10 healthy ground turkey recipes for easy weeknight dinners

Ground turkey is one of those ingredients that quietly makes weeknight cooking easier. It’s quick to prepare, takes on whatever seasoning you like to use, and can stand in anywhere you’d normally use ground beef. The benefits? You still get plenty of protein, but with less saturated fat. Every day, meals become easier to balance without changing what you like to eat.

Where ground turkey really earns its spot is in updated comfort food. It helps you keep familiar favorites in rotation while lightening things up. Everything still tastes hearty and satisfying, just a little lighter.

What types of recipes is ground turkey best for? It works great in baked classics like burgers, meatloaf, and meatballs, as well as veggie-packed pastas and chili. The 10 recipes we’ve chosen are designed to be practical, flexible, and worth making again—whether you’re cooking for weight loss or just trying to get a healthy dinner on the table.

What makes ground turkey recipes healthy?

What makes ground turkey recipes a healthy go-to is how much protein you get for relatively few calories and very little saturated fat. A 4-ounce cooked serving of 93% lean ground turkey comes in at about 165 calories, 23 grams of protein, and 2 grams of saturated fat. If you want to go even leaner, 99% ground turkey drops the calories and saturated fat further while keeping protein high, making it an easy option for lighter meals.

Protein helps support fullness and muscle maintenance, while keeping saturated fat lower is good for your heart. Ground turkey also supplies important nutrients like vitamin B6, niacin, selenium, and zinc, which play roles in energy metabolism and immune function.

Because ground turkey has a mild flavor, it absorbs spices, herbs, and sauces well. That makes it easier to build meals around vegetables, beans, or whole grains without relying on extra fat for richness—so dishes feel hearty and satisfying without becoming calorie-dense.

Ground turkey: Calories and nutrition information

Ground turkey, like ground beef, comes in different percentages that tell you how much fat is included. The percentage you choose affects how the turkey cooks, how juicy it stays, and how filling the final dish feels.

Here’s what you get with a cooked 4-ounce serving:

Ground turkey	Calories	Protein	Saturated fat
99% lean	125	27 g	0.5 g
93% lean	165	23 g	2 g
85% lean	210	21 g	4.5 g

99% ground turkey is the lowest in calories, but it can dry out fast. Many people find that 93% lean is the best choice. It’s still high in protein and low in saturated fat, but easier to cook without drying out.

Ground turkey vs. ground beef: The real differences

When choosing between ground turkey and ground beef, ground turkey offers some health benefits that make it a good choice for everyday meals. It’s naturally lower in total fat, saturated fat, and calories, which makes it easier to build satisfying dishes. Ground turkey also contains more polyunsaturated fats, a type of fat associated with better heart health.

Ground beef offers more iron, zinc, and vitamin B12, but those benefits come with higher saturated fat as leanness drops. Ground turkey stands out for higher amounts of vitamin B6, niacin, selenium, and polyunsaturated fats, while still delivering plenty of protein. Because ultra-lean options are easy to find, turkey makes it simpler to keep meals lighter without giving up nutrition or satisfaction.

That’s why ground turkey is often the go-to swap in lighter recipes. Even when you compare leanest versions side by side, turkey maintains a small but meaningful edge in calories and saturated fat—an advantage that adds up when it’s part of regular, everyday cooking. Here’s a look at the leanest blends of ground turkey and ground beef side by side:

Leanest ground turkey vs. leanest ground beef (cooked, 4 oz)

	Ground turkey (99% lean)	Ground beef (96% lean)
Calories	125	155
Protein	27 g	25 g
Total fat	1.5 g	6 g
Saturated fat	0.5 g	2 g
Polyunsaturated fat	1.5 g	0.4 g
Vitamin B6	35%*	20%
Niacin (B3)	45%	35%
Selenium	55%	45%
Vitamin B12	15%	90%
Iron	6%	15%
Zinc	15%	40%

*All percentages are based on the Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA), defined as the average daily intake level sufficient to meet the nutrient requirements of nearly all healthy people in a specific age and sex group.

10 ground turkey recipes: Lightened up comfort food for weeknights

The best thing about ground turkey is that it fits naturally into the way people many people actually cook. It works in quick one-pan pasta dinners, family-friendly favorites, and vegetable-packed soups and chilis that hold up well for leftovers. The following recipes are organized with real life in mind—minimal prep, familiar flavors, and everyday ingredients.

These dishes are designed to feel doable. The goal is food you’ll want to make again. Ground turkey makes it easier to lighten up classic comfort food recipes without changing what makes them satisfying in the first place.

Many of these recipes reheat well, adapt easily to different tastes, and work for busy weeknights or households with picky eaters. If you’re looking for more healthy recipes, start your free trial of Noom.

Stuffed Zucchini Boats with Ground Turkey

These stuffed zucchini boats deliver big comfort-food flavor with a lighter twist—lean ground turkey and fiber-rich brown rice help keep you full, while warm spices and tangy feta make every bite feel satisfying. It’s a high-volume, veggie-forward meal that supports steady energy and fullness without weighing you down.

Time: 90 minutes | Serves: 6 | Calories: 210

Ingredients

• 3 medium zucchini, halved lengthwise
  
• 1.5 pounds 99% fat-free ground turkey
  
• 1 cup cooked brown rice
  
• 1 teaspoon allspice
  
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  
• ½ teaspoon salt
  
• 1 cup marinara sauce
  
• ½ cup reduced-fat feta cheese, crumbled
  
• 1 cup low-fat plain yogurt (optional, for serving)
  

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Lightly coat a 13″ × 9″ baking dish with cooking spray.
   
2. Scoop out the centers of the zucchini to create “boats” and arrange them in the baking dish. Chop the scooped zucchini flesh (you should have about 3 cups).
   
3. In a medium skillet over medium-high heat, cook the chopped zucchini and ground turkey for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the zucchini is tender and the turkey is fully browned.
   
4. Transfer the turkey mixture to a large bowl. Add the cooked brown rice, allspice, cinnamon, and salt. Stir until well combined.
   
5. Evenly divide the turkey mixture among the zucchini boats. Spoon the marinara sauce over the top, then sprinkle with the feta cheese.
   
6. Cover the dish and bake for 50 minutes. Uncover and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the zucchini is tender.
   
7. Serve warm, with a dollop of yogurt on the side if desired.
   

Noom tip: Reheat these in the oven or toaster to preserve that just-baked texture. 

Turkey Parmesan Meatballs

Time: 40 minutes | Serves: 6 | Calories: 332

These baked turkey meatballs bring all the comfort of a classic Italian-style dinner with a lighter touch. They’re savory, saucy, and finished with a little bit of melted mozzarella.

Ingredients

• 2 tsp dried basil leaves
  
• ½ cup chopped onion
  
• ½ cup Italian breadcrumbs
  
• 2 tsp minced garlic
  
• 1¼ lbs ground white-meat turkey
  
• 2 tsp dried oregano leaves
  
• 2 egg whites, beaten
  
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  
• 3 oz fresh mozzarella cheese
  
• Salt and black pepper to taste
  
• 2 cups healthy marinara sauce
  

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 400°F. Line a baking pan with foil and coat with nonstick cooking spray.
   
2. In a large bowl, mix turkey, breadcrumbs, onion, basil, oregano, garlic, egg whites, and Parmesan; season to taste.
   
3. With moistened hands, shape into meatballs slightly larger than golf balls.
   
4. Place on prepared pan and bake 15–20 minutes, until cooked through.
   
5. Spoon marinara over each meatball and top with a small piece of mozzarella.
   
6. Bake 3–5 minutes more, until cheese is melted.
   

Noom tip: Serve with whole-wheat pasta and a green salad for an easy, balanced meal.

Turkey Burgers

Time: 25 minutes | Serves: 4 | Calories: 462

An easy weeknight staple that everyone can dress up their own way—no ground beef required.

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground turkey
  
• 4 burger buns
  
• 1 tbsp breadcrumbs
  
• 1 egg, lightly beaten
  
• 4 tbsp olive oil
  
• 1 clove garlic, minced
  
• 1 tbsp chopped parsley
  
• 1 tomato, sliced
  
• 1 onion, sliced
  
• 4 oz lettuce
  
• Salt and pepper, to taste
  

Directions

1. In a large bowl, mix ground turkey, breadcrumbs, onion, egg, parsley, garlic, salt, and pepper.
   
2. Form into 4 patties.
   
3. Cook patties in an oiled skillet over medium heat until cooked through.
   
4. Assemble burgers with patties, tomato, onion, and lettuce in buns.
   

Noom tip: Pair with roasted veggies or baked fries.

Turkey Loaf

Time: 95 minutes | Serves: 4 | Calories: 285

This turkey loaf swaps in quinoa for some of the traditional breadcrumbs, adding fiber without changing the familiar feel. 

Ingredients

• ½ cup chicken broth or water
  
• ¼ cup quinoa, rinsed until water runs clear
  
• 1 large egg
  
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
  
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  
• 1 small garlic clove, minced
  
• ½ teaspoon salt
  
• ½ teaspoon dried savory or dill
  
• ½ teaspoon ground allspice
  
• ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
  
• 1½ pounds ground turkey breast
  
• 2 tablespoons (⅓ ounce) grated Parmesan cheese
  
• 1 large shallot (about 2 ounces), minced (or scallions)
  

Directions

1. In a small saucepan, bring broth or water to a boil over medium heat. Stir in quinoa. Reduce heat to low, cover, and cook until liquid evaporates and quinoa is crunchy-tender, 12–15 minutes (drain if needed).
   
2. Preheat oven to 375°F. Coat a baking dish or sheet with cooking spray.
   
3. In a large bowl, lightly beat egg, Worcestershire, tomato paste, mustard, garlic, salt, savory/dill, allspice, and pepper.
   
4. Stir in turkey, Parmesan, shallot/scallions, and quinoa. Using a fork, combine lightly but thoroughly.
   
5. Form into a loaf about 7″ x 4″ and place on a baking sheet.
   
6. Bake until cooked through but still juicy and a thermometer reads 165°F, 45–50 minutes.
   

Noom tip: Slice leftovers for easy lunches. 

One-Pot Ground Turkey Pasta

This dependable weeknight pasta keeps the richness of a beef bolognese-style sauce while swapping in lean ground turkey for a lighter twist.

Time: 25 minutes | Serves: 4 | Calories: 500

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground turkey
  
• 1 onion, chopped
  
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
  
• 2 tbsp fresh oregano
  
• 1 tsp garlic powder
  
• 1 tsp dried basil
  
• 8 oz rotini
  
• 28 oz tomato sauce
  
• 14 oz chicken broth
  
• 2 tbsp olive oil
  
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
  

Directions

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet with a lid over medium heat.
   
2. Add turkey, onion, and garlic; cook about 8 minutes, until turkey is cooked through.
   
3. Season with oregano, garlic powder, and basil.
   
4. Stir in pasta.
   
5. Add tomato sauce and broth, ensuring pasta is submerged.
   
6. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, cover, and cook 7–10 minutes, until pasta is tender.
   

Noom tip: Stir in spinach or zucchini at the end for extra volume and fiber.

Very Sloppy Joes with ‘Shrooms

This lighter take on classic sloppy Joes uses lean ground turkey mixed with chopped mushrooms for extra volume, fiber, moisture, and flavor. It’s perfect for picky kids, but you’ll probably love its saucy, comforting taste too. 

Time: 20 minutes | Serves: 4 | Calories: 460

Ingredients

• 1½ pounds lean ground turkey
  
• ¼ pound mushrooms, sliced
  
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  
• 1 cup ketchup
  
• ¼ cup apple cider vinegar
  
• 2 tablespoons yellow mustard
  
• ½ tablespoon chili powder
  
• ¼ cup Worcestershire sauce
  
• Ground black pepper, to taste
  
• 4 whole-wheat hamburger buns
  

Directions

1. Coat a large skillet with cooking spray and heat over medium heat.
   
2. Add ground turkey and mushrooms; cook for about 3 minutes, breaking up the meat as it cooks.
   
3. Stir in garlic powder, reduce the heat to low, and cook for another 3 minutes.
   
4. Add ketchup, apple cider vinegar, mustard, chili powder, and Worcestershire sauce.
   
5. Simmer over low heat for 5–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened.
   
6. Season with black pepper to taste.
   
7. Spoon the turkey mixture onto bun bottoms and top with remaining buns.
   

Noom tip: If you run out of hamburger buns, the sauce also tastes great over whole wheat pasta or rice. 

Three Bean and Turkey Chili

Cozy, hearty, and packed with protein and fiber, this one-pot chili keeps you satisfied without feeling heavy. It’s balanced, flavorful, and even better as leftovers.

Time: 35 minutes | Serves: 8 | Calories: 283

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
  
• 1 pound lean ground turkey breast
  
• 1 (1-ounce) package reduced-sodium taco seasoning
  
• 1 cup corn
  
• 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
  
• 1 (15-ounce) can northern beans, rinsed and drained
  
• 1 (15-ounce) can pinto beans, rinsed and drained
  
• 1 (16-ounce) can reduced-sodium chicken broth
  
• 2 (14½-ounce) cans tomatoes with chiles, with juice
  
• Hot sauce (optional)
  

Directions

1. Spray a 6- to 8-quart pot with nonstick spray. Warm oil in the pot over medium-high heat.
   
2. Add turkey and cook about 5 minutes, until no longer pink. Add taco seasoning and stir until well-coated.
   
3. Add corn, beans, broth, and tomatoes.
   
4. Bring to a boil, reduce the heat to medium-low, and simmer uncovered for 20 minutes.
   
5. Season to taste with hot sauce, if using.
   

Shepherd’s Pie 

Time: 65 minutes | Serves: 6 | Calories: 345 per serving

This lighter take on classic shepherd’s pie keeps the cozy comfort while dialing up the nutrition. Lean ground turkey and fiber-rich vegetables make it satisfying without feeling heavy, while creamy parsnips deliver that mashed-potato vibe with more fiber and a subtly sweet, savory finish.

Ingredients

• 2.5 lb parsnips, peeled and cut into 1-inch pieces
  
• 1.5 cups reduced-sodium chicken or mushroom broth
  
• 1.5 tbsp cornstarch
  
• 2 tbsp canola oil
  
• 1 lb 99% fat-free ground turkey breast
  
• 1 onion, coarsely chopped
  
• 10 oz baby bella mushrooms, quartered
  
• 2 carrots, sliced
  
• ½ tsp dried thyme
  
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  
• 1 cup frozen peas
  
• 1 tbsp tomato paste
  
• ¼ cup fat-free Greek yogurt
  
• 3 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese
  

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F. Place parsnips in a medium saucepan and cover with water. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer 15 minutes, or until very tender.
   
2. Whisk the broth and cornstarch together in a measuring cup. Set aside.
   
3. Heat 1 tablespoon of the oil in a nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add turkey and cook 5 minutes, breaking it up, until browned. Remove turkey from skillet and set aside.
   
4. Add remaining oil to the skillet. Cook onion, mushrooms, carrots, and thyme, stirring, for 5 minutes, or until lightly browned. Stir in Worcestershire sauce and cook 1 minute, scraping up any browned bits.
   
5. Stir in peas, tomato paste, and broth mixture. Bring to a simmer, then return turkey to the skillet. Cook 5 minutes, until slightly thickened.
   
6. Lightly coat a 2½-quart baking dish with cooking spray. Drain parsnips and transfer to a bowl. Mash with Greek yogurt and Parmesan until smooth.
   
7. Spread turkey mixture evenly in the baking dish. Spoon parsnip mash over the top. Bake 15 minutes, or until heated through.
   

Noom tip: Parsnips naturally bring creaminess without butter or cream—mashing them with Greek yogurt adds protein and tang, helping this comfort classic stay balanced and satisfying.

Cheesy Meatballs Casserole

Time: 35 minutes | Serves: 3 | Calories: 635 per serving

This cheesy meatball casserole brings big Italian-style comfort with a smart balance: high-protein ground turkey helps keep you satisfied, while bold spices, marinara, and melted cheese deliver crave-worthy flavor without needing breadcrumbs or added sugar.

Ingredients

• 1½ lb ground turkey
  
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella
  
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  
• 1 large egg
  
• 2 tsp onion powder
  
• 2 tsp minced garlic
  
• ½ tsp Italian seasoning blend
  
• ½ tsp black pepper
  
• ½ tsp cayenne pepper
  
• ½ tsp crushed red chili pepper flakes
  
• 1 cup marinara sauce
  
• Fresh parsley, for garnish
  

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 400°F. Lightly coat a casserole dish with cooking spray.
   
2. In a large bowl, combine ground turkey, mozzarella, Parmesan, egg, onion powder, garlic, Italian seasoning, black pepper, cayenne, and crushed red pepper flakes. Mix gently until just combined.
   
3. Use a small cookie scoop or spoon to form evenly sized meatballs and arrange them in the prepared casserole dish. Bake for 20 minutes, or until fully cooked through.
   
4. Remove the dish from the oven and carefully drain any excess grease. Spoon marinara sauce over the meatballs and sprinkle with additional cheese.
   
5. Return to the oven and bake for 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
   
6. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.
   

Noom Tip: Skipping breadcrumbs keeps this dish lower-carb and protein-forward, while spices and cheese do the heavy lifting on flavor—proof that satisfying comfort food doesn’t have to feel heavy.

Frequently asked questions about ground turkey

Is ground turkey good for weight loss?

Yes. Lean ground turkey is high in protein, which helps support fullness and muscle maintenance during weight loss. When paired with vegetables, beans, or broth-based dishes, it works especially well in meals that are filling without being calorie-dense.

What recipes can I make with ground turkey?

Ground turkey works in anything you’d use ground beef for. Popular options include burgers, chili, pasta sauces, meatballs, soups, casseroles, stir-fries, and skillet meals. Its neutral flavor makes it one of the most versatile proteins for everyday cooking.

Is turkey the healthiest ground meat?

Lean poultry like turkey and chicken are among the lowest-calorie options, but “healthiest” also depends on what you enjoy and can eat consistently. A protein you like and prepare regularly often supports better habits than a theoretically “perfect” choice.

Is ground turkey as healthy as ground beef?

At similar fat levels, ground turkey and ground beef are nutritionally close. Turkey makes it easier to control fat, while lean beef provides similar protein with slightly more richness. Both can fit into a healthy eating pattern.

Why does ground turkey sometimes taste dry?

Ground turkey cooks quickly and has less fat than beef, so it’s easy to overcook. Using onions, tomatoes, broth, beans, or a small amount of oil helps keep it moist and flavorful. Or, you can choose a ground turkey with a higher percentage of fat.

Which ground turkey is best for everyday cooking?

Many people find 93% lean ground turkey ideal. It balances flavor and moisture while still supporting healthy goals, making it a strong choice for weeknight meals. But the choice is yours, and there is no one best option.

Find more healthy recipes with Noom

If you’re looking for more healthy ground turkey recipes, start your free trial of Noom. You’ll get access to thousands of recipes plus a food tracker, easy lessons for learning how to eat and move healthier, and a dedicated community to help you reach your goals.