You’re in luck if you want to know how to cook ground turkey that tastes good! This recipe will help you make healthy, tasty ground turkey meat in just 15 minutes. That way, you can have your weeknight meal ready in no time. You can cook ground turkey as taco meat, a topping for salads, chilli, gyro bowls, and more!.
Cooking ground turkey can be a quick and easy way to add lean protein to your diet. However getting the right cook time is key to ending up with juicy flavorful meat instead of dry, bland turkey. So how long does it take to cook ground turkey in a pan?
The answer depends on a few factors, which I’ll cover in this detailed guide. By following these simple tips and techniques, you’ll be able to perfectly cook ground turkey on the stovetop every time.
Overview of Cooking Ground Turkey
Ground turkey is growing in popularity as a healthy alternative to ground beef It has less fat and calories than beef, but still provides an excellent source of protein, B vitamins, zinc, and other important nutrients.
While ground beef takes about 10 minutes to cook in a skillet, ground turkey requires a little more time The lack of fat means you need to cook it more slowly at a lower temperature to prevent drying out
With the right technique, you can expect ground turkey to take 13-18 minutes to fully cook in a pan on the stovetop. This ensures the meat reaches the safe minimum internal temperature of 165°F recommended by the USDA.
Below, I’ll explain how to cook ground turkey in a pan step-by-step, along with extra tips for maximizing flavor and moisture.
Step-by-Step Guide to Cooking Ground Turkey in a Pan
Following this simple stovetop method will ensure your ground turkey turns out perfectly cooked every time.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground turkey (93% lean recommended)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1⁄2 onion, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Spices like garlic powder, paprika, cumin etc.
Instructions:
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Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. The oil helps prevent sticking and adds flavor.
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Add the ground turkey and cook for 3-5 minutes, breaking it up into crumbles with a wooden spoon as it browns.
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Season with salt, pepper and any other spices. I like using chili powder and cumin for taco-seasoned turkey. Get creative with your own spice combos!
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Add the chopped onion and continue cooking for 5-7 minutes, until starting to soften. Onions add moisture and flavor.
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Reduce heat to medium-low and cook for 8-12 more minutes, stirring occasionally, until no pink remains and turkey reaches 165°F. Be sure to use a meat thermometer to check doneness.
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Let rest for 5 minutes before serving. The resting time allows juices to reabsorb for moister meat.
And that’s it! In around 15 minutes, you’ll have perfectly cooked, flavorful ground turkey ready to add to tacos, pasta, soup, chili, and more.
Extra Tips for Maximizing Flavor and Moisture
Because ground turkey is naturally lean, it can easily dry out if overcooked. Follow these tips to keep your turkey extra juicy and delicious:
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Use 93% lean turkey. The higher fat content compared to 99% lean will make it more moist and flavorful.
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Don’t rinse before cooking. This washes away flavorful juices. Just blot with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
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Cook at a lower temp. Medium or medium-low heat prevents overcooking. High heat can make the turkey tough.
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Use a meat thermometer. This eliminates guesswork and prevents over or undercooking.
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Baste with broth or oil. Spooning liquid over the turkey as it cooks adds back moisture.
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Let rest before serving. Allowing the meat to sit for 5-10 minutes allows juices to reabsorb.
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Add an acid. Stir in lemon juice or vinegar right before serving to boost juiciness.
Cooking Ground Turkey for Different Uses
While the standard stovetop method works great for most recipes, you may need to adjust cook times slightly depending on how you plan to use the cooked turkey:
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Tacos or pasta sauce: Cook just until no longer pink, about 13-15 minutes. It will finish cooking when simmered in the sauce.
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Soup or chili: Cook for full 15-18 minutes until 165°F. The meat won’t cook much more once added to the soup.
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Burgers or meatballs: Cook about 1 minute less, then the meat will finish cooking on the grill or in the oven.
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Casseroles or stir-fries: Cook fully since the turkey won’t cook much more when baked or stir-fried later on.
So keep these factors in mind when timing your ground turkey cook time. With the proper technique, you can enjoy quick, healthy and delicious meals all week long.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I thaw frozen ground turkey before cooking?
Yes, always thaw frozen ground turkey in the fridge overnight before cooking. Cooking from frozen causes uneven cooking.
Is pink turkey safe to eat?
No. Ground turkey should always be cooked until the internal temperature reaches 165°F and no pink remains. Pink means it’s undercooked.
Can I use a turkey meat thermometer?
Absolutely! A meat thermometer takes the guesswork out of cooking ground turkey. Insert it near the end of cooking time to check for 165°F.
What’s the healthiest ground turkey to buy?
Choose 93% lean turkey for the best flavor and moisture. Very lean 99% turkey can become dried out and bland.
Can I cook ground turkey in a slow cooker?
Yes, ground turkey can be cooked in a slow cooker on low for 7-8 hours, or high for 4-5 hours, until 165°F. Add veggies and seasonings for easy meals!
The Takeaway
Cooking ground turkey in a pan takes about 13-18 minutes over medium-low heat. Letting it rest before serving, using some fat, keeping the temperature moderate, and basting are keys for juicy, flavorful meat. Follow this guide for perfectly cooked ground turkey every time. Enjoy this healthy, lean protein in tacos, pasta, soup, burgers, casseroles, and more!
Leftover Storage and Reheat Instructions
As soon as you know how to cook ground turkey, you need to know how to store any leftovers!
Cooler: You can put the cooked turkey in the cooler if you plan to use it in ground turkey recipes in the next few days. Be sure to allow the meat to fully cool first. Then, store it in an airtight container for up to four days in the refrigerator.
Freezer: You can put the meat in the freezer if you’ve doubled or tripled the recipe and want to use it in other recipes. Like above, be sure to let the meat cool before packing it in an airtight container or baggie. Then, keep it in the freezer for no more than six months.
Reheat When you’re ready to use frozen ground turkey, allow it to defrost overnight in the fridge. Then, toss it in a pan over medium heat and warm. Be sure to stir the meat regularly.
When you learn how to cook ground turkey, you can make it ahead of time, which is great. Simply follow the directions below. Then, store the ground turkey in the fridge until you’re ready to use it. Then, you can reheat it in a pan over medium and use it in your recipe of choice.
No, you don’t usually need to drain ground turkey because it is such a lean meat.
The best way to cook ground turkey is with a bit of oil in the pan. Since turkey is quite lean, you’ll need to add oil to prevent it from sticking to the pan.
For those wondering how to cook ground turkey in a pan, see the notes/recipe below. Here’s a quick summary on how to cook ground turkey on the stove. First, you’ll want to preheat a pan with oil. Then, brown the ground turkey, add the seasoning, and continue cooking until the meat is cooked through.
People often ask how long ground turkey takes to cook. It’s important to remember that different ways of cooking will give you different cooking times. If you decide to cook ground turkey in a pan, it will take about 10 minutes. Depending on the method, other recipes may require 5-20 minutes of cook time.
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Why you’ll love this recipe
The best thing about this lean turkey recipe is that you can change the seasonings to your taste and use the ground turkey to make almost anything.
Healthy – Cooking ground turkey is a healthy alternative to ground beef, as it’s lower in fat.
Easy to make—This simple ground turkey dish is ready in just 15 minutes, making it great for busy weeknights.
Spices like paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne give it a lot of flavor.
Simple seasoning: If you want to know how to season ground turkey, I’ll list the spices I like to use below. This simple seasoning provides a tasty flavour and is versatile enough to use in various recipes.