Are you looking for a healthy twist on traditional ground turkey dishes? Look no further! With the increasing popularity of low-carb diets, it can be challenging to find tasty and nutritious options that fit within your dietary restrictions. That’s why we’ve curated 20 delicious low-carb ground turkey recipes that are sure to please even the pickiest eaters.
From savory stir-fries to satisfying casseroles, these mouthwatering dishes showcase the versatility of ground turkey and its ability to be paired with a wide range of flavors and ingredients. Whether you’re following a strict keto or Atkins diet or simply looking for a healthier alternative to traditional comfort foods, these recipes are sure to become new favorites in your household.
In this article, we’ll take a closer look at each of the 20 mouthwatering low-carb ground turkey recipes that have been carefully selected and tested to ensure they meet the highest standards of taste, nutrition, and ease of preparation. So grab your apron and let’s get cooking!
Low Carb Turkey and Cauliflower Rice Skillet
A flavorful and nutritious one-pot meal that’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb ground turkey breast
– 2 cups cauliflower “rice” (see notes)
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 small onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: chopped fresh parsley or thyme for garnish
Instructions:
1. Heat the olive oil in a large cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add the ground turkey breast and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks.
3. Add the diced onion and minced garlic; cook until the onion is translucent.
4. Stir in the cauliflower “rice” and paprika. Cook for 5 minutes or until the cauliflower is tender but still slightly crunchy.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time:
– Preparation time: 10 minutes
– Cooking time: 15-20 minutes
Notes: To make cauliflower “rice”, pulse 1 head of cauliflower in a food processor until it resembles rice. Sauté it in a pan with a little olive oil before using in the recipe.
Ground Turkey Stuffed Bell Peppers
Add a burst of flavor to your meal with this simple and nutritious recipe. Ground turkey and bell peppers come together to create a delicious and healthy dish that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb ground turkey
– 2 bell peppers, any color
– 1 onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1 cup cooked rice
– 1 tsp paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 tbsp olive oil
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cut the tops off the bell peppers and remove seeds and membranes.
3. In a large skillet, cook ground turkey over medium-high heat until browned, breaking up with spoon as it cooks.
4. Add chopped onion, minced garlic, cooked rice, paprika, salt, and pepper to the skillet and stir to combine.
5. Stuff each bell pepper with the turkey mixture and place in a baking dish.
6. Drizzle with olive oil and cover with aluminum foil.
7. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until bell peppers are tender.
Cooking Time: 30-35 minutes
Turkey and Zucchini Meatballs
Add a delicious twist to traditional meatballs with the flavors of turkey and zucchini. These bite-sized treats are perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or as an appetizer for your next gathering.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound ground turkey
– 1 medium zucchini, finely chopped
– 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
– 1 egg
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine turkey, zucchini, breadcrumbs, egg, and Parmesan cheese. Mix well with your hands until just combined.
3. Use your hands to shape mixture into small meatballs, about 1 1/2 inches in diameter. Place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
4. Drizzle olive oil over the meatballs and sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until cooked through.
Cooking Time: 18-20 minutes
Low Carb Turkey Taco Lettuce Wraps
A healthier twist on traditional tacos, this recipe uses lettuce wraps instead of tortillas and packs a flavorful punch with seasoned turkey and savory toppings.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb ground turkey
– 1/2 cup chopped onion
– 1/4 cup chopped bell pepper
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tsp cumin
– 1 tsp chili powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 8-10 lettuce leaves ( Romaine or Butter Lettuce work well)
– Shredded cheese (Monterey Jack or Cheddar), about 1/4 cup per wrap
– Sliced avocado, about 1/4 cup per wrap
– Optional toppings: diced tomatoes, sour cream, cilantro
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. In a large skillet, cook the ground turkey over medium-high heat until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks.
3. Add chopped onion, bell pepper, garlic, cumin, and chili powder to the skillet. Cook until vegetables are softened.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Assemble wraps by placing cooked turkey mixture onto a lettuce leaf, followed by shredded cheese and sliced avocado.
6. Add optional toppings as desired.
7. Serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Cheesy Turkey and Spinach Stuffed Mushrooms
Elevate your appetizer game with these savory stuffed mushrooms, packed with flavorful turkey, spinach, and melted cheese. Perfect for a quick and easy dinner or as a show-stopping party appetizer.
Ingredients:
– 12 large mushroom caps (such as portobello or cremini)
– 1/2 cup cooked turkey breast, diced
– 1/4 cup fresh spinach leaves, chopped
– 1/4 cup grated cheddar cheese
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 clove garlic, minced (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a bowl, mix together turkey, spinach, and cheese.
3. Wipe mushroom caps clean with a paper towel, then fill each cap with the turkey mixture.
4. Drizzle olive oil over the mushrooms, sprinkle with salt and pepper, and top with garlic if using.
5. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until mushrooms are tender and filling is heated through.
6. Serve warm, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Turkey and Avocado Stuffed Cucumber Boats
These cool and creamy stuffed cucumbers make a perfect summer snack or light meal. The combination of juicy turkey, creamy avocado, and crunchy cucumber is a match made in heaven.
Ingredients:
– 4 large cucumbers
– 1/2 pound cooked turkey breast, diced
– 1 ripe avocado, mashed
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cut the cucumbers in half lengthwise and scoop out the seeds.
3. In a bowl, mix together turkey, avocado, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
4. Stuff each cucumber boat with the turkey-avocado mixture.
5. Place the stuffed cucumbers on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
6. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the cucumbers are slightly tender.
7. Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves, if desired.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Low Carb Turkey and Cabbage Stir-Fry
A flavorful and nutritious low-carb dish that combines the savory taste of turkey with the crunch of cabbage, all in one quick and easy stir-fry.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless turkey breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 2 cups shredded cabbage
– 2 tbsp vegetable oil
– 1 tsp soy sauce
– 1 tsp garlic powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1/4 cup chopped green onions for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Heat the oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
2. Add the turkey and cook until browned, about 5 minutes. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
3. Add the cabbage to the skillet and cook until slightly caramelized, about 3-4 minutes.
4. Add the cooked turkey back into the skillet with the cabbage, along with soy sauce and garlic powder. Stir-fry for an additional 2 minutes.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Garnish with chopped green onions, if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Turkey and Eggplant Lasagna Roll-Ups
A twist on traditional lasagna, these roll-ups combine the flavors of turkey and eggplant with a creamy sauce, all wrapped up in a convenient package. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 8-10 lasagna noodles
– 1 pound ground turkey
– 1 medium eggplant, sliced into 1/4-inch thick rounds
– 1 cup marinara sauce
– 1 cup ricotta cheese
– 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook lasagna noodles according to package instructions.
3. In a large skillet, cook ground turkey over medium-high heat until browned, breaking up with a spoon as it cooks.
4. Add sliced eggplant and marinara sauce to the skillet, stirring to combine. Bring to a simmer and let cook for 5 minutes.
5. In a separate bowl, combine ricotta cheese and mozzarella cheese.
6. To assemble roll-ups, lay a cooked lasagna noodle flat on a surface. Spread with the turkey-eggplant mixture, then top with a dollop of ricotta-mozzarella mix. Roll up tightly and place seam-side down in a baking dish. Repeat with remaining noodles.
7. Cover dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and continue baking for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Spicy Turkey and Cauliflower Hash
Get ready to spice up your brunch game with this flavorful and healthy recipe! This Spicy Turkey and Cauliflower Hash combines the savory taste of turkey sausage with the natural sweetness of cauliflower, all in a crispy and spicy hash.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb turkey sausage, casings removed
– 2 cups cauliflower florets
– 1 large onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 4 eggs, beaten (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large skillet, cook turkey sausage over medium-high heat, breaking apart with a spoon as it cooks.
3. Add cauliflower, onion, garlic, olive oil, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Cook until vegetables are tender, about 10 minutes.
4. Transfer mixture to a baking dish and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until hash is crispy and golden brown.
5. If desired, crack in eggs and scramble them into the hash.
6. Serve hot and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 30-40 minutes
Turkey and Broccoli Cheese Casserole
This comforting casserole combines the flavors of turkey, broccoli, and cheese for a satisfying meal that’s perfect for any occasion. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal preparation time, you’ll be enjoying this tasty dish in no time.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound cooked turkey breast or thighs
– 3 cups steamed broccoli florets
– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 1/2 cup milk
– 1/4 cup butter, melted
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked turkey, steamed broccoli, and shredded cheese.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together milk, melted butter, and dried thyme. Pour the mixture over the turkey-broccoli mixture and stir until well combined.
4. Transfer the mixture to a 9×13-inch baking dish and season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the casserole is hot and bubbly.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Low Carb Turkey and Green Bean Skillet
A flavorful and nutritious one-pot wonder that’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a weekend brunch. This recipe is a delicious way to get your daily dose of protein, veggies, and healthy fats.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless turkey breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 2 cups fresh green beans, trimmed
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1 small onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tsp dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1/4 cup chicken broth
– 1/4 cup grated cheddar cheese (optional)
Instructions:
1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add the turkey and cook until browned, about 5 minutes. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
3. Add the onion and garlic to the skillet; cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
4. Add the green beans, thyme, salt, and pepper. Cook until the green beans are tender-crisp, about 5 minutes.
5. Return the turkey to the skillet and add the chicken broth. Simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes or until the liquid has reduced slightly.
6. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. If using cheese, sprinkle on top and cook until melted.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Turkey and Ricotta Stuffed Zucchini
A flavorful twist on traditional stuffed vegetables, this recipe combines the savory flavors of turkey and ricotta with the freshness of zucchini.
Ingredients:
– 2 medium-sized zucchinis
– 1 pound ground turkey
– 8 ounces ricotta cheese
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cut the zucchinis in half lengthwise and scoop out the insides, leaving a shell about 1/4 inch thick.
3. In a large skillet, cook the ground turkey over medium-high heat until browned, breaking it up into small pieces as it cooks.
4. Stir in the ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, and olive oil. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Stuff each zucchini shell with the turkey-ricotta mixture, dividing it evenly among the four shells.
6. Place the stuffed zucchinis on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the filling is heated through and the zucchinis are tender.
Turkey and Cauliflower Shepherd’s Pie
A hearty and comforting twist on the classic recipe, this Turkey and Cauliflower Shepherd’s Pie is a perfect blend of flavors and textures. With lean turkey and nutritious cauliflower, this dish is sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound ground turkey
– 1 medium head of cauliflower, broken into florets
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup chicken broth
– 1 tablespoon tomato paste
– 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 cup mashed potatoes
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook the turkey in a large skillet over medium-high heat, breaking it up with a spoon until browned.
3. Add cauliflower, onion, garlic, chicken broth, tomato paste, and Worcestershire sauce to the skillet. Simmer for 10 minutes or until the vegetables are tender.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Transfer the mixture to a 9×13 inch baking dish.
6. Top with mashed potatoes and spread evenly.
7. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the potatoes are golden brown.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Low Carb Turkey and Kale Soup
This hearty soup is a great way to warm up on a chilly day while keeping your carb count low. Made with tender turkey, nutritious kale, and aromatic spices, this recipe is perfect for a quick and easy dinner.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb ground turkey
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 cups chicken broth
– 1 cup water
– 1/4 cup chopped kale
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat.
2. Add the turkey and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned, about 5 minutes.
3. Add the onion, garlic, chicken broth, and water. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 20 minutes.
4. Stir in the kale and thyme. Simmer for an additional 5 minutes or until the kale is tender.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 30-40 minutes
Turkey and Almond Flour Meatloaf
This recipe combines the rich flavor of turkey with the nutty goodness of almond flour, creating a delicious and unique meatloaf dish.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb ground turkey
– 1/2 cup almond flour
– 1/4 cup grated cheddar cheese
– 1/4 cup chopped onion
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine ground turkey, almond flour, cheddar cheese, onion, garlic, salt, and pepper. Mix well with your hands until just combined.
3. Transfer the mixture to a loaf pan lined with parchment paper.
4. Drizzle olive oil over the top of the meatloaf.
5. Bake for 45-50 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
6. Let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Turkey and Coconut Flour Pancakes
Looking for a protein-packed breakfast that’s also gluten-free? Look no further! These Turkey and Coconut Flour Pancakes are a delicious and nutritious twist on traditional pancakes.
Ingredients:
– 1/2 cup turkey sausage, cooked and crumbled
– 1/2 cup coconut flour
– 1/4 cup almond milk
– 1 large egg
– 1 tablespoon melted butter
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– Pinch of salt
Instructions:
1. In a bowl, whisk together coconut flour, almond milk, and egg.
2. Add in crumbled turkey sausage, melted butter, vanilla extract, and salt. Mix until combined.
3. Heat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat.
4. Drop batter by 1/4 cupfuls onto the skillet.
5. Cook for 2-3 minutes, until bubbles appear on surface and edges start to dry.
6. Flip and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes (depending on thickness of pancakes)
Low Carb Turkey and Asparagus Stir-Fry
This recipe is a great way to use up leftover turkey and gets you out of the kitchen quickly, while still providing a nutritious and flavorful meal. With only 10 ingredients and under 20 minutes cooking time, this stir-fry is perfect for a busy weeknight dinner.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb cooked turkey breast, diced
– 1 bunch asparagus, trimmed
– 2 tablespoons coconut oil
– 1 tablespoon soy sauce (make sure it’s sugar-free)
– 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional)
– 1 teaspoon grated ginger
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup chopped green onions for garnish
Instructions:
1. Heat the coconut oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
2. Add the turkey and cook until browned, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Add the asparagus, soy sauce, oyster sauce (if using), ginger, garlic, salt, and pepper. Stir-fry for 5-6 minutes, or until the asparagus is tender-crisp.
4. Serve hot, garnished with green onions.
Cooking Time: 18-20 minutes
Turkey and Cream Cheese Stuffed Jalapeños
These bite-sized snacks pack a punch of flavor and heat. Perfect for game days or parties, these stuffed jalapeños are sure to be a hit!
Ingredients:
– 12-15 jalapeño peppers
– 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
– 1/4 cup diced cooked turkey breast
– 1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro
– 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cut off the stems of the jalapeños and carefully scoop out the seeds and membranes.
3. In a bowl, mix together cream cheese, turkey breast, cilantro, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
4. Stuff each jalapeño with the turkey mixture, filling to the top.
5. Place the stuffed jalapeños on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
6. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until the peppers are tender.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Turkey and Spaghetti Squash Bolognese
This recipe combines the flavors of Italy with the nutritious goodness of turkey and spaghetti squash, creating a hearty and delicious dish perfect for a weeknight dinner.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb ground turkey
– 1 medium spaghetti squash (about 2 lbs)
– 1 onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup canned crushed tomatoes
– 1 tbsp olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Cut the spaghetti squash in half lengthwise and scoop out the seeds.
3. In a large skillet, cook the ground turkey over medium-high heat until browned, breaking it up into small pieces as it cooks.
4. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet and cook until the onion is translucent.
5. Stir in the crushed tomatoes, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Bring the sauce to a simmer.
6. Roast the spaghetti squash halves in the oven for 45-50 minutes, or until tender.
7. Serve the turkey bolognese over the roasted spaghetti squash, garnished with chopped parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: Approximately 1 hour
Low Carb Turkey and Brussels Sprouts Hash
A flavorful and nutritious breakfast or brunch option that’s perfect for a low-carb diet.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound cooked turkey breast, diced
– 1 pound fresh Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 small onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: 2 eggs, beaten (for added protein)
Instructions:
1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add the chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Add the garlic and cook for an additional minute.
4. Add the Brussels sprouts to the skillet and cook until tender and caramelized, stirring occasionally, about 10-12 minutes.
5. Add the diced turkey breast to the skillet and stir to combine with the Brussels sprouts.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. If using eggs, create two wells in the hash and crack an egg into each well. Cook until the whites are set and the yolks are cooked to your desired doneness.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Summary
Discover the delicious world of low-carb ground turkey recipes! With these 20 mouth-watering dishes, you can indulge in healthy eating without sacrificing flavor. From classic comfort foods to innovative twists, this collection features recipes like Low Carb Turkey and Cauliflower Rice Skillet, Ground Turkey Stuffed Bell Peppers, and many more. Perfect for anyone looking to reduce their carb intake or simply seeking new ideas for a healthier diet. Get ready to savor the taste of deliciousness while making healthy choices with these low-carb ground turkey recipes!
Leave a Reply