Turkey Recipes To Try When You're Not In The Mood For Beef

Believe it or not, but turkey doesn't have to be reserved for Thanksgiving. Yes, there are so many ways to cook turkey that don't involve sweating over the oven while you baste it every hour. With ground turkey, especially, there is a wealth of possibilities, so if you're in a rut don't rule out a good turkey recipe for dinner. Sure, ground beef might be the typical staple for a weeknight meal, but beef doesn't always hit the spot the same way turkey does.

And, because turkey is usually lower in saturated fat, it's generally considered to be a bit healthier than beef. So, whether you want a healthier option than beef or just don't feel like beef for any reason, here are the best turkey recipes to try when you're not in the mood for beef. Because, honestly, having a variety of delicious options to choose from is so important.

If you've ever had any kind of meatloaf, you know just how filling, delicious, and comforting the meal can be. It's kind of the epitome of a home cooked meal, and when you use ground turkey instead of beef, it's also lighter. Additionally, this turkey meatloaf recipe is so easy, you'll be wishing you knew it sooner. You probably have all the ingredients on hand, already, and this is the kind of meal that goes great with any side dish, whether you want mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a salad. Turkey meatloaf is basically always the answer.

A hamburger is somewhat of an American classic, whether you eat it at home, a restaurant, with cheese, without mayonnaise, or even without a bun. But to take things to the next level with your burger, give turkey a try. A turkey burger is a perfect meal no matter what you're craving, and when you add in some more robust flavors like caramelized onion, it becomes almost a gourmet experience. A burger might not sound healthy, but when you use turkey, it becomes lighter, but still totally filling.

Turkey chili is honestly one of the best ways you can use turkey in place of ground beef and not even notice the difference. After all, chili is such a flavorful, spicy dish, that the meat in it usually takes on the flavors of everything else around it. And this turkey chili recipe is quick, easy, and a great way to warm up on a cold night. Or even for a hot, summer night, no judgement!

For even the most experienced cooks, meatballs can seem a little overwhelming. But if you dollar the right recipe, they don't have to be. Not only is this turkey meatball recipe delicious, but it can be whipped up in less than half an hour. Turkey meatballs are also seriously versatile. You can put them on spaghetti with a marinara sauce, or in a sandwich, or even switch up the seasoning profile to add some Asian flair. At the end of the day, these meatballs are so delicious they don't even need anything served with them.

If you're craving a delicious taco, these turkey tacos are just the answer. You can serve them in hard shells, or soft flour tortillas, or even atop a salad for a delicious alternative to traditional tacos. Seasoning is key to the perfect turkey tacos, so don't skimp on any steps in this recipe or you'll definitely be regretting it. Basically, turkey tacos are the kind of meal everyone will enjoy, and don't require too much effort on your part to make Taco Tuesday happen.

Want a simple meal anyone can make? This pasta casserole, made with ground turkey, is one of the most delicious comfort foods to ever exist. It hardly takes any prep time, and because it's a casserole, you really just have to throw it in the oven and then you're good to go. If you're a pasta lover, or a casserole lover, or just on the hunt for an easy meal you can't really mess up, then this is the one for you. Best of all, with ground turkey as the main source of protein, it's lower in fat than if you used beef.

You already know that meatballs are a delicious, nutritious, and relatively simple meal to make. But these upgraded turkey meatballs from none other than Italian chef extraordinaire, Giada de Larentiis, take meatballs to a whole new level. These are a classic meatball, made with ground turkey instead of beef for a healthier option, and stuffed with cheese to make them even more delicious. Yes, you read that correctly. These cheese-stuffed turkey meatballs will kick your next pasta dish up a notch.