Turkey isn’t just for Thanksgiving - it's a delicious and versatile option for any meal! In this post, we share of 45 the best turkey dinner ideas, perfect for everything from cozy weeknight meals to special gatherings.
Turkey Dinner Ideas
From roasted classics to creative twists like turkey tacos, these recipes will inspire you to bring turkey to your table year-round. Whether you're feeding the family or hosting friends, there's a dish here for every occasion!
Scroll below all the turkey recipes to explore my best tips and tricks for cooking with turkey!
Mediterranean Bowl with Turkey Meatballs
Perfect Leftover Turkey Cranberry Wrap
Leftover Turkey Salad with Cranberries and Bacon
Smoked Turkey Salad with Honey Dijon Vinaigrette
Turkey Bolognese
Bacon Cheddar Burger
Mexican Zucchini Boats
Ground Turkey Skillet with Zucchini, Corn, Black Beans and Tomato
Healthy Turkey Chili with Sriracha
Air Fryer Ground Turkey Stuffed Peppers
Turkey Salad Sandwiches
Leftover Turkey Casserole
Keto Breakfast Burritos with Turkey
Baked Turkey Meatballs
Leftover Turkey Shepherd’s Pie
Easy Shell Pasta with Ground Turkey
Turkey Taco Salad
Ground Turkey And Rice Skillet
Taco Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet
Keto Turkey Meatballs
Skillet Lasagna with Ground Turkey and Spinach
Ground Turkey Egg Roll in a Bowl (15 Minutes)
Moist Turkey Meatloaf
Southwestern Ground Turkey Casserole
Crockpot Turkey Breast
Turkey Patties (Use Up Leftover Turkey)
TURKEY CRANBERRY SLIDERS
Turkey Noodle Soup Recipe
Ground Turkey Soup (30 Minutes!)
Oven-Baked Orange Glazed Turkey Breast
Smoked Turkey Breast
Best Easy Air Fryer Turkey Tenderloin Recipe
Roast Turkey Breast Recipe
Turkey Chili
Sheet Pan Turkey Breast Dinner
Leftover Turkey Pot Pie
Easy & Nourishing Turkey and Wild Rice Soup
Turkey Breast Recipe
Sous Vide Turkey Breast
Herb Roasted Turkey Breast
Gluten-Free Turkey Gravy (From Drippings)
Air Fryer Turkey Breast
Baked Turkey Legs with Prunes & Potatoes
Creamy White Turkey Chili
Tips For Cooking Turkey Dinners
Check out my best tips for cooking different turkey cuts, including breasts, legs, and whole turkey:
- Turkey Breasts: For boneless turkey breasts, consider roasting or grilling. Since turkey breasts can dry out, marinate or brine them beforehand to lock in moisture. Cooking at a lower temperature and basting with butter or oil helps keep them juicy.
- Turkey Legs: Turkey legs are perfect for slow cooking or braising. They have more fat and are naturally flavorful. Try roasting them low and slow, or cook in a slow cooker with broth and seasonings to make them tender and falling off the bone.
- Ground Turkey: When using ground turkey, add moisture by mixing in ingredients like onions, garlic, or grated vegetables. Ground turkey can easily dry out, so avoid overcooking. It's great for making meatballs, burgers, or tacos.
- Whole Turkey: For whole turkey, make sure it’s fully thawed before cooking. Baste the turkey with its own juices or a butter mixture every 30 minutes to enhance flavor and prevent dryness. For even cooking, consider covering the breast with foil once it’s golden to avoid over-browning.
- Don’t overcook: For all cuts, always use a meat thermometer to check doneness (165°F/74°C for turkey). This will ensure your meat stays tender without being undercooked.
Turkey Dinner Recipes: FAQs
YES, you can roast vegetables, bake casseroles, or even make a pot pie. Just ensure that everything is cooked at a similar temperature and adjust cooking times as needed.
With a precooked turkey, you can slice it for sandwiches, add it to salads, use it in soups or stews, or mix it into pasta dishes. You can also reheat it and serve it as the main dish.
The best way to cook a precooked turkey breast is to heat it in the oven at 325°F (160°C) until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Cover it with foil to keep it moist and add some broth or gravy for extra flavor.
To enhance the flavor of ground turkey, you can add garlic, onion, herbs (like oregano or thyme), spices (such as cumin or paprika), soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, or hot sauce. Mixing in breadcrumbs or grated cheese can also add flavor.
Some great sides for turkey dinner we love are mashed potatoes, stuffing, cranberry sauce, green bean casserole, roasted vegetables, sweet potato casserole, and cornbread. These dishes complement turkey well and enhance the meal.
To make ground turkey more moist, you can add ingredients like diced onions, bell peppers, or grated zucchini. Mixing in a bit of broth, olive oil, or sauces can also help retain moisture during cooking.
You typically don’t need to add water when cooking ground turkey, as it releases some moisture while cooking. However, you can add a small amount of broth or water to keep it moist or prevent it from sticking to the pan.
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