29 Ways to Swap Beef with Turkey in K12 Meals • The K12 Lunch Bell

As school nutrition programs balance evolving guidelines, turkey continues to stand out as a smart alternative to beef. With its approachable, adaptable taste and menu-wide versatility, turkey fits well into so many familiar favorites all while hitting nutrition goals.

Very Versatile

From crumbles and meatballs to pre-sauced and pre-seasoned, the many formats of turkey help fill out your menu.

A Trusted Brand

With a name known and trusted by parents,
JENNIE-O^® Turkey brings a nourishing confidence to your cafeteria.

Nutrition Decision

Turkey supports the nutritional considerations mentioned by students when asked about school lunches.¹

The Price is Right

With a lower average material price compared to beef, turkey is often the better financial option that helps make the most of entitlement dollars.²

1 Aramark Survey, 2025
2 USDA, Average Prices for 2026/27 School Year, Whole Bird Turkey Commodities vs Beef Commodities

Savory Turkey Crumbles

With a classic taste and adaptable format, these crumbles come ready to add savory flavor to pizzas, pastas and bowls.

Turkey Crumble Korean BBQ Rice Bowl
See Recipe

Walking Breakfast Tacos
See Recipe

Turkey Dan Dan Noodles
See Recipe

Sweet & Spicy Hot Chili Turkey Noodles
See Recipe

Turkey CHORIZO Crumbles

Bold, smoky flavor has never been so easy. Scoop it into tacos, burritos and breakfast bowls for quick global flair.

Breakfast Turkey Chorizo Crunchurito
See Recipe

Turkey Chorizo Breakfast Chilaquiles
See Recipe

Spicy Nachos
See Recipe

ITALIAN Turkey SAUSAGE Crumbles

This Italian-style, herb-forward flavor is ready for the lunchtime lineup, whether in pizzas, pastas or breakfast bakes.

The Works Pizza
See Recipe

Breakfast Pizza
See Recipe

Tater Topped
Breakfast Bake
See Recipe

Bonus Idea:
Turkey Calzone

Savory Turkey MEATBALLS

These classic turkey meatballs are sized just right for kid-favorites like pasta bowls and meatball subs and more!

Albondigas Soup
See Recipe

Teriyaki Meatballs
See Recipe

Korean BBQ Meatball Rice Bowl
See Recipe

Soba Noodle Bowl
See Recipe

Kung Pao Meatballs & Noodles
See Recipe

Cheddar Mashed Potato and Meatball Bowl
See Recipe

Meatball Banh Mi
See Recipe

Turkey Meatball Sub
See Recipe

New! Jalapeño Popper Meatballs

Kids who like heat will love these jalapeño-seasoned, parmesan-infused meatballs that spice up everything from subs to pastas.

Bonus Idea:
Turkey Jalapeño
Popper Meatball Sub

Bonus Idea:
Turkey Jalapeño Popper Meatball Noodle Bowl

Turkey Taco Meat

Pre-sauced, boil-in-bag taco meat helps you put boldly seasoned flavor into tacos, salads, burritos and bowls.

Turkey Picadillo with Brown Rice
See Recipe

Stuffed Bell Pepper
See Recipe

Bonus Idea:
Crunchy Tacos

Bonus Idea:
Taco Bowl

Bonus Idea:
Empanadas

Turkey Chili

This hearty turkey chili comes ready to boil-in-bag and serve as a customizable chili or as a loaded potato topper.

Fiesta Chili
See Recipe

Loaded Baked Potato
See Recipe

Turkey Spaghetti
Meat Sauce

The deep, rich flavor of boil-in-bag turkey spaghetti sauce is perfect for speed-scratch pastas and casseroles.

Turkey Spaghetti
See Recipe