There are nights when I open the fridge and just stand there, trying to figure out what to make with ground turkey again. It happens a lot in this house, especially with three teenagers who are always hungry but somehow still super picky. I swear they can eat everything in the fridge one minute and then tell me there is nothing to eat the next. That is when I start looking for dinner ideas with ground turkey that are quick and still taste homemade.
I love how ground turkey recipes can be turned into almost anything. Sliders, tacos, pasta, or casseroles, it all works. It is one of those ingredients that makes life easier for moms like me who are juggling work, school runs, and teenagers with endless appetites. When I am short on time but still want something cozy and filling, I go for easy ground turkey recipes for dinner that come together fast.
These ground turkey meal ideas are total lifesavers, especially on busy weeknights or those chilly fall evenings when you just want comfort food. If you are searching for good fall recipes for dinner or simple supper ideas with ground turkey, this one will make the whole family happy without you feeling stressed out in the kitchen. Whether you are looking for easy meals with ground turkey, quick ground turkey recipes, or new things to make with ground turkey, this recipe will hit the spot.
So if you are still wondering what to cook with turkey ground meat or what to make with ground turkey tonight, just grab that pack from the fridge and get ready for one of my favorite easy ground turkey recipes. It always makes dinner feel simple, warm, and stress free. At this point, anything that keeps the teens full and the dishes minimal feels like a total win to me.
Ingredients
For the sliders
- 1 pound ground turkey (I like the 93 percent lean one)
- 1 third cup breadcrumbs
- 1 egg
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Half teaspoon salt
- Half teaspoon black pepper
For the buns and toppings
- Slider buns or Hawaiian rolls
- Cheese slices (cheddar, provolone, or any kind you love)
- Lettuce leaves
- Tomato slices
- Onion slices
- Pickles
- Ketchup, mayo, or any sauce you like
Step by Step Instructions
Step 1: Mix the ingredients
In a big bowl, add the ground turkey, breadcrumbs, egg, Worcestershire sauce, and all the seasonings. Use your hands to mix it all together. It feels a little icky but it is the best way to make sure everything is mixed right.
Step 2: Shape the patties
Take a small handful of the turkey mix and roll it into a ball. Then press it down gently to make a mini patty. You should get about 8 to 10 patties from this mix. Remember they shrink a bit when cooked.
Step 3: Cook the sliders
Heat a pan or skillet with a little oil on medium heat. Place the patties on it and cook for around 3 to 4 minutes on each side. They should be golden brown and cooked through.
Step 4: Melt the cheese
When the patties are almost done, place a slice of cheese on each one. Cover the pan for about 30 seconds so the cheese melts nice and gooey.
Step 5: Toast and assemble
Warm the slider buns on the pan for a few seconds to get them a little crispy. Then start building your sliders. Add the patty, lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles, and sauce. Press it down gently and get ready to dig in.
Tips from a Busy Mom
- If you want them extra juicy, mix in a spoon of mayo or shredded cheese right into the turkey.
- You can make the patties early in the morning and keep them in the fridge till dinner time.
- Freeze cooked sliders for later. Just heat them up in the air fryer or oven when you need a quick meal.
- Try adding a little BBQ sauce or chopped jalapeno for a fun twist.
Serving Ideas
I love to serve these with crispy fries, sweet potato fries, or even a quick salad when I am pretending to be healthy. My kids love dipping them in ketchup or ranch. Sometimes we make a movie night out of it and eat them on the couch with fries and soda. Total mom win.
Meal Prep Tips for Ground Turkey Sliders
Mix in add-ins for variety
Before freezing, you can mix in shredded cheese, chopped jalapenos, or spices to make different flavor versions. This keeps meals interesting over the week without extra work.
Prep the patties ahead of time
Make the turkey patties in the morning or the night before. Store them in an airtight container in the fridge. That way, when it is dinner time, you just cook them and assemble your sliders.
Freeze cooked sliders
Cook a batch of sliders and let them cool completely. Wrap each slider in parchment paper and store in a freezer-safe container or bag. When you are ready to eat, reheat in the oven or air fryer for a few minutes. Perfect for busy nights when you do not want to cook from scratch.
Use meal prep containers
If you want a full meal in advance, use a 3-section container. One section for 2 sliders, another for rice or roasted potatoes, and the last for vegetables. Makes lunches or dinners easy to grab and go.
Assemble toppings separately
Keep lettuce, tomato, pickles, and sauces in small containers or bags. Add them right before serving so your sliders do not get soggy.
Double the batch
Make extra patties and freeze raw ones. You can pull them out whenever you need a quick dinner or lunchbox addition.
Label and date everything
When freezing or storing in the fridge, label containers with the date. That way you always know what is fresh and what needs to be cooked first.
FAQs
Can I use ground chicken instead of ground turkey?
Yes, you can. Ground chicken works pretty much the same way. It might be a little softer, so just add a bit more breadcrumbs to help it hold together.
How do I keep the turkey sliders from getting dry?
The secret is not overcooking them. Turkey cooks fast, so watch them closely. You can also mix in a spoon of mayo or a bit of shredded cheese into the meat before cooking to keep them juicy.
Can I make the sliders ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the patties a day before and keep them in the fridge. When it is time for dinner, just cook them up fresh. They taste the best that way.
Can I freeze the cooked sliders?
Totally. Let them cool, then wrap them up or put them in a freezer bag. They can stay frozen for about two months. Just heat them up in the oven or air fryer when you are ready to eat.
Ground Turkey Sliders Recipe Card
Ground Turkey Sliders
Ingredients
For the sliders
- 1 pound ground turkey 93 percent lean works great
- 1 third cup breadcrumbs
- 1 egg
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Half teaspoon salt
- Half teaspoon black pepper
For the buns and toppings
- Slider buns or Hawaiian rolls
- Cheese slices cheddar, provolone, or pepper jack
- Lettuce
- Tomato slices
- Onion slices
- Pickles
- Ketchup, mayo, mustard, or BBQ sauce
Instructions
- In a big bowl, mix the ground turkey, breadcrumbs, egg, Worcestershire sauce, and all the seasonings. Use your hands to blend it well. It feels a little sticky, but that is how you know it is coming together right.
- Take small handfuls of the mix and shape them into mini patties. You should get around 8 to 10 sliders, depending on size.
- Warm a skillet or pan with a little oil over medium heat. Cook each patty for about 3 to 4 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through.
- When the patties are almost done, place a slice of cheese on each one and cover the pan for 30 seconds so it melts nicely.
- Toast your slider buns for a few seconds on the pan. Then build your sliders with lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles, and sauce. Stack it up and serve warm.
Notes
Tips and Variations
- Add shredded cheese or a spoon of mayo into the mix for extra juicy sliders.
- Mix in chopped jalapenos or a dash of hot sauce if your family likes a little spice.
- You can prep the patties in advance and keep them in the fridge for up to two days before cooking.
- Freeze cooked sliders for up to two months for a quick meal later.
- Try different sauces like ranch, honey mustard, or chipotle mayo for fun flavor twists.
Making these ground turkey sliders always reminds me why I love cooking at home, even on the crazy nights. It is one of those easy ground turkey recipes for dinner that makes my whole house smell amazing and gets everyone to the table without me yelling ten times. The kids grab two each, my husband always sneaks an extra one, and somehow there are never leftovers. That is a mom win in my book.
If you are ever stuck thinking about what to make with ground turkey or what to cook with turkey ground meat, this is your answer. These little sliders are quick, easy, and super tasty. They fit right in with all my favorite ground turkey dinner ideas because they are simple but still feel special. Plus, they are great for busy school nights, game nights, or even when you just want comfort food after a long day.
I love that they work for any season, but honestly they hit extra good in fall. Something about that cozy smell in the kitchen just makes it feel like one of those good fall recipes for dinner that everyone needs. If you are looking for easy meals with ground turkey, quick ground turkey recipes, or just new things to make with ground turkey, this one will not disappoint.
So next time you are scrolling around trying to find simple ground turkey recipes or ground turkey meal ideas, give these sliders a try. They are one of those meals with ground turkey that make everyone happy, from picky eaters to hungry teens. Just a real easy family dinner that makes you feel like you have got it all together, even when you really do not.
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