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Ground turkey is one of the most versatile proteins in the kitchen. It soaks up whatever flavors you pair it with, from smoky chili spices to fresh basil and balsamic, and lean ground turkey is a smart swap for higher-fat ground meats on a heart-healthy diet.
The catch? Ground turkey dinners can still end up salty if you lean on seasoning packets, turkey sausage, or regular canned goods. So our Health eCooks Test Kitchen built every one of these recipes to have under 400 mg of sodium per serving. Each dish was developed by our team of chefs and dietitians to balance taste and nutrition. You'll find chili, meatballs, burgers, a cozy shepherd's pie, and even a crowd-pleasing taco dip.
Plain ground turkey is fairly low in sodium on its own. Most of the salt in a ground turkey dinner comes from what you cook it with, so here's how our dietitians kept the numbers down:
Want more ways to cut back? Our low sodium diet guidelines are a great place to start.
From slow-simmered chili to party-ready sliders, these recipes cover every night of the week. Each one lists the total time and key nutrition facts per serving.
Total time: 3 hours 20 minutes | 134 calories | 20 g protein | 5 g fiber | 108 mg sodium
Let the slow cooker do the work! Lean turkey breast, red and green bell peppers, kidney beans, and tomatoes simmer low and slow with oregano, cumin, and a pinch of red pepper flakes. Top each bowl with a little sharp cheddar, fresh parsley, or a dollop of Greek yogurt. It's the lowest-sodium recipe on this list.
Total time: 30 minutes | 175 calories | 19 g protein | 4 g fiber | 279 mg sodium
No time to slow cook? This stovetop chili has the same hearty, beany comfort without the wait. Ground turkey breast, red bell pepper, and kidney beans cook in a no-salt-added tomato base with cumin and a splash of hot sauce for a gentle kick. Finish it with fresh parsley and a sprinkle of low-fat cheddar.
Total time: 1 hour 30 minutes | 434 calories | 35 g protein | 5 g fiber | 270 mg sodium
This is the heartiest recipe in the collection, and it's made for cold nights. A savory filling of ground turkey, carrots, celery, and peas simmers in a light gravy, then gets covered with a fluffy, creamy layer of mashed sweet potatoes. With 35 grams of protein and 5 grams of fiber per serving, one plate is a complete meal.
Total time: 1 hour 5 minutes | 240 calories | 26 g protein | 1 g fiber | 208 mg sodium
Classic meatloaf, lightened up! Lean ground turkey is mixed with onion, garlic, oregano, and thyme, then baked under a sweet and tangy glaze of no-salt-added ketchup and honey. It's simple and family-friendly, and the leftovers make a great sandwich the next day (use low sodium bread to keep the numbers down).
Total time: 3 hours | 200 calories | 21 g protein | 1 g fiber | 183 mg sodium
If you love the Swedish meatballs at IKEA, you're going to want to try these. Tender turkey meatballs seasoned with allspice and nutmeg are smothered in a silky gravy made with unsalted chicken stock and Greek yogurt. Serve them over whole grain egg noodles or with mashed potatoes for the ultimate comfort food dinner.
Total time: 3 hours | 214 calories | 17 g protein | 6 g fiber | 243 mg sodium
Roasted eggplant is the secret ingredient in these meatballs. It keeps them super moist and helps each serving reach 6 grams of fiber. They simmer in a smoky tomato sauce with a little chipotle heat (skip the chipotle if you like things mild). Spoon them over whole grain pasta, or serve them as a heart-healthy appetizer.
Total time: 35 minutes | 154 calories | 19 g protein | 2 g fiber | 139 mg sodium (sauce only)
This rich, meaty sauce tastes like it simmered for hours. Mushrooms, carrots, bell pepper, fresh rosemary, and a splash of red wine build deep flavor, and just 2 ounces of turkey sausage adds that classic Italian taste. Toss it with whole grain pasta for a cozy low sodium dinner.
Total time: 30 minutes | 303 calories | 33 g protein | 2 g fiber | 337 mg sodium
Messy, saucy, and totally delicious! These sloppy joes skip the canned sauce for a homemade one made with reduced sodium ketchup, salt-free honey barbecue sauce, and a little apple cider vinegar. Red and green bell peppers add color and crunch. With 33 grams of protein per sandwich, they'll keep everyone full until bedtime.
Total time: 30 minutes | 261 calories | 35 g protein | 2 g fiber | 362 mg sodium
These burgers use thick slices of grilled beefsteak tomato in place of a bun! Juicy turkey patties made with grated carrots and fresh basil get topped with melty part-skim mozzarella and a drizzle of balsamic glaze. They're light, fresh, and a fun way to enjoy garden flavors any time of year.
Total time: 45 minutes | 177 calories | 10 g protein | 2 g fiber | 224 mg sodium
Bright, zesty, and a little spicy, these Asian-inspired sliders are a nice change of pace. Ground turkey breast is seasoned with lemongrass, garlic, scallions, and sriracha, then topped with a crunchy cucumber and red cabbage slaw. The recipe makes 12 sliders, so it's perfect for a party.
Total time: 30 minutes | 126 calories | 17 g protein | 1 g fiber | 192 mg sodium
Bring this layered dip to your next game day and watch it disappear! Seasoned ground turkey, tomatoes, low-fat sour cream, reduced-fat cheddar, and shredded lettuce stack up into a party favorite with 17 grams of protein per serving. Serve it with corn tortilla chips or crunchy veggies for dipping.
It depends on the package. 99% lean ground turkey breast is one of the leanest ground meats you can buy, but regular ground turkey (often 85% or 93% lean) can have as much saturated fat as some lean ground beef. The best way to compare is to check the saturated fat on the Nutrition Facts label. Both can fit into a heart-healthy diet, and our 12 heart-healthy ground beef recipes each have under 300 mg of sodium per serving.
Lean turkey has less fat, so it needs a little help staying juicy. Mix in grated vegetables, like the carrots in our Caprese Turkey Burgers, or bread crumbs soaked in milk, like our Swedish Meatballs. Simmering turkey in a sauce helps too. Cook ground turkey to an internal temperature of 165°F, and use a meat thermometer so you don't go past it.
Most of them freeze beautifully. Chili, meatballs, meatloaf, and Bolognese sauce all keep well in airtight containers for 2 to 3 months. Thaw them in the fridge overnight, then reheat until they're hot all the way through (165°F).
Can't get enough ground turkey? Here are more collections to explore:
Whether you're cooking for one or feeding the whole family, these recipes make it easy to eat well without giving up flavor. Pick a favorite, make a double batch, and enjoy the leftovers all week!