Ground turkey is a versatile, lean protein that can be used in a variety of recipes, from hearty stews to comforting casseroles. When combined with the magic of an Instant Pot, ground turkey becomes the centerpiece of quick, delicious, and healthy meals.
If you’ve been looking for new ways to incorporate this nutritious ingredient into your weekly meal plan, you’ve come to the right place!
In this blog post, we will explore some of the best Instant Pot ground turkey recipes that are perfect for busy weeknights or meal prepping for the week ahead.
Why Choose Instant Pot Ground Turkey Recipes?
Before we dive into the recipes, let’s take a moment to understand why Instant Pot ground turkey recipes are such a great choice:
Quick Cooking: The Instant Pot significantly reduces cooking time. What would typically take hours in the oven or on the stove can be done in a fraction of the time with the Instant Pot.
Healthy Option: Ground turkey is lower in fat compared to other meats like ground beef, making it a healthier choice for many dishes. It’s a lean protein that is perfect for those looking to maintain a balanced diet.
One-Pot Meals: The beauty of the Instant Pot is that it allows you to cook a full meal in one pot, minimizing clean-up. This makes meal preparation easy and hassle-free.
Versatile: Ground turkey pairs well with various ingredients, from vegetables to grains, beans, and seasonings. Whether you’re craving tacos, chili, or pasta, Instant Pot ground turkey recipes can accommodate any flavor profile.
Meal Prep Friendly: You can easily cook a large batch of ground turkey in the Instant Pot and store leftovers for quick meals throughout the week.
Top Instant Pot Ground Turkey Recipes to Try
If you’re looking to incorporate more ground turkey into your diet, here are some must-try Instant Pot ground turkey recipes that are simple, tasty, and nutritious.
1. Instant Pot Ground Turkey Chili
Chili is a classic dish that can be made healthier with ground turkey. This Instant Pot ground turkey chili is packed with protein, beans, and vegetables. The Instant Pot makes it easy to cook this hearty meal in less than an hour.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 1 onion, diced
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- 1 can of diced tomatoes
- 1 can of kidney beans
- 1 can of black beans
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 packet chili seasoning
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Set the Instant Pot to sauté mode and cook the ground turkey until browned.
- Add the onion and bell pepper, and sauté for an additional 3-4 minutes.
- Dump in the tomatoes, beans, chicken broth, and spices.
- Stir to combine and set the Instant Pot to cook on high pressure for 20 minutes.
- Allow the pressure to naturally release before serving.
This Instant Pot ground turkey chili is perfect for a cozy dinner and makes great leftovers for meal prep.
2. Instant Pot Ground Turkey Tacos
Tacos are a family favorite, and using ground turkey in this Instant Pot ground turkey recipe makes them a healthier option. Whether you’re hosting a Taco Tuesday or just need a quick dinner, this recipe is a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1/2 cup water
- Taco shells or tortillas
- Toppings: lettuce, cheese, salsa, sour cream, etc.
Instructions:
- Use the sauté function to brown the ground turkey in the Instant Pot.
- Once browned, add the taco seasoning and water, stirring well to combine.
- Close the Instant Pot lid, set the valve to sealing, and cook on high pressure for 5 minutes.
- Release the pressure manually, and serve the turkey mixture in taco shells or tortillas with your favorite toppings.
Instant Pot ground turkey tacos are quick, easy, and perfect for a fun weeknight dinner.
3. Instant Pot Ground Turkey Pasta
This Instant Pot ground turkey pasta is a delicious and filling dish that combines lean turkey with pasta and marinara sauce. You’ll love how the Instant Pot makes this dish come together in a fraction of the time compared to traditional cooking methods.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 1 jar marinara sauce
- 1 cup pasta (penne or rotini works well)
- 1 1/2 cups chicken broth
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions:
- Sauté the ground turkey in the Instant Pot until browned.
- Add the marinara sauce, pasta, chicken broth, and garlic powder. Stir to combine.
- Close the lid, set the valve to sealing, and cook on high pressure for 5 minutes.
- Use the quick-release method to release the pressure.
- Stir the pasta and turkey mixture, then top with Parmesan cheese before serving.
This Instant Pot ground turkey pasta is a great weeknight meal that the whole family will love.
4. Instant Pot Ground Turkey Meatballs
Meatballs are a classic comfort food, and you can make them healthier by using ground turkey. This Instant Pot ground turkey meatball recipe is a quick and easy way to enjoy this delicious dish.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- 2 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 jar marinara sauce
Instructions:
- In a bowl, mix the ground turkey, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, and seasoning.
- Form the mixture into meatballs.
- Pour the marinara sauce into the Instant Pot and gently place the meatballs in the sauce.
- Set the Instant Pot to cook on high pressure for 10 minutes.
- Once the timer goes off, use a quick release to release the pressure, and serve the meatballs with pasta or over rice.
Instant Pot ground turkey meatballs are perfect for dinner, meal prep, or even as a party appetizer.
5. Instant Pot Ground Turkey Stroganoff
Creamy and comforting, Instant Pot ground turkey stroganoff is a lighter version of the classic beef stroganoff. With ground turkey and a rich sauce, this dish is perfect for a cozy meal.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup egg noodles
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Use the sauté function to brown the ground turkey in the Instant Pot.
- Add the diced onion and sauté until soft.
- Pour in the beef broth and stir in the Dijon mustard, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Add the egg noodles and stir.
- Set the Instant Pot to cook on high pressure for 4 minutes.
- Once the cooking time is up, use the quick-release method to release the pressure.
- Stir in the sour cream and serve.
This Instant Pot ground turkey stroganoff is creamy, comforting, and comes together in no time.
Tips for Perfect Instant Pot Ground Turkey Recipes
While Instant Pot ground turkey recipes are simple and easy to follow, there are a few tips that can help you get the best results:
1. Use Lean Ground Turkey
For the healthiest and leanest option, opt for 93% lean ground turkey. This will provide the best balance of flavor and nutrition, especially for recipes like chili or pasta.
2. Brown the Ground Turkey First
Always brown the ground turkey using the sauté function before adding other ingredients. This step adds flavor and depth to your dishes.
3. Don’t Overcrowd the Instant Pot
When making Instant Pot ground turkey recipes, avoid overfilling the pot. The Instant Pot works best when it’s only filled two-thirds of the way.
4. Experiment with Seasonings
Ground turkey has a mild flavor, which makes it perfect for experimenting with different seasonings. Don’t be afraid to try different spice blends, herbs, and sauces to create unique flavors.
5. Use Natural Release for Best Results
For most Instant Pot ground turkey recipes, it’s best to use a natural pressure release for a few minutes after cooking. This allows the flavors to meld together and prevents overcooking.
Conclusion: Try Instant Pot Ground Turkey Recipes
Instant Pot ground turkey recipes are a fantastic way to enjoy healthy, flavorful, and quick meals. With just a few ingredients and the power of the Instant Pot, you can prepare everything from chili and tacos to pasta and meatballs.
These recipes are perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or simply trying something new in the kitchen. So, grab your Instant Pot and get cooking with these amazing ground turkey recipes today!
