This easy guide will teach you everything on how to cook Ground Turkey in a pan in 15 minutes. My technique makes ground turkey juicy, moist and flavorful. It’s a healthy and versatile protein source for tacos, burgers, and weekly dinners. You will also find a simple Bolognese sauce recipe for lasagna or pasta dishes.
Ground turkey is turkey meat that has been finely chopped and mixed together. As it is lower in fats and calories compared to ground beef, ground turkey is considered as a healthy, diet friendly protein food. 100 g (3.5 oz) of lean ground turkey provide approximately 149 calories, 8.26 g fat, 0 g carbohydrates and 17.4 g protein. Additionally, it is a great source of B vitamins and minerals.
Similarly to ground beef, this food is incredibly versatile. It comes in very handy for burgers, tacos and pasta sauces. But if you’ve ever attempted to cook ground turkey at home, you probably already know that it can be tricky. Cook it for too long and it will get dry, season it too little and it will be tasteless. That’s why I have decided to write a complete article on how to make ground turkey that tastes flavorful and extra juicy.
Ground turkey breast is one of the most versatile and healthy lean proteins to always keep stocked in your kitchen. It cooks up quickly and takes on flavors easily, making it perfect for easy weeknight dinners. The mild taste also allows it to be used in a variety of dishes from classic comfort foods to more creative recipes.
Compared to other ground meats, ground turkey breast has numerous benefits:
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It’s lean and low in fat – Ground turkey breast is 99% fat free while standard ground turkey can contain up to 20% fat. Going with the breast meat eliminates a lot of unwanted saturated fat and calories.
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It’s versatile – Ground turkey breast can easily be used in place of beef or chicken in recipes The mild flavor lets spices, herbs and sauces shine.
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It cooks fast – Ground turkey breast cooks quickly in a skillet, ideal for speedy weeknight meals when you need dinner on the table fast.
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It’s budget-friendly – Buying turkey on sale and freezing ground turkey breast keeps costs lower than other ground meats.
With so many advantages to using ground turkey breast, it’s no wonder it has become a grocery store staple. Here are 13 delicious and healthy recipes that will have you using it for dinner on repeat:
1. BBQ Turkey Meatloaf
This lighter bbq turkey meatloaf has all the comforting flavor of classic meatloaf but is healthier with ground turkey breast. The sweet and tangy barbecue sauce glazed on top makes it simply irresistible. For the best texture, be sure not to overcook the ground turkey. Mashed potatoes or rice make the perfect sides.
2. Turkey-Veggie Stir Fry
Skip the carbs but keep the flavor with this quick turkey stir fry. Strips of ground turkey breast get tossed with fresh vegetables like broccoli bell peppers mushrooms, carrots and snow peas. For convenience, use a bag of stir fry veggie blend from the produce section. Serve it on its own or over cauliflower rice.
3. Spicy Turkey Lettuce Wraps
Recreate the fresh flavors of your favorite Asian lettuce wraps at home with this easy ground turkey recipe. It comes together in a flash and packs a flavor punch from chili garlic sauce. Cooling lettuce leaves make the perfect low carb vessel.
4. Turkey and Black Bean Chili
Amp up your classic chili by using lean ground turkey breast and loading it up with vegetables like bell pepper, onion and zucchini. Topped with Greek yogurt, this chili delivers protein and fiber.
5. Cajun Turkey Burgers
Burgers don’t have to be boring. These Cajun turkey burgers are packed with flavor from garlic powder, paprika, thyme, cayenne and oregano. Top them with a creamy avocado salsa verde for a cool contrast.
6. Turkey Taco Stuffed Peppers
Enjoy all your favorite Tex-Mex flavors baked right into a pepper. These turkey stuffed peppers are filled with seasoned ground turkey, black beans, corn and cheese. Make them for a fun family dinner.
7. Zucchini Turkey Skillet
This easy one-pan dinner mixes lean ground turkey breast with zucchini noodles, marinara and parmesan. Thanks to the zoodles, one serving has just 200 calories and 27 grams of protein.
8. Cheesy Turkey and Broccoli Pasta
Comfort food made easy. This 4-ingredient turkey pasta skillet combines quick-cooking turkey breast, broccoli and mozzarella with pasta and seasonings for a fast 500 calorie dinner.
9. Thai Turkey Burgers with Peanut Sauce
Wow your family with these globally inspired turkey burgers. They’re infused with the flavors of Thailand – ginger, lime, cilantro and red curry paste. Top them with an addictive sweet and creamy peanut sauce.
10. Buffalo Turkey Meatballs
Give boring turkey meatballs an upgrade with the addictive flavors of Buffalo chicken wings – hot sauce, blue cheese and ranch dressing. These game day appetizers will be a touchdown for sports fans.
11. Sloppy Joes
Made with lean ground turkey instead of fatty beef, these lighter sloppy joes deserve a regular spot in your dinner plans. Sweet, tangy and utterly delicious!
12. Turkey Alfredo Zoodles
Keep the flavor but cut the carbs in this skinny turkey Alfredo recipe. Zucchini noodles stand in for heavy pasta while protein-packed ground turkey replaces higher-fat beef.
13. Turkey Larb Lettuce Wraps
Skip the takeout and make this fresh and healthy larb at home. Ground turkey stands in for pork or chicken and gets flavored with lime juice, chili sauce and fresh herbs. Serve it in crisp lettuce cups for portion control.
With endless options for simple meals, there’s no reason not to keep ground turkey breast stocked in your kitchen. It’s budget-friendly, cooks fast and takes on any flavor you pair it with.
Give these 13 delicious and healthy recipes a try the next time you have a package of ground turkey breast on hand. They’re all family-friendly, packed with flavor and will have you loving this versatile lean protein even more.
How to choose ground turkey
Choosing the right ground turkey to cook is the key for juicy, moist and flavorful meat. As you may know, there are many options at the grocery store and not all are the same. First things first, you will want to purchase high-quality ground turkey, ideally from organic farming and raised without antibiotics. Ground turkey differs mainly in 2 ways:
- Percentage of fat. Ground turkey is typically available with different fat content, ranging from 80/20 (80% lean and 20% fat) to 99/1 (99% lean and 1% fat). The higher the fat content, the juicier and more flavorful the meat will be, while lower fat options are leaner and healthier but can get dry if not cooked properly.
- Type of meat. You can find ground turkey breast and mixed ground turkey, made from a combination of breast and fattier cuts. Turkey breast is leaner, while mixed turkey meat is fattier.
MattsfitChef’s Tip. I always use and recommend ground turkey breast with a fat percentage between 2% and 10%. My first choice is 93% lean ground turkey, meaning it is 7% fat and 93% lean meat.
Many people argue that higher fat percentages result in moister and juicier meat, but with the right cooking method, even lean turkey can be juicy and flavorful.
How to cook ground turkey
Cooking ground turkey in a pan is very simple, it won’t require more than 15 minutes. The only ingredients you will need are ground turkey, cooking oil and salt. But for more taste, you can add other seasonings. Here are some details, precise quantities can be found in the recipe card at the end of this guide.
- Ground turkey. Choose high-quality ground turkey breast; I recommend 93/7 meat. This ratio provides a great amount of fat to keep the turkey juicy while remaining low in calories. However, feel free to use the type of turkey you prefer.
- Cooking oil. A cooking oil like canola oil, coconut oil or avocado oil prevent the meat from sticking to the pan and add extra flavor.
- Salt. A pinch of salt is enough for a simple turkey seasoning. But you can add other seasonings such as onion powder or smoked paprika for more taste.
Store-bought ground turkey often comes pre-salted and seasoned. If this is the case, you may not need to add extra salt. Be sure to check the package for any added seasonings or salt content, and adjust your recipe accordingly to avoid over-seasoning.
- Step 1 – Heat the pan. Preheat a large non-stick stainless steel pan over high heat with 1 tablespoon of cooking oil. My oil of choice was avocado oil.
- Step 2 – Season and cook. Once the pan is hot, add the ground turkey and break it apart with a spatula, a fork, or tongs. Season the meat directly in the pan, with salt, pepper and seasonings of choice. Let the ground turkey cook undisturbed for 5 minutes, until the bottom has browned and caramelized.
- Step 3 – Cook through. Break the ground turkey into crumbles, using either a spatula or tongs. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes more, until the meat is no more pink. A food thermometer should read 165°F (74°C). Do not overcook, or the turkey will get dry.
The key to keeping ground turkey moist, juicy, and flavorful is to avoid overcooking it. When ground turkey is cooked too long, it tends to dry out and become rubbery as all the fat is released into the pan.
It takes 10 – 12 minutes for ground turkey to cook. You should only cook it until it has browned and is no more pink. For precision, I recommend measuring the inner temperature of the meat with a food thermometer. It should read 165° degrees Fahrenheit (74° degrees Celsius).
- Step 4. Serve ground turkey immediately, or let it cool and store in a food container for a maximum of 4 days.
Ground Turkey Pasta Bake
FAQ
What can I use ground turkey breast for?
Ground turkey is one of those ingredients we always keep on hand. It cooks up quickly and is versatile enough to use in burgers, chili, meatloaf and more—which means a great, homemade meal is never out of reach.
Is ground turkey breast healthier than ground beef?
Ground turkey is healthier than ground beef. It contains less saturated fat, calories, and cholesterol than lean ground beef. Be sure to check the packaging though, some turkey is made with dark meat, which tends to have more fat in it than ground turkey breast.
Why add egg to ground turkey?
Add a spoonful of mayonnaise.
A spoonful or two of mayonnaise, mixed right in with the ground meat. Now hear me out. Most recipes use egg to bind ground turkey, helping the meat to form into cohesive, juicy patties.
How do I make ground turkey more flavorful?
With ground turkey, you need fresh aromatics to season it. Chopped yellow onions, scallions, cilantro, and red bell pepper all help add flavor.