20+ Easy 20-Minute Ground Turkey Recipes

Ground turkey is another fantastic lean protein option for quick and healthy weeknight meals. It’s a great substitute for ground beef or chicken in many recipes and can be seasoned in countless ways. Here are over 20 original ground turkey recipes that are ready in 20 minutes or less.

1. Speedy Turkey & Black Bean Skillet

Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 15 minutes
Total time: 20 minutes

Yields: 4 servings

Ingredients

• 1 lb. ground turkey
• 1 tbsp. olive oil
• 1 small yellow onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp. chili powder
• 1 tsp. ground cumin
• 1/2 tsp. smoked paprika
• 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 (15-ounce) can corn, drained
• 1 (15-ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1/2 cup chicken or vegetable broth
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• Optional toppings: shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, chopped fresh cilantro, sliced jalapeños

Instructions

1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
2. Add the ground turkey to the skillet and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon.
3. Stir in the minced garlic, chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika, and cook for 1 minute more until fragrant.
4. Add the black beans, corn, diced tomatoes (with their juices), and broth. Stir everything together and bring to a simmer.
5. Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover, and let it simmer for 10 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve warm with your favorite toppings.

2. 20-Minute Turkey & Broccoli Noodles

Prep time: 8 minutes
Cook time: 12 minutes
Total time: 20 minutes

Yields: 4 servings

Ingredients

• 8 oz. ramen or udon noodles
• 1 lb. ground turkey
• 1 tbsp. sesame oil
• 1-inch piece of ginger, grated
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 large head of broccoli, cut into small florets
• 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
• 2 tbsp. honey or maple syrup
• 1 tbsp. rice vinegar
• 1 tsp. sriracha or other chili sauce (optional)
• 1/4 cup water
• 1 tbsp. cornstarch
• Optional garnishes: sesame seeds, sliced green onions

Instructions

1. Cook the noodles according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
2. While the noodles are cooking, heat the sesame oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the ground turkey and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon.
3. Add the grated ginger and minced garlic to the skillet and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
4. Add the broccoli florets to the skillet and stir-fry for 3-4 minutes, until they are tender-crisp.
5. In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sriracha (if using), water, and cornstarch.
6. Pour the sauce over the turkey and broccoli mixture. Cook, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens and coats everything, about 2-3 minutes.
7. Add the cooked noodles to the skillet and toss to combine. Serve immediately, garnished with sesame seeds and sliced green onions if desired.

3. Quick Turkey Burger Quesadillas

Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 15 minutes
Total time: 20 minutes

Yields: 4 servings

Ingredients

• 1 lb. ground turkey
• 1/2 tsp. garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp. onion powder
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 8 large flour tortillas
• 2 cups shredded Monterey Jack or cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup diced red onion
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
• Optional for serving: salsa, sour cream, guacamole

Instructions

1. In a large skillet, cook the ground turkey over medium-high heat until browned. Drain off any excess grease.
2. Stir in the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Lay four tortillas on a flat surface. Sprinkle a layer of cheese on one half of each tortilla.
4. Top the cheese with a portion of the ground turkey mixture, a sprinkle of diced red onion, and a sprinkle of cilantro.
5. Fold the other half of the tortilla over the filling to create a half-moon shape.
6. Heat a clean, large skillet or griddle over medium heat. Carefully place the quesadillas in the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, until the tortillas are golden brown and the cheese is melted.
7. Remove from the skillet and let them cool for a minute before cutting into wedges. Serve with salsa, sour cream, or guacamole if desired.

4. Creamy Tomato & Turkey Pasta

Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 15 minutes
Total time: 20 minutes

Yields: 4 servings

Ingredients

• 8 oz. penne or rotini pasta
• 1 lb. ground turkey
• 1 tbsp. olive oil
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
• 1 tsp. dried basil
• 1/2 tsp. red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley, for garnish

Instructions

1. Cook the pasta according to package directions. Drain, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water.
2. While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the onion and cook until softened, about 3 minutes.
3. Add the ground turkey and cook until browned. Drain off any excess grease.
4. Stir in the garlic, basil, and red pepper flakes (if using), and cook for 1 minute more.
5. Pour in the crushed tomatoes and bring to a simmer. Reduce the heat and let it cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally.
6. Stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water.
8. Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley.

5. 15-Minute Korean Turkey Bowl

Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 10 minutes
Total time: 15 minutes

Yields: 4 servings

Ingredients

• 1 lb. ground turkey
• 1 tbsp. sesame oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1-inch piece of ginger, grated
• 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
• 2 tbsp. gochujang (Korean chili paste)
• 1 tbsp. honey or brown sugar
• 1 tbsp. rice vinegar
• 4 cups cooked rice, for serving
• Optional toppings: kimchi, shredded carrots, sliced cucumber, fried egg, sesame seeds

Instructions

1. Heat the sesame oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground turkey and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon. Drain off any excess grease.
2. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger to the skillet and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, gochujang, honey, and rice vinegar.
4. Pour the sauce over the ground turkey and stir to combine. Cook for 2-3 minutes, until the sauce has thickened and is bubbling.
5. Serve the Korean turkey over a bowl of hot cooked rice. Add your favorite toppings, such as kimchi, shredded carrots, sliced cucumber, a fried egg, and a sprinkle of sesame seeds.

6. One-Pan Unstuffed Turkey Peppers

Prep time: 7 minutes
Cook time: 13 minutes
Total time: 20 minutes

Yields: 4 servings

Ingredients

• 1 lb. ground turkey
• 1 tbsp. olive oil
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 bell peppers (any color), chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (15-ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1 cup cooked rice
• 1 tsp. dried Italian seasoning
• 1/2 cup chicken or vegetable broth
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the onion and bell peppers and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
2. Add the ground turkey and cook until browned. Drain off any excess grease.
3. Stir in the garlic and Italian seasoning and cook for 1 minute more.
4. Add the diced tomatoes, cooked rice, and broth. Stir to combine and bring to a simmer.
5. Reduce the heat, cover, and cook for 5-7 minutes, until the peppers are tender.
6. Sprinkle the mozzarella cheese over the top, cover, and cook for another 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
7. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot.

7. 20-Minute Hearty Turkey Chili

Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 15 minutes
Total time: 20 minutes

Yields: 4-6 servings

Ingredients

• 1 lb. ground turkey
• 1 tbsp. olive oil
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 1 bell pepper, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp. chili powder
• 1 tbsp. ground cumin
• 1 tsp. smoked paprika
• 1 (15-ounce) can kidney or black beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 (15-ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1 (8-ounce) can tomato sauce
• 1/2 cup chicken or vegetable broth
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• Optional toppings: shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped onions, crackers

Instructions

1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the onion and bell pepper and cook until softened, about 4 minutes.
2. Add the ground turkey and cook until browned. Drain off any excess grease.
3. Stir in the garlic, chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika, and cook for 1 minute more.
4. Add the beans, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and broth. Stir everything together and bring to a boil.
5. Reduce the heat and simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot with your favorite chili toppings.

8. Quick Turkey and Cabbage Stir-Fry

Prep time: 8 minutes
Cook time: 12 minutes
Total time: 20 minutes

Yields: 4 servings

Ingredients

• 1 lb. ground turkey
• 1 tbsp. vegetable oil
• 1 small onion, thinly sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 head of green cabbage, thinly sliced
• 1 carrot, julienned
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 2 tbsp. oyster sauce
• 1 tbsp. brown sugar
• 1 tsp. ground ginger
• Cooked rice or noodles, for serving

Instructions

1. Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the ground turkey and cook until browned. Drain off any excess grease.
2. Add the onion and garlic and cook for 2-3 minutes until the onion has softened.
3. Add the sliced cabbage and julienned carrot to the skillet. Stir-fry for 5-7 minutes, until the cabbage is tender-crisp.
4. In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, oyster sauce, brown sugar, and ground ginger.
5. Pour the sauce over the stir-fry and toss to combine. Cook for another 2 minutes, until the sauce has slightly thickened.
6. Serve immediately over hot cooked rice or noodles.

9. Italian Turkey & Gnocchi Skillet

Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 15 minutes
Total time: 20 minutes

Yields: 4 servings

Ingredients

• 1 lb. ground turkey
• 1 tbsp. olive oil
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (16-ounce) package potato gnocchi
• 1 (15-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
• 1 tsp. dried basil
• 1/2 tsp. dried oregano
• 1/2 cup chicken or vegetable broth
• 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the onion and cook until softened, about 3 minutes.
2. Add the ground turkey and cook until browned. Drain off any excess grease.
3. Stir in the garlic, basil, and oregano and cook for 1 minute more.
4. Add the gnocchi, crushed tomatoes, and broth. Stir to combine and bring to a simmer.
5. Reduce the heat, cover, and cook for 5-7 minutes, until the gnocchi are tender and cooked through.
6. Sprinkle the mozzarella cheese over the top, cover, and cook for another 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
7. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot.

10. Greek Turkey & Rice Skillet

Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 15 minutes
Total time: 20 minutes

Yields: 4 servings

Ingredients

• 1 lb. ground turkey
• 1 tbsp. olive oil
• 1 small red onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp. dried oregano
• 1/2 tsp. dried dill
• 1 cup long-grain white rice
• 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
• Juice of 1/2 lemon
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet with a lid over medium-high heat. Add the red onion and cook until softened, about 3 minutes.
2. Add the ground turkey and cook until browned. Drain off any excess grease.
3. Stir in the garlic, oregano, and dill and cook for 1 minute more.
4. Add the rice and stir to coat it in the turkey and seasonings.
5. Pour in the broth and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 12-15 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid has been absorbed.
6. Remove from the heat and stir in the feta cheese, fresh parsley, and lemon juice.
7. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Fluff with a fork and serve immediately.

11. Turkey and Veggie Fried Rice

Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 15 minutes
Total time: 20 minutes

Yields: 4 servings

Ingredients

• 1 lb. ground turkey
• 1 tbsp. sesame oil
• 1 cup frozen peas and carrots
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 cups cooked and cooled rice
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 2 eggs, lightly beaten

Instructions

1. Heat sesame oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add ground turkey and cook until browned. Drain excess grease.
2. Add frozen peas and carrots and garlic, and cook for 3-4 minutes until vegetables are tender.
3. Add cooked rice and soy sauce, and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until heated through.
4. Push the rice mixture to one side of the skillet and pour the beaten eggs onto the other side. Scramble the eggs, then mix them into the fried rice.
5. Serve immediately.

12. Turkey Meatball Subs

Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 10 minutes
Total time: 20 minutes

Yields: 4 subs

Ingredients

• 1 lb. ground turkey
• 1/2 cup Italian breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 egg
• 1 (24-ounce) jar marinara sauce
• 4 hoagie rolls
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Instructions

1. In a bowl, combine ground turkey, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, and egg. Form into 1-inch meatballs.
2. In a large skillet, brown meatballs on all sides. Drain excess grease.
3. Pour marinara sauce over the meatballs and simmer for 5-7 minutes, until meatballs are cooked through.
4. Spoon meatballs and sauce into hoagie rolls and top with mozzarella cheese.
5. Broil for 2-3 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly.

13. Turkey and Sweet Potato Skillet

Prep time: 7 minutes
Cook time: 13 minutes
Total time: 20 minutes

Yields: 4 servings

Ingredients

• 1 lb. ground turkey
• 1 tbsp. olive oil
• 1 large sweet potato, peeled and grated
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 1 tsp. cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp. nutmeg
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add grated sweet potato and onion, and cook for 5-7 minutes, until softened.
2. Add ground turkey and cook until browned. Drain excess grease.
3. Stir in cinnamon and nutmeg, and season with salt and pepper.
4. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, until everything is heated through.

14. Turkey and Mushroom Stroganoff

Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 15 minutes
Total time: 20 minutes

Yields: 4 servings

Ingredients

• 1 lb. ground turkey
• 8 oz. sliced mushrooms
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 1 (10.5-ounce) can cream of mushroom soup
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• Cooked egg noodles for serving

Instructions

1. In a large skillet, cook ground turkey, mushrooms, and onion until turkey is browned and vegetables are tender. Drain excess grease.
2. Stir in cream of mushroom soup and heat through.
3. Remove from heat and stir in sour cream.
4. Serve over cooked egg noodles.

15. Turkey and Corn Tacos

Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 15 minutes
Total time: 20 minutes

Yields: 8-10 tacos

Ingredients

• 1 lb. ground turkey
• 1 (15-ounce) can corn, drained
• 1 (4-ounce) can chopped green chiles, drained
• 1/2 cup salsa
• 8-10 taco shells
• Your favorite taco toppings

Instructions

1. In a skillet, cook ground turkey until browned. Drain excess grease.
2. Stir in corn, green chiles, and salsa. Cook for 5-7 minutes, until heated through.
3. Spoon the turkey mixture into taco shells and serve with your favorite toppings.

16. Turkey and Rice Soup

Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 15 minutes
Total time: 20 minutes

Yields: 4-6 servings

Ingredients

• 1 lb. ground turkey
• 1 tbsp. olive oil
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, chopped
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1/2 cup uncooked long-grain white rice

Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add onion, carrots, and celery, and cook until softened.
2. Add ground turkey and cook until browned. Drain excess grease.
3. Stir in chicken broth and rice. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 12-15 minutes, or until rice is tender.

17. Turkey and Zucchini Burgers

Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 10 minutes
Total time: 20 minutes

Yields: 4 burgers

Ingredients

• 1 lb. ground turkey
• 1 cup shredded zucchini, squeezed dry
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh dill
• 4 hamburger buns

Instructions

1. In a bowl, combine ground turkey, shredded zucchini, breadcrumbs, and dill. Form into 4 patties.
2. Cook patties in a skillet or on a grill for 5-7 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
3. Serve on hamburger buns with your favorite toppings.

18. Turkey and Cranberry Meatballs

Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 10 minutes
Total time: 20 minutes

Yields: 4 servings

Ingredients

• 1 lb. ground turkey
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup dried cranberries
• 1 egg
• 1/2 cup cranberry sauce

Instructions

1. In a bowl, combine ground turkey, breadcrumbs, dried cranberries, and egg. Form into 1-inch meatballs.
2. In a skillet, brown meatballs on all sides. Drain excess grease.
3. Stir in cranberry sauce and simmer for 5-7 minutes, until meatballs are cooked through.

19. Turkey and White Bean Chili

Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 15 minutes
Total time: 20 minutes

Yields: 4-6 servings

Ingredients

• 1 lb. ground turkey
• 1 tbsp. olive oil
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 1 (15-ounce) can cannellini beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 (4-ounce) can chopped green chiles, drained
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 tsp. cumin

Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add onion and cook until softened.
2. Add ground turkey and cook until browned. Drain excess grease.
3. Stir in cannellini beans, green chiles, chicken broth, and cumin. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes.

20. Turkey and Bell Pepper Stir-Fry

Prep time: 8 minutes
Cook time: 12 minutes
Total time: 20 minutes

Yields: 4 servings

Ingredients

• 1 lb. ground turkey
• 1 tbsp. vegetable oil
• 2 bell peppers (any color), thinly sliced
• 1 small onion, thinly sliced
• 1/4 cup stir-fry sauce
• Cooked rice for serving

Instructions

1. Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add ground turkey and cook until browned. Drain excess grease.
2. Add bell peppers and onion, and stir-fry for 5-7 minutes, until vegetables are tender-crisp.
3. Stir in stir-fry sauce and cook for 2-3 minutes, until heated through.
4. Serve over cooked rice.