25+ Quick + Yummy Weeknight Dinners With Ground Turkey

Finding the time to cook a wholesome, delicious dinner on a busy weeknight can be a challenge. Ground turkey is a lean, versatile protein that cooks quickly and easily takes on the flavors of your favorite dishes. Whether you are craving a comforting pasta dish, a vibrant stir-fry, or a simple skillet meal, these 25+ quick and yummy weeknight ground turkey dinners will save your evening. Each recipe includes a full list of ingredients and step-by-step instructions to ensure your dinner is on the table in no time.

1. Turkey Meatball Subs

Lighter meatballs packed with flavor.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground turkey
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese
• 1 egg
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce
• 4 sub rolls
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Mix ground turkey, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, and Italian seasoning.
3. Form into meatballs and bake for 15-18 minutes.
4. Warm marinara sauce in a skillet, add baked meatballs, and simmer for 5 minutes.
5. Place meatballs and sauce in sub rolls.
6. Top with mozzarella and broil until melted.

2. Turkey Taco Salad

A fresh, crunchy, and healthy dinner.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground turkey
• 1 packet taco seasoning
• 1/2 cup water
• 1 head Romaine lettuce, chopped
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/2 cup black beans, rinsed
• 1/2 cup corn
• Ranch dressing or salsa for topping

Instructions:

1. Brown ground turkey in a skillet over medium heat; drain fat.
2. Stir in taco seasoning and water, simmering until thickened.
3. Divide chopped lettuce among bowls.
4. Top with seasoned turkey, tomatoes, black beans, and corn.
5. Drizzle with ranch dressing or salsa.
6. Serve immediately.

3. Turkey and Sweet Potato Skillet

A nutritious, sweet and savory one-pan meal.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground turkey
• 2 sweet potatoes, peeled and diced small
• 1 onion, diced
• 1 bell pepper, diced
• 1 tsp chili powder
• 1/2 tsp cumin
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Instructions:

1. In a large skillet, cook diced sweet potatoes in a little oil until tender (about 10-12 mins). Remove and set aside.
2. In the same skillet, brown ground turkey, onion, and bell pepper.
3. Return sweet potatoes to the skillet.
4. Season with chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper.
5. Sprinkle cheese over the top, cover, and let melt.
6. Serve hot.

4. Turkey Stuffed Zucchini

Low-carb and incredibly satisfying.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground turkey
• 4 medium zucchini, halved lengthwise and hollowed out
• 1 cup marinara sauce
• 1/2 onion, diced
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• Fresh basil for garnish

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Place hollowed zucchini in a baking dish.
2. Brown ground turkey and onion in a skillet; drain fat.
3. Stir in marinara sauce and garlic powder; simmer for 5 minutes.
4. Spoon the turkey mixture into the zucchini boats.
5. Top with mozzarella cheese.
6. Bake for 20-25 minutes until zucchini is tender and cheese is melted.

5. Turkey Chili

A lighter take on a classic comfort food.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground turkey
• 1 onion, diced
• 1 bell pepper, diced
• 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, rinsed
• 1 can (15 oz) black beans, rinsed
• 2 tbsp chili powder
• 1 tsp cumin

Instructions:

1. Brown ground turkey, onion, and bell pepper in a large pot.
2. Stir in diced tomatoes, kidney beans, black beans, chili powder, and cumin.
3. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 20 minutes.
4. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
5. Serve hot with your favorite chili toppings like cheese and sour cream.

6. Turkey and Spinach Stuffed Shells

Elegant but easy enough for a weeknight.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground turkey
• 1 box (12 oz) jumbo pasta shells
• 15 oz ricotta cheese
• 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
• 1 egg
• 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Instructions:

1. Cook pasta shells according to package directions; drain and set aside.
2. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
3. Brown ground turkey in a skillet; drain fat and let cool slightly.
4. In a bowl, mix cooked turkey, ricotta, chopped spinach, and egg.
5. Spread half the marinara sauce in a 9×13 baking dish.
6. Stuff shells with the turkey mixture and place in the dish.
7. Top with remaining sauce and mozzarella cheese. Bake for 25 minutes.

7. Turkey Sloppy Joes

A leaner version of the messy favorite.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground turkey
• 1/2 onion, diced
• 1/2 green bell pepper, diced
• 1 cup ketchup
• 2 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 tbsp mustard
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 4 hamburger buns

Instructions:

1. Brown ground turkey, onion, and bell pepper in a skillet; drain fat.
2. Stir in ketchup, brown sugar, mustard, and Worcestershire sauce.
3. Simmer for 10-15 minutes until thickened.
4. Toast hamburger buns if desired.
5. Spoon the turkey mixture generously onto the buns.
6. Serve immediately with napkins!

8. Turkey Egg Roll in a Bowl

All the flavor of an egg roll without the wrapper.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground turkey
• 1 bag (14 oz) coleslaw mix
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 1 tbsp sesame oil
• 1 tsp ginger, grated
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp sriracha (optional)
• Green onions for garnish

Instructions:

1. Brown ground turkey in a large skillet or wok.
2. Add garlic and ginger, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant.
3. Stir in coleslaw mix, soy sauce, and sesame oil.
4. Cook for 5-7 minutes until cabbage is wilted but still has a slight crunch.
5. Stir in sriracha if using.
6. Garnish with green onions and serve.

9. Turkey and Black Bean Enchiladas

Quick, cheesy, and packed with protein.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground turkey
• 1 can (15 oz) black beans, rinsed
• 1 can (10 oz) enchilada sauce
• 8 flour tortillas
• 2 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend
• 1 tsp cumin
• Cilantro for garnish

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Brown ground turkey in a skillet; drain fat.
3. Stir in black beans, cumin, and 1/4 cup of the enchilada sauce.
4. Spoon the turkey mixture into tortillas, roll up, and place in a baking dish.
5. Pour remaining enchilada sauce over the top and sprinkle with cheese.
6. Bake for 15-20 minutes until cheese is bubbly.

10. Turkey Bolognese

A lighter, rich meat sauce for pasta night.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground turkey
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 onion, diced
• 1 carrot, finely diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce
• 8 oz pasta of choice
• Parmesan cheese for garnish

Instructions:

1. Cook pasta according to package instructions.
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
3. Add onion, carrot, and garlic, sautéing until softened.
4. Add ground turkey, cook until browned, and drain excess fat.
5. Stir in marinara sauce, simmer for 15 minutes.
6. Serve sauce over pasta and top with Parmesan.

11. Turkey Teriyaki Rice Bowls

Sweet, savory, and super fast.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground turkey
• 1/2 cup teriyaki sauce (store-bought or homemade)
• 2 cups broccoli florets
• 3 cups cooked rice
• 1 tbsp vegetable oil
• Sesame seeds for garnish
• Green onions, sliced

Instructions:

1. Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add ground turkey and cook until browned.
3. Add broccoli florets and sauté for 3-4 minutes until tender-crisp.
4. Pour teriyaki sauce over the turkey and broccoli, simmering for 2 minutes.
5. Divide cooked rice into bowls.
6. Top with the turkey mixture and garnish with sesame seeds and green onions.

12. Turkey and Quinoa Skillet

A healthy, protein-packed one-pan meal.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground turkey
• 1 cup uncooked quinoa, rinsed
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1 tsp chili powder
• 1/2 tsp cumin
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Instructions:

1. Brown ground turkey in a large skillet; drain fat.
2. Stir in rinsed quinoa, chicken broth, diced tomatoes, chili powder, and cumin.
3. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes until quinoa is tender and liquid is absorbed.
4. Remove from heat and sprinkle with cheddar cheese.
5. Cover and let sit for 2 minutes until cheese melts.
6. Serve hot.

13. Turkey Meatloaf Muffins

Individual meatloaves that cook in half the time.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground turkey
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1 egg
• 1/2 onion, finely diced
• 1/4 cup ketchup
• 1 tbsp mustard
• 1 tbsp brown sugar

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a muffin tin.
2. In a bowl, mix ground turkey, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, and diced onion.
3. Divide the mixture evenly among 6-8 muffin cups.
4. In a small bowl, whisk together ketchup, mustard, and brown sugar.
5. Spoon the glaze over the top of each meatloaf muffin.
6. Bake for 20-25 minutes until cooked through.

14. Turkey and Cabbage Soup

A light, comforting, and detoxifying soup.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground turkey
• 1/2 head cabbage, chopped
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 carrots, sliced
• 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Brown ground turkey and onion in a large pot; drain fat.
2. Add chopped cabbage, carrots, crushed tomatoes, chicken broth, and Italian seasoning.
3. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 20-25 minutes until vegetables are tender.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Serve hot with crusty bread.

15. Turkey Taco Pizza

Two favorites combined into one quick dinner.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground turkey
• 1 packet taco seasoning
• 1/4 cup water
• 1 pre-made pizza crust
• 1 cup salsa
• 2 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend
• 1/2 cup shredded lettuce
• 1/4 cup diced tomatoes

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Brown ground turkey in a skillet; drain fat.
3. Stir in taco seasoning and water, simmering until thickened.
4. Place pizza crust on a baking sheet and spread salsa evenly over it.
5. Top with the seasoned turkey and shredded cheese.
6. Bake for 10-12 minutes until cheese is melted and crust is golden.
7. Top with shredded lettuce and diced tomatoes before slicing.

16. Turkey and Broccoli Alfredo

A lighter take on a creamy classic.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground turkey
• 8 oz fettuccine pasta
• 3 cups broccoli florets
• 1 jar (15 oz) light Alfredo sauce
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Parmesan cheese for garnish

Instructions:

1. Cook fettuccine according to package instructions, adding broccoli during the last 3 minutes of cooking. Drain.
2. Meanwhile, brown ground turkey in a large skillet; drain fat.
3. Season turkey with garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
4. Stir the light Alfredo sauce into the skillet and heat through.
5. Add the cooked pasta and broccoli to the skillet, tossing to coat.
6. Serve hot, garnished with Parmesan cheese.

17. Turkey Stuffed Bell Peppers

Colorful, healthy, and easy to customize.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground turkey
• 4 bell peppers, tops cut off and seeds removed
• 1 cup cooked brown rice
• 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1/2 onion, diced
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Place hollowed peppers in a baking dish.
2. Brown ground turkey and onion in a skillet; drain fat.
3. Stir in cooked brown rice, diced tomatoes, and Italian seasoning.
4. Simmer for 5 minutes, then spoon the mixture into the bell peppers.
5. Top each pepper with mozzarella cheese.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes until peppers are tender and cheese is melted.

18. Turkey and Mushroom Stroganoff

A lighter, creamy, comforting pasta dish.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground turkey
• 8 oz mushrooms, sliced
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 tbsp butter
• 2 tbsp flour
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
• 8 oz egg noodles

Instructions:

1. Cook egg noodles according to package directions.
2. Brown ground turkey and onion in a skillet; drain fat and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté mushrooms until tender.
4. Sprinkle flour over mushrooms and stir for 1 minute.
5. Gradually whisk in chicken broth and simmer until thickened.
6. Stir in turkey and Greek yogurt; heat gently (do not boil). Serve over noodles.

19. Turkey Picadillo

A quick, flavorful Cuban-inspired dish.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground turkey
• 1 onion, diced
• 1 bell pepper, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup raisins
• 1/4 cup green olives, sliced
• 1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce
• Cooked white rice for serving

Instructions:

1. Brown ground turkey, onion, and bell pepper in a skillet; drain fat.
2. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
3. Stir in raisins, olives, and tomato sauce.
4. Simmer for 10-15 minutes to let flavors meld.
5. Serve hot over cooked white rice.

20. Turkey and Spinach Burgers

Juicy, flavorful burgers packed with hidden greens.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground turkey
• 1 cup fresh spinach, finely chopped
• 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp onion powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 4 hamburger buns
• Lettuce and tomato for serving

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, mix ground turkey, chopped spinach, feta cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
2. Form the mixture into 4 patties.
3. Heat a grill or large skillet over medium-high heat.
4. Cook patties for 5-6 minutes per side until cooked through (internal temp 165°F).
5. Toast hamburger buns if desired.
6. Serve burgers on buns with lettuce and tomato.

21. Turkey and Rice Skillet

A simple, comforting, one-pan meal.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground turkey
• 1 onion, diced
• 1 cup uncooked white rice
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables
• 1 tsp poultry seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Brown ground turkey and onion in a large skillet; drain fat.
2. Stir in uncooked rice, chicken broth, frozen vegetables, and poultry seasoning.
3. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20 minutes until rice is tender.
4. Remove from heat and let sit for 5 minutes.
5. Fluff with a fork, season with salt and pepper, and serve.

22. Turkey Lettuce Wraps

Fresh, crunchy, and Asian-inspired.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground turkey
• 1/4 cup hoisin sauce
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp rice vinegar
• 1 tsp ginger, grated
• 1 can (8 oz) water chestnuts, drained and diced
• 1 head butter lettuce, leaves separated
• Green onions for garnish

Instructions:

1. Brown ground turkey in a skillet; drain fat.
2. Stir in hoisin sauce, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and ginger.
3. Add diced water chestnuts and cook for 3-4 minutes until heated through.
4. Spoon the turkey mixture into lettuce leaves.
5. Garnish with green onions.
6. Serve immediately as a light, crunchy wrap.

23. Turkey and Bean Burritos

Freezer-friendly and super filling.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground turkey
• 1 can (15 oz) refried beans
• 1 packet taco seasoning
• 6 large flour tortillas
• 1.5 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• Salsa and sour cream for serving

Instructions:

1. Brown ground turkey in a skillet; drain fat.
2. Stir in taco seasoning and refried beans, heating until warm and well combined.
3. Warm tortillas in the microwave for 30 seconds to make them pliable.
4. Spoon the turkey and bean mixture into the center of each tortilla.
5. Top with cheese, fold in the sides, and roll up tightly.
6. Serve with salsa and sour cream.

24. Turkey Meatball Soup

A quick, hearty soup for chilly nights.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground turkey
• 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
• 1 egg
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 carrots, diced
• 6 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup small pasta (like ditalini)
• 2 cups fresh spinach

Instructions:

1. Mix ground turkey, breadcrumbs, and egg; form into small meatballs.
2. In a large pot, sauté onion and carrots in a little oil until softened.
3. Pour in chicken broth and bring to a boil.
4. Drop meatballs into the boiling broth and cook for 5 minutes.
5. Stir in pasta and cook until tender (about 8-10 minutes).
6. Stir in fresh spinach until wilted, then serve hot.

25. Turkey and Sweet Corn Quesadillas

Crispy, cheesy, and slightly sweet.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground turkey
• 1 packet taco seasoning
• 1/4 cup water
• 1 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
• 4 large flour tortillas
• 2 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend
• 1 tbsp butter
• Salsa for serving

Instructions:

1. Brown ground turkey in a skillet; drain fat.
2. Stir in taco seasoning, water, and corn, simmering until thickened.
3. Melt a little butter in a clean skillet over medium heat.
4. Place a tortilla in the skillet, top half with cheese and turkey mixture, and fold over.
5. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side until golden and cheese is melted.
6. Repeat for remaining tortillas, slice, and serve with salsa.

26. Turkey and Zucchini Skillet

A healthy, low-carb, quick dinner.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground turkey
• 2 medium zucchini, diced
• 1 onion, diced
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Brown ground turkey and onion in a large skillet; drain fat.
2. Add diced zucchini and cook for 5-7 minutes until tender.
3. Stir in diced tomatoes and Italian seasoning.
4. Simmer for 5 minutes until heated through.
5. Season with salt and pepper.
6. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and serve.