We’re constantly searching for the perfect weeknight dinners. Sometimes we find ourselves focused on one-pot wonders to minimize clean-up. Other times, it’s all about the slow cooker stew so we can simply set it and forget it. But as we phase out of comfort food season and into warmer weather, we’re desperate for options that are lightened up — and we aren’t talking grilled salads. These 16 recipes bring ground turkey to your plate with dishes that are lean, tasty, and substantial enough to satisfy.

cookie named desire

1. Cheesy Turkey Stuffed Peppers: The easiest way to get a healthy dose of meat and veggies is to stuff that meat into some veggies. These delicious beauties are done in a mere 30 minutes, so weeknight meals can be both tasty AND hassle-free. (via A Cookie Named Desire)

whitney bond

2. Buffalo Turkey Meatball Subs: The traditional meatball sub is great and all, but this recipe takes the sandwich to new heights. Turkey meatballs bring a lighter spin to this dish, but still leave room for blue cheese and Frank’s Hot on there. (via Whitney Bond)

the modern proper

3. Turkey Meatballs in a Creamy Red Curry Sauce: Nothing beats a velvety smooth red curry sauce. Adding lean turkey meatballs to the mix is nothing short of brilliant, if we do say so ourselves. (via The Modern Proper)

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4. Pesto and Mozzarella Stuffed Meatloaf With Ground Turkey: If your family is known to groan at the mention of meatloaf, let us assure you that there’s still hope. And it all starts with this zesty, cheesy version. (via Gluten Free With LB)

desitnation delish

5. Teriyaki Turkey Cabbage Rolls: This teriyaki twist on an eastern European classic is a fab way to get creative with dinner this week. The best part is it only takes 45 minutes, unlike traditional cabbage rolls that basically take ALL day (but we still love them). (via Destination Delish)

marla meridith

6. Greek Flatbread With Tzaziki Sauce: One of the best things about being an adult is that if you want snack food for dinner, you can have snack food for dinner. With options like this flavor-packed flatbread, it’s probably something that should happen more often. (via Marla Meridith)

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7. Spaghetti Squash Casserole: This casserole goes the extra mile and snubs the weigh-you-down ingredients while bringing nutrition to the table. (via Well Plated by Erin)

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8. Turkey, Broccoli, and Swiss Skillet Dinner: Skillet dinners have been killing it in the foodie world. They’re fuss-free, leave you with very little clean up, and bring you delectable dinners like this cheesy ground turkey medley. (via Recipe Runner)

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9. Greek Tacos: Change things up on Taco Tuesday with these scrumptious Greek tacos. They’re loaded with veggies and ground turkey to create a substantial and delicious dinner. (via Taste and Tell)

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10. Fall Potluck Casserole With Turkey and Squash: If you’re looking for a quick way to use up some of the remaining fall produce out there, this casserole is it. It’s hearty, creamy, and packed with goodies. (via The Weary Chef)

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11. California Turkey Burgers and Pesto Spread: Anyone who claims turkey burgers can’t compete with beef burgers hasn’t see a version like this. With nutty and herbaceous pesto, it’s one we want to sink our teeth into. (via Free Your Fork)

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12. Healthy Sweet Potato Ground Turkey Chili: Chili purists will argue this, but a lean turkey chili can totally compete with their beef counterparts. (via Gluten Free With LB)

13. Ground Turkey Pita Pockets: If you’re tired of sandwiches and totally over wraps, the pita is a great way to amp things up for a light and satisfying dinner. This bad boy is stuffed to the brim with seasoned ground turkey and fresh veggies. (via Jar of Lemons)

cooking with bliss

14. Ground Turkey Lasagna Rolls: Treating the fam to a swoon-worthy lasagna on a weeknight isn’t impossible. With these roll-ups, you get total lasagna bliss in a whopping 45 minutes. (via Cooking With Bliss)

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15. Mediterranean Spaghetti Squash Boats: This scrumptious recipe tosses ground turkey, tangy feta, and wholesome veggies together with spaghetti squash for a low-carb dinner option. (via Diethood)

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16. One Pot Chili Mac and Cheese: Chili mac and cheese? Yes please. Bringing two of our fave comfort foods together, this one-pot wonder is weeknight perfection. (via Well Plated by Erin)

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Dana Sandonato
Born in Canada and now living in the beautiful state of North Carolina, Dana is a coffee-reliant food writer with a healthy appetite, a taste for culinary adventure, a thirst for good beers, and an endless hunger for food photography. When not writing for Brit + Co, she can be found pouring herself into her blog-turned-webzine, Killing Thyme, or taste-testing at local breweries with her husband. Dana's ideal down time includes pizza, marathoning on Netflix, or watching her fave flicks from the 80s and 90s - no matter how great or awful they are!