If you’re sick of chicken dinners and can’t bear the thought of another dry chicken breast, you’re in luck. Ground turkey is here to save your meals from the land of boring. These recipes prove that turkey isn’t just for Thanksgiving, and they’ll have you wondering why you didn’t ditch chicken sooner. From tacos to meatballs, there’s a little something here to keep dinner interesting without much effort.
Cheddar Stuffed Turkey Meatballs
These turkey meatballs are stuffed with cheddar and cooked in marinara sauce for a simple, flavorful dinner. They’re a great way to step up your meatball game without turning to chicken.
Get the Recipe: Cheddar Stuffed Turkey Meatballs
Turkey Skillet Mac and Cheese
This one-pot turkey mac and cheese is a grown-up take on a childhood favorite. It’s a great alternative to the boxed stuff and a perfect way to skip chicken for a night.
Get the Recipe: Turkey Skillet Mac and Cheese
Buffalo Turkey Cauliflower Skillet
This quick and easy buffalo turkey cauliflower skillet is a great meal-prep option for the week. It’s perfect when you’re looking to switch things up from chicken.
Get the Recipe: Buffalo Turkey Cauliflower Skillet
Creamy Turkey Garlic Stuffed Mushrooms
These turkey-stuffed mushrooms are loaded with creamy garlic goodness, making them a perfect dinner option. They’re a great way to impress without resorting to chicken.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Turkey Garlic Stuffed Mushrooms
Sweet Potato Turkey Patties
These sweet potato turkey patties are packed with protein and perfect for lunch or dinner. Serve them in a bun or on a salad for a great alternative to your usual chicken dish.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Turkey Patties
Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet
This turkey sweet potato skillet is a healthy and quick dinner option. It’s a great way to use up leftovers and a perfect break from the usual chicken routine. Swap out ground turkey for holiday leftovers and make this meal any time of year.
Get the Recipe: Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet
Turkey Chili Pie
This chili pie combines lean turkey chili with a cornbread topping, all baked together in one skillet. It’s a great comfort food option that’s perfect for nights when you’re tired of chicken.
Get the Recipe: Turkey Chili Pie
Spicy Hummus Turkey Chili
This spicy hummus turkey chili is a creamy, comforting dish perfect for cold winter days. It’s a great one-pot dinner that gives you a break from chicken.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Hummus Turkey Chili
Asian Turkey Burger Salad
This Asian turkey burger salad, with its creamy peanut dressing, is a great way to enjoy the flavors of a Thai dish in a healthy salad. Perfect when you want something different from the usual chicken salad.
Get the Recipe: Asian Turkey Burger Salad
Turkey and Quinoa Stuffed Bell Peppers
These stuffed bell peppers are packed with ground turkey, quinoa, and veggies, making them a great pick for a hearty dinner when you want something different from chicken.
Get the Recipe: Turkey and Quinoa Stuffed Bell Peppers
Slow Cooker Turkey Meatloaf
This turkey meatloaf is perfect for those days when you just want to set it and forget it. Ground turkey, a few simple ingredients, and your slow cooker make this a hit for family dinners.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Turkey Meatloaf
Slow Cooker Turkey Butternut Squash Chili
Skip the usual chili and go for this turkey butternut squash version. It’s an easy, hands-off recipe that’s ready when you are, bringing some variety to your meal rotation.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Turkey Butternut Squash Chili
Slow Cooker Cajun 15 Bean Soup with Turkey
Tired of the same old chicken soup? This Cajun turkey bean soup is a perfect way to use up leftovers and mix things up with a little spice and flavor.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Cajun 15 Bean Soup with Turkey
Cheesy Baked Turkey Meatballs
Ground turkey meatballs baked in a tomato sauce with gooey cheese on top. It’s a great dinner option when you want something comforting that’s not another chicken dish.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Baked Turkey Meatballs
Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Kale Skillet
This one-pan turkey, sweet potato, and kale skillet is great for those nights when you need a quick, no-fuss dinner. Ready in 30 minutes, it’s a solid choice to break up the chicken monotony.
Get the Recipe: Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Kale Skillet
Cool Ranch Turkey Taco Casserole
Ground turkey meets Doritos in this fun and easy casserole. It’s a perfect way to shake up taco night and leave chicken in the dust.
Get the Recipe: Cool Ranch Turkey Taco Casserole
Crispy Turkey Tacos
These crispy turkey tacos are packed with flavor and a perfect alternative to your usual beef or chicken tacos. Quick to make, they’re a great go-to for a fast dinner.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Turkey Tacos
Homemade Ground Turkey Pasta
A simple ground turkey pasta that’s perfect for busy weeknights. It’s ready in 30 minutes and a great way to get dinner on the table without defaulting to chicken.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Ground Turkey Pasta
Korean Inspired Ground Turkey Bowls
These ground turkey bowls bring some serious flavor to the table. With quick-pickled veggies and rice, this dish is perfect when you’re craving something different from chicken.
Get the Recipe: Korean Inspired Ground Turkey Bowls
Spinach Garlic Baked Turkey Meatballs
These baked turkey meatballs, loaded with spinach and garlic, make a great dinner or meal prep option. They’re a perfect break from the usual chicken routine.
Get the Recipe: Spinach Garlic Baked Turkey Meatballs
Ground Turkey Vegetable Soup
This hearty ground turkey soup is packed with veggies and perfect for those cold nights when you need something filling that’s not chicken-based.
Get the Recipe: Ground Turkey Vegetable Soup
Baked Turkey Meatballs
These baked turkey meatballs are ready in just 25 minutes and are a great base for any of your favorite dishes. They’re a perfect way to mix things up without relying on chicken.
Get the Recipe: Baked Turkey Meatballs
Turkey and Vegetable Patties
These turkey and veggie patties are quick and easy to make, perfect for busy nights when you need dinner fast. Skip the chicken and give these a try instead.
Get the Recipe: Turkey and Vegetable Patties
Pesto Turkey Burgers
Pesto turkey burgers are a great grilling option that’s packed with flavor. They’re perfect for your next BBQ and a tasty alternative to chicken.
Get the Recipe: Pesto Turkey Burgers
Turkey Chili
This turkey chili is perfect for those cold nights when you need something hearty. It’s an easy dish to make in the slow cooker or on the stovetop, and it’s a great way to take a break from chicken.
Get the Recipe: Turkey Chili
Thai-Inspired Turkey Meatballs
These Thai-inspired turkey meatballs bring bold flavors to the table. They’re a great option when you’re looking to mix up your dinner routine without leaning on chicken.
Get the Recipe: Thai-Inspired Turkey Meatballs
Ground Turkey Shepherd’s Pie
A lighter take on a classic, this ground turkey shepherd’s pie is a great way to enjoy comfort food without the heaviness of lamb or beef. Perfect for meal prep and family dinners when chicken just isn’t cutting it.
Get the Recipe: Ground Turkey Shepherd’s Pie
Ground Turkey Enchiladas
These ground turkey enchiladas are perfect for when you need a quick, crowd-pleasing dinner. They’re easy to make and a great way to shake things up instead of reaching for chicken.
Get the Recipe: Ground Turkey Enchiladas
Instant Pot Turkey Sloppy Joes
These turkey sloppy joes are a quick and easy weeknight meal, thanks to the Instant Pot. They’re a great alternative to chicken sandwiches when you want something different.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Turkey Sloppy Joes
Gina Matsoukas is an AP syndicated writer. She is the founder, photographer and recipe developer of Running to the Kitchen — a food website focused on providing healthy, wholesome recipes using fresh and seasonal ingredients. Her work has been featured in numerous media outlets both digital and print, including MSN, Huffington post, Buzzfeed, Women’s Health and Food Network.
