Cooking a whole turkey can seem like an intimidating task, but it doesn’t have to be. One of the easiest and most flavorful ways to prepare turkey is to roast it alongside fresh vegetables This method produces a tender, juicy turkey and vibrant side dishes all in one pan
At our website, we love finding simple shortcuts to make cooking easier and more enjoyable. Roasting turkey with veggies streamlines dinner prep and delivers a complete meal with minimal effort Follow our tips below for foolproof results.
Why Cook Turkey and Veggies Together?
Cooking the turkey and vegetables together in one pan provides some major advantages
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Saves time – No need to prepare separate side dishes when the veggies roast right alongside the turkey.
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Maximizes oven space – You can fit the entire meal in one pan, freeing up oven racks.
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Enhances flavor – The turkey juices baste the vegetables as they roast, adding moisture and savoriness.
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Easy cleanup – Just one pan to wash makes cleanup a breeze.
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Provides balanced nutrition – The protein-packed turkey paired with fiber-rich veggies makes for a nutritious meal.
Picking the Best Vegetables
When selecting vegetables to roast with your turkey, go for options that complement the turkey flavor and offer an array of textures. We recommend a mix of:
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Root vegetables – Potatoes, sweet potatoes, carrots, parsnips, turnips
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Alliums – Onions, shallots, garlic
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Hearty greens – Brussels sprouts, broccoli, green beans
Sturdier vegetables tend to hold up better during the long roasting time. You can prep them by peeling, chopping into large chunks, or leaving whole.
Trussing the Turkey for Even Cooking
Trussing brings the turkey legs together and tucks the wings underneath. This produces a compact, uniform shape that cooks evenly.
To truss:
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Place turkey breast-side up on a work surface.
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Tie legs together at the ends with kitchen string.
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Loop string around the tip of the drumsticks and pull tight to bring legs close to body.
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Wrap string around wings to secure them in place.
Seasoning for Maximum Flavor
For the best flavor, generously season the turkey and vegetables:
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Turkey – Rub olive oil all over and sprinkle with salt, pepper, fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary, and garlic.
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Vegetables – Toss with olive oil, salt, pepper, chopped fresh herbs, minced garlic, and a squeeze of lemon juice.
The oil helps the seasonings stick, while the acid brightens the flavors.
Roasting Guidelines
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Temperature – Roast at 350°F to ensure the turkey cooks through without drying out.
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Time – Estimate 15-18 minutes per pound for an unstuffed turkey. Use a meat thermometer to confirm doneness.
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Placement – Set vegetables around turkey or in a layer underneath to act as a rack.
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Tent with foil – Cover turkey breast loosely with foil during last hour if over-browning.
Letting the Turkey Rest
After roasting, transfer the turkey to a cutting board and let rest for 20-30 minutes. This allows the juices to reabsorb for moister meat.
Meanwhile, return the vegetables to the hot oven to finish cooking if needed.
Serving Suggestions
Once rested, carve the turkey and arrange the vegetables on a platter. Here are some tasty serving ideas:
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Top turkey slices with pan gravy for added moisture.
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Mash roasted vegetables into a hearty side dish.
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Toss tender greens with a vinaigrette for a salad.
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Serve with cranberry sauce and roasted pumpkin or squash.
With minimal hands-on time, you’ll have a complete meal featuring deliciously roasted turkey and vegetables. This one-pan wonder helps simplify holiday cooking or makes an easy anytime dinner.
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How to Make Sheet Pan Roasted Turkey and Veggies
This is a very simple dinner that can be made in less than 30 minutes. Everything is cooked on one sheet pan. Low-carb and full of veggies, this dish is great for a weeknight. You can find it and more in our cookbook, Guilt-Free Comfort Favorites from the Mr. Food Test Kitchen.
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
- Put oil, rosemary, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper in a large bowl. Add the juice of half a lemon and mix well. Add turkey and toss until evenly coated. Place on a baking sheet. Toss the bell pepper, zucchini, mushrooms, and onion in the oil mixture until they are all covered. Place vegetables and lemon halves on baking sheet.
- Roast for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the vegetables are soft and the turkey has no more pink on it. Use tongs to squeeze roasted lemon halves over the turkey and vegetables. Serve right away.
- Serving Size 3 oz turkey with 1 cup vegetables
- Amount per serving Calories 190
- Total Fat 8g
- Saturated Fat 1g
- Trans Fats 0g
- Cholesterol 35mg
- Sodium 250mg
- Total carbs: 7g, dietary fiber: 2g, total sugars: 3g, added sugars: 0g
- Protein 25g
- Potassium 287mg
- Phosphorous 210mg
Ingredients
Cooking turkey with vegetables in the mountainous and snowy village!
FAQ
Can you cook raw turkey with vegetables?
Should you roast turkey on top of vegetables?
Why do people stuff turkeys with vegetables?
What vegetables are good for turkeys?
How to cook a Turkey with vegetables?
Some good choices include carrots, celery, onions, and potatoes. You can also add other vegetables such as mushrooms, peppers, or squash. To roast turkey with vegetables, you will need to first preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Then, you will need to season the turkey with salt, pepper, and any other desired spices.
Can one have turkey and carrots?
Eating turkey and carrots is part of healthy habits. The turkey has meat like chicken and is another healthy poultry option. Carrots are rich in carotenoids, it is a source of vitamin A, fiber, potassium and vitamin B3.
How long do you cook a turkey & vegetables?
The cooking time for the turkey and vegetables will vary depending on the size of the turkey and the type of vegetables you are using. A general rule of thumb is to roast the turkey for 15 minutes per pound, and the vegetables for 20-25 minutes.
How do you cook a turkey breast with vegetables?
Place the turkey breast on top of the vegetables in a roasting pan. Cover the roasting pan with foil and bake in the oven for 2-3 hours, or until the turkey breast is cooked through. Let the turkey breast rest for 15 minutes before slicing and serving. Cooking turkey with vegetables is a delicious and healthy way to enjoy a holiday meal.
What vegetables can you eat with a Turkey?
* Root vegetables, such as potatoes, carrots, and parsnips, are a good choice for roasting with turkey. They will hold their shape and not become mushy when cooked. * Cabbage, Brussels sprouts, and broccoli are also good options for roasting with turkey. They will add a variety of colors and textures to the dish.
Can you roast a Turkey on a bed of vegetables?
That’s right, you can actually roast your turkey right on top of a bed of vegetables, and it’s absolutely amazing. Roasting a turkey on vegetables is a great way to infuse the meat with flavor from the vegetables. The vegetables will also help to keep the turkey moist and juicy.