Tag: #GroundTurkeyRecipes

Posted in Rice Bowls

Turkey Fried Rice

Posted on by simplegoodfood

One of my favorite ways to stretch leftovers is to turn them into fried rice. It’s quick, budget-friendly, and almost endlessly customizable.

This version starts with the leftover Italian turkey meatballs from earlier in the week. Chopped into bite-sized pieces and reheated with garlic, vegetables, soy sauce, and fluffy brown rice, they become a completely new meal that tastes nothing like meatballs.

The best part? Fried rice is wonderfully forgiving. If you have a handful of peas, a few carrots, leftover corn, or some green onions that need to be used, toss them in. It’s a delicious way to clean out the refrigerator while putting a satisfying dinner on the table in less than 30 minutes.

Meal Prep Shortcut

This recipe uses the Simple Italian Turkey Meatballs you prepared earlier in the week as part of the Stretch Every Grocery Dollar series. Joining us midweek? Substitute approximately 6 fully cooked turkey meatballs, chopped into bite-sized pieces.

simplegoodfood's avatarsimplegoodfood

Turkey Fried Rice

Oneof my favorite ways to stretch leftovers is to turn them into fried rice.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes
Servings: 2
Course: Dinner, Lunch, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 455
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups cooked cold brown rice
  • 6 cooked turkey meatballs chopped
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable or avocado oil
  • 2 eggs lightly beaten
  • 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables peas, carrots, corn, green beans
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 green onions sliced
  • 2 tablespoons reduced-sodium soy sauce
  • 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil optional
  • ¼ teaspoon ground ginger
  • Optional: pinch of red pepper flakes

Method
 

  1. Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  2. Scramble the eggs until just set. Remove to a plate.
  3. Add the chopped turkey meatballs and cook for 2–3 minutes until lightly browned.
  4. Stir in the frozen vegetables and garlic. Cook until heated through.
  5. Add the cold rice, breaking up any clumps with a spoon.
  6. Stir in the soy sauce, ginger, and sesame oil.
  7. Return the eggs to the skillet and gently fold everything together.
  8. Sprinkle with sliced green onions before serving.

Notes

Kitchen Wisdom
Cold rice makes the best fried rice.
Freshly cooked rice contains too much moisture and tends to become soft or sticky. Day-old refrigerated rice fries beautifully and gives you that classic restaurant-style texture.
Tips & Variations
  • Add leftover broccoli, mushrooms, zucchini, spinach, or cabbage.
  • Use cauliflower rice for a lower-carb option.
  • Stir in a handful of chopped cashews or peanuts for crunch.
  • Finish with a squeeze of lime for extra brightness.
  • A drizzle of sriracha or chili garlic sauce adds heat if you like a little spice.

🍽️ Keep Cooking Smarter

Continue building your budget-friendly kitchen with these helpful articles and recipes:

  • Stretch This Week’s Groceries Even Farther
  • Five Ways to Stretch Ground Turkey
  • Freezer & Make-Ahead Meals
  • Pantry Meal Starters
  • Side Dish Library
  • Meal Prep Collections
Posted in Heat & Eat

Italian Turkey Meatball Subs

Posted on by simplegoodfood

Introduction

One of the easiest ways to stretch your grocery budget is to transform leftovers into something that feels completely new. These Italian Turkey Meatball Subs take yesterday’s homemade turkey meatballs and turn them into warm, cheesy sandwiches that taste like they came from your favorite neighborhood deli.

With toasted rolls, rich marinara sauce, and gooey melted mozzarella, this hearty meal comes together in just minutes while giving your family (or yourself) a dinner that never feels like leftovers.

💡 Meal Prep Shortcut

This recipe uses the Simple Italian Turkey Meatballs you made earlier this week as part of our Stretch Every Grocery Dollar series.

Joining us midweek? No problem! Simply substitute 12 fully cooked frozen turkey meatballs (about 1 pound), thawed and heated through. Your meal will still be delicious, although the homemade version offers the best flavor and the greatest savings.

simplegoodfood's avatarsimplegoodfood

Italian Turkey Meatball Subs

Oneof the easiest ways to stretch your grocery budget is to transform leftoversinto something that feels completely new.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Dinner, Lunch
Cuisine: American
Calories: 455
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 12 cooked Italian Turkey Meatballs
  • 2 cups marinara sauce
  • 4 hoagie rolls or sturdy sandwich rolls
  • 1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • Fresh parsley chopped (optional)

Method
 

  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F.
  2. Place the meatballs and marinara sauce in a saucepan. Heat over medium-low until the meatballs are hot, about 8–10 minutes.
  3. Split the hoagie rolls without cutting all the way through.
  4. Lightly toast the rolls for 3–4 minutes if desired.
  5. Place 3 meatballs inside each roll and spoon additional marinara over the top.
  6. Sprinkle generously with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
  7. Return the sandwiches to the oven for 5–7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  8. Garnish with parsley and serve immediately.

Notes

Easy Variations
Pepper & Onion Subs
Add sautéed bell peppers and onions before topping with cheese.
Garlic Bread Subs
Brush the rolls with garlic butter before toasting.
Pizza Meatball Subs
Add sliced pepperoni or mushrooms before baking.
Campground Version
Wrap assembled sandwiches in foil and heat on a campfire grate or campground grill for about 10 minutes over medium heat.
Serving Suggestions
Serve with:
  • Oven fries
  • Coleslaw
  • Garden salad
  • Fresh fruit
  • Roasted vegetables
Storage
These sandwiches are best assembled fresh, but leftover meatballs in marinara will keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Tips
  • Toasting the rolls first helps prevent soggy sandwiches.
  • Warm the marinara before assembling for even heating.
  • Use part-skim mozzarella for a lighter meal.
  • If your rolls are large, add a fourth meatball for extra heartiness.

🍽️ This Week’s Menu: Stretch Every Grocery Dollar

Sunday – Simple Italian Turkey Meatballs

The perfect meal prep recipe that starts this week’s budget-friendly menu.

Monday – Italian Turkey Meatball Subs ⭐ Today’s Recipe

Warm toasted rolls filled with homemade turkey meatballs, marinara sauce, and melted mozzarella.

Tuesday – Mediterranean Turkey Rice Bowls

Fresh vegetables, seasoned rice, and sliced turkey meatballs with a bright Mediterranean flavor.

Wednesday – Turkey Meatball Vegetable Soup

A hearty soup that stretches the last of the meatballs into another comforting meal.

Thursday – Taco Turkey Rice Bowls

A Tex-Mex makeover using rice, beans, salsa, and leftover turkey.

Friday – Five Ways to Stretch Ground Turkey

Simple money-saving ideas to help one package of ground turkey go even further.

Saturday – Six Budget-Friendly Turkey Meals

A roundup of this week’s recipes plus extra ideas for reducing food waste.

Bonus Recipes This Week

  • Turkey Fried Rice
  • Refrigerator Clean-Out Quesadillas

➡️ Stop back tomorrow for our Mediterranean Turkey Rice Bowls!

Posted in Skillet Meals

Simple Italian Turkey Meatballs

Posted on by simplegoodfood

One package of ground turkey can become several delicious meals with just a little planning. These tender Italian Turkey Meatballs are seasoned with classic herbs and Parmesan cheese, then baked until juicy and lightly browned. Serve them with marinara over pasta tonight, then transform the leftovers into sandwiches, rice bowls, and soup throughout the week.

Making a double batch takes only a few extra minutes, but it can save hours of cooking later in the week. It’s a simple way to stretch your grocery budget without sacrificing flavor.

simplegoodfood's avatarsimplegoodfood

Simple Italian Turkey Meatballs

Thesetender Italian Turkey Meatballs are seasoned with classic herbs and Parmesancheese, then baked until juicy and lightly browned.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 8
Course: Dinner, Lunch, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 275
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 pounds lean ground turkey 93% lean
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 cup Italian-seasoned breadcrumbs
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tablespoons minced onion
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley or 2 teaspoons dried
  • 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper optional
  • 2 tablespoons milk
  • Olive oil spray

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F.
  2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly spray with cooking spray.
  3. Combine all ingredients in a large bowl. Mix gently until just combined. Overmixing can make turkey meatballs dense.
  4. Scoop into approximately 24 meatballs, about 2 tablespoons each.
  5. Arrange on prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between each meatball.
  6. Lightly spray the tops with olive oil.
  7. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
  8. Serve immediately with your favorite marinara sauce over pasta, zucchini noodles, or roasted vegetables.

Notes

Alternate Cooking Methods
Air Fryer
Cook at 380°F for 10-12 minutes, turning halfway through.
Skillet
Brown meatballs in 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium heat for about 8 minutes. Finish cooking by simmering in marinara sauce for 10-15 minutes.
Slow Cooker
Brown meatballs first, then place in marinara sauce and cook on Low for 3-4 hours.
Storage
Refrigerator: Up to 4 days.
Freezer: Freeze cooked meatballs in freezer bags or airtight containers for up to 3 months.
Meal Prep Plan
Use these meatballs all week!
  • Sunday: Serve with marinara and your favorite side.
  • Monday: Italian Turkey Meatball Subs
  • Tuesday: Mediterranean Turkey Rice Bowls
  • Wednesday: Turkey Meatball Vegetable Soup
Tips
  • Slightly wet hands make rolling meatballs much easier.
  • Don’t overmix the turkey mixture.
  • A cookie scoop helps keep every meatball the same size.
  • Ground turkey stays moist when cooked just to 165°F.
  • Fresh parsley adds brightness, but dried works well too.

🍽️ This Week’s Menu: Stretch Every Grocery Dollar

Sunday – Simple Italian Turkey Meatballs ⭐ Today’s Recipe
Classic Italian-seasoned turkey meatballs that become the foundation for several easy meals this week.

Monday – Italian Turkey Meatball Subs
Turn yesterday’s meatballs into hearty toasted sandwiches with marinara and melted mozzarella.

Tuesday – Mediterranean Turkey Rice Bowls
Fresh vegetables, seasoned rice, and sliced turkey meatballs make a quick, satisfying lunch or dinner.

Wednesday – Turkey Meatball Vegetable Soup
Stretch the last of the meatballs into a comforting soup loaded with vegetables.

Thursday – Taco Turkey Rice Bowls
Give leftover turkey a Tex-Mex twist with rice, beans, salsa, and your favorite toppings.

Friday – Five Ways to Stretch Ground Turkey
Practical tips for making one package of ground turkey work harder in your weekly meal plan.

Saturday – Six Budget-Friendly Turkey Meals
A roundup of this week’s recipes plus a few extra ideas to help you save money and reduce food waste.

Bonus Recipes This Week

  • Turkey Fried Rice
  • Refrigerator Clean-Out Quesadillas

➡️ Be sure to stop back tomorrow for our Italian Turkey Meatball Subs!