Straight from the pantry
What Can I Make with Ground Turkey?
Ground turkey cooks fast and fits into so many family meals. Think tacos, meatballs, burgers, and cozy skillet dinners.
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Cooking with ground turkey
Ground turkey is mild and cooks in just a few minutes. It is leaner than many ground meats, so it likes a little help. Olive oil, grated onion, breadcrumbs, or a splash of broth keep it tender. Bold seasonings like cumin, paprika, garlic, and chili powder work well.
Unlike turkey breast, which is sliced or roasted, ground turkey is crumbled or shaped. That makes it a good fit for chili, pasta sauce, stuffed peppers, and patties. Unlike leftover turkey, it starts out raw, so you build the flavor from the beginning.
Questions folks ask
Can I swap ground turkey for ground beef?
Yes, in most recipes. Add a bit of oil or broth since turkey is leaner, and season it well.
How do I keep ground turkey from drying out?
Don't overcook it, and add moisture with onion, vegetables, sauce, or a little oil. Mix gently when shaping.
What temperature is ground turkey done?
Ground turkey is safe to eat at 165°F inside. Use a thermometer for patties and meatballs.
Kitchen tips
- Break the meat up well in a hot pan and let it brown before stirring too much.
- Mix in grated onion or zucchini to keep burgers and meatballs moist.
- Season more boldly than you would for beef.
- Cook until no pink remains and it reaches 165°F.
- Don't pack patties too tight or they turn dry.