25 Satisfying Ground Turkey Casseroles for An Easy Thanksgiving Dinner

Andi Gleeson
·5-min read

If the thought of cooking a whole turkey makes you uncomfortable, consider this a sign to make ground turkey the star of your lazy Thanksgiving dinner this year. And make sure to keep it a staple in your kitchen year-round, too, because the simple protein is perfect for tacos, burgers, meatballs, pastas, and more.

Related: 10 Leftover Turkey and Chicken Casserole Recipes To Get the Most Out of Your Bird

Ground turkey has a mild, juicy flavor and tender texture that's especially good for casseroles, since it's lean and doesn't add a greasy or heavy taste that other meats can. Plus, a package of ground turkey is one of the more affordable budget-friendly proteins in the meat section of the grocery store, and who can argue with that? These 25 ground turkey casserole recipes are perfect for busy weeknights when you want something hearty and protein-packed, without much effort.

Related: 52 Low-Carb Ground Turkey Recipes When You Need a Break From Chicken and Beef

When trying to think of other ways to use ground turkey, keep one simple thing in mind: if a recipe calls for ground beef, it can easily be swapped for equal parts of ground turkey. To get you started on your ground turkey infatuation, here are the best casserole recipes that highlight the delicious versatility of the humble protein. But to make life even easier let's first dive into some questions you might have about cooking with ground turkey.

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Related: 100+ of Our Very Best Casserole Recipes For Warm Dinners on Busy Days

What To Add to Ground Turkey To Add Flavor?

Many people shy away from ground turkey because they think it's flavorless and dry, but it doesn't have to be! Adding extra flavor is easy by pairing it with ingredients like garlic and onion. Be sure to always season well with salt and pepper too. This is one reason why ground turkey works so well in tacos in place of the ground beef—that Mexican seasoning gives it tons of flavor!

How Do You Make Ground Turkey More Moist?

As far as drying out, when you brown it off, add a little olive oil and don't overcook it. If used in a recipe with vegetables, they will add moisture back in as well. Using ground turkey in soup and casserole recipes helps to avoid drying out too. It absorbs flavor and liquid so well, nobody will ever notice if it's a little drier than normal.

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Related: 61 Healthy Casserole Recipes That Work for Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Best Ground Turkey Casseroles

<p>Chrissy Teigen</p><p>Hot dishes might be retro, but they are as delicious as ever, especially when made with tots and ground turkey. </p><p><strong>Get the recipe: <a href="https://parade.com/1280990/alison-ashton/chrissy-teigens-turkey-mushroom-and-pepperoncini-tater-tot-hot-dish/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Chrissy Teigen's Hot Dish;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Chrissy Teigen's Hot Dish</a></strong></p><p><strong>Related: <a href="https://www.yahoo.com/lifestyle/100-best-casserole-recipes-easy-152243552.html" data-ylk="slk:100+ Best Casserole Recipes;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas;outcm:mb_qualified_link;_E:mb_qualified_link;ct:story;" class="link yahoo-link">100+ Best Casserole Recipes</a></strong></p>
<p>Mark Boughton Photography</p><p>Two favorite cuisines in one tasty casserole.</p><p><strong>Get the recipe: <a href="https://parade.com/842080/communitytable/mex-italian-casserole/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Mex-Italian Casserole;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Mex-Italian Casserole</a></strong></p>
<p>Sarah Smiley</p><p>A healthy twist on the Italian classic.</p><p><strong>Get the recipe: <a href="https://parade.com/13270/sarahsmiley/morgans-turkey-lasagna/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Morgan's Turkey Lasagna;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Morgan's Turkey Lasagna</a></strong></p>

Sarah Smiley

A healthy twist on the Italian classic.

Get the recipe: Morgan's Turkey Lasagna

<p>Tasting Page</p><p>A complete meal all in one sweet potato.</p><p><strong>Get the recipe: <a href="https://www.tastingpage.com/cooking/ground-turkey-kale-stuffed-sweet-potato-paleo-whole-30" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Ground Turkey and Kale Stuffed Sweet Potato;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Ground Turkey and Kale Stuffed Sweet Potato</a></strong></p>
<p>Faith Food Fitness</p><p>A dairy-free, paleo twist on a classic casserole.</p><p><strong>Get the recipe: <a href="https://www.foodfaithfitness.com/paleo-casserole-chicken-zucchini/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Paleo Casserole with Turkey, Peppers, Zucchini and Tomato;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Paleo Casserole with Turkey, Peppers, Zucchini and Tomato</a></strong></p>
<p>Kalyn's Kitchen</p><p>Mozzarella and feta cheese kick up the flavor of this simple casserole.</p><p><strong>Get the recipe: </strong><strong><a href="https://kalynskitchen.com/casserole-brown-rice-turkey-mushrooms-feta/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Ground Turkey, Brown Rice and Mushroom Casserole;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Ground Turkey, Brown Rice and Mushroom Casserole</a></strong></p>
<p>Kalyn's Kitchen</p><p>Make your next Mexican night low carb.</p><p><strong>Get the recipe: <a href="https://kalynskitchen.com/ground-turkey-low-carb-enchilada-casserole/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Low-Carb Enchilada Casserole with Ground Turkey and Chiles;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Low-Carb Enchilada Casserole with Ground Turkey and Chiles</a></strong></p>
<p>Food By Mars</p><p>This is a paleo, grain-free and Whole30 meal in one bowl.</p><p><strong>Get the recipe: <a href="https://foodbymars.com/home/2017/paleo-dirty-pumpkin-sage-risotto-aip-grain-free/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Paleo Dirty Pumpkin & Sage Risotto;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Paleo Dirty Pumpkin & Sage Risotto</a></strong></p>
<p>The Kitchen Is My Playground</p><p>All the flavors of great tamales, but so much easier.</p><p><strong>Get the recipe: <a href="http://www.thekitchenismyplayground.com/2013/04/tamali-pie-casserole-countrycrockstars.html" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Tamale Pie Casserole;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Tamale Pie Casserole</a></strong></p>
<p>Julie's Eats and Treats</p><p>Perfect for busy mornings or breakfast for supper. </p><p><strong>Get the recipe: <a href="https://www.julieseatsandtreats.com/turkey-crock-pot-breakfast-casserole-recipe/#_a5y_p=5056032" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Turkey Crock Pot Breakfast Casserole;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Turkey Crock Pot Breakfast Casserole</a></strong></p><p><strong>Related: <a href="https://www.yahoo.com/lifestyle/crock-pot-oclock-30-super-143720924.html" data-ylk="slk:30 Simple Crock Pot Breakfast Recipes;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas;outcm:mb_qualified_link;_E:mb_qualified_link;ct:story;" class="link yahoo-link">30 Simple Crock Pot Breakfast Recipes</a></strong></p>
<p>Cooking With Bliss</p><p>Nobody will miss the ground beef or sausage in this flavorful pasta supper.</p><p><strong>Get the recipe: <a href="https://cookingwithbliss.com/baked-ziti-with-ground-turkey/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Baked Ziti With Ground Turkey;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Baked Ziti With Ground Turkey</a></strong></p>
<p>The Weary Chef</p><p>A healthy and easy dinner with turkey, tomatoes, basil and cheese!</p><p><strong>Get the recipe: <a href="https://wearychef.com/recipe/caprese-quinoa-casserole-recipe/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Caprese Quinoa Casserole;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Caprese Quinoa Casserole</a></strong></p>
<p>The Weary Chef</p><p>Who doesn't love a great plate of nachos?</p><p><strong>Get the recipe: <a href="https://wearychef.com/nacho-casserole/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Cheesy Nacho Casserole Recipe;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Cheesy Nacho Casserole Recipe</a></strong></p>

The Weary Chef

Who doesn't love a great plate of nachos?

Get the recipe: Cheesy Nacho Casserole Recipe

<p>The Weary Chef</p><p>The kids will love anything with tater tots and you will love feeling good about it.</p><p><strong>Get the recipe: <a href="https://wearychef.com/recipe/cowboy-bbq-tatertot-casserole/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Cowboy BBQ Tater Tot Casserole;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Cowboy BBQ Tater Tot Casserole</a></strong></p>
<p>The Weary Chef</p><p>So many great fall flavors in every bite.</p><p><strong>Get the recipe: <a href="https://wearychef.com/recipe/fall-potluck-casserole-with-turkey-and-squash/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Fall Potluck Casserole with Turkey and Squash;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Fall Potluck Casserole with Turkey and Squash</a></strong></p>
<p>The Weary Chef</p><p>A hearty, stick to your ribs meal perfect for a cold night.</p><p><strong>Get the recipe: <a href="https://wearychef.com/recipe/meat-and-potatoes-casserole/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Good-for-You Meat and Potatoes Casserole;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Good-for-You Meat and Potatoes Casserole</a></strong></p>
<p>Low Carb Yum</p><p>A filling meal that is actually good for you.</p><p><strong>Get the recipe: <a href="https://lowcarbyum.com/ground-turkey-and-cauliflower-rice-casserole/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Ground Turkey and Cauliflower Rice Casserole;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Ground Turkey and Cauliflower Rice Casserole</a></strong></p>
<p>Ahead of Thyme</p><p>Proving tasty pasta suppers can be a little lighter.</p><p><strong>Get the recipe: <a href="https://www.aheadofthyme.com/ground-turkey-pasta-bake/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Ground Turkey Pasta Bake;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Ground Turkey Pasta Bake</a></strong></p>

Ahead of Thyme

Proving tasty pasta suppers can be a little lighter.

Get the recipe: Ground Turkey Pasta Bake

<p>Wellness By Kay</p><p>A simple, gluten-free meal filled with protein and veggies too.<br><br></p><p><strong>Get the recipe: <a href="https://wellnessbykay.com/ground-turkey-sweet-potato-bake/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Bake;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Bake</a></strong></p>
<p>Wonky Wonderful</p><p>If you love the party dip, this supper will make your week!</p><p><strong>Get the recipe: <a href="https://wonkywonderful.com/turkey-spinach-artichoke-wild-rice-casserole/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Turkey Spinach Artichoke Wild Rice Casserole;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Turkey Spinach Artichoke Wild Rice Casserole</a></strong></p><p><strong>Related: <a href="https://parade.com/864810/sarahhardy/20-easy-low-carb-recipes-that-make-spinach-delicious/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:20 Low-Carb Spinach Recipes;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">20 Low-Carb Spinach Recipes</a></strong></p>
<p>The Weary Chef</p><p>Great Mexican flavors in each layer.</p><p><strong>Get the recipe: <a href="https://wearychef.com/recipe/layered-mexican-barley-casserole/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Layered Mexican Barley Casserole;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Layered Mexican Barley Casserole</a></strong></p>
<p>The Life Jolie</p><p>Skillet suppers are like casseroles for the stove-top.</p><p><strong>Get the recipe: <a href="https://www.thelifejolie.com/southwest-ground-turkey/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Southwest Ground Turkey and Rice Skillet;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Southwest Ground Turkey and Rice Skillet</a></strong></p>
<p>Cookin Canuck</p><p>A healthy dinner on the table in about 30 minutes.</p><p><strong>Get the recipe: <a href="https://www.cookincanuck.com/southwestern-turkey-rice-casserole-recipe" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Southwestern Turkey Rice Casserole;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Southwestern Turkey Rice Casserole</a></strong></p>
<p>The Weary Chef</p><p>No more having to choose between a taco salad or hot meal.</p><p><strong>Get the recipe: <a href="https://wearychef.com/recipe/taco-salad-casserole/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Taco Salad Casserole;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Taco Salad Casserole</a></strong></p>

The Weary Chef

No more having to choose between a taco salad or hot meal.

Get the recipe: Taco Salad Casserole

<p>Cooking with Bliss</p><p>You might already have the pantry staples on hand to make this tasty meal.</p><p><strong>Get the recipe: <a href="https://cookingwithbliss.com/turkey-enchilada-casserole/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Turkey Enchilada Casserole;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Turkey Enchilada Casserole</a></strong></p><p><strong>Related: <a href="https://www.yahoo.com/lifestyle/59-crazy-easy-enchilada-recipes-135916736.html" data-ylk="slk:59 Crazy Easy Enchilada Recipes;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas;outcm:mb_qualified_link;_E:mb_qualified_link;ct:story;" class="link yahoo-link">59 Crazy Easy Enchilada Recipes</a></strong></p>

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