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Home / Recipes / Ingredient / Ground Turkey / Seasoned Ground Turkey

Seasoned Ground Turkey

Jump to Recipe
LC DF GF

Author:

Kimber Matherne

Updated:

December 27, 2023

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This Seasoned Ground Turkey is a meal prep staple! It’s quick to make, stores beautifully, and is seasoned to perfection. This turkey is packed with flavor, but versatile enough to be enjoyed in a number of different recipes!

a plate piled with seasoned ground turkey and a salad. this Recipe

Table of contents

Toggle
  • Recipe Notes
  • Recipe Variations
  • Recipe Step by Step
  • Recipe Tips
  • Recipe Short Cuts
  • Freezer Meal Instructions
  • What to Serve with Seasoned Ground Turkey
  • Ground Turkey Meal Prep
  • Ground Turkey Leftovers
  • Recipe FAQ’s
  • More EASY Meal Dinner Recipes
  • Seasoned Ground Turkey Recipe

This Seasoned Ground Turkey is a simple and basic recipe…but in the best way!

This recipe is one that I use a lot for meal prep and batch cooking because it’s so quick and easy, it stores super well, and it can be used in tons of different recipes—you can use it in pretty much any other recipe that calls for ground turkey.

Use this in enchiladas, stir fries, or pastas, add it to sandwiches, layer it on potatoes…you name it! It is the best way to prep lean protein to be ready to go when you need a meal fast.

Why I LOVE this recipe!

  • Easy – Just 15 minutes of prep needed to whip up a big batch of this ground turkey.
  • Versatile – This ground turkey is seasoned using my homemade turkey seasoning, so it’s plenty flavorful, but also versatile enough that it can be incorporated into tons of different recipes.
  • Healthy – Ground turkey is packed full of lean protein for a filling and good-for-you meal.
  • Perfect for Meal Prep – Make a big batch of ground turkey and store it in the fridge or freezer for easy meal prep.

Recipe Notes

This seasoned ground turkey recipe is as simple as promised! Just 15 minutes for a family friendly meal.

In this section I am going to go through a few tips and tricks I use for how to make seasoned ground turkey to get the absolute best and most delicious results.

Make sure to scroll to the bottom for the FULL recipe card.

Ingredients + Substitutions

seasoned ground turkey ingredients.
  • Ground Turkey – You’ll need 2 pounds of ground turkey for this recipe.
  • Onion – Onion creates a delicious flavor base.
  • Seasonings – We’re spicing our turkey up with a delicious blend of garlic powder, paprika, thyme leaves, oregano, salt, black pepper, and onion powder.

Make sure to see the recipe card at the bottom of this post for the full quantities and ingredients list.

Recipe Variations

If you love this recipe as much as we do and want some quick ways to change it up for variety, these little tips will do the trick!

  • Taco Seasoned Ground Turkey– Swap the seasonings listed out for a generous amount of my homemade taco seasoning.
  • Italian Seasoned Ground Turkey – Try using my homemade Italian seasoning instead.
  • Spicy Seasoned Ground Turkey– Kick the heat up a notch with a sprinkle of red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, or some extra paprika.

Recipe Step by Step

how to make seasoned ground turkey 1) add turkey and onion to a skillet, 2) cook, 3) add seasonings, 4) serve or store!

I am going to highlight a few key steps in the recipe here, but make sure to jump down to the recipe card for comprehensive instructions on how to make seasoned ground turkey.

  1. Step 1– In a small dish, combine all of the spices.
  2. Step 2– Heat a skillet over medium-high heat, then add in the ground turkey and onion. Heat until the turkey is cooked through.
  3. Step 3– Drain any excess fat or liquid, return the turkey to the skillet, then sprinkle in the seasonings. Stir to distribute, then remove from the heat and serve.

Recipe Tips

  1. Drain before seasoning – Cook the turkey, then drain any excess fat our liquid out of the pan before you add the spices. If you drain after seasoning the meat, then you’ll drain out a bunch of that flavor.
  2. Mix well – Once you add the spices, make sure you mix everything up really well so that it’s evenly distributed throughout. We want flavor in every bite!
  3. Check the temp – You will likely be able to tell that the turkey is done just by looking at it (it should be no longer pink), but if you do want to double check, then you can use a meat thermometer to check the temperature. It should be 165ºF.

Recipe Short Cuts

If you need to make this recipe, but are extra short on time, here are a few ideas that can help make this recipe even faster!

  • Make the spice mix in advance – To get ahead on prep, feel free to mix up a batch, a double batch, or even a triple batch of the seasoning mix. That way, it’s measured out and ready to use.
  • Make it ahead of time! – Since this recipe is so quick, there isn’t a ton that you can do to speed up the cooking process. You can, however, cook it ahead of time and store it in the fridge or freezer. That way it’s ready to go!
overhead of ziplock bags with ground turkey.

Freezer Meal Instructions

Making this seasoned ground turkey recipe into a freezer meal is simple! Follow the steps below and you can store this recipe in the freezer for up to 6 months.

How to Freeze Seasoned Ground Turkey

  1. Follow the recipe as instructed, then let it cool completely.
  2. Divide it out into meal-sized portions, place into freezer-safe containers, then store in the freezer for 3-4 months.
  3. When you’re ready to serve, simply thaw overnight in the fridge, then use as desired.

What to Serve with Seasoned Ground Turkey

Since this protein based dinner has both delicious and versatile flavors it will pair well with many of your favorite side dishes.

Choose one or several of these side dishes to create a wholesome, well-rounded dinner. There are both classic options and some healthy options to keep it light.

Side Dish Ideas

  • Potatoes – You can whip up a batch of savory mashed sweet potatoes or cook up a couple of instant pot baked potatoes. Serve them as a side dish OR load them up with ground turkey and veggies for a lazy-man’s shepherd’s pie.
  • Cajun Roasted Veggies – These fresh roasted vegetables are perfect paired with a seasoned ground turkey dinner.
  • Garlic Parmesan Broccoli– One of my kid’s favorite veggies
  • Roasted Mashed Cauliflower– This is a great pairing to keep it lower carb and veggie packed.

Ground Turkey Meal Prep

This Seasoned Ground Turkey is one of my favorite recipes for meal prep. You can make a big batch and then either divide it into meal sized portions, or put it into family sized portions. This helps you get a jump start on any recipe that uses ground turkey.

Meal Prep Ideas

  • Ground Turkey Tacos – Take taco Tuesday to the next level with these ground turkey tacos! Loaded with flavorful ground turkey and all of your favorite fixings!
  • Ground Turkey Stir Fry – This easy and healthy dinner is the perfect way to use ground turkey. It’s packed full of lean potein and veggies and is ready in just 20 minutes.

Ground Turkey Leftovers

If you have leftovers after making this recipe, then it is your lucky day! They save and reheat well, and can make the start of another delicious dish.

To save leftovers, separate into meal sized portions and then place in an airtight container and store:

  • in the refrigerator for 3-4 days
  • in the freezer for 3-4 months

Leftover Recipes

Here are a few ways to repurpose those leftovers and give them a delicious makeover!

  • Ground Turkey Cobbler – Swap the beef out for this ground turkey in my homemade ground beef cobbler layered with meat, vegetables, cheddar bay biscuit mix, and soup!
  • Baked Ziti with Ground Turkey – Whip up a batch of this baked ziti with ground turkey for a delicious and hearty meal that the whole family will love.
  • Homemade Bolognese Sauce – Make a homemade turkey bolognese by heating the leftover ground turkey in a big pan of my homemade marinara!
  • Sandwiches – Simply spoon the ground turkey on a bun or on your favorite bread with the toppings of your choice for an easy and tasty sandwich.

Recipe FAQ’s

What is the best way to season ground turkey?

Ground turkey can be seasoned in so many different ways! For this recipe, I like to keep it versatile with a combination of garlic powder, paprika, thyme, oregano, salt, black pepper, and onion powder. It’s a magical blend of spices that adds tons of flavor, but also ensures that the turkey can be used in a ton of different ways.

What can I add to ground turkey to keep it moist?

Since ground turkey is so lean, there is always a chance that it gets a little bit dry, especially during reheating. If yours seems like it needs a little extra moisture, you can add a drizzle of oil or a splash of broth to moisten it a bit.

More EASY Meal Dinner Recipes

If you enjoyed this recipe, I really hope you will take a moment to grab a few more easy recipes for another busy night!

You can check out all of my easy dinner recipes here, or see a few of our readers favorite recipes below.

  • Crockpot Ranch Chicken
  • Cheesy Chicken Tater Tot Casserole
  • Honey Sriracha Meatballs
  • French Onion Pot Roast
seasoned ground turkey in a skillet.

Seasoned Ground Turkey

By: Kimber Matherne
5 from 1 vote
This Seasoned Ground Turkey is a meal prep staple! It's quick to make, stores beautifully, and is seasoned to perfection. This turkey is packed with flavor, but versatile enough to be enjoyed in a number of different recipes!
Prep Time: 5 minutes mins
Cook Time: 10 minutes mins
Total Time: 15 minutes mins
8
Rate this Recipe Print SaveSaved!

Ingredients 

  • 2 pounds ground turkey
  • 1 large onion, finely diced

For the ground turkey seasoning

  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon thyme leaves
  • 1 teaspoon oregano
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder

Instructions 

To make the turkey seasoning

  • Combine all ingredients for the turkey seasoning mix and stir well.

To make the seasoned ground turkey

  • Heat a large skillet over medium high heat. Add the ground turkey and onion to the skillet and cook until the turkey is no longer pink, stirring regularly. Break apart the turkey with the spatula or spoon as it cooks.
  • Drain any excess fat or liquid, then return the ground turkey to the skillet and reduce heat to low. Add the seasoning mix and stir in until all of the meat is evenly coated, about 1-2 minutes. Remove from. heat.
Last step!Share a picture on Instagram and tag me at @easyfamilyrecipes!

Recipe Notes

Substitutions: This recipe can be made using any ground meat of your choice! Try it with ground beef or ground chicken instead. 
How to Store: 
To save leftovers, separate into meal sized portions and then place in an airtight container and store:
  • in the refrigerator for 3-4 days
  • in the freezer for 3-4 months
How to Freeze: 
  1. Follow the recipe as instructed, then let it cool completely.
  2. Divide it out into meal-sized portions, place into freezer-safe containers, then store in the freezer for 3-4 months.
  3. When you’re ready to serve, simply thaw overnight in the fridge, then use as desired.
How to Reheat: To reheat leftovers, let them thaw overnight in the fridge if frozen, then warm in a skillet on the stove with a splash of broth to moisten if needed.
How to Scale: This recipe can be doubled, tripled, or even halved to make just the right amount for you.

Nutrition Information

Calories: 136kcal (7%), Carbohydrates: 2g (1%), Protein: 27g (54%), Fat: 2g (3%), Saturated Fat: 1g (6%), Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g, Monounsaturated Fat: 1g, Trans Fat: 0.02g, Cholesterol: 62mg (21%), Sodium: 350mg (15%), Potassium: 372mg (11%), Fiber: 1g (4%), Sugar: 1g (1%), Vitamin A: 169IU (3%), Vitamin C: 1mg (1%), Calcium: 14mg (1%), Iron: 1mg (6%)

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One response

  1. Erika Pourrajabi
    January 4, 2024

    5 stars
    Yum! Love all the serving options.

    Reply
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how to make seasoned ground turkey 1) add turkey and onion to a skillet, 2) cook, 3) add seasonings, 4) serve or store!

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