Best Ground Turkey Recipes: Healthy and Versatile

Ground turkey is a lean and versatile protein that can be used in a variety of dishes. Here are two delicious ground turkey recipes to add to your repertoire.

1. Turkey Meatballs

Ingredients:

• 1 pound ground turkey
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 large egg
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Marinara sauce, for serving

Instructions:

1. Preheat Oven:

   • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. Prepare Meatball Mixture:

   • In a large bowl, combine the ground turkey, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, minced garlic, chopped parsley, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.

3. Form Meatballs:

   • Roll the mixture into 1-inch meatballs and place them on the prepared baking sheet.

4. Bake:

   • Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes until the meatballs are cooked through.

5. Serve:

   • Serve the meatballs with marinara sauce and garnish with additional parsley if desired.

Kitchen Tools Required:

• Baking sheet
• Mixing bowl
• Parchment paper
• Measuring cups and spoons

2. Turkey Chili

Ingredients:

• 1 pound ground turkey
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 green bell pepper, chopped
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped
• 1 (15-ounce) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 (15-ounce) can diced tomatoes
• 1 (8-ounce) can tomato sauce
• 2 tablespoons chili powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Cook Turkey:

   • In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the ground turkey over medium heat until browned. Drain any excess fat.

2. Add Vegetables:

   • Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, green bell pepper, and red bell pepper to the pot. Cook until the vegetables are tender, about 5 minutes.

3. Add Beans and Tomatoes:

   • Stir in the kidney beans, black beans, diced tomatoes, and tomato sauce. Add the chili powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer.

4. Simmer:

   • Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.

5. Serve:

   • Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro and serve hot.

Kitchen Tools Required:

• Large pot or Dutch oven
• Knife
• Cutting board
• Measuring cups and spoons

Background

Ground turkey is a healthy alternative to ground beef, offering a leaner option without sacrificing flavor. These recipes showcase the versatility of ground turkey, from classic meatballs to hearty chili.