11 Ground Turkey Dinners So Juicy and Flavorful Nobody Will Miss the Beef

A pack of ground turkey is one of the best deals in the meat case, and it is a little lighter than beef too. The trouble is it can taste bland if you cook it like hamburger. These ground turkey dinners fix that with bold spices, smart sauces and a few simple tricks that keep it juicy. They are cozy, budget friendly and perfect for busy fall weeknights. Want even more ideas that are easy on the wallet? Try our cheap budget family dinners next. Let us dig in..

Ground Turkey Dinners Start With a One Skillet Taco Night

This taco skillet is the gateway recipe for anyone who thinks turkey is boring. Ground turkey browns with onion and taco spices, then black beans, corn, salsa and rice simmer right in the same pan. A blanket of melted cheese goes on at the end. Scoop it into tortillas, over chips or eat it straight from a bowl. What is your must have topping: A) sour cream, B) avocado, C) jalapenos, or D) all of them?

You will need: 1 lb ground turkey, 1 tbsp oil, 1 onion diced, 2 tbsp taco seasoning, 1 can (15 oz) black beans drained, 1 cup corn, 1 cup salsa, 1 cup chicken broth, 3/4 cup long grain white rice, 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar or Mexican blend, cilantro, sour cream, avocado

How to make it: Brown the turkey and onion in oil, breaking it up. Stir in the taco seasoning. Add the beans, corn, salsa, broth and rice and bring to a boil. Cover and simmer on low 18 to 20 minutes until the rice is tender. Sprinkle with cheese, cover 2 minutes to melt and add your toppings.

Juicy Turkey Meatloaf With a Sweet Glaze

Turkey meatloaf has a reputation for being dry, but this one stays tender thanks to grated onion, milk soaked breadcrumbs and a little Worcestershire. A tangy ketchup and brown sugar glaze caramelizes on top just like Grandma used to make. Shape it on a sheet pan instead of a loaf pan so more of it gets that sticky crust. Serve with mashed potatoes and green beans for a true Sunday supper.

You will need: 2 lb ground turkey (93 percent lean), 1 small onion grated, 2 cloves garlic minced, 3/4 cup breadcrumbs, 1/2 cup milk, 2 eggs, 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce, 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp pepper, 1 tsp dried thyme. Glaze: 1/2 cup ketchup, 2 tbsp brown sugar, 1 tbsp cider vinegar

How to make it: Heat the oven to 375 F. Soak the breadcrumbs in milk for 5 minutes. Mix in the turkey, onion, garlic, eggs, Worcestershire and seasonings with your hands just until combined. Shape into a loaf on a lined sheet pan and brush with the glaze. Bake 55 to 65 minutes until it reaches 165 F. Rest 10 minutes before slicing.

Ground Turkey Dinners for Cold Nights: Hearty Turkey Chili

When the weather turns chilly, a big pot of turkey chili is the answer. It is thick, smoky and loaded with beans and tomatoes, but lighter than the classic beef version. A spoon of cocoa powder and a pinch of cinnamon add a deep, warm flavor nobody can quite guess. Make it on Sunday and you have easy lunches for days. Be honest: do you like beans in your chili?

You will need: 1 1/2 lb ground turkey, 1 tbsp olive oil, 1 onion diced, 1 bell pepper diced, 3 cloves garlic, 3 tbsp chili powder, 2 tsp cumin, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp cocoa powder, pinch of cinnamon, 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes, 2 cans kidney or pinto beans drained, 1 cup chicken broth, salt, cheese and green onions

How to make it: Brown the turkey in oil with the onion and pepper. Add the garlic and spices and stir 1 minute. Add the tomatoes, beans and broth. Simmer uncovered 30 to 40 minutes, stirring now and then, until thick. Season with salt and serve with cheese, sour cream and green onions.

Turkey Burgers That Are Actually Juicy

The secret to a juicy turkey burger is moisture and a little fat. A spoon of mayo, some grated onion and a splash of Worcestershire go right into the meat. Do not press the patties while they cook, and pull them off the heat the moment they hit 165 F. Pile them high with cheese, lettuce and tomato. They prove ground turkey dinners can be as satisfying as beef. Grill or skillet?

You will need: 1 1/4 lb ground turkey, 2 tbsp mayonnaise, 2 tbsp grated onion, 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce, 1 clove garlic minced, 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp pepper, 1/2 tsp smoked paprika, 4 slices cheddar or pepper jack, 4 brioche buns, lettuce, tomato, pickles

How to make it: Gently mix the turkey with the mayo, onion, Worcestershire, garlic and seasonings. Shape into 4 patties with a small dent in the center. Grill or cook in an oiled skillet over medium high heat 5 to 6 minutes per side until 165 F inside. Add the cheese for the last minute. Serve on toasted buns.

Baked Turkey Meatball Pasta

This is a bake and serve dinner the whole family will fight over. Tender turkey meatballs bake on a sheet pan first, then get tossed with rigatoni and marinara and finished under a layer of bubbling mozzarella. You can make the meatballs ahead and freeze them for an even faster night. Parmesan and fresh basil in the mix keep them full of flavor. Pasta shape poll: A) rigatoni, B) penne, or C) ziti?

You will need: 1 lb ground turkey, 1/2 cup breadcrumbs, 1/3 cup grated parmesan, 1 egg, 2 cloves garlic minced, 2 tbsp chopped basil or parsley, 1 tsp Italian seasoning, 1/2 tsp salt, 12 oz rigatoni, 1 jar (24 oz) marinara, 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella

How to make it: Heat the oven to 400 F. Mix the turkey, breadcrumbs, parmesan, egg, garlic, herbs and seasoning. Roll into 1 inch balls and bake 15 minutes. Boil the pasta until just shy of tender. Toss the pasta, meatballs and marinara in a baking dish. Top with mozzarella and bake 15 minutes until bubbly.

Ground Turkey Dinners Made Light: Asian Lettuce Wraps

These lettuce wraps taste like the famous restaurant version for a fraction of the price. Ground turkey cooks with garlic, ginger, crunchy water chestnuts and a sticky hoisin and soy sauce. Spoon it into cool butter lettuce cups and top with green onions and a drizzle of sriracha. It is a light dinner that still feels like a treat, and it is ready in about 20 minutes.

You will need: 1 lb ground turkey, 1 tbsp vegetable oil, 3 cloves garlic minced, 1 tbsp grated ginger, 1 can (8 oz) water chestnuts diced, 3 tbsp hoisin sauce, 2 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp rice vinegar, 1 tsp sesame oil, 1 head butter lettuce, green onions, shredded carrot, sriracha

How to make it: Brown the turkey in oil, breaking it into small crumbles. Add the garlic and ginger and cook 1 minute. Stir in the water chestnuts, hoisin, soy sauce, vinegar and sesame oil and cook 2 minutes until glossy. Spoon into lettuce leaves and top with green onions, carrot and sriracha.

Weeknight Turkey Bolognese

Real bolognese simmers for hours, but this weeknight version tastes slow cooked in about 40 minutes. Ground turkey, finely chopped carrot, celery and onion cook down with tomato paste, a splash of milk and crushed tomatoes. The milk makes the sauce silky and mellow. Toss it with wide pappardelle or spaghetti and lots of parmesan. Of all the ground turkey dinners here, this is the one picky eaters never question.

You will need: 1 lb ground turkey, 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 onion, 1 carrot and 1 celery stalk finely chopped, 3 cloves garlic, 2 tbsp tomato paste, 1/2 cup milk, 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes, 1 tsp Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, 1 lb pappardelle or spaghetti, parmesan

How to make it: Cook the onion, carrot and celery in oil 8 minutes until soft. Add the turkey and garlic and cook until no longer pink. Stir in the tomato paste, then the milk, and simmer until it is mostly absorbed. Add the tomatoes and seasonings and simmer 25 minutes. Toss with cooked pasta and top with parmesan.

Ground Turkey Dinners in One Pan: Sweet Potato Hash

Breakfast for dinner, anyone? Cubes of sweet potato get crispy in a hot skillet, then seasoned ground turkey, peppers and onions join the party. Make little wells and crack eggs right into the pan to finish. It is colorful, filling and packed with good stuff, and it only dirties one skillet. A drizzle of hot sauce on top is highly recommended. Would you add eggs or keep it simple?

You will need: 2 medium sweet potatoes in 1/2 inch cubes, 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 lb ground turkey, 1 red bell pepper diced, 1 small onion diced, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1/2 tsp cumin, salt, pepper, 4 eggs, 2 green onions, hot sauce

How to make it: Cook the sweet potatoes in oil over medium heat 10 to 12 minutes, stirring, until tender and browned. Push them aside, add the turkey, pepper and onion and cook until the turkey is done. Stir in the spices. Make 4 wells, crack in the eggs, cover and cook 4 to 6 minutes until set to your liking. Top with green onions.

Turkey Shepherd’s Pie With Fluffy Mash

Shepherd’s pie is the ultimate cozy casserole, and turkey makes it a little lighter without losing any comfort. The filling is a rich gravy with peas, carrots and corn, tucked under a thick layer of buttery mashed potatoes. Drag a fork across the top so it gets golden ridges in the oven. It is also a smart way to use up leftover mashed potatoes. Who else fights over the crispy edges?

You will need: 1 1/2 lb ground turkey, 1 tbsp oil, 1 onion diced, 2 cloves garlic, 2 tbsp flour, 2 tbsp tomato paste, 1 cup chicken broth, 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce, 1 tsp thyme, 2 cups frozen peas, carrots and corn, 4 cups mashed potatoes, 1/2 cup shredded cheddar

How to make it: Heat the oven to 400 F. Brown the turkey and onion in oil, then add the garlic. Stir in the flour and tomato paste, then the broth, Worcestershire and thyme, and simmer until thick. Add the vegetables and spread in a baking dish. Top with mashed potatoes and cheese. Bake 20 to 25 minutes until golden.

Stuffed Turkey and Rice Burritos

Burritos are the best way to feed a hungry crowd with just a pound of meat. Seasoned ground turkey, Mexican rice, pinto beans and cheese get rolled up in big flour tortillas and toasted in a skillet until crisp. Make a double batch and wrap the extras in foil for grab and go lunches. Set out salsa, guacamole and sour cream and let everyone build their own. Easy ground turkey dinners do not get more fun.

You will need: 1 lb ground turkey, 1 tbsp oil, 1/2 onion diced, 2 tbsp taco seasoning, 1/3 cup water, 2 cups cooked Mexican or cilantro lime rice, 1 can (15 oz) pinto beans drained, 1 1/2 cups shredded Monterey Jack, 6 large flour tortillas, salsa, guacamole

How to make it: Brown the turkey and onion in oil. Add the taco seasoning and water and simmer until thick. Warm the tortillas so they fold easily. Fill each with rice, beans, turkey and cheese, fold in the sides and roll tightly. Toast seam side down in a dry skillet 2 minutes per side. Serve with salsa and guacamole.

Ground Turkey Dinners With a Kick: Thai Basil Turkey

Thai basil stir fry, called pad kra pao, is one of the most loved street dishes in Thailand, and ground turkey works beautifully in it. Garlic and chilies sizzle in the pan, then the turkey cooks in a savory sauce before a big handful of fresh basil wilts in. Serve it over jasmine rice with a crispy fried egg on top. How spicy do you go: A) mild, B) medium, or C) Thai hot?

You will need: 1 lb ground turkey, 2 tbsp oil, 5 cloves garlic minced, 2 to 4 Thai chilies or 1 jalapeno sliced, 1 shallot sliced, 1 tbsp oyster sauce, 1 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tsp fish sauce, 1 tsp sugar, 2 tbsp water, 1 1/2 cups Thai or Italian basil leaves, jasmine rice, 4 eggs

How to make it: Fry the eggs in hot oil until the edges are crispy and set them aside. Stir fry the garlic, chilies and shallot 30 seconds. Add the turkey and cook over high heat until browned. Add the oyster sauce, soy sauce, fish sauce, sugar and water and toss. Stir in the basil until wilted. Serve over rice with an egg.