Busy weeknights call for delicious, easy meals that don’t skimp on flavor—and ground turkey is here to save the day! Whether you’re craving cozy comfort food, quick skillet dinners, or healthy twists on classics, this roundup has you covered. Get ready to fall in love with your new go-to recipes that are as simple as they are satisfying. Let’s dive in!
Ground Turkey Taco Bowls
Never underestimate how much flavor you can pack into a simple bowl meal. These ground turkey taco bowls come together in under 30 minutes. They’re perfect for busy weeknights when you want something satisfying but don’t have hours to spend cooking.
Ingredients
Ground turkey – 1 lb
Olive oil – 1 tbsp
Onion – 1 medium, diced
Garlic – 2 cloves, minced
Taco seasoning – 2 tbsp
Black beans – 1 can (15 oz), drained and rinsed
Corn – 1 cup, frozen
Cooked rice – 3 cups
Lime – 1, juiced
Cilantro – ¼ cup, chopped
Instructions
1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
2. Add diced onion and cook for 3 minutes until translucent.
3. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
4. Add ground turkey, breaking it up with a spatula.
5. Cook turkey for 5-6 minutes until no pink remains, stirring occasionally.
6. Sprinkle taco seasoning evenly over the turkey mixture.
7. Stir to coat everything thoroughly and cook for 1 minute to toast the spices.
8. Add drained black beans and frozen corn to the skillet.
9. Cook for 3-4 minutes until corn is heated through and beans are warm.
10. Stir in cooked rice until evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
11. Squeeze fresh lime juice over the entire dish.
12. Remove from heat and stir in chopped cilantro.
Zesty lime brightens the savory turkey and spices, while the black beans add creamy texture against the crisp corn. For extra crunch, top with tortilla strips or serve over crunchy lettuce instead of rice. The flavors meld beautifully if you let it sit for 5 minutes before serving.
Spicy Turkey Chili
Kick off your weeknight dinner with this hearty, protein-packed chili that comes together in under an hour. Keep things simple with ground turkey and pantry staples for a meal that satisfies without the fuss. This version brings just enough heat to warm you up without overwhelming the palate.
Ingredients
Ground turkey – 1 lb
Onion – 1 cup chopped
Garlic – 2 cloves minced
Chili powder – 2 tbsp
Cumin – 1 tsp
Crushed tomatoes – 1 (28 oz) can
Kidney beans – 1 (15 oz) can drained
Chicken broth – 1 cup
Olive oil – 1 tbsp
Instructions
1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat until shimmering.
2. Add ground turkey and cook for 5 minutes, breaking it up with a spoon.
3. Add chopped onion and cook for 4 minutes until translucent.
4. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
5. Sprinkle chili powder and cumin over the turkey mixture.
6. Stir constantly for 1 minute to toast the spices.
7. Pour in crushed tomatoes and chicken broth.
8. Add drained kidney beans to the pot.
9. Bring the chili to a boil over high heat.
10. Reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 30 minutes.
11. Stir the chili every 10 minutes to prevent sticking.
12. Check consistency after 30 minutes – it should coat the back of a spoon.
13. Remove from heat and let stand for 5 minutes before serving.
Serve this chili piping hot with its thick, stew-like texture that holds up beautifully against toppings. The ground turkey stays remarkably tender while absorbing the smoky chili flavors. Spoon it over baked potatoes or crisp tortilla chips for contrasting textures that elevate each bite.
Turkey Meatball Parmesan
A comforting twist on classic Italian-American fare, these turkey meatballs bake up tender beneath a blanket of marinara and melted mozzarella. They’re perfect for a quick weeknight dinner that feels special without the fuss. Skip the frying pan—this version comes together entirely in the oven for minimal cleanup.
Ingredients
Ground turkey – 1 lb
Breadcrumbs – ½ cup
Egg – 1
Garlic powder – 1 tsp
Salt – ½ tsp
Black pepper – ¼ tsp
Marinara sauce – 2 cups
Shredded mozzarella – 1 cup
Instructions
1. Preheat your oven to 400°F.
2. In a large bowl, combine 1 lb ground turkey, ½ cup breadcrumbs, 1 egg, 1 tsp garlic powder, ½ tsp salt, and ¼ tsp black pepper.
3. Mix with your hands until just combined—overmixing can make the meatballs tough.
4. Roll the mixture into 1½-inch meatballs (about 18 total).
5. Arrange the meatballs in a single layer in a 9×13-inch baking dish.
6. Bake for 15 minutes at 400°F until the meatballs are firm and lightly browned.
7. Remove the baking dish from the oven and pour 2 cups marinara sauce evenly over the meatballs.
8. Sprinkle 1 cup shredded mozzarella over the sauce.
9. Return the dish to the oven and bake for 10 more minutes at 400°F until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly.
10. Let the dish rest for 5 minutes before serving—this helps the meatballs reabsorb juices. With juicy turkey meatballs, tangy marinara, and gooey cheese, this dish delivers all the comfort of traditional parmesan. We love it piled onto crusty bread for a meatball sub, or served over zucchini noodles to keep things light.
Stuffed Bell Peppers with Ground Turkey
Zesty stuffed bell peppers make for a satisfying weeknight dinner that’s both nutritious and flavorful. Ground turkey keeps things lean while still delivering plenty of protein. This recipe comes together quickly with minimal prep work.
Ingredients
Bell peppers – 4 large
Ground turkey – 1 lb
Cooked rice – 1 cup
Onion – ½ cup, diced
Garlic – 2 cloves, minced
Tomato sauce – 1 cup
Italian seasoning – 1 tsp
Salt – ½ tsp
Black pepper – ¼ tsp
Shredded mozzarella – ½ cup
Instructions
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F.
2. Cut the tops off the bell peppers and remove all seeds and membranes.
3. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
4. Boil the bell peppers for 5 minutes to soften slightly.
5. Drain the peppers and place them upright in a baking dish.
6. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.
7. Add the ground turkey and cook for 6-8 minutes, breaking it up with a spoon until no pink remains.
8. Add the diced onion and cook for 3 minutes until translucent.
9. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
10. Mix in the cooked rice, tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper.
11. Simmer the mixture for 2 minutes to combine flavors.
12. Spoon the turkey mixture evenly into the prepared bell peppers.
13. Top each pepper with shredded mozzarella cheese.
14. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil.
15. Bake at 375°F for 25 minutes.
16. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes until cheese is golden and bubbly.
17. Let the peppers rest for 5 minutes before serving. Buttery rice absorbs the savory turkey juices while the peppers maintain a slight crunch. The melted mozzarella forms a golden crust that contrasts beautifully with the tender filling. For a fresh twist, serve with a dollop of Greek yogurt and chopped fresh herbs.
Ground Turkey Stir-Fry
This quick ground turkey stir-fry delivers big flavor with minimal effort. Toss everything together in one pan for a satisfying weeknight meal that’s ready in under 30 minutes.
Ingredients
– Ground turkey – 1 lb
– Vegetable oil – 2 tbsp
– Soy sauce – 3 tbsp
– Garlic – 3 cloves
– Ginger – 1 tbsp
– Broccoli florets – 2 cups
– Bell pepper – 1 large
– Carrot – 1 medium
Instructions
1. Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
2. Add ground turkey and break apart with a spatula.
3. Cook turkey for 5-7 minutes until no pink remains, stirring occasionally.
4. Mince garlic and grate ginger while turkey cooks.
5. Add minced garlic and grated ginger to the skillet.
6. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
7. Chop bell pepper into 1-inch pieces and slice carrot into thin rounds.
8. Add broccoli florets, bell pepper pieces, and carrot slices to the skillet.
9. Pour soy sauce over the mixture and stir to combine.
10. Reduce heat to medium, cover, and cook for 6-8 minutes until vegetables are tender-crisp.
11. Remove lid and cook for 2 more minutes to evaporate excess liquid.
12. Remove from heat and let rest for 2 minutes before serving. Makes this stir-fry perfect for meal prep—it reheats beautifully. The savory soy sauce coats every bite while the vegetables retain just enough crunch. Serve over rice or stuff into lettuce wraps for a low-carb option.
BBQ Turkey Sloppy Joes
Oven-baked or stovetop, these BBQ turkey sloppy joes deliver that messy, satisfying comfort food experience with half the guilt. Our version skips the sugar-heavy sauces and uses lean ground turkey for a lighter twist on the classic. You’ll have dinner ready in under 30 minutes with minimal cleanup.
Ingredients
- Ground turkey – 1 lb
- BBQ sauce – ¾ cup
- Hamburger buns – 4
- Yellow onion – ½ cup, diced
- Olive oil – 1 tbsp
- Salt – ½ tsp
- Black pepper – ¼ tsp
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until it shimmers.
- Add diced yellow onion and cook for 3 minutes until translucent, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
- Add ground turkey, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon into small crumbles.
- Cook turkey for 6-8 minutes until no pink remains, stirring occasionally.
- Season with salt and black pepper, mixing thoroughly to distribute evenly.
- Pour in BBQ sauce, stirring to coat all turkey pieces completely.
- Reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 5 minutes until sauce thickens slightly.
- Meanwhile, toast hamburger buns in a dry skillet over medium heat for 1-2 minutes per side until golden.
- Spoon turkey mixture generously onto bottom halves of toasted buns.
- Top with remaining bun halves and serve immediately.
Perfect for busy weeknights, these sloppy joes balance sweet and savory flavors with a texture that’s moist but not watery. Pile them high with coleslaw or pickles for extra crunch, or serve over baked potatoes for a gluten-free alternative.
Turkey and Spinach Lasagna
This turkey and spinach lasagna delivers layered comfort without the heaviness. Tender noodles cradle seasoned meat and creamy cheese in every bite. You’ll have a satisfying meal ready in about an hour.
Ingredients
Ground turkey – 1 lb
Lasagna noodles – 12 sheets
Spinach – 2 cups
Ricotta cheese – 2 cups
Mozzarella cheese – 2 cups
Marinara sauce – 3 cups
Egg – 1
Salt – 1 tsp
Black pepper – ½ tsp
Instructions
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F.
2. Cook lasagna noodles in boiling salted water for 8 minutes until al dente.
3. Drain noodles and lay them flat on a baking sheet to prevent sticking.
4. Brown 1 lb ground turkey in a skillet over medium-high heat for 6-8 minutes.
5. Drain any excess fat from the cooked turkey.
6. Stir 2 cups spinach into the turkey until wilted, about 2 minutes.
7. Mix 2 cups ricotta cheese with 1 egg, 1 tsp salt, and ½ tsp black pepper in a bowl.
8. Spread 1 cup marinara sauce evenly across the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish.
9. Layer 4 lasagna noodles over the sauce.
10. Spread half the ricotta mixture over the noodles.
11. Top with half the turkey-spinach mixture.
12. Sprinkle ½ cup mozzarella cheese over the turkey layer.
13. Repeat layers: sauce, noodles, remaining ricotta, remaining turkey, and ½ cup mozzarella.
14. Finish with final layer of noodles, remaining sauce, and remaining 1 cup mozzarella.
15. Cover with foil and bake at 375°F for 25 minutes.
16. Remove foil and bake uncovered for 10 minutes until cheese is golden and bubbly.
17. Let lasagna rest for 10 minutes before slicing to set the layers.
Creamy ricotta balances the savory turkey in this satisfying dish. Each slice holds its shape beautifully with distinct, tender layers. Try serving it with garlic bread to soak up any extra sauce.
Asian-Style Turkey Lettuce Wraps
Every home cook needs this quick, flavorful meal in their rotation. These wraps come together in under 30 minutes with minimal cleanup. Expect bold Asian-inspired flavors wrapped in crisp, fresh lettuce.
Ingredients
Ground turkey – 1 lb
Soy sauce – 3 tbsp
Rice vinegar – 2 tbsp
Sesame oil – 1 tbsp
Ginger – 1 tsp minced
Garlic – 2 cloves minced
Green onions – ¼ cup chopped
Butter lettuce – 1 head
Instructions
1. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat for 2 minutes.
2. Add ground turkey to the dry skillet, breaking it apart with a spatula.
3. Cook turkey for 6-8 minutes until no pink remains, stirring occasionally.
4. Add minced garlic and ginger to the skillet, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant.
5. Pour in soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sesame oil, stirring to combine.
6. Simmer the mixture for 3 minutes until the liquid reduces slightly.
7. Stir in chopped green onions and remove from heat.
8. Separate butter lettuce leaves, choosing the most cup-shaped ones for serving.
9. Spoon 2-3 tablespoons of turkey mixture into each lettuce leaf.
10. Serve immediately while the filling is warm and lettuce is crisp. Nothing beats the contrast between warm, savory turkey and cool, crunchy lettuce. The sesame oil adds nutty depth while the rice vinegar provides bright acidity. For a fun twist, set up a build-your-own wrap station with extra toppings like shredded carrots or chopped peanuts.
Herbed Turkey Burgers
Whip up these herbed turkey burgers for a leaner alternative to beef that doesn’t sacrifice flavor. They come together quickly for a satisfying weeknight meal the whole family will enjoy. Ground turkey forms the perfect base for fresh herbs to shine through.
Ingredients
Ground turkey – 1 lb
Breadcrumbs – ½ cup
Egg – 1 large
Fresh parsley – ¼ cup, chopped
Fresh thyme – 1 tbsp, chopped
Garlic – 2 cloves, minced
Salt – 1 tsp
Black pepper – ½ tsp
Olive oil – 1 tbsp
Instructions
1. Combine 1 lb ground turkey, ½ cup breadcrumbs, 1 large egg, ¼ cup chopped parsley, 1 tbsp chopped thyme, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp salt, and ½ tsp black pepper in a large bowl.
2. Mix ingredients gently with your hands until just combined, being careful not to overwork the meat.
3. Divide the mixture into 4 equal portions and shape into ¾-inch thick patties.
4. Use your thumb to press a shallow indent in the center of each patty to prevent doming during cooking.
5. Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
6. Place patties in the hot skillet and cook for 5-6 minutes until bottoms are deeply browned.
7. Flip burgers and cook for another 5-6 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
8. Remove burgers from skillet and let rest on a plate for 3 minutes before serving.
Outstandingly juicy with a crisp, herb-flecked crust, these burgers deliver bright, savory flavor in every bite. The fresh parsley and thyme create a garden-fresh aroma that pairs beautifully with classic burger toppings. For a creative twist, serve them on toasted brioche buns with garlic aioli and arugula.
Turkey and Quinoa Stuffed Peppers
Looking for a protein-packed dinner that comes together with minimal effort? These stuffed peppers combine lean turkey with nutty quinoa for a satisfying meal. Let’s get straight to the recipe.
Ingredients
Ground turkey – 1 lb
Bell peppers – 4 large
Cooked quinoa – 2 cups
Diced tomatoes – 1 can (14.5 oz)
Shredded mozzarella – 1 cup
Olive oil – 2 tbsp
Garlic powder – 1 tsp
Salt – ½ tsp
Black pepper – ¼ tsp
Instructions
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F.
2. Cut the tops off the bell peppers and remove all seeds and membranes.
3. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
4. Add ground turkey and cook for 6-8 minutes, breaking it up with a spoon until no pink remains.
5. Stir in cooked quinoa, diced tomatoes, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
6. Cook the mixture for 3-4 minutes until heated through.
7. Spoon the turkey-quinoa mixture evenly into the hollowed bell peppers.
8. Top each pepper with shredded mozzarella cheese.
9. Place the stuffed peppers in a baking dish and add ¼ cup of water to the bottom of the dish.
10. Bake for 25-30 minutes until peppers are tender and cheese is golden brown.
11. Let the peppers rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Just out of the oven, these peppers offer tender-crisp bell pepper shells holding a savory, well-seasoned filling. The melted mozzarella creates a golden crust that contrasts beautifully with the moist interior. Try serving them alongside a simple green salad or with a dollop of Greek yogurt for extra creaminess.
Greek Turkey Zucchini Boats
Looking for a healthy weeknight dinner that packs flavor? These Greek turkey zucchini boats come together quickly with minimal ingredients. Let’s get cooking right away.
Ingredients
Ground turkey – 1 lb
Zucchini – 4 medium
Feta cheese – ½ cup
Tomato sauce – 1 cup
Oregano – 1 tsp
Salt – ½ tsp
Instructions
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F.
2. Slice each zucchini in half lengthwise.
3. Scoop out the centers using a spoon, leaving ¼-inch thick shells.
4. Chop the scooped zucchini flesh finely.
5. Brown the ground turkey in a skillet over medium-high heat for 6-8 minutes, breaking it up with a spatula.
6. Add the chopped zucchini, tomato sauce, oregano, and salt to the skillet.
7. Simmer the mixture for 5 minutes until slightly thickened.
8. Spoon the turkey mixture evenly into the zucchini boats.
9. Top each boat with crumbled feta cheese.
10. Bake for 20-25 minutes until zucchini is tender when pierced with a fork.
11. Let rest for 3 minutes before serving.
Zesty feta and savory turkey create a satisfying contrast against the tender zucchini shells. The boats hold their shape beautifully, making them perfect for meal prep or entertaining. Try serving them alongside a simple Greek salad for a complete Mediterranean-inspired meal.
Turkey and Black Bean Enchiladas
Oven-baked turkey and black bean enchiladas deliver a satisfying, protein-packed meal perfect for busy weeknights. Our streamlined approach keeps prep minimal while maximizing flavor. You’ll have dinner ready in under an hour with this fuss-free method.
Ingredients
– Olive oil – 1 tbsp
– Ground turkey – 1 lb
– Black beans – 15 oz can
– Enchilada sauce – 2 cups
– Flour tortillas – 8 medium
– Shredded cheese – 2 cups
Instructions
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F.
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat for 1 minute.
3. Add ground turkey to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spatula.
4. Cook turkey for 6-8 minutes until no pink remains, stirring frequently.
5. Drain and rinse black beans thoroughly in a colander.
6. Add black beans to the skillet with turkey, stirring to combine.
7. Pour 1 cup of enchilada sauce into the turkey-bean mixture, stirring until coated.
8. Remove skillet from heat and let filling cool for 5 minutes.
9. Spread ½ cup of enchilada sauce evenly across the bottom of a 9×13 baking dish.
10. Spoon ⅓ cup of filling onto each tortilla, placing it along the center.
11. Roll each tortilla tightly around the filling and place seam-side down in the baking dish.
12. Pour remaining ½ cup of enchilada sauce over the assembled enchiladas.
13. Sprinkle shredded cheese evenly over the top of the enchiladas.
14. Cover baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes.
15. Remove foil and bake for an additional 5-7 minutes until cheese is bubbly and lightly browned.
16. Let enchiladas rest for 5 minutes before serving.
These enchiladas emerge from the oven with melted cheese clinging to tender tortillas wrapped around the savory turkey and bean filling. The black beans provide a creamy texture that contrasts beautifully with the seasoned turkey. Try serving them with a crisp green salad or topping with fresh cilantro for added brightness.
Savory Ground Turkey Shepherd’s Pie
Whip up this comforting ground turkey shepherd’s pie when you need a hearty meal fast. This version swaps traditional lamb for leaner turkey without sacrificing flavor. It’s the perfect cozy dinner that comes together in one pan.
Ingredients
Ground turkey – 1 lb
Onion – 1 medium
Carrots – 2 medium
Frozen peas – 1 cup
Beef broth – 1 cup
Tomato paste – 2 tbsp
Worcestershire sauce – 1 tbsp
Flour – 2 tbsp
Potatoes – 2 lbs
Butter – 4 tbsp
Milk – ½ cup
Salt – 1 tsp
Black pepper – ½ tsp
Instructions
1. Peel and quarter 2 lbs of potatoes, then place them in a large pot of cold salted water.
2. Bring potatoes to a boil over high heat and cook for 15-20 minutes until fork-tender.
3. While potatoes cook, dice 1 medium onion and chop 2 medium carrots into ¼-inch pieces.
4. Heat a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat and add 1 lb ground turkey.
5. Break up turkey with a wooden spoon and cook for 5-7 minutes until no pink remains.
6. Add diced onion and chopped carrots to the skillet, cooking for 4-5 minutes until softened.
7. Sprinkle 2 tbsp flour over the turkey mixture and stir constantly for 1 minute to cook out raw flour taste.
8. Stir in 2 tbsp tomato paste and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
9. Pour in 1 cup beef broth and 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce, scraping up any browned bits from the pan bottom.
10. Add 1 cup frozen peas and simmer the mixture for 3-4 minutes until slightly thickened.
11. Season with ½ tsp salt and ¼ tsp black pepper, then remove skillet from heat.
12. Drain cooked potatoes and return them to the hot pot for 30 seconds to evaporate excess moisture.
13. Mash potatoes with 4 tbsp butter, ½ cup milk, ½ tsp salt, and ¼ tsp black pepper until smooth.
14. Spread mashed potatoes evenly over the turkey mixture in the skillet.
15. Create decorative peaks with a fork to increase browning surface area.
16. Bake at 400°F for 20-25 minutes until filling is bubbly and potato topping is golden brown.
Hearty and satisfying, this shepherd’s pie delivers creamy mashed potatoes over a savory turkey filling with subtle sweetness from carrots and peas. The crispy potato peaks contrast beautifully with the tender vegetables beneath. For a fun twist, serve individual portions in ramekins or top with shredded cheddar during the last 5 minutes of baking.
Teriyaki Turkey Rice Bowl
Nothing beats a quick, satisfying bowl after a long day. Need dinner fast? This teriyaki turkey rice bowl comes together in under 30 minutes. Now let’s get cooking.
Ingredients
Ground turkey – 1 lb
Cooked white rice – 3 cups
Soy sauce – ¼ cup
Brown sugar – 2 tbsp
Garlic – 2 cloves, minced
Ginger – 1 tsp, grated
Cornstarch – 1 tbsp
Water – ¼ cup
Green onions – 2, sliced
Sesame seeds – 1 tbsp
Instructions
1. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat for 2 minutes until hot.
2. Add 1 lb ground turkey to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spatula.
3. Cook turkey for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until no pink remains.
4. While turkey cooks, whisk together ¼ cup soy sauce, 2 tbsp brown sugar, 2 minced garlic cloves, and 1 tsp grated ginger in a small bowl.
5. In a separate bowl, mix 1 tbsp cornstarch with ¼ cup water until smooth.
6. Pour the soy sauce mixture over the cooked turkey, stirring to coat evenly.
7. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce heat to medium-low.
8. Stir in the cornstarch slurry and cook for 2–3 minutes until sauce thickens.
9. Divide 3 cups cooked white rice evenly between two bowls.
10. Top rice with the teriyaki turkey mixture.
11. Garnish with 2 sliced green onions and 1 tbsp sesame seeds.
Keep the rice warm by placing bowls in a 200°F oven while preparing the turkey. For crispier turkey, avoid overcrowding the skillet and let it brown before stirring. To prevent clumping, whisk the cornstarch slurry vigorously until no lumps remain. Key to this dish is the sticky, glossy sauce clinging to each grain of rice. The savory-sweet turkey pairs perfectly with the fluffy rice base. Try serving with a side of quick-pickled cucumbers for added crunch.
Ground Turkey and Sweet Potato Skillet
Whip up this one-pan wonder when you need dinner fast. Ground turkey and sweet potatoes come together in under 30 minutes. It’s hearty, healthy, and cleanup is a breeze.
Ingredients
Ground turkey – 1 lb
Sweet potato – 1 large, diced
Onion – 1 medium, diced
Olive oil – 1 tbsp
Garlic powder – 1 tsp
Paprika – 1 tsp
Salt – ½ tsp
Black pepper – ¼ tsp
Instructions
1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add diced onion and cook for 3 minutes until translucent.
3. Add ground turkey and break it apart with a spatula.
4. Cook turkey for 5 minutes until no longer pink.
5. Stir in garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
6. Add diced sweet potato and stir to combine.
7. Reduce heat to medium, cover skillet, and cook for 12 minutes.
8. Uncover and check if sweet potatoes are fork-tender.
9. If needed, cook uncovered for 3 more minutes until potatoes are soft.
10. Remove from heat and let rest for 2 minutes before serving.
Sweet potatoes become perfectly tender while soaking up the savory spices. The turkey stays moist and pairs beautifully with the slight sweetness. Serve it straight from the skillet or over greens for a lighter meal.
Turkey and Vegetable Meatloaf
Filling yet surprisingly light, this turkey and vegetable meatloaf delivers comfort without the heaviness. Perfect for weeknight dinners when you want something satisfying but not overly indulgent. Ground turkey keeps it lean while the vegetables add moisture and flavor.
Ingredients
– Ground turkey – 1 lb
– Onion – ½ cup, finely chopped
– Carrot – ½ cup, grated
– Zucchini – ½ cup, grated
– Breadcrumbs – ½ cup
– Egg – 1 large
– Ketchup – ¼ cup
– Worcestershire sauce – 1 tbsp
– Salt – 1 tsp
– Black pepper – ½ tsp
Instructions
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F.
2. Combine ground turkey, onion, carrot, zucchini, breadcrumbs, egg, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and black pepper in a large bowl.
3. Mix everything with your hands until just combined—overmixing makes meatloaf tough.
4. Transfer the mixture to a 9×5-inch loaf pan and press it down evenly.
5. Spread ketchup evenly over the top of the meatloaf.
6. Bake at 375°F for 45 minutes.
7. Check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer—it should read 165°F.
8. Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing to keep it from falling apart.
9. Slice and serve warm. Outstandingly moist with a savory-sweet glaze, this meatloaf has a tender crumb that holds together beautifully. The grated vegetables disappear into the mixture, adding subtle sweetness without chunks. Try serving slices cold in sandwiches the next day for an easy lunch.
Conclusion
Perfect for busy weeknights, this collection proves ground turkey is a versatile, healthy protein that can transform your meals. We hope you’ve found some new family favorites! Try a recipe this week and let us know which ones you love in the comments. Don’t forget to share this roundup on Pinterest to help other home cooks discover these delicious, easy dinners.
