on its own or can be used as a delicious taco or burrito filling or delectable nacho topping. Plus 20+ easy ground turkey recipes.
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Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt, divided
  • 1 pound 93% lean dark meat ground turkey
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon granulated garlic powder
  • 15- ounce can black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 15- ounce can diced fire-roasted tomatoes
  • 1 cup frozen defrosted corn

Optional Serving Suggestions:

Equipment

Instructions 

  • Heat the olive oil over medium heat in a large skillet. Add the onion, ¼ teaspoon salt, and stir to combine. Cook for 3 minutes, or until the onions soften, stirring occasionally.
  • Add the ground turkey, breaking up with the back of a spoon. Sprinkle with ½ teaspoon salt, cumin, and garlic powder. Cook until the turkey is browned and cooked through, about 8 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  • Add the black beans, tomatoes, corn, and remaining ¼ teaspoon salt, stirring to combine. Turn to medium low and simmer for 5 minutes for the flavors to combine.
  • Sprinkle with cheese if using, then serve with optional serving suggestions if desired.

Notes

Nutrition information calculated without the optional toppings.
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition Information:

Serving: 1 (of 4), Calories: 331kcal, Carbohydrates: 34g, Protein: 36g, Fat: 7g, Saturated Fat: 1g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g, Monounsaturated Fat: 3g, Trans Fat: 1g, Cholesterol: 62mg, Sodium: 714mg, Potassium: 804mg, Fiber: 10g, Sugar: 5g, Vitamin A: 566IU, Vitamin C: 9mg, Calcium: 86mg, Iron: 4mg
Nutrition disclaimer
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