10 Healthy Ground Turkey Recipes for Weight Loss Plan (2024)

If you’re looking for healthy meals packed full of flavor that fit into a healthy weight loss programme, look no further! Ground turkey is not only low in fat and high in protein but it is a super versatile meat that can be used in so many recipes, making it fabulous for all weight loss plans. Turkey can be subbed in as a healthier alternative to ground beef in most recipes as it has less saturated fat, is high in protein and adds a different taste to some of your old favorites.

With so many options on this list, you’ll be sure to find something that will tempt your tastebuds even when trying to watch your weight. There are recipes for chili, meatballs and lasagne plus plenty of new, exciting and healthy ground turkey recipes for weight loss. Enjoy something a little different!

1. Ground Turkey Stir Fry

Stir-fries are the ultimate quick and easy option for dinner or lunch, and adding ground turkey not only ups the protein and changes up the flavor, but the calories in this recipe are super low! The best part of this recipe is the fact that you can throw in as many vegetables as you like. Plus, using ground turkey means you don’t have to chop and prep the meat the same way you would with a chicken or beef stir-fry. There are plenty of options with this one and it’s great for meal prep!

2. Turkey Breakfast Patties

These perfectly flavored patties are the ultimate in high-protein grab and go breakfast options. Using lean turkey for this recipe ensures the patties stay moist and flavorful so you can make a batch and keep them in the fridge for a healthy breakfast option on a busy morning. You could also serve these in a pita pocket or with avocado and eggs and a sprinkle of hot sauce for brunch or lunch.

3. Thai Turkey Meatballs in Coconut Red Curry Sauce

Spiced with tangy Thai flavors, these meatballs are cooked right in the pan in a delectable creamy curry sauce which keeps them super moist and full of goodness! These are so much more than your regular meatball recipe, in fact, this might be your new favorite easy dinner recipe packed with flavors of fresh coriander, ginger, soy and capsicum. Ready and on the table in under half an hour, this is great for busy weeknights when you need to please fussy eaters as well as satisfy the whole family’s nutritional needs.

4. Easy Turkey Zucchini Skillet

Meat and vegetables cooked up in a skillet has to be one of the best lazy weeknight meals. Quick, easy, nutritious and low on dishes, this version takes ground turkey, bell pepper, onion and spinach and cooks everything together in one pan. The whole dish is ready in the time it takes to brown the turkey and vegetables and incorporates plenty of fresh produce. Depending on your preference you can serve it over rice, cauliflower rice, pasta or on its own.

5. White Bean Turkey Chilli

Chilli remains a firm favorite in many households thanks to its versatility. Adding in ground turkey lowers the saturated fat content and the white beans increase the protein even further! This recipe is creamy rather than tomato-based so it’s perfect for evenings when you need something a little bit different. Hearty and warming but also nutritious and low in calories, whip this recipe up in the slow cooker if you’re low on time and throw in any vegetables you have on hand. Plenty of spice and flavor will make this an instant favorite.

6. Greek Turkey Rice Bowls

Healthy, filling and Greek-inspired, this recipe takes the classic meat and rice bowl to another level. A great option for work lunch meal prep, these can be batch made and reheated all week. The ground turkey is flavored with Greek spices, sun dried tomatoes and it’s all topped off with a beautifully fresh tomato salad. The lemon parsley rice bed is the perfect base for these bowls but they’d be just as tasty with cauliflower rice or served on a romaine lettuce salad which would decrease the calories even further. Then you can add a crumble of feta cheese on the top to really pack in the Greek flavor.

7. The Best Healthy Turkey Lasagne

Lasagne might not be the first recipe you think of when you consider meals for weight loss but this healthy version utilizes ground turkey and adds plenty of protein with ricotta cheese. Using wholewheat Lasagne noodles ups the fiber, plus if you have any leftover vegetables, grate them up and cook them into the homemade tomato sauce. Delicious!

8. Turkey Stuffed Peppers

A perfectly simple lunch or snack, this recipe is super quick and simple. Simply slice open some bell peppers and fill them with turkey, rice, salsa, cheese and vegetables and grill until they are deliciously gooey. Super low in calories and saturated fat but high in protein and fiber, make a batch of these to keep in the fridge or freezer – they reheat easily and make a great lunch prep option.

9. Ground Turkey Tacos

Grill up some ground turkey with traditional Mexican spices and you have the perfect filling for taco night! Once the turkey is done, the whole family can pile their favorite toppings onto some corn or flour tortillas for a fun, easy meal that’s ready in 20 minutes.

10. Turkey Shepherd’s Pie

Ground turkey and vegetables topped with fluffy mashed potato? Sign me up! A lightened up version of the classic, this recipe is a weeknight winner the whole family will love.

10 Healthy Ground Turkey Recipes for Weight Loss Plan (2024)

FAQs

Is ground turkey good for you to Lose Weight? ›

Ground turkey is a great food choice for individuals looking to shed excess weight. It offers several health and nutritional benefits, including: High protein content: Ground turkey is an excellent source of lean protein — a crucial component of any weight loss diet.

What is the best turkey for fat loss? ›

Ground turkey is one of the best choices for eating turkey to lose weight, simply because it's lean. If you're eating turkey for lunch, consider making turkey burgers or turkey chili with lots of vegetables.

Can I eat ground turkey everyday? ›

Protein is a macronutrient, which means that your body needs a lot of it. Your body can't store protein, so you need to consume it every day. As long as you don't eat too much turkey, it is a healthy way to get the protein you need. It's also a good source of beneficial vitamins and minerals like magnesium and niacin.

Is 99 fat free ground turkey healthy? ›

Our 99% Fat-Free, Antibiotic-Free Ground Turkey Breast is a healthy, nutritious protein base for delicious meals. Each serving has 28 grams of protein and only one gram of fat. It's great in a salad or after a workout!

What is the best meat to eat to lose belly fat? ›

Lean meats include skinless chicken breast, the white meat part of the turkey, and lean cuts of beef. Leafy greens, green tea, and bright vegetables can help reduce swelling and turn off fat-storage genes. Bright, colorful vegetables also add color and crunch to the meal plan.

What meats to avoid when losing weight? ›

Deli meat, hotdogs, and canned meat such as Spam are high in sodium and trans fat, which you should avoid if you are trying to lose weight. Like red meat, overconsumption of processed meats is linked to an increased risk of obesity and diabetes.

Can you lose weight by eating turkey sandwiches everyday? ›

The "turkey sandwich diet" is a type of diet that involves consuming a turkey sandwich for lunch every day. While this diet may lead to weight loss if it reduces overall calorie intake, it is not a sustainable or healthy approach to weight loss or long-term health.

Is ground turkey or chicken better for weight loss? ›

If we're getting really granular, ground turkey is generally a little leaner than ground chicken. It has fewer calories, less sodium, more iron, and more protein. Still, the differences are almost negligible.

Is mashed potatoes good for weight loss? ›

Yes, mashed potatoes can be helpful in losing weight. They can be a substitute for other starchy foods, like rice and pasta, which are higher in calories. Remember to keep them mashed and not have them in the form of French fries. Have them with a mustard dressing or have a serving of grilled food.

When should you not eat ground turkey? ›

If the meat won't be used within a day or two, store it in the freezer and enjoy it within three to four months. If at any point, you notice discoloration, a foul smell or a slimy or tacky appearance to the ground turkey, do not consume it and throw it out.

What ground turkey is healthiest? ›

Additionally, choose lean cuts of either meat, such as 93% lean and 7% fat ground turkey or beef. Although, 99% fat-free turkey is the leanest option of all, with less than 1 gram of saturated fat per 3 ounces (85 grams) ( 6 ).

What meat is the healthiest? ›

When it comes to the healthiest meats that pack the biggest nutritional punch, turkey and chicken should be at the top of your (grocery) list, says Schiff. Both are about equal in terms of nutrition, with turkey tending to be leaner than chicken.

Is 85 or 93 ground turkey better? ›

So to save on saturated fat, make sure to choose 93 percent or leaner ground turkey or ground beef. When eating out, keep in mind that restaurants often choose flavor over health and are likely using 85 percent lean turkey.

Is Butterball ground turkey healthy? ›

Butterball All Natural Lean Ground Turkey is a delicious, lean alternative to other ground meats. And because this fresh ground turkey is 93% fat-free, with 22g of protein and 150 calories per serving, using it in your favorite recipes will make them healthier as well as delicious.

Is 93 7 ground turkey healthy? ›

All in all, whether buying ground beef or ground turkey, the important thing is to buy at least 93/7 lean-to-fat ratio. Lowering saturated fat is the goal, as eating too much saturated fat can raise LDL cholesterol, increasing the risk for heart disease and stroke.

Is ground turkey better than chicken for weight loss? ›

If we're getting really granular, ground turkey is generally a little leaner than ground chicken. It has fewer calories, less sodium, more iron, and more protein. Still, the differences are almost negligible.

Is turkey better than chicken for weight loss? ›

Fat and Calorie Content: Turkey has a modest advantage over other foods when it comes to fat content and calories, especially when skinless breast meat is taken into account. Compared to chicken breast, skinless turkey breast has less fat and fewer calories.

What is better for weight loss ground chicken or ground turkey? ›

Turkey tends to be slightly leaner than chicken, especially white turkey meat, which is lower in fat and calories compared to dark turkey meat. Protein: Both meats are excellent sources of protein, which is essential for muscle maintenanc.

What is healthier ground turkey or chicken? ›

Both chicken and turkey provide healthy protein. Generally, chicken tends to be higher in vitamin B6 and pantothenic acid, and turkey tends to be lower in calories, fat, and sodium while having more zinc, niacin, and vitamin B12.

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Edmund Hettinger DC

Last Updated:

Views: 6615

Rating: 4.8 / 5 (78 voted)

Reviews: 85% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Edmund Hettinger DC

Birthday: 1994-08-17

Address: 2033 Gerhold Pine, Port Jocelyn, VA 12101-5654

Phone: +8524399971620

Job: Central Manufacturing Supervisor

Hobby: Jogging, Metalworking, Tai chi, Shopping, Puzzles, Rock climbing, Crocheting

Introduction: My name is Edmund Hettinger DC, I am a adventurous, colorful, gifted, determined, precious, open, colorful person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.