Ground turkey is a healthy, versatile meat that can be used in everything from tacos to meatballs. With its lean protein and mild flavor, it’s a great alternative to beef or pork. But to get the best results when cooking ground turkey in a pressure cooker, it’s important to follow the proper timing. Here’s a comprehensive guide on exactly how long to pressure cook ground turkey.
Why Choose Ground Turkey?
Before jumping into the timing, let’s first go over some of the benefits of ground turkey
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It’s lower in fat and calories compared to other ground meats Ground sirloin turkey provides 120 calories and 1.8 grams of fat per 4 ounce serving.
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The mild flavor allows it to take on the flavors of whatever spices and ingredients you pair it with.
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It’s budget-friendly, typically cheaper than other ground meats.
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Versatile – use it to make chili, meatballs, burgers, tacos, and more.
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Nutritious – provides B vitamins, zinc, and selenium.
So if you’re looking for a healthier ground meat option, ground turkey is a great choice. Now let’s look at how to cook it to perfection in the pressure cooker.
General Timing for Cooking Ground Turkey in a Pressure Cooker
Cooking times can vary slightly depending on the cut, fat content, and amount of ground turkey used. But in general, these guidelines will ensure fully cooked, safe to eat ground turkey:
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For 1 pound of ground turkey, pressure cook on high for 8-10 minutes.
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For 2 pounds of ground turkey, increase cook time to 10-12 minutes.
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If cooking frozen ground turkey, add 2-3 minutes to the cook time.
These times are for a traditional stovetop pressure cooker. If using an electric pressure cooker like the Instant Pot, reduce cook times by 2-3 minutes.
Always allow the pressure to release naturally for at least 5 minutes before doing a quick pressure release to remove remaining steam. This helps keep the meat moist and tender.
Helpful Tips for Cooking Ground Turkey in a Pressure Cooker
Follow these tips for the best results:
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Pre-brown the meat – Browning the ground turkey before pressure cooking enhances flavor. Use the saute function on electric pressure cookers or brown in a skillet first.
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Add liquid – Use at least 1 cup of broth, water, or sauce to create steam and prevent sticking.
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Evenly distribute – Make sure meat is spread out in an even layer for uniform cooking.
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Season well – Ground turkey benefits from added flavor. Use generous amounts of spices, herbs, garlic, etc.
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Avoid overcooking – Stick to recommended cook times to prevent drying out.
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Natural release – Let pressure come down naturally for 5-10 minutes before quick releasing.
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Check temperature – Use a meat thermometer to confirm ground turkey reaches 165°F.
Sample Recipe: Pressure Cooker Turkey Meatballs
To put the timing into practice, here is a simple recipe for turkey meatballs using a pressure cooker:
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 egg
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp pepper
- 1 jar pasta sauce
Instructions:
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In a bowl, combine ground turkey, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic, basil, salt, and pepper. Mix well. Form into 1-1.5 inch meatballs.
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Pour pasta sauce into pressure cooker pot. Gently place meatballs on top in an even layer.
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Pressure cook on high for 8 minutes (frozen turkey 10 minutes). Allow pressure to release naturally for 5 minutes then quick release.
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Carefully remove lid. Meatballs should be cooked through.
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Use meatballs for subs, over pasta, or however you prefer!
The short 8 minute pressure cook time ensures the lean ground turkey stays juicy and flavorful. Adjust time as needed for different batch sizes.
The Takeaway on Cooking Ground Turkey in a Pressure Cooker
The key times to remember are:
- 1 lb ground turkey – 8-10 minutes
- 2 lbs ground turkey – 10-12 minutes
- Frozen – Add 2-3 minutes
Follow the recipe tips above and pressure cook within these time ranges for perfectly cooked ground turkey every time! The pressure cooker yields tasty, fail-proof results with this healthy and budget-friendly meat.
Preparing Your Ground Turkey
Before you start cooking, its crucial to prepare the ground turkey properly. Season your ground turkey with your favorite spices, herbs, and marinades. This process enhances the flavor, making each bite a delight.
Flavor Pairing and Serving Suggestions
Ground turkey cooked in a pressure cooker can be a versatile ingredient in many dishes. You can use it in tacos, spaghetti, salads, or even as a topping for grilled vegetables. The rich flavor and tenderness make it a crowd-pleaser at any barbecue or family gathering.
To bring a barbecue feel to your pressure-cooked ground turkey, consider adding a bit of liquid smoke or smoked paprika to your seasoning blend. This will imbue the meat with that irresistible smoky flavor, perfect for any barbecue enthusiast.
Even experienced cooks can face issues when using a pressure cooker. Here are some common problems and how to address them:
- Meat is too dry: This often happens when the meat is overcooked. Ensure you stick to the recommended cooking times and temperatures. Adding a bit of liquid can also help maintain moisture.
- Meat is undercooked: If the ground turkey is still undercooked, simply return it to the pressure cooker, reseal, and cook for an additional 2-4 minutes.
- Lid wont open: Ensure that all the pressure has been released from the cooker before attempting to open it. Refer to your pressure cookers manual for safe release methods.
- Burn notices: This can occur if there isnt enough liquid in the pressure cooker. Always ensure theres adequate liquid to create steam.
For more in-depth pressure cooking techniques and troubleshooting, visit Wikipedias Pressure Cooking guide.
Pressure cooker Ground Turkey
FAQ
How long does ground turkey take to cook?
- Cook until the turkey is browned evenly, juices run clear, and it reaches an internal temperature of 165° F
- Avoid cooking for longer than 15 minutes, or the turkey could dry out
How long should you cook meat in a pressure cooker?
Season your meat as you normally would. Heat a little oil using the Sauté function and sear the meat. Add 1 1/2 cups of liquid (water, stock, etc.). Cook for 20 minutes (per pound of meat) at high pressure for large chunks and 15 minutes (per pound of meat) for small chunks.
How many minutes per pound to pressure cook?
| Meat | Cooking Time (minutes) |
|---|---|
| Beef (pot roast, steak, rump, round, chuck, blade or brisket) Small Chunks | 15-20 per 450 g / 1 lb |
| Beef (pot roast, steak, rump, round, chuck, blade or brisket) Large Chunks | 20-25 per 450 g / 1 lb |
| Beef, ribs | 20 – 25 per 450 g / 1 lb |
| Beef, shanks | 25 – 30 per 450 g / 1 lb |
How long does it take to fully cook ground meat?
On most stove tops, browning a pound of ground beef takes approximately 7 to 10 minutes. Remember, it’s important to continue stirring and breaking the pieces into the same size with the wooden spoon or heatproof spatula so the ground beef cooks evenly.
How long do you Pressure Cook a 7 pound turkey?
We recommend cooking your turkey for about 6 minutes per pound. So, if your turkey is 7 pounds, pressure cook it for no more than 42 minutes. When you broil your turkey, it shouldn’t need any more than 5 minutes to turn golden brown. Keep a very close eye on it throughout the 5 minutes, as the skin can burn pretty quickly.
Can you cook a Turkey in a pressure cooker?
Cooking a turkey in a pressure cooker is a great way to get moist, flavorful meat in a fraction of the time it takes to roast it in the oven. But nailing the cook time is crucial to ensuring your bird turns out just right. Undercook it and you’ll end up with dangerously undercooked poultry. Cook it too long and you’ll have dry, stringy meat.
How long to cook ground turkey in Instant Pot?
Cook the meat on high pressure. When cooking ground turkey in an instant pot, it’s important to cook it on high pressure. This will help to ensure that the meat is cooked through all the way. Cook the meat for 8 minutes per pound, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
How much liquid do you need to cook a ground turkey?
Use the right amount of liquid. When cooking ground turkey in an instant pot, it’s important to use the right amount of liquid. Too much liquid will make the meat mushy, while too little liquid will cause the meat to dry out. A good rule of thumb is to use 1 cup of liquid for every 1 pound of ground turkey.
Do you need to brine a Turkey in the Instant Pot?
When cooking in the Instant Pot, there is no need to brine your turkey. The steam pressure during cooking, along with the aromatics in the pot, result in a tender, moist and flavorful turkey without the step of brining. The Duo Crisps air fryer lid allows you to broil your turkey right in the pot.