The Best Healthy Ground Turkey Recipes

By Carl Hanson

Updated October 14, 2020

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We love ground turkey. It's lean and tasty, and also lower in calories and saturated fat than ground beef. We swap in healthy ground turkey for all our favorite ground beef recipes, including burgers, meatloaves, and casseroles. So when you wonder, what can I make with ground turkey? Here are the dinner ideas you want -- our very best healthy ground turkey recipes. Give 'em a try!

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Easy Ground Turkey Lo Mein

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"This lo mein can be on the table in no time and is packed with flavor without having to use those fancy sauces," says bd.weld. "The excess liquid will be soaked up by the noodles. Top with sriracha sauce to taste."

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Mexican Lasagna Lite

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"This is a lower-fat version of a popular Tex Mex-style casserole," says Katherine. "I'm using low- and no-fat ingredients, which can be substituted with full-fat versions also with great results."

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Actually Delicious Turkey Burgers

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These simple and delicious turkey burgers are "amazingly tasty," says BYRF. "The flavor and texture are perfect for meatloaf, burgers, or meatballs. Definitely worth trying this recipe."

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Turkey Spaghetti Zoodles

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This one has it all. "A super-simple one-pot dinner that's low calorie, low carb, paleo, gluten-free and takes just 10 minutes to make," says Megan. "This will be your go-to week night dinner!" It's a terrific Whole 30 ground turkey recipe, too!

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Turkey and Quinoa Meatloaf

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This turkey meatloaf has great texture and flavor. "The secret is the quinoa," says Andrew, "which adds wonderful texture and is much nuttier than breadcrumbs."

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Spinach and Feta Turkey Burgers

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Simple, quick, and delicious turkey burgers. "The salty feta and the earthy spinach just seem to belong with ground turkey," says accidental cook.

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Turkey and Rice Meatballs (Albondigas)

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These meatballs are tender, moist, and flavorful. Seasoned with cumin, cayenne, oregano, and smoked paprika, they're finished in a creamy tomato sauce flavored with a little crème fraiche and sherry vinegar. "As these turkey and rice meatballs simmer in the sauce, the rice absorbs moisture, swell ups, and creates a relatively tender, moist meatball," says Chef John. "Delicious served over saffron basmati rice."

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Weeknight Crack Slaw

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Here's what to do with ground turkey on busy weeknights. "When you get home from work, you hardly want a big production for dinner. That's when this recipe can be your standby," says Matt. "Cook your ground turkey, then add veggies, cole slaw mix, and sauce and in 10 minutes you've got a hearty meal for everyone to enjoy."

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Chef John's Turkey Sloppy Joes

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These lean ground turkey Joes are a lighter, healthier take on a classic. "They taste enough like a traditional beef Sloppy Joe to provide that satisfying comfort food fix, yet seems much lighter," says Chef John. Judi gives it 5 stars and raves: "By far the best Sloppy Joe, Tom, Dick or Harry I've ever had -- the consistency was perfect."

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Ground Turkey Kheema with Forbidden Rice

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"A lighter Indian dish with no heavy cream, served with nutty, whole-grain black rice," says Brian.

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Terrific Turkey Chili

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Here's a terrific no-bean turkey chili with zucchini, green bell peppers, crushed tomatoes, prepared salsa, and taco seasoning mix. "It uses some fresh and some canned ingredients," says big surprise. "It's a snap to throw together."

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Homemade Turkey Breakfast Sausage

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These turkey sausages are flavored with sage, marjoram, and a bit of red pepper. Freeze a bunch and cook them throughout the week. "I have tried a good number of turkey sausage recipes, and hands down, this is the best," raves lutzflcat.

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Stuffed Orange Peppers

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You'll stuff orange bell peppers with a savory mixture of ground turkey, onions, tomatoes, rice, and cheese. "Very simple recipe, but very flavorful," says LilSnoo. "A wonderful twist on stuffed peppers. The gouda and liquid smoke are just the right touch to give these a light smokiness, without being overpowering. These are healthy too."

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Crispy Ground Turkey Tostadas

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"These fresh, delicious crispy ground turkey tostadas are made with lots of taco spices, sassy poblano, and tasty pickled red onions," says Culinary Envy.

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Mozzarella-Stuffed Pesto Turkey Meatballs

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You'll sneak cubes of mozzarella into ground turkey meatballs seasoned with pesto, garlic, onions, and Italian cheese. Give them a quick simmer in marinara sauce to finish. "These are really great, and they're even better the next day in a meatball sandwich," says akuhns.

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Cameron's Ground Turkey Salsa Ranchera for Tacos and Burritos

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"It doesn't get much easier than this," says bd.weld. "Lean ground turkey and salsa ranchera combined and made in a pressure cooker such as Instant Pot®. Perfect for tacos, burritos, or even a taco salad."

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Middle Eastern Turkey Dogs

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"This is a VERY simple way to enjoy Middle Eastern flavors in an American format... the hot dog," says CURIOUSKANGAROO. "Serve on a bun or wrapped in a pita. Use ground turkey with a 7% or 8% fat content, as the super lean turkey will be harder to cook with."

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Basmati Rice and Turkey Stuffed Peppers

Credit: Buckwheat Queen

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These healthy stuffed peppers feature lean ground turkey with brown basmati rice and a seasoned tomato sauce. Buckwheat Queen rates them 5 stars: "These are quite delicious. I followed the description by using what veggies are in season. I also added lentils. The method works perfectly."

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Sheet Pan Turkey Chili with Cornbread "Dumplings"

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"Here's a different way to prepare chili and cornbread!" says Kim. "This is a bit on the spicier side, so go easy on the chili powder and jalapenos for a milder version. This really fills up the sheet pan to the top, but don't worry, it will fit! If you're worried about spills, place aluminum foil on the oven rack before baking."

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By Carl Hanson