1/25
From the Recipe Creator:
Swapping ground turkey for ground beef lightens up this chili. —Rachel Lewis, Danville, Virginia
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups: 243 calories, 6g fat (1g saturated fat), 52mg cholesterol, 606mg sodium, 27g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 7g fiber), 20g protein. Diabetic exchanges: 2 starch, 2 lean meat.
This bowl is stunning, and the chili tastes just as good as it looks. You can use any type of bean in this recipe, but we love great northern beans here for their creamy consistency.
2/25
From the Recipe Creator:
I've always heard that it’s important to eat a rainbow of colors to get all of the nutrients we need. Thanks to my garden-grown veggies, this dish certainly fits the bill. —Nicole Ehlert, Burlington, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 259 calories, 10g fat (2g saturated fat), 65mg cholesterol, 504mg sodium, 20g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 6g fiber), 24g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1 vegetable, 1/2 starch, 1/2 fat.
This ground turkey recipe reminds me of minestrone soup but without the pasta and broth. It’s packed full of flavor but has a light, refreshing character—perfect for a hot summer day! As a bonus, you can make it in a single pan, so cleanup is a breeze.
3/25
From the Recipe Creator:
While exploring Mexican restaurants, I tasted chiles rellenos and wanted to make them at home. My husband and I teamed up to create this new favorite recipe, stuffed poblano peppers. —Lorrie Grabczynski, Commerce Township, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
2 stuffed pepper halves: 496 calories, 30g fat (11g saturated fat), 134mg cholesterol, 913mg sodium, 17g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 4g fiber), 40g protein.
Chile rellenos are delicious, but they sure are a lot of work! This ground turkey recipe skips the battering and frying step, producing a lightened-up version that tastes just as great. Poblano peppers aren’t that spicy, but you can substitute bell peppers or sweet banana peppers if you’re sensitive to heat.
4/25
From the Recipe Creator:
You don't need to cook the tender homemade meatballs or boil the egg noodles separately, so you can easily stir up this savory soup in no time. I usually double the recipe for our family of seven. —Carol Losier Baldwinsville, New York
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 193 calories, 8g fat (3g saturated fat), 92mg cholesterol, 545mg sodium, 17g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 13g protein.
5/25
From the Recipe Creator:
This is the same Bolognese sauce you know and love, but ground turkey makes it a bit lighter. Serve over linguine or spaghetti, and you're set! —Margaret Knoebel, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 258 calories, 11g fat (3g saturated fat), 56mg cholesterol, 812mg sodium, 17g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 4g fiber), 20g protein.
6/25
From the Recipe Creator:
I first made this recipe when my husband and I had to start watching our diet. Since then, I've been asked to make my turkey meat loaf many times. —Ruby Rath, New Haven, Indiana
Nutrition Facts:
1 slice: 195 calories, 8g fat (2g saturated fat), 63mg cholesterol, 188mg sodium, 12g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 1g fiber), 20g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1 starch.
Meat loaf is one of our favorite ground turkey recipes. If you end up with leftovers, slice the loaf into individual portions and use it to make meat loaf gyros.
7/25
From the Recipe Creator:
These well-seasoned ground-turkey-stuffed peppers are so tasty, you won’t even miss having real cheddar cheese. Round out the meal with a salad or a side of rice. —Judy Hand-Truitt, Birmingham, Alabama
Nutrition Facts:
2 stuffed pepper halves: 323 calories, 10g fat (0 saturated fat), 45mg cholesterol, 771mg sodium, 20g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 4g fiber), 40g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 5 lean meat, 2 vegetable, 1 starch, 1/2 fat.
We absolutely love stuffed bell peppers as an easy low-carb dinner option. The pepper maintains its tender-crisp texture, and the filling is rich and savory. To make the recipe gluten-free, swap in gluten-free bread crumbs.
8/25
From the Recipe Creator:
Such a cool idea for a light lunch or even an appetizer simply served in small lettuce leaves. When I want to make it easier for my kids to eat, I mix it all up with shredded lettuce and serve in a bowl. —Diana Rios, Lytle, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
2 filled lettuce cups: 353 calories, 13g fat (3g saturated fat), 90mg cholesterol, 589mg sodium, 35g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 4g fiber), 24g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 starch, 1 vegetable, 1/2 fat.
Lettuce cups can be used as a fancy appetizer, but they’re also a great ground turkey recipe when you’re looking for a light lunch. To make the dish more substantial, you can eat the filling over noodles or rice instead of lettuce.
9/25
From the Recipe Creator:
This quick one-dish dinner helped keep my husband and me on track throughout the week while we were still learning to balance our busy schedules. — Shannon Barden, Alpharetta, Georgia
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/3 cups: 318 calories, 14g fat (3g saturated fat), 76mg cholesterol, 628mg sodium, 24g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 5g fiber), 26g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 fat, 1-1/2 starch.
10/25
From the Recipe Creator:
Baked turkey meatballs are a protein-packed dish that combines lean ground turkey with fresh spinach, garlic and the tangy punch of feta cheese. They pair well with various sauces from tzatziki to hummus. —Lauren Habermehl, Pewaukee, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 meatball: 92 calories, 5g fat (2g saturated fat), 44mg cholesterol, 347mg sodium, 3g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 1g fiber), 9g protein.
Change up your meatball routine with these Mediterranean-inspired turkey meatballs. Made with feta and spinach, they’re a light and nutritious weeknight dinner.
11/25
From the Recipe Creator:
These juicy, tender patties on whole wheat buns make a wholesome, satisfying sandwich. We especially like to make grilled turkey burgers, but you could also pan-fry them. —Sherry Hulsman, Elkton, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
1 burger: 293 calories, 11g fat (3g saturated fat), 110mg cholesterol, 561mg sodium, 27g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 4g fiber), 22g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 starch.
These turkey burgers turn out surprisingly juicy, especially if you pick up the package labeled as “ground turkey” instead of “ground turkey breast.” Regular ground turkey is a mixture of white and dark meat, giving the patty the extra fat it needs to stay moist as it cooks.
12/25
From the Recipe Creator:
Turn tradition on its head with this globally inspired comfort dish! My slow-cooker Thai-inspired turkey lasagna fuses the cozy, layered goodness of Italian lasagna with the bold, aromatic flavors of Thai cuisine. —Kristofer Jubinville, Lehigh Acres, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 317 calories, 17g fat (7g saturated fat), 50mg cholesterol, 468mg sodium, 22g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 2g fiber), 19g protein.
13/25
From the Recipe Creator:
This busy-day chili is packed with flavor. We make it ahead and freeze some to eat later. —Marisela Segovia, Miami, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 247 calories, 7g fat (2g saturated fat), 52mg cholesterol, 468mg sodium, 27g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 7g fiber), 21g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1-1/2 starch, 1 vegetable.
A good black bean chili warms the taste buds with smoky flavors, hearty beans and a kick of spice. This one is packed full of so much flavor, no one will notice you used ground turkey instead of beef!
14/25
From the Recipe Creator:
I practically grew up in my Polish grandmother's kitchen, watching Babci cook and listening to her stories. I made her cabbage roll recipe healthier with whole grains and turkey, but kept the same rich flavors I remember. —Fay Moreland, Wichita Falls, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
1 cabbage roll with 3 tablespoons sauce: 202 calories, 7g fat (2g saturated fat), 49mg cholesterol, 681mg sodium, 19g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 3g fiber), 17g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 lean meat, 1 starch.
Cabbage rolls sound like a lot of work, but everything for this ground turkey recipe can be prepped in advance. Prepare the filling and soften the cabbage leaves the night before. In the morning, roll them up and pop ’em in the slow cooker so dinner will be ready when you come home.
15/25
From the Recipe Creator:
This quick one-dish dinner helped keep my husband and me on track throughout the week while we were still learning to balance our busy schedules. — Shannon Barden, Alpharetta, Georgia
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/3 cups: 318 calories, 14g fat (3g saturated fat), 76mg cholesterol, 628mg sodium, 24g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 5g fiber), 26g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 fat, 1-1/2 starch.
This is one of those ground turkey recipes you should probably double, because the leftovers taste even better the next day. It’s a perfect option for meal prepping because the whole thing cooks in a single skillet. If you’re not a fan of sweet potatoes, try using butternut squash instead.
16/25
From the Recipe Creator:
Growing up in a Pennsylvania Dutch area, I was surrounded by excellent cooks and wonderful foods. I enjoy experimenting with new recipes like this change-of-pace chili. —Kaye Whiteman, Charleston, West Virginia
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 288 calories, 12g fat (2g saturated fat), 73mg cholesterol, 635mg sodium, 15g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 3g fiber), 29g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1 starch, 1 fat.
17/25
From the Recipe Creator:
This is my husband’s favorite dish. He always requests it, even for holidays! You’ll love the variety of cheeses and spices that jazz it up. It’s restaurant-quality, but at a quarter of the price! —LuAnne Wallace Bennett, Powder Springs, Georgia
Nutrition Facts:
2 stuffed shells: 647 calories, 34g fat (18g saturated fat), 158mg cholesterol, 937mg sodium, 49g carbohydrate (18g sugars, 5g fiber), 40g protein.
Manicotti translates to “little sleeves.” It refers to both the large, tube-shaped noodles and the Italian dish made by stuffing those noodles with ricotta cheese and other fillings. The end result is a savory casserole packed full of melty cheese and bold Italian spices.
18/25
From the Recipe Creator:
These quick, versatile wontons are great for a savory snack or paired with a bowl of soothing soup on a cold day. I usually make a large batch, freeze half on a floured baking sheet, then store in an airtight container. —Brianna Shade, Beaverton, Oregon
Nutrition Facts:
1 each: 38 calories, 1g fat (0 saturated fat), 5mg cholesterol, 103mg sodium, 5g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 3g protein.
We’re all about skipping the drive-thru and making copycat recipes instead. We also like passing on the fryer oil with these crispy wontons and baking them in the oven so they’re not as greasy.
19/25
From the Recipe Creator:
When I worked in the school library, my co-workers were my taste testers. They approved this healthy and happy spin on stuffed zucchini. —Stephanie Cotterman, West Alexandria, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
2 stuffed zucchini halves: 240 calories, 11g fat (4g saturated fat), 63mg cholesterol, 556mg sodium, 13g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 2g fiber), 23g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1 vegetable, 1/2 starch.
This is one of those ground turkey recipes that’s completely customizable. Feel free to make the recipe your own by adjusting the seasonings. We like the combination of Italian seasoning, salt, cayenne pepper and paprika, but it would also taste great with taco seasoning or other popular spice blends.
20/25
From the Recipe Creator:
Using ground turkey is a smart way to lighten this hearty family pleaser! —Mary Berg, Lake Elmo, Minnesota
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/3 cups: 524 calories, 26g fat (8g saturated fat), 118mg cholesterol, 1662mg sodium, 33g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 6g fiber), 41g protein.
Frito pie is a Southwestern-style casserole that combines chili, cheese and corn chips. In a restaurant, the chili is often served directly into an open bag of Fritos. We turn the dish upside-down, garnishing this ground turkey chili with the chips instead.
21/25
From the Recipe Creator:
Lean ground turkey makes this a lighter sloppy joe than the standard ground beef version. A hefty splash of hot sauce and optional blue cheese provide an authentic Buffalo-style flavor. —Maria Regakis, Saugus, Massachusetts
Nutrition Facts:
1 sandwich: 279 calories, 3g fat (0 saturated fat), 45mg cholesterol, 475mg sodium, 30g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 2g fiber), 33g protein. Diabetic exchanges: 4 lean meat, 2 starch.
22/25
From the Recipe Creator:
This is a nice little twist on a classic dish. If you love cheese, feel free to add more, and green peppers are a great taste if you want some vegetables. —Barb Kondolf, Hamlin, New York
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 402 calories, 19g fat (6g saturated fat), 83mg cholesterol, 1063mg sodium, 32g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 3g fiber), 29g protein.
Looking for ground turkey recipes that can feed a crowd? This is one of those! It captures the essence of tacos but turns it into a pasta dish that the whole family will love.
23/25
From the Recipe Creator:
I served this entree to my husband, my sister and my brother-in-law, who is a hard-to-please eater. He said he liked it and even took leftovers for lunch the next day—I was thrilled! —Rebecca Stout, Conroe, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
3 stuffed shells: 345 calories, 13g fat (5g saturated fat), 79mg cholesterol, 622mg sodium, 30g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 3g fiber), 31g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch, 3 lean meat, 1 fat.
This fun twist on a classic dish is sure to surprise your guests. It looks like an Italian pasta, but the shells are bursting with Mexican flavors from the enchilada sauce.
24/25
From the Recipe Creator:
Low-sodium ingredients don't diminish the full flavor of this brothy ground turkey vegetable soup. The turkey lends a heartiness that everyone will welcome on a cold blustery evening. —Bonnie LeBarron, Forestville, New York
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 181 calories, 6g fat (2g saturated fat), 55mg cholesterol, 498mg sodium, 14g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 3g fiber), 18g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 lean meat, 1 starch.
25/25
From the Recipe Creator:
I created this ground turkey stir-fry recipe when I began my journey to get fit. Eating well always sounded bland and boring, so I wanted to bring life to the world of healthy eating. I think I did it with this spicy dish. —Jermell Clark, Desert Hot Springs, California
Nutrition Facts:
2 cups: 332 calories, 11g fat (4g saturated fat), 78mg cholesterol, 588mg sodium, 32g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 3g fiber), 25g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 starch, 1/2 fat.
