Im always working on my recipes to keep my calories down. Mixing lean hamburger and adding ground turkey, still keeps the flavor of the hamburger. Your guests will never know and they are half ground beef and ground turkey, a crowd-pleaser as well. My husband and I lost 80lbs. For us, just changing our mindset by always revamping recipes and working ingredients without losing flavor. It’s like a challenge for me to share what I make and keep track of every calorie, fat, and carb. Sandwich Thins Multigrain or a lettuce wrap is what we use unless we have guests over.
Try this healthy hamburger recipe if you love a classic hamburger but want to make it a little lighter. It combines ground beef and lower-fat ground turkey. Tender and juicy, youd never guess theyre not completely ground beef. When the patty is perfectly seasoned, you can put it on a whole wheat bun or on top of a salad and get any burger you want. — The Test Kitchen.
If you’re looking to add more variety to your ground meat recipes, you may be wondering if you can combine ground beef and ground turkey. The short answer is yes! Blending these two versatile meats opens up a world of delicious options. In this complete guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about cooking ground beef and turkey together successfully.
What Are the Benefits of Cooking Ground Beef and Turkey Together?
There are several advantages to mixing ground beef and turkey:
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Complimentary flavors – Ground beef provides rich, beefy flavor while ground turkey offers a milder, lighter taste Herbs and spices blend beautifully with both meats
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Improved texture – Turkey can dry out easily, so adding juicy ground beef keeps mixtures moist and helps turkey cook evenly.
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More nutrition – Ground turkey supplies protein, vitamins, and minerals like selenium, zinc, and B vitamins Ground beef provides iron, zinc, potassium and more B vitamins. Together they make a nutritious meal
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Lower fat – Ground turkey is a leaner option than ground beef. Combining them reduces overall fat content compared to all beef.
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Cost savings – Ground turkey is an affordable alternative to ground beef Mixing them stretches your grocery budget
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Dietary flexibility – Ground turkey accommodates various diets like gluten-free, low-carb, or low-fat. Ground beef satisfies bigger appetites. The combo appeals to different dietary needs.
Is It Safe to Cook Ground Beef and Turkey Together?
Safety is often a top concern when handling raw meats. The good news is it’s perfectly safe to cook ground beef and turkey together provided you follow proper precautions:
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Cook thoroughly to safe minimum internal temperatures. Ground beef should reach 160°F and turkey 165°F.
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Prevent cross-contamination by using separate utensils and cutting boards for each meat during prep.
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Wash hands, surfaces, and tools that touched raw meat thoroughly before and after prep.
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Don’t reuse platters or utensils that touched raw meat before washing.
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Refrigerate promptly after cooking to prevent bacterial growth.
Follow these guidelines and ground beef and turkey can be combined safely with delicious results!
Tips for Preparing and Cooking Ground Beef and Turkey
Use these handy tips for preparing and cooking ground beef and turkey mixtures:
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If making meatballs or burgers, be sure to mix the meats thoroughly so flavor and texture are evenly distributed.
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For casseroles or pasta sauces, brown the ground beef first since it usually cooks quicker than turkey.
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When sautéing, start with ground turkey first as it requires gentler heat to prevent drying out.
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Cut turkey and beef into similar sized pieces so they cook at the same rate.
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Marinate meats together to let them soak up shared flavors.
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Brush turkey with oil or wrap with bacon to prevent drying while cooking.
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Cook using methods allowing fat to drain away from turkey while keeping ground beef moist.
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Monitor temperature closely and remove beef sooner since turkey requires more time to cook through.
Creative Recipe Ideas for Ground Beef and Turkey
From casseroles to meatballs, tacos to lasagna, the possibilities are endless when cooking with a blend of ground beef and turkey! Here are some tasty recipe ideas to inspire you:
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Beef and Turkey Meatloaf – Mix the two ground meats with eggs, breadcrumbs, and seasoning for a family-friendly meatloaf.
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Shepherd’s Pie – Fill a casserole dish with ground beef and turkey simmered with veggies like peas and carrots, topped with creamy mashed potatoes.
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Stuffed Peppers – Stuff bell peppers with a mixture of rice, ground beef, ground turkey, tomatoes, and cheese for a delicious one-pot meal.
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Cabbage Rolls – Substitute a blend of ground beef and turkey for the all-beef filling in traditional cabbage rolls.
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Beef and Turkey Burgers – Make juicy grilled burgers with a combination of the two ground meats.
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Bolognese Sauce – Cook up a hearty meat sauce for pasta using both ground beef and turkey.
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Chili – Brown ground beef and turkey together with onions and make a pot of hearty, protein-packed chili.
The options are endless, so get creative with the flavor combinations! Ground beef and turkey pair beautifully.
Health Considerations When Cooking with Ground Beef and Turkey
While offering great nutrition, there are some health factors to keep in mind when cooking with ground beef and turkey:
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Ground beef often contains more saturated fat than turkey. Opt for leaner beef or drain fat after cooking.
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Processed ground beef may have added sodium. Choose fresh when possible or limit salty seasonings.
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Preparation and cooking method impacts fat content. Grilling, broiling, or baking is healthier than frying.
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Turkey skin and dark meat have more fat than white breast meat. Stick to lean turkey.
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Portion control is key as meat-heavy meals can be high in cholesterol or calories. Enjoy in moderation.
Overall, mixing ground beef and turkey can provide a lean, protein-packed option when enjoyed as part of a balanced diet. Utilize healthy prep methods and combine with veggies and whole grains for balanced nutrition.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cooking Ground Beef and Turkey
What ratio of ground beef to turkey should I use?
Equal parts ground beef and turkey provides the most balanced flavor and texture. Feel free to adjust proportions to your tastes.
Should I prepare ground beef and turkey differently?
Yes, it helps to brown ground beef first on its own and turkey separately since they often require different cook times and temperatures.
Can I substitute bison, chicken, or pork for the ground turkey?
Absolutely! Ground chicken, pork or bison can be seamlessly swapped for ground turkey depending on your tastes and dietary needs.
How do I know when ground turkey is fully cooked?
Ground turkey is safely cooked through once it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. For ground beef, aim for 160°F. Use a food thermometer to check.
Can I freeze cooked ground beef and turkey mixtures?
You sure can! Allow dishes to fully cool before transferring to a freezer-safe container. They’ll keep frozen for 2-3 months.
Blending ground beef and turkey opens up a world of flavor possibilities, from hearty casseroles to family-friendly meatballs and more. Follow the guidance above for tasty results. Don’t be afraid to get creative with seasonings that complement both meats beautifully. Enjoy this versatile combination in your kitchen soon!
How To Make healthy hamburger mix of beef and turkey
- 1 Mix all the ingredients in a large mixing bowl. Massage the mixture well so that all the meat is mixed in with the other ingredients.
- 2 Create six tennis balls-size balls with the meat. Then use your thumbs to press the meat together to make patties.
- 3: Put the patties on a grill over high heat and cook the first side for 6 minutes. Then cook the second side for 4 to 5 minutes. Let burgers rest for 5 min before serving.
- 4 Serve with your veggies and condiments. Optional. add cheese, and/or bacon strips. If you want to cut back on carbs, burgers in a lettuce wrap are a great option.
- Last Step: Don’t forget to share! Post a picture of your finished recipe on your favorite social network and watch all of your friends drool. And dont forget to tag Just A Pinch and include #justapinchrecipes so we can see it too! .
Ingredients For healthy hamburger mix of beef and turkey
- 1-1/4 lb 80/20 ground beef
- 1-1/4 lb 85% lean ground turkey
- 1 Tbsp garlic powder
- 1/2 Tbsp onion powder
- 1/4 tsp ground pepper
- 1/2 Tbsp sea salt
- 1-1/2 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce