These are the Best Healthy Ground Turkey Recipes! No matter what diet you follow these ground turkey recipes are delicious and easy to make!
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What to make with Ground Turkey
We LOVE ground turkey. It’s one of my favorite proteins to cook with. I think it gets a really bad reputation, because it’s easy to cook ground turkey the wrong way. That’s why I’ve rounded up these healthy ground turkey recipes for you!
I’ve included a variety of easy lean ground turkey recipes for you below. There’s everything from turkey burgers to turkey stir frys, slow cooker turkey chili recipes and more! You can make these healthy ground turkey recipes for lunch/dinner or meal prep them for the week ahead!
Alright, let’s get into those healthy ground turkey recipes you came here for!
Quick Healthy Ground Turkey Recipes
If you’re short on time – ground turkey is an awesome protein to cook with. It only takes 10-15 minutes to make – making it the perfect weeknight staple! All of these recipes are also great for meal prep.
Spicy Ground Turkey Stir Fry is one of the best ground turkey recipes! Low carb, Whole30, paleo and done in under 30 minutes with 7 simple ingredients. This easy meal is great for meal prepping or a quick dinner.
Healthy Asian Turkey Stir Fry is one of our favorites! Loaded with veggies and a simple mix of spices – it’s flavorful and easy!
This Turkey Skillet Dinner is the perfect one pot meal. It’s quick, easy, and super tasty. Dinner in 30 minutes!
Taco Stuffed Peppers are perfect for a quick dinner! You can get this delicious and healthy dinner on the table in under an hour.
Ground Turkey Zucchini Boats stuffed with chipotle seasoned ground turkey, black beans, cheese and all your favorite toppings. It’s the perfect healthy, gluten free and low carb meal for any night of the week!
Greek Turkey Taco Lettuce Wraps are lighter versions of gyros or tacos served in lettuce wraps instead of pitas or tortillas! They fit into healthy low-carb, Paleo, and gluten-free diets.
1 lb Ground Turkey Recipe Ideas
If you have a pound of ground turkey that you’re looking to use up – these healthy ground turkey recipes are for you! All of these recipes use one pound of ground turkey.
Healthy Stuffed Peppers are an easy dinner. These paleo stuffed peppers are healthy, gluten free + dairy free and can be made in the slow cooker or oven. An Italian dinner made lighter with cauliflower rice!
Turkey Shepherd’s Pie is the ultimate easy dinner. A Healthy Shepherd’s Pie Recipe made with ground turkey and veggies. Easy and yummy!
Easy Zucchini Lasagna is perfect for a lighter dinner! Cheesy, low carb & delicious- no noodles needed!
This Stuffed Acorn Squash is a simple, nutritious dinner. Filled with winter flavors, naturally gluten free + perfect for a quick meal! This stuffed acorn squash recipe is the perfect weeknight dinner!
Turkey Quinoa Stuffed Peppers are a hearty, healthy meal your family will love! Make them in the slow cooker, instant pot or oven for a quick, easy dinner!
Healthy Baked Ziti Pasta is a lighter twist on a classic Italian dish. Baked Ziti Pasta is made with ground turkey for a delicious, simple dinner that anyone will love! Easily made gluten free + simple to prepare!
Unstuffed Peppers are a hearty, easy meal everyone will love! Keto, whole30, paleo and so yummy! Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner!
Healthy Stuffed Poblano Peppers feature ground turkey, black beans, and a ton of not-too-spicy southwestern flavor. Leftovers make a great lunch!
Stuffed Pepper Casserole is so yummy! A healthy dinner that is made in one pan in under an hour! Gluten free & delicious.
Zucchini Taco Boats are low calorie, low carb, low fat but high flavor! Everyone will love this recipe full of flavor and tons of fiber!
Ground Turkey Spaghetti Squash Casserole is made with ranch dressing, ground turkey, kale, onion, and spaghetti squash and baked in the oven until crispy and golden brown.
Slow Cooker Recipes for Ground Turkey
These slow cooker ground turkey recipes are SO easy. You only need a few minutes of prep time to get them started and the crockpot does all the work!
Paleo Turkey Chili is a delicious, healthy meal made in the crockpot or instant pot. Loaded with veggies- it’s easy to make and yummy! It’s our favorite slow cooker turkey chili recipe.
Healthy Bolognese is a delicious, hearty dinner. Paleo, Whole30 friendly and loaded with flavor – this hidden veggie bolognese is one you’ll love!
The Best Italian Wedding Soup Recipe! This recipe is easy to make and loaded with flavor. A delicious, cozy dinner!
Ground Turkey Chili! Learn how to make turkey chili that’s healthy & delicious in your crockpot, instant pot, or on the stove!
Whole30 Italian Wedding Soup is the perfect cozy, easy dinner. Paleo, whole30 and low carb – this soup can be made in the crockpot or on the stove! It’s gluten free, grain free and dairy free but packed with flavor and veggies!
Leftover Turkey Chili is one of the best leftover turkey recipes or can easily be made with ground turkey! Easy to make, healthy and loaded with flavor – this is a must try!
Slow Cooker Turkey Sloppy Joes are an easy, delicious crockpot dinner! Serve them in a bun or on top of a salad!
Meatball Recipes with Ground Turkey
Turkey Meatballs are one of our favorite healthy recipes to make. They’re quick, easy and YUMMY! Here are some of our favorite turkey meatball recipes
Greek Turkey Meatballs are the perfect healthy dinner. Put them on a salad, in a sandwich, or eat them on their own. Paleo, Whole30 and keto friendly!
Healthy Buffalo Turkey Meatballs are an easy weeknight dinner. Easily made paleo, keto and whole30, they’re perfect over a salad or on rice!
Healthy Turkey Meatballs are a nutritious twist on a classic Italian dish. Whole30 friendly, paleo, gluten free, dairy free and so delicious! Made with lean turkey and fresh herbs- they’re the perfect dinner! I love pairing with tomato sauce and zucchini noodles or whole wheat pasta.
Meatball Spaghetti Squash Boats are an easy, low calorie, gluten free dinner. Low carb, cheesy + loaded with baby meatballs – they’re delicious!
Caprese Meatballs are the perfect easy, healthy meal! Low carb, filled with flavor, and done in 30 minutes – they’re great for dinner or meal prepping! A baked turkey meatballs recipe everyone will love!
Coconut Lime Rice Noodle Stir Fry with Lemongrass Meatballs is an incredible, flavor-filled, aromatic dish with so many delicious components. The lemongrass meatballs take on a slightly lemon-floral flavor from the lemongrass, and the coconut lime sauce is equal parts bright, citrusy, and savory.
Thai Red Curry Turkey Meatballs are great for meal prep – paleo friendly recipe. Serve with caulirice or zucchini noodles!
Best Ground Turkey Recipes for Burgers
We love burgers (this Burger Salad with Dill Pickle Vinaigrette is one of our absolute favs- you can make it with ground turkey instead!), but turkey burgers often get a bad reputation. These ground turkey burger recipes are loaded with flavor and stay juicy!
Greek Turkey Burgers are a great choice if you are looking for a leaner, healthier option to a traditional burger. Bursting with Greek flavours like feta cheese, mint and lemon, these burgers are topped with creamy homemade tzatziki. I think they’re the best turkey burgers!
Air Fryer Turkey Burgers are easy and juicy – the perfect for a quick weeknight meal. This recipe is gluten-free, paleo, and great for kids.
These Asian Style Turkey Burgers are lower in fat but high on flavor. A nice alternative if you’re looking for a healthier option.
Portobello Turkey Burgers are perfect for when you’re in the mood for a great burger with a spin on the traditional! Low in carbs and so yummy.
Paleo and Whole30 Turkey Burgers have a short ingredient list AND a secret ingredient… can you guess it? Sweet potatoes! The sweet potatoes keep the burgers moist and add a really nice earthy flavor.
Lettuce Wrap Ground Turkey Recipes
Ground turkey lettuce wraps are simple and delicious! Here are a few that we like:
These Sesame Ginger Ground Turkey Lettuce Wraps are super flavorful and make a great weeknight meal. You can have them on the table in 15 minutes flat!
Asian Lettuce Wraps are delicious! This homemade version tastes like PF Chang’s Lettuce Wraps and they are so easy to make. They can be ready in 20 minutes!
Meatloaf Ground Turkey Dinner Ideas
Ground turkey is the perfect base for meatloaf because it’s low in fat and takes on the flavor of whatever you mix it with. We love these healthy turkey meatloaf recipes.
BBQ Turkey Meatloaf is a delicious, healthy, one pan dinner. Paleo + Whole30 – you can make this healthy meatloaf in the instant pot, slow cooker or oven!
This Easy Ground Turkey Meatloaf is perfect for a hearty, healthy dinner everyone will love!
Apple Sage Turkey Meatloaf is a delicious Paleo, Whole30, Gluten-free, Dairy-free meatloaf made with ground turkey, diced warm apples, sautéed onion, and rubbed sage
Feta & Sundried Tomato Turkey Meatloaf is a wonderful twist on the traditional meatloaf.
Is ground turkey healthier than ground beef?
Ground turkey is higher in protein and lower in fat per pound compared to ground beef. Per 4 oz serving:
Turkey~ 167 calories, 22g protein, 9g fat
Ground Beef~240 calories, 21g protein, 17g fat
We personally prefer ground turkey because it is a lighter option. It is less greasy and overall just leaves us feeling satisfied, but not stuffed!
Healthy Ground Turkey Recipe for Stir Fry
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon garlic minced
- 1 cup onions minced
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 1 lb green beans halved
- ¼ cup coconut aminos
- ½ tablespoon Trader Joe’s bomba sauce
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a pan. Add onion + garlic and sauté for 5 minutes until translucent.
- Add turkey to cooked onion and garlic. Cook uncovered until browned, about 10 minutes.
- After turkey is cooked, add in green beans, coconut aminos + bomba sauce.
- Stir together. Cover + cook for 5 minutes so green beans can ‘steam’. You can cook for an additional 5 minutes if you prefer softer green beans.
- Serve with green onions or sesame seeds for garnish over rice or cauliflower rice.
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Nutrition Facts
Ground Turkey Recipe FAQ
Yes, turkey is low in fat. It typically has 75% less fat than ground beef. It’s a much leaner meat.
All of the recipes listed below are loaded with flavor. The key is to add spices, veggies, grains and seasonings to the recipe. All of these can help boost the flavor of a ground turkey recipe!
Adding a sauce or veggies can help keep turkey moist. We will also occasionally add a few tablespoons of broth to a pan when cooking ground turkey. This adds both flavor and moisture!
Is ground turkey good for weight loss?
Yes, ground turkey is great for weight loss! Lean ground turkey is high in protein and low in fat/calories which makes it an ideal food for weight loss. You can have 4 oz of turkey for under 150 calories and 20-30g of protein!
What turkey helps you lose weight? If weight loss is your goal, look for lean ground turkey. You can also use lean turkey breasts and cooked turkey meat. Ideally opt for turkey that is high in protein, low fat and low calorie.
Is ground turkey or chicken healthier?
Ground turkey and ground chicken are nearly identical in terms of nutrients and macros. Both are lean, high in protein and low in calories. Enjoy whichever one you like better!
Which is better for you ground turkey or ground hamburger? There are benefits to eating both ground turkey and ground beef. Ground beef is higher in healthy fats and more nutrient dense. Ground turkey is lower in fat/nutrients and higher in protein per oz. Everyone has different dietary needs so depending on what you’re looking for different meats might be ‘healthier’.
Other healthy dinner recipes:
Looking for other easy meals? Check out these 40+ Healthy Dinner Recipes. Click here to grab our free healthy 30 minute dinners cookbook.
Donna says
🙋♀️🙋♀️🙋♀️🙋♀️
The Clean Eating Couple says
Hope you like them!
Annette says
Amazing! I didn’t have Bomba sauce on hand (no Trader Joe’s near me) so I subbed with Sambal Oelek instead. Also cooked a bag of frozen bell peppers, then threw those in with the turkey and green beans. My guy loved it too. Definitely keeping this one in rotation! Thanks!!