30 Turkey Recipes You’ll Want to Make Again and Again

Turkey isn’t just for big holiday roasts. Ground, sliced, shredded, or grilled, this versatile bird fits into everything from easy weeknight dinners to leisurely weekend projects. The following recipes highlight a range of flavors and techniques that keep things interesting all year long. Grab your apron and get ready to explore thirty approachable ways to put turkey on the table.

1. Classic Roast Turkey with Herbs

Start with a fresh or fully thawed bird, then rub it generously with softened butter, chopped herbs, salt, and pepper. Roasting at a high temperature for the first half-hour helps the skin crisp before you lower the heat to finish cooking gently. Basting with its own pan juices keeps every slice moist. Let it rest at least 20 minutes so those flavorful juices redistribute.

2. Maple-Glazed Spatchcocked Turkey

Removing the backbone and flattening the bird exposes more skin, which means extra crispiness in less time. A glaze of pure maple syrup, Dijon mustard, and a hint of smoked paprika gives each bite sweet-savory depth. Brush half the glaze on at the start and the rest just before the final 15 minutes of roasting. Serve with roasted root vegetables that soak up any drippings.

3. Cajun Fried Turkey

A bold dry rub of cayenne, garlic powder, and oregano delivers a kick that pairs well with the bird’s natural richness. Deep-frying requires a propane fryer or electric turkey fryer and about 3–4 gallons of peanut oil heated to 350°F. The process takes roughly three minutes per pound, so an average bird is ready in under an hour. Always let the oil drain thoroughly before carving to maintain that crackling skin.

4. Turkey Breast with Garlic Butter

Boneless or bone-in turkey breast cooks faster than a whole bird and is just the right size for small gatherings. Blend softened butter with minced garlic, lemon zest, and parsley, then spread under the skin for maximum flavor. Roast until the thickest part reaches 160°F, tenting with foil if the skin browns too quickly. Rest for ten minutes before slicing thinly against the grain.

5. Slow-Cooker Turkey Chili

Lean ground turkey keeps this chili lighter while still providing hearty protein. Brown the meat with onions, then transfer to a slow cooker along with tomatoes, beans, and chili spices. Eight hours on low melds the flavors and thickens the broth naturally. Ladle into bowls and add your favorite toppings like jalapeños or a dollop of Greek yogurt.

6. Turkey Pot Pie

Leftover cooked turkey finds new life tucked beneath a buttery pastry lid. Simmer diced carrots, peas, and celery in a simple roux-based sauce until vegetables soften. Stir in shredded turkey and pour the mixture into a pie plate or individual dishes. Bake until the crust is puffed and deep golden, letting it cool a few minutes so the filling sets.

7. Ground Turkey Lettuce Wraps

Quickly sauté ground turkey with garlic, ginger, soy sauce, and a drizzle of sesame oil for a flavorful filling that cooks in under ten minutes. Spoon the mixture into sturdy lettuce leaves—Boston or butter lettuce works best. Add crunchy toppings like water chestnuts or chopped peanuts for contrast. Serve immediately to keep the greens crisp.

8. Turkey Meatballs in Marinara

Binding ground turkey with breadcrumbs, an egg, and grated onion ensures tender meatballs that stay juicy. Brown them lightly in a skillet, then simmer in marinara sauce until cooked through. The gentle braise infuses each meatball with tomato flavor. Pair with pasta, polenta, or crusty bread for a classic comfort dinner.

9. Thai Turkey Curry

Canned coconut milk and red curry paste form the base of this aromatic dish. Brown bite-sized turkey pieces, add vegetables like bell peppers and zucchini, then simmer everything together for about 15 minutes. Fish sauce and a squeeze of lime finish the sauce with balance. Fresh basil leaves add color and a fragrant touch just before serving.

10. Turkey Tetrazzini

Egg noodles mingle with diced turkey, sliced mushrooms, and a creamy sherry-kissed sauce in this vintage favorite. A thin blanket of Parmesan and mozzarella melts into a golden topping that’s irresistibly stretchy. Assemble the casserole in advance if you like, then bake until heated through. A side salad with a zesty vinaigrette cuts the richness nicely.

11. Smoky Chipotle Turkey Tacos

Slow-cook turkey thighs with chicken broth, chipotle peppers in adobo, and a touch of cumin until the meat shreds easily. The smoky heat contrasts beautifully with creamy avocado and a squeeze of lime. Warm tortillas just before serving so they stay pliable. Offer cotija cheese and pickled onions for extra layers of flavor.

12. Turkey Shepherd’s Pie

Swap traditional lamb for ground turkey to lighten this pub classic. Sauté the meat with onions, carrots, and peas, then bind it with a splash of stock and tomato paste. Smooth mashed potatoes over the filling and rake the surface with a fork for crispy ridges. Bake until the top turns gently browned and filling bubbles around the edges.

13. Turkey and Wild Rice Soup

Nutty wild rice holds its texture during a long simmer, making it ideal for hearty soups. Use homemade or store-bought turkey stock for deeper flavor, then add diced turkey, carrots, and celery. A splash of cream at the end rounds out the broth without overpowering it. Fresh thyme or parsley provides a final herbal note.

14. Turkey Sliders with Cranberry Aioli

Season ground turkey patties with onion powder, sage, and black pepper before searing until done. Blend whole-berry cranberry sauce with mayonnaise and a dash of orange zest for a bright, tangy spread. Assemble on soft buns with peppery arugula for crunch. These bite-sized sandwiches disappear fast at gatherings.

15. Turkey Bolognese

Ground turkey slowly simmers in crushed tomatoes, red wine, and aromatics for a lighter spin on the Italian staple. A small splash of milk mellows the acidity and adds silkiness. Let the sauce bubble gently for at least an hour to develop depth. Toss with your favorite pasta and shower with grated Pecorino Romano.

16. Turkey Enchiladas Verde

Shred leftover roast turkey and roll it inside corn tortillas along with sautéed onions. Nestle the rolls into a dish and cover with tangy salsa verde and Monterey Jack cheese. Bake until bubbly and lightly browned. Top with sliced radishes and fresh cilantro for color and crunch.

17. Greek-Style Turkey Burgers

Mix ground turkey with minced red onion, oregano, and crumbled feta for built-in flavor. Grilling or pan-searing keeps the patties juicy—avoid pressing them down to retain moisture. Slide into warm pitas and add tomatoes, cucumbers, and a spoonful of cool tzatziki. It’s a refreshing alternative to beef burgers.

18. Turkey Stuffed Peppers

Sauté ground turkey with onions, garlic, and spices before mixing in cooked rice and diced tomatoes. Pack the mixture into halved bell peppers and sprinkle with mozzarella. A quick bake steams the peppers until tender while the filling stays juicy. Any leftovers reheat nicely for lunch.

19. Barbecue Pulled Turkey

Boneless turkey thighs braise low and slow in a mixture of vinegar, tomato paste, and brown sugar. Once fork-tender, shred the meat and toss with your favorite barbecue sauce. Serve on buns with crunchy coleslaw for contrast. It’s a lighter take on classic pulled pork, yet every bit as satisfying.

20. Turkey and Spinach Lasagna

Brown ground turkey with onions and garlic, then stir in marinara and a mound of fresh spinach until wilted. Layer the mixture with lasagna noodles, ricotta, and mozzarella. Bake until the cheese bubbles and edges crisp. Let it stand for ten minutes to set before cutting neat squares.

21. Mediterranean Turkey Meatloaf

Mix ground turkey with chopped Kalamata olives, sun-dried tomatoes, and oregano for a colorful loaf. A binding of eggs and breadcrumbs keeps the texture moist. Bake until the internal temperature reaches 165°F, brushing with a light tomato glaze halfway through. Serve with lemony couscous or roasted vegetables.

22. Turkey and Sweet Potato Hash

Diced sweet potatoes sauté until caramelized, then mingle with leftover turkey and a sprinkle of smoked paprika. A touch of maple syrup brings out the potatoes’ natural sweetness. Finish with a fried egg whose runny yolk creates an instant sauce. This hearty skillet is perfect for brunch or a simple supper.

23. Turkey Ramen

Simmer turkey bones with ginger, garlic, and kombu to craft a flavorful broth. Add ramen noodles just before serving so they stay springy. Top with thin slices of roast turkey, a jammy egg, and wilted spinach. A drizzle of chili oil perks up the whole bowl.

24. Turkey Cobb Salad

This classic composed salad becomes a full meal thanks to generous cubes of roast turkey. Crisp romaine forms the base, and a simple red wine vinaigrette ties everything together. Arrange toppings in tidy rows for visual appeal before tossing at the table. It’s a refreshing option when you crave something lighter.

25. Turkey Sausage Breakfast Casserole

Brown turkey breakfast sausage with onions, then layer it over cubed bread in a baking dish. Pour a mixture of eggs, milk, and cheddar cheese on top and refrigerate overnight for easy morning baking. One hour in the oven yields a puffy, golden casserole. Serve with fresh fruit for a balanced start.

26. Honey-Mustard Grilled Turkey Cutlets

Thin turkey cutlets marinate quickly in a blend of Dijon mustard, honey, and lemon juice. Grill or pan-sear for about three minutes per side until just cooked through. Baste with more sauce for a sweet tangy glaze. These pair nicely with grilled asparagus or a quinoa salad.

27. Turkey Piccata

Swap veal for turkey cutlets to make this quick Italian favorite weeknight-friendly. Dredge in seasoned flour, then sauté in a mix of butter and olive oil until lightly golden. Deglaze the pan with white wine, lemon juice, and capers for a bright, briny sauce. Serve over angel-hair pasta or mashed potatoes.

28. Turkey Pho

Simmer turkey bones with charred onion, ginger, star anise, and cloves for a fragrant Vietnamese-style broth. Strain carefully for clarity, then add rice noodles and tender turkey slices just before serving. Provide fresh basil, cilantro, bean sprouts, and chili for diners to customize their bowls. A squeeze of lime brightens every spoonful.

29. Turkey Miso Meatballs

White miso paste and grated ginger pack umami into lean turkey meatballs. Bake until golden, then simmer briefly in a soy-miso glaze that clings to every surface. Serve over steamed rice with sautéed bok choy for an easy weeknight dinner. The leftovers make excellent rice-bowl lunches.

30. Turkey and Black Bean Chili-Stuffed Squash

Roast acorn squash halves until tender while you prepare a stovetop chili with ground turkey, black beans, and tomatoes. Fill each cavity with the hearty mixture and sprinkle with shredded cheddar. A brief return to the oven melts the cheese and marries the flavors. It’s a complete meal served in an edible bowl.