Ground Turkey and Gravy Recipe for Easy Comfort Meals

Updated On: October 14, 2025

Ground turkey and gravy is a classic comfort food combination that brings warmth and heartiness to any meal. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a satisfying dish to serve at your family table, this recipe delivers on flavor and ease.

Ground turkey offers a lean protein alternative to beef without sacrificing taste, while the rich, savory gravy perfectly complements the meat, creating a dish that’s both filling and delicious.

This recipe is great for those who want something homestyle but healthier. The gravy is made from scratch, using simple pantry staples, and can be customized with herbs and spices to suit your preferences.

Pair it with mashed potatoes, rice, or even roasted vegetables for a complete meal that everyone will love. Plus, it’s an excellent way to introduce ground turkey to your cooking rotation if you haven’t already!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Ground turkey and gravy is a wonderful recipe for many reasons. First, it’s incredibly versatile and quick to prepare, making it perfect for busy evenings.

You get the benefit of a lean protein with the comforting richness of homemade gravy, which is often hard to find in healthier recipes.

The recipe uses simple ingredients that you likely already have on hand. There’s no need for any fancy sauces or mixes, giving you control over the flavors and the ability to adjust seasoning to your taste.

It’s also budget-friendly, as ground turkey is often less expensive than other meats, and the gravy ingredients are pantry basics.

Finally, this dish is kid-friendly and easy to serve alongside many sides. It’s a great way to sneak in some extra protein for picky eaters, and leftovers reheat beautifully for next-day lunches or dinners.

Ingredients

  • 1 pound ground turkey (lean or extra lean)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups chicken broth (low sodium preferred)
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried sage
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Equipment

  • Large skillet or frying pan
  • Wooden spoon or spatula
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Knife and cutting board
  • Small bowl (for mixing flour or broth)
  • Serving dish or plates

Instructions

  1. Prepare the aromatics: Heat the olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened and translucent.
  2. Add garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds to 1 minute, until fragrant.
  3. Cook the ground turkey: Add the ground turkey to the skillet. Break it apart with a wooden spoon and cook until browned and no longer pink, about 6-8 minutes. Season with salt and pepper as it cooks.
  4. Make the roux: Sprinkle the flour evenly over the cooked turkey mixture. Stir well to coat the meat and cook the flour for 1-2 minutes to remove the raw taste, stirring constantly.
  5. Add liquids and seasonings: Gradually pour in the chicken broth while stirring continuously to avoid lumps. Add Worcestershire sauce, dried thyme, and sage. Stir to combine.
  6. Simmer and thicken: Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the gravy thickens to your desired consistency.
  7. Taste and adjust: Taste the gravy and adjust salt, pepper, or herbs as needed. If gravy is too thick, add a splash more broth or water.
  8. Serve: Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired. Serve hot over mashed potatoes, rice, or your favorite side.

Tips & Variations

For a richer flavor, try using butter instead of olive oil to sauté the onions and garlic. You can also add mushrooms or diced bell peppers for extra texture and taste.

If you prefer a gluten-free version, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch (use half the amount of cornstarch, mixed with a little cold water before adding).

Looking for a spicier twist? Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the gravy.

For an herby freshness, stir in some chopped fresh rosemary or thyme at the end of cooking.

To make this recipe even quicker, use pre-chopped onions or garlic paste. You can also prepare the ground turkey mixture ahead of time and just reheat with the gravy when ready to serve.

Nutrition Facts

Nutrient Amount (per serving)
Calories 280 kcal
Protein 28 g
Fat 14 g
Carbohydrates 8 g
Fiber 1 g
Sodium 450 mg

Serving Suggestions

This ground turkey and gravy dish pairs beautifully with classic mashed potatoes for a true comfort meal. You can also serve it over steamed rice, buttered noodles, or creamy polenta.

For a lighter option, spoon the turkey and gravy over roasted vegetables such as carrots, green beans, or Brussels sprouts. A side salad with a tangy vinaigrette works well to balance the richness of the gravy.

If you’re interested in exploring other hearty, comforting meals, check out our Backpacking Dehydrated Vegan Meal Recipes for Easy Camping or try the Chinese Vegetarian Nasi Lemak Recipe Made Easy and Delicious for a flavorful twist on traditional dishes.

Conclusion

Ground turkey and gravy is a simple yet satisfying meal that fits perfectly into busy lifestyles without compromising on taste. Its hearty texture and rich flavor make it a favorite for families and individuals alike.

The recipe is customizable, allowing you to adjust herbs, spices, and sides to your liking, while keeping the cooking process straightforward and stress-free.

Beyond being delicious, this dish is a healthier alternative to heavier, fattier gravies and ground meat options, making it an excellent addition to your weeknight dinner repertoire. Whether you’re a novice cook or an experienced foodie, this recipe delivers comfort in every bite.

For more recipe ideas that bring wholesome flavors to your table, explore our Veg Grilled Sandwich Recipes That Are Quick and Delicious and elevate your meal planning with ease.

📖 Recipe Card: Ground Turkey and Gravy

Description: A simple and comforting ground turkey dish smothered in savory gravy. Perfect served over mashed potatoes or rice for a hearty meal.

Prep Time: PT10M
Cook Time: PT25M
Total Time: PT35M

Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients

  • 1 lb ground turkey
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons butter

Instructions

  1. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
  2. Add onion and garlic; sauté until softened.
  3. Add ground turkey; cook until browned.
  4. Sprinkle flour over turkey; stir to combine.
  5. Slowly pour in chicken broth while stirring.
  6. Add Worcestershire sauce and thyme; simmer until thickened.
  7. Stir in butter; season with salt and pepper.
  8. Serve hot over mashed potatoes or rice.

Nutrition: Calories: 280 | Protein: 32g | Fat: 14g | Carbs: 6g

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Photo of author

Marta K

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