It can be hard to figure out how long to cook ground turkey, which is a healthy and tasty alternative to beef. If you cook it for too long, it can get dry and tough. If you don’t cook it long enough, it can be undercooked and could be harmful to eat.
So, how long should you cook ground turkey? This article will tell you the best times to cook ground turkey so that your food is always safe, juicy, and flavorful, whether you’re making tacos, meatballs, or burgers.
Many people choose ground turkey instead of ground beef when they want a white meat option. With fewer calories and fat, it’s a great option when looking to keep dishes lighter.
Like chicken, ground turkey has two different meat types: dark meat and white meat. Dark turkey meat comes from the legs and thighs, while white turkey meat mostly comes from the breasts.
Dark turkey meat has more calories and fat than white turkey meat, but it tastes better because of this.
You can usually find both types of ground corn in any grocery store. Since they cook the same, just pick the one that works best for your dish.
For turkey meatballs, dark ground turkey works best. For this lighter turkey cauliflower skillet meal, white ground turkey works best.
Ground turkey and ground beef are two of the most popular ground meats used in recipes like burgers, tacos, chili, and meatloaf While they can often be used interchangeably, there are some key differences between the two that impact cooking times So does ground turkey actually take longer to cook than ground beef?
An Overview of Ground Turkey and Ground Beef
Ground turkey is made by grinding up either white or dark turkey meat or a mix of both. It has a lower natural fat content than ground beef, usually around 10% or less. Ground beef contains around 15-20% fat on average depending on the cut and fat percentage. The leanness of ground turkey means it can dry out faster during cooking.
Ground beef has a more distinctive beefy, meaty flavor compared to the milder taste of turkey. It also retains more juices and tends to be finer in texture than the coarser grind of ground turkey.
Both meats are nutritious sources of protein. Ground beef provides more iron and zinc, while ground turkey is lower in calories and saturated fat.
Cooking Time Comparison
When cooked using the same methods, ground turkey consistently takes a few minutes longer to fully cook through compared to ground beef. Here’s a breakdown:
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Pan-frying: Ground turkey patties or crumbles take 7-9 minutes to cook. Ground beef requires 5-7 minutes.
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Grilling: Turkey burgers need 8-10 minutes on the grill. Beef burgers take 6-8 minutes.
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Baking: Meatloaves or meatballs made with ground turkey need 18-22 minutes to bake fully. Ground beef versions bake in 15-18 minutes.
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Sautéing: Browning ground turkey for tacos or chili takes 9-11 minutes. Ground beef is ready in 7-9 minutes.
While the time differences are relatively small, ground turkey does require 2-4 extra minutes of cooking time compared to ground beef when prepared using the same recipe.
Why Ground Turkey Takes Longer to Cook
There are a few reasons why ground turkey consistently needs more time to reach doneness compared to ground beef:
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Lower fat content – With less natural fat, ground turkey doesn’t render and brown as quickly. The fat in ground beef helps it cook faster.
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Coarser texture – Finely ground beef allows for quicker penetration of heat. The larger grind size of turkey slows down cooking.
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Less pre-shaping – Ground beef is often pre-formed into patties or crumbles which hold heat better. Loose ground turkey cooks more slowly.
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Higher risk of drying out – The inherently leaner turkey meat dries out more quickly, potentially before full doneness is reached.
So while ground beef benefits from fat content and finer texture, these attributes of ground turkey mean it requires a bit more time and care to cook through without drying out.
Tips for Cooking Juicy Ground Turkey
To help ground turkey cook thoroughly while maintaining moisture and texture, here are some useful tips:
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Use a meat thermometer to accurately monitor doneness instead of cooking by time. Ground turkey should reach 165°F.
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Cook in a skillet with a bit of added oil or butter to prevent sticking and drying out.
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Opt for 85% lean ground turkey or turkey made with dark meat only for added fat and flavor.
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Mix in a little ground beef, which releases moisture and fat into the turkey.
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Cut turkey meat into smaller portions to maximize surface area for quicker cooking.
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Keep patties or meatballs thinner, no more than 1-inch thick, to cook through faster.
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Brush turkey burgers with oil and move around the grill frequently for even cooking.
With the right techniques, you can achieve perfectly cooked, juicy ground turkey nearly as fast as ground beef. But due to inherent differences, ground turkey does require a little extra time and care in the kitchen.
Should You Make the Switch from Beef to Turkey?
Now that you know ground turkey takes 2-4 minutes longer to cook compared to beef, is it still worth using in place of ground beef? Here are some factors to consider:
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Ground turkey is leaner and lower in saturated fat than beef, providing potential heart health benefits.
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Turkey prices are typically less expensive per pound than beef, saving you money.
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The milder turkey flavor isn’t for everyone. Mixing the two meats together can optimize taste.
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Turkey works beautifully in most recipes that call for ground beef like burgers, tacos, chili, meatloaf, etc.
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Extra cooking time for ground turkey is minimal, making it an easy swap in most dishes.
Overall, the small amount of additional cook time needed is unlikely to deter most home cooks from using tasty and versatile ground turkey. Just keep the cooking nuances in mind and employ a few simple tricks for best results when making the swap in your favorite recipes.
Ground turkey does require 2-4 minutes longer cook time compared to ground beef when pan-fried, grilled, baked or sautéed. Factors like lower fat content, coarser texture, and less pre-shaping account for the extra time needed. With careful cooking and the right techniques, juicy and delicious ground turkey can be achieved in nearly the same time frame as ground beef. While allowing a couple extra minutes, ground turkey stands in wonderfully for beef in burgers, tacos, chili, meatballs and many other dishes.
Cooking turkey on the grill
If you grill ground turkey, it will probably be in the form of a turkey burger. Like with chicken burgers, the best way to tell when ground turkey meat is done on the grill is to stick an instant-read meat thermometer into the thickest part of the burger. Ground turkey is done when the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Depending on the size of the burger, this can take anywhere from 7-12 minutes over a medium-high flame.
Best tips for cooking ground turkey
Turkey meat is often used instead of ground beef, so it’s important to know how to get the juiciest meat that you can safely eat.
- Season your meat well. Turkey and chicken don’t taste very good without seasoning. No matter what you’re cooking with ground meat, don’t be afraid to season it a lot.
- Use oil when cooking. Because ground turkey is drier than beef, it needs either oil or butter in the pan to brown properly without sticking and drying out. The extra fat helps provide flavor as well.
- It shouldn’t dry out. If the turkey looks like it’s drying out while it’s cooking, add broth to the pan to keep it moist.
Does ground turkey take longer to cook than beef?
FAQ
Do you cook ground turkey the same as ground beef?
How long does ground turkey take to cook?
Do you cook turkey mince the same as beef?
Do turkey burgers take longer than beef?
What is the difference between ground turkey and beef?
Saturated fat is where they differ (though not by a ton), and that’s usually why turkey generally gets more “healthy” points than beef. Both ground turkey and ground beef are excellent sources of protein, which can help control appetite, boost metabolism, and increase muscle mass. When it comes to comparison, taste is completely subjective.
Ground beef vs Ground round: Which is healthier?
Ground round is better than ground beef because of less fat content as compared to ground beef. It can be used in soups and hamburgers. Beef falls into red meats and is high in cholesterol and saturated fats which are unhealthy for heart and even for diabetic patients. Lean meats like chicken and fish which are used skinless in soups and curries are better option than red meats.
Is ground turkey healthier than beef?
Ounce for ounce, ground turkey has slightly more calories, fat, cholesterol, and sodium compared to ground beef. However, ground beef has more protein, iron, zinc, and B vitamins. Saturated fat is where they differ (though not by a ton), and that’s usually why turkey generally gets more “healthy” points than beef.
How long does it take to cook a ground turkey?
Grill: If you prefer to grill ground turkey, it typically takes around 10-12 minutes over medium heat. Make sure to form patties or kebabs to ensure even cooking. Similar to other methods, monitor the internal temperature and ensure it reaches 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.