Make a Comforting Meal With Ground Turkey Gravy Over Mashed Potatoes

There’s nothing more comforting on a chilly night than a hearty meal of ground turkey gravy served over creamy, smooth mashed potatoes. This classic combination is easy to make, budget-friendly, and always satisfies. In this article, we’ll walk through step-by-step how to make delicious ground turkey gravy and perfect mashed potatoes to serve it over

Benefits of Ground Turkey

Ground turkey has become an increasingly popular alternative to ground beef. Compared to beef, ground turkey tends to be leaner and lower in saturated fat For example, 85% lean ground turkey contains around 5 grams of saturated fat per 4-ounce serving, while 85% lean ground beef contains around 7 grams per 4-ounce serving

Turkey is also an excellent source of protein. A 4-ounce serving provides around 25 grams of protein. Protein helps keep you feeling satisfied and full between meals. It also helps maintain and repair muscles.

Ground turkey is very versatile It can be used in recipes that call for ground beef, like burgers, meatloaf, chili, meatballs, tacos, etc Its mild flavor also works well with a variety of seasonings and sauces.

Tips for Cooking Ground Turkey

When cooking ground turkey, there are a few things to keep in mind:

• Use 85% or 93% lean ground turkey. Ground turkey with a higher fat percentage can become greasy when cooked. The leaner the turkey, the better it will hold up in recipes.

• Break up the ground turkey as it cooks. Use a spoon or spatula to crumble the turkey into small pieces as it cooks. This helps it brown evenly.

• Cook over medium heat. High heat can cause ground turkey to get dry and rubbery. Medium heat helps render the fat properly.

• Drain excess fat. After browning the turkey, drain off any excess grease before adding other ingredients. This helps prevent greasiness.

• Add flavor. Ground turkey benefits from added seasonings. Saute aromatics like onion and garlic with the turkey or add herbs, spices, etc.

How to Make Ground Turkey Gravy

Making gravy with ground turkey is just as easy as making it with ground beef. Here is a simple recipe:

Ingredients:

• 1 lb 85% lean ground turkey
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1/2 onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 sprig fresh thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until translucent. Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute more.

2. Increase heat to medium-high. Add the ground turkey and cook for 5-7 minutes, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Cook until no longer pink.

3. Drain excess grease from the pan. Reduce heat to medium and sprinkle the flour over the turkey. Cook for 2 minutes, stirring occasionally.

4. Whisk in the chicken broth until smooth. Add the thyme sprig. Simmer for 10-15 minutes until thickened to your desired consistency.

5. Remove the thyme sprig. Season the gravy with salt and pepper to taste.

This simple gravy pairs perfectly with mashed potatoes, over biscuits, or on top of rice or pasta. The flour helps thicken the broth into a rich, creamy gravy.

How to Make Smooth Mashed Potatoes

Creamy mashed potatoes are the perfect blank canvas for gravy. Here is an easy mashed potato recipe:

Ingredients:

• 3 lbs russet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1″ cubes
• 1 cup whole milk, warmed
• 4 tbsp butter
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp pepper

Instructions:

1. Place the cubed potatoes in a pot and cover with cold water by 1 inch. Bring to a boil over high heat.

2. Once boiling, reduce heat to medium-low. Simmer for 15-20 minutes until potatoes are fork tender. Drain.

3. Return potatoes to the dry pot and shake over low heat for 1 minute to dry out potatoes. Remove from heat.

4. Add butter, milk, salt and pepper. Mash with a potato masher or electric mixer until smooth and creamy. Add more milk if needed to reach desired consistency.

5. Taste and season with additional salt and pepper if desired. Serve warm.

The key for great mashed potatoes is to simmer the potatoes whole and unpeeled. This allows them to cook evenly and develop more flavor. Peeling after boiling helps prevent waterlogged, gluey potatoes. Letting the potatoes dry after boiling creates fluffier, lighter mashed potatoes.

Putting It All Together

Serving ground turkey gravy over creamy mashed potatoes makes for a hearty, comforting meal any night of the week.

To serve, scoop mashed potatoes into a bowl or plate. Ladle gravy over top, allowing it to sink in slightly. Garnish with chopped parsley, if desired.

For extra flavor, try adding one of these mix-ins to the mashed potatoes:

• Grated cheese – cheddar or parmesan both add great flavor.

• Minced garlic – 1 clove per pound of potatoes adds a savory punch.

• Sour cream or Greek yogurt – stir in a couple spoonfuls for tang.

• Roasted garlic – mellows the flavor of raw garlic.

• Caramelized onions – sweet, deep flavor.

• Bacon – cook and crumble bacon over the potatoes.

• Chives- bright onion flavor.

• Worcestershire sauce – add complex, savory notes.

Ground turkey gravy and mashed potatoes make the perfect clean eating comfort food. Both can be made in advance and reheated as needed. Leftovers can even be turned into tasty potato pancakes or turkey pot pie. Try this simple, budget-friendly meal soon!