I love to batch cook and freeze these turkey and pork meatballs for the week. These meatballs are leaner than beef meatballs because they are made with ground turkey and carrots. The ground pork gives them the juicy, chewy texture I love in meatballs. These meatballs go well with a tomato-based sauce and are great for pasta, salad, or sandwiches.
As a home cook and food blogger I’m always looking for ways to add variety to my family’s meals. Lately, I’ve been experimenting with mixing different types of ground meat in the same dish. Specifically I wanted to find out if you can cook ground turkey and ground pork together. The short answer is yes, you definitely can!
Combining ground turkey and pork creates a unique flavor profile and texture that takes your recipes to the next level Ground turkey is lean and healthy, while ground pork provides richness and depth of flavor Together, they make burgers, meatballs, meatloaf, chili, and more incredibly delicious.
However, there are a few things to keep in mind when cooking ground turkey and pork together. Proper handling, mixing, and cooking methods are key for food safety and the best results. In this article, I’ll share my tips and favorite recipes for successfully cooking ground turkey and pork as one.
Can You Cook Ground Turkey and Pork Together?
Ground turkey and ground pork can absolutely be cooked together in the same dish. The pork adds moisture and fat to lean turkey meat, infusing it with flavor. The turkey lightens up the richness of the pork. Mixing them allows you to take advantage of both meats’ strengths.
Most recipes call for a one to one ratio of ground turkey to ground pork when combining them. This provides a good balance of health benefits from the turkey and depth of flavor from the pork. However, you can adjust the ratio based on your preferences and dietary needs.
It’s important to use fresh, high-quality ground turkey and pork when cooking them together. Make sure to check the sell-by date and give the meat a sniff test before using. When mixed raw, the meats should have a fresh, mild odor. Any off or sour smells mean it’s time to throw them out.
Handling Raw Ground Turkey and Pork Safely
To prevent cross-contamination and foodborne illness, proper handling of raw meats is essential. Here are some tips for safely prepping ground turkey and pork:
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Wash hands and surfaces thoroughly before and after handling raw meat. Use hot, soapy water.
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Keep the meats separate until ready to mix together. Use different cutting boards and utensils for each.
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Mix the meats together just before cooking. Don’t let the raw mixture sit out too long.
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Cook the turkey-pork blend thoroughly to an internal temperature of 165°F. Use a food thermometer to check doneness.
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Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours and use within 3-4 days. Discard if you notice an off smell or color.
Following basic food safety principles keeps you and your loved ones protected. Take the extra few minutes to prep turkey and pork mindfully.
Mixing and Cooking Ground Turkey and Pork
To end up with the best texture and flavor, proper mixing and cooking methods are key. Here are my tips:
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Use your (clean!) hands to gently mix the meats. Over-mixing can make meat dense and rubbery.
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For burgers, lightly form patties right before cooking. Don’t compact them too firmly or they’ll be tough.
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Adjust cooking times and temperatures based on the recipe. Pork cooks faster than turkey, so turkey-heavy blends may need a few extra minutes.
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Brush patties and meatballs with oil to prevent sticking to the pan or grill. Use medium heat to avoid burning.
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Bake meatloaf and meatballs in a 375°F oven until the internal temperature reaches 165°F, about 30-40 minutes.
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For chili and pasta sauce, simmer the ground meat blend for 15-20 minutes to fully cook and let flavors meld.
With some trial and error, you’ll get a feel for how to adjust cook times for your perfect turkey-pork combo. Use a food thermometer and make sure to cook it hot and long enough.
Flavorful Recipe Ideas
From family dinners to game day snacks, mixing ground turkey and pork opens up so many possibilities for tasty dishes. Here are a few of my favorite recipes:
Juicy Turkey-Pork Burgers
Combine 1 lb ground turkey and 1 lb ground pork. Add diced onion, Worcestershire sauce, egg, and seasonings of choice. Grill or pan fry patties to 165°F internal temperature. Serve on buns with favorite toppings.
Baked Turkey-Pork Meatballs
Mix 1 lb each ground turkey and pork. Add breadcrumbs, egg, minced veggies, and Italian herbs and spices. Roll into balls and bake at 375°F until 165°F internal temperature. Toss with tomato sauce over pasta.
Hearty Turkey-Pork Chili
Cook 1 lb ground turkey and pork blend with onion and garlic. Add chili powder, cumin, canned diced tomatoes, beans, and stock. Simmer 15-20 minutes till thick. Top with cheese, sour cream, etc.
Savory Turkey-Pork Meatloaf
Combine 1 lb each ground turkey and pork. Add eggs, breadcrumbs, ketchup, and any spices. Shape into a loaf and bake at 375°F to 165°F internal temperature, glazing top with ketchup.
Easy Turkey-Pork Tacos
Brown 1 lb blend of ground turkey and pork. Season with taco mix or cumin, chili powder, garlic. Serve in warmed tortillas or taco shells topped with fixings like cheese, lettuce, salsa.
Let your imagination run wild coming up with your own twists on these turkey-pork recipes. The flavor combos are endless.
Health Considerations
When eating any meat, it’s smart to be mindful of your consumption for overall health. Here are a few things to keep in mind with ground turkey and pork:
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Choose 85% or 93% lean ground turkey to limit saturated fat intake. Avoid pre-seasoned turkey with lots of sodium.
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Opt for fresh, uncured ground pork when possible. Processed pork can contain excessive fat, salt, and preservatives.
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Portion control is key. Stick to 3-4 oz cooked servings of the turkey-pork blend. Too much can be high in cholesterol.
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Balance with veggies, fruits, whole grains, beans, etc. Eat meat as part of an overall healthy diet, not the main focus.
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Limit processed nitrates/nitrites by making your own burger patties and meatballs instead of buying pre-made.
By paying attention to leaner meats, portions, and ingredients, you can feel good about enjoying your turkey-pork dishes. Moderation and variety are always healthy approaches.
Bring on the Turkey-Pork Masterpieces!
I’m thrilled to have discovered how well ground turkey and pork complement each other in so many recipes. Mixing them builds texture and infuses lean turkey with rich, savory flavor. With proper handling and cooking, you can safely craft delicious burgers, meatballs, tacos, chili, and more.
Making turkey meatballs chewy
All-turkey meatballs end up a bit mushy and soft. Though everyone has a different taste, I like my meatballs chewy with a little fat. I mix pork into these meatballs to give them chewiness and juiciness.
Adding a tablespoon of gelatin to the mix can make these meatballs even chewier. Gelatin isn’t something I’d buy just for meatballs, but if you have it on hand, it’s a good thing to add. Why would I keep gelatin in my pantry? I keep them for making homemade gummies!.
For the best meatball texture, try not to overmix. Gently massage the mixture using your fingers until they are just combined.
Hidden veggie for picky kids
I sneak veggies into my recipes as much as possible to ensure my kids eat enough veggies. A little bit here and there adds up in addition to serving veggies as sides. Carrots complement the flavors of these turkey and pork meatballs, and the orange color blends in well. However, you can use other vegetables you have on hand. If you want the carrots to blend, put them in a food processor and pulse them until they are very small. You can also use a box grater to grate the carrots. The cooked meatballs will look better with coarsely grated carrots.
Ground Meat and Veggies Recipe! Do this with your Ground Beef or Turkey. Absolutely Delicious!!!
FAQ
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