Ground Turkey Recipes - Cooking Light

Photo: Johnny Autry

Read the Label Before Buying

Turkey breast is lean, but dark meat isn’t, and some ground turkey contains both. Be sure to read the label and buy lean to ensure the nutritional value remains when using ground turkey as a primary meat source in recipes like these.

First up is our recipe for Alicante Turkey Meatballs. Alicante is the name of the city in Spain where this recipe originates. Served with turkey meatballs, this soup is filling, healthy, and a delightful dish to serve to company.

View Recipe: Alicante Turkey Meatballs

Photo: Johnny Autry

Turkey Meatball Reuben Subs

This sandwich combines two deli favorites—the hearty meatball sub and zesty Reuben sandwich. Use a small cookie scoop to form meatballs quickly.

View Recipe: Turkey Meatball Reuben Subs

Photo: Randy Mayor

Turkey Soup Provençal

This French-inspired turkey soup gets its rich flavor from dried herbes de Provence and features ground turkey breast and a variety of vegetables.

View Recipe: Turkey Soup Provençal

Photo: Randy Mayor

Turkey Picadillo

This Latin-inspired meal is traditionally made with ground beef, but ground turkey proves to be a healthier substitute without sacrificing any flavor. Quick and easy to make, in just under 30 minutes, this exotic dish is sure to become a dinnertime favorite.

View Recipe: Turkey Picadillo

Photo: Randy Mayor

Cincinnati Turkey Chili

Perfect and easy to make in large quantities, ladle bowlfuls of inspired midwestern chili for your next casual dinner party or football gathering.

View Recipe: Cincinnati Turkey Chili

Photo: Johnny Autry

Southwest Turkey Burgers

With a twist on the classic turkey burger, this Southwestern version provides a spicy surprise and is full of succulent flavors. Tip: Dark green poblano chiles have mild to moderate heat; the darker the chile, the more fiery it will be.

View Recipe: Southwest Turkey Burgers

Photo: Becky Luigart-Stayner

Turkey-Jasmine Rice Meatballs with Baby Bok Choy

Jasmine rice has a pleasant aroma that underscores the other Asian ingredients and mixes perfectly with these scrumptious and healthy turkey meatballs.

View Recipe: Turkey-Jasmine Rice Meatballs with Baby Bok Choy

Photo: Randy Mayor

Asian Turkey Cabbage Cups

Don’t waste your time waiting for unhealthy take-out food. Cool, crisp napa cabbage leaves cradle a hot and spicy herbed filling in this dish that is quick and easy to make.

View Recipe: Asian Turkey Cabbage Cups

Photo: Johnny Autry

Turkey Burger Pitas with Tahini Sauce

Although many cooks consider sauce a condiment or an afterthought, this recipe was developed around a homemade sauce based on store-bought tahini. Full of flavor, but low in calories, this meal is perfect to take to work for lunch or make for dinner on a busy weeknight.

View Recipe: Turkey Burger Pitas with Tahini Sauce

$Tex-Mex Calzones$

Photo: Randy Mayor

Tex-Mex Calzones

Spice up sandwich night with this Tex-Mex inspired favorite packed with ground turkey, fresh veggies, and spicy salsa.

View Recipe: Tex-Mex Calzones

Photo: Randy Mayor

Turkey Mole Soup

Mole (MOH-lay) is a rich, spicy, and slightly sweet sauce that is often served with poultry in many Mexican dishes. In this recipe it adds depth to a simple soup, and it can be found in the Hispanic ingredients section in your supermarket.

View Recipe: Turkey Mole Soup

Photo: Randy Mayor

Spicy Turkey Meat Loaf with Ketchup

Turkey replaces beef in this meat loaf recipe, making it a healthier version of the traditional comfort food. The result is moist, flavorful, and has great reviews.

View Recipe: Spicy Turkey Meat Loaf with Ketchup

See More: How to Make Spicy Turkey Meatloaf

Photo: Becky Luigart-Stayner

Baked Egg Rolls

Everyone loves egg rolls; they're the quintessential Chinese side dish. This recipe earns extra kudos for reducing the fat by substituting ground turkey and baking–not frying–the wraps.

View Recipe: Baked Egg Rolls

Photo: Lee Harrelson

Open-Faced Turkey Patty Melt

The traditional patty melt gets a makeover with ground turkey, while retaining the flavor and comfort of this classic diner-favorite.

View Recipe: Open-Faced Turkey Patty Melt

Photo: Becky Luigart-Stayner

Bierocks

These savory meat, onion, and cabbage "pies" are also known as runzas. Enclosed in sweetened yeast dough, the portable snacks are great for school lunches, picnics, and long car trips.

View Recipe: Bierocks

Photo: Lee Harrelson

Turkey Mini Meat Loaves

These delicious mini meat loaves feature ground turkey breast, keeping each mini loaf to less than 200 calories and 2 grams of fat per serving. They’re the perfect, fun-sized meal for your family any night of the week.

View Recipe: Turkey Mini Meat Loaves

Photo: Randy Mayor

Cilantro Turkey Burgers with Chipotle Ketchup

Try these Cilantro Turkey Burgers as a healthier alternative to the traditional beef hamburger. Top with Chipotle Ketchup for a spicy kick and serve with a variety of vegetables for a well-rounded meal.

View Recipe: Cilantro Turkey Burgers with Chipotle Ketchup

Turkish Turkey Pizza

The secret to this unique recipe is pomegranate molasses, which may be sold as concentrated pomegranate juice. Look for it in Middle Eastern markets, gourmet shops, and some large supermarkets. Its unique flavor makes it well worth seeking out, and a bottle lasts indefinitely in the refrigerator.

View Recipe: Turkish Turkey Pizza

Photo: Randy Mayor

Gnocchi with Turkey Ragù

This take on a classic Italian recipe will have everyone singing your praise. The turkey ragù sauce is the perfect topping for these potato-based dumplings and is made complete when served with breadsticks.

View Recipe: Gnocchi with Turkey Ragù