I grew up on ground beef. But when I started a healthy personal chef business, I had to develop ground turkey recipes that my celebrity clients would not only eat, but also love.

These recipes prove that healthy eating does’t mean sacrificing taste. From comforting classics to globally-inspired meals, you can find a delicious ground turkey recipe for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.

Out of dozens of recipes, I’m sharing the very best ground turkey recipes in my repertoire. You’ll love them because they are healthy, surprisingly easy to prepare, and the whole family will thoroughly enjoy them.

How do I know? These were hands down my clients’ favorite ground-turkey recipes. They have been tested on Hollywood stars, elite professional athletes, and many, many picky kids.

Best Ground Turkey Recipes

Italian Turkey Meatballs

Forget everything you know about dry turkey meatballs. This recipe is a game-changer, producing moist and flavorful meatballs every time. Since these are based on my nonna’s recipe, they’re amazing—I’ve never tasted anyone else’s turkey meatballs that even came close to these.

The secret lies in using pureed onion to add moisture and taste without extra fat. These meatballs are baked, not fried, making them a healthier option for your favorite pasta dishes.

They are perfect for a classic spaghetti and meatballs night or served as a hearty appetizer.
Italian Turkey Meatballs Recipe

Turkey Bolognese

A traditional Bolognese can simmer for hours, but who has time for that on a busy weeknight? Ready in under an hour, this healthy alternative to classic Bolognese delivers all the rich, meaty flavor of the classic sauce in a fraction of the time.

My mom even loves it, and she grew up on my nonna’s amazing meat sauce! It’s a perfect way to enjoy a comforting pasta dish without the guilt, making it a staple for any family.

If you are really health-conscious, swap out the pasta for zucchini noodles.
Turkey Bolognese Recipe

Turkey Chili

Chili is one of my go-to easy weeknight dinners. If you’re craving quick comfort food, this heart-healthy turkey chili delivers without the high fat and sodium content of typical chilis.

It’s bold in flavor, and packed with protein from the turkey and black beans. If you like it spicy, use hot chili powder instead of mild, and add some hot sauce. Need to tone it down? Sour cream is a life saver.

Best of all, this chili comes together in just 30 minutes on the stovetop—no crockpot or instant pot needed. This recipe is a fan-favorite and often praised as one of the best chili recipes, turkey or otherwise.
Turkey Chili Recipe

Classic Turkey Meatloaf

Meatloaf is one of the most classic comfort foods for a reason, but even a beef version can be dry. However, this gluten-free turkey meatloaf is super moist, and full of great flavor.

I created this recipe for my gluten-free clients. It was so good, it became the only traditional meatloaf recipe I needed.

By using oatmeal instead of breadcrumbs and a mix of wholesome vegetables, you can create a meatloaf that is both delicious and nutritious. The sweet and tangy glaze on top is the perfect finishing touch that will have everyone asking for a second helping.
Turkey Meatloaf Recipe

Greek Meatloaf

If you’re looking to put a new spin on an old classic, a Greek-inspired meatloaf is a must try. It’s an exciting way to shake up your dinner routine with a dish that is both healthy and incredibly tasty.

Inspired by the vibrant flavors of the Mediterranean, this recipe incorporates feta cheese, spinach, and a blend of Greek herbs. The result is a savory, flavorful meatloaf that is anything but ordinary.
Greek Meatloaf Recipe

BBQ Turkey Meatballs

Whether you need a crowd-pleasing appetizer or a quick dinner for busy weeknights, barbecue turkey meatballs fill the bill. They are slathered in delicious barbecue sauce and are just as moist and tender as their classic Italian counterpart.

Kids and adults will love the sweet and savory flavor of these meatballs. Serve them with mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, coleslaw, or any salad.
BBQ Turkey Meatballs Recipe

Hanoi Ramen

Take your taste buds on a trip to Vietnam with this healthy and flavorful Hanoi Ramen. This soup features ground turkey in a fragrant broth with classic ramen noodles and fresh toppings like green onions and cilantro.

It’s a light yet satisfying meal that comes together quickly, making it perfect for a cozy night in. It’s one of my husband’s favorite healthy ground-turkey recipes.

And you’ll be happy to learn that soups don’t have to take hours to make; my shortcuts make this a super easy meal! Slurp up a bowl tonight!
Hanoi Ramen Recipe

Guiltless Nachos

Nachos are often seen as an indulgence, but these guilt-free, gluten-free nachos can turn them into a healthy and satisfying meal. They’re a great way to satisfy your Mexican food cravings at home!

Using seasoned ground turkey, brown rice tortilla chips, and plenty of fresh toppings, this dish is perfect for a fun lunch or a casual dinner. You can enjoy all the cheesy, savory goodness of nachos without feeling weighed down afterward.
Guiltless Nachos Recipe

Breakfast Street Tacos

Start your day with a boost of protein from these inventive breakfast street tacos. This recipe uses seasoned ground turkey as a savory base, paired with eggs and your favorite taco toppings.

It’s a creative and delicious way to switch up your breakfast routine and keep you fueled for hours. These tacos are quick to make and endlessly customizable. You can even skip the egg, and just make ground turkey tacos.
Breakfast Street Tacos Recipe

Tips for Ground Turkey Recipes

Truth be told, nowadays I actually prefer ground turkey to beef in most dishes. Here are a few general tips to help you fall in love with ground turkey.

Lean vs. Extra Lean

Just like ground beef, ground turkey comes in different ratios of fat content. 93/7 is usually considered lean ground turkey, and 99/1 is designated as extra lean.

I usually buy lean and add a little moisture to the recipes. If you’re not worried about the fat, 80/20 is a less expensive choice.

No Recipe

I hope you enjoy these easy ground-turkey recipes. They were developed specifically for lean meat, so I finessed the recipes to make them moist.

But you can also swap ground turkey for just about any other ground meat in your own recipes. Want to give a turkey burger a try? Add a little soy sauce.

Meal Prep

Every recipe on this list can be meal prepped ahead. Just store them in airtight containers in the fridge.

Freezable

With the exception of the tacos and nachos, all of the above recipes are freezer-friendly meals. Put your meatballs, meatloaf, or chili in an airtight container, and it will last for months in the freezer.