How to Cook Moist, Flavorful Ground Turkey in an Instant Pot

The Instant Pot is a versatile kitchen appliance that can be used to cook ground turkey quickly and easily while keeping it tender and juicy. With just a few simple steps, you’ll have deliciously browned, perfectly cooked ground turkey ready to use in tacos, pasta, soups, and more.

Benefits of Using the Instant Pot

Cooking ground turkey in the Instant Pot offers several advantages:

• Speed – Thanks to the pressurized environment, ground turkey cooks rapidly, in just 5-10 minutes. No need to slave over a stovetop

• Moisture retention – The sealed pot traps steam and moisture, preventing the turkey from drying out.

• Flavor infusion – Spices and seasonings penetrate deeply into the meat.

• Easy cleanup – With no pots or pans to scrub, cleanup is a breeze.

• Safety – The high heat eliminates bacteria, making Instant Pot turkey safe to eat.

Tips for Success

Follow these tips when cooking ground turkey in an Instant Pot:

• Don’t overfill – For even cooking, don’t go over halfway full.

• Pre-brown the meat – Browning the turkey on saute mode enhances flavor.

• Use natural release – Letting pressure release naturally prevents overcooking.

• Check internal temp – Turkey should reach 165°F.

• Give it a rest – Letting the turkey sit for 5-10 minutes allows juices to redistribute.

Step-by-Step Guide

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground turkey
• 1 Tbsp olive oil
• 1/2 onion, diced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tsp dried herbs (oregano, basil, thyme)
• 1/4 cup chicken broth or water

Instructions:

1. Turn Instant Pot to Saute setting. Add olive oil once hot.

2. Add onion and cook for 2 minutes until translucent. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.

3. Add ground turkey, breaking up meat with a spoon. Cook for 5-7 minutes until no longer pink.

4. Add dried herbs, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine.

5. Pour in chicken broth or water. Scrape brown bits from bottom of pot.

6. Secure the lid, making sure valve is sealed. Cook on Manual (High Pressure) for 5 minutes.

7. When cooking completes, allow pressure to release naturally for 10 minutes.

8. Carefully unlock lid. Stir turkey and check internal temperature with a meat thermometer.

9. Let sit for 5 minutes before serving.

Pro Tips:

• For maximum flavor, saute onions, garlic, and spices before adding turkey.

• Stir in 1/4 cup barbecue sauce or salsa for extra moisture and flavor.

• Garnish with chopped cilantro, cheese, or sour cream.

• Swap in different seasonings like chili powder, cumin, or taco seasoning.

• For use in meals, cook turkey plain. Season later when adding to recipes.

Recipe Ideas

The possibilities are endless when it comes to using Instant Pot ground turkey. Try it in these delicious recipes:

Instant Pot Turkey Chili

• Turkey, beans, onions, peppers, and chili seasoning make this hearty chili. Top with cheese and sour cream.

Turkey Meatballs

• Make flavorful baked meatballs without heating up the oven. They cook to perfection in the Instant Pot.

Turkey Taco Bowls

• All the taco flavors in easy bowl form. Top with lettuce, tomatoes, cheese, and more.

Turkey Tortilla Soup

• Turkey, tomatoes, corn, beans, and tortilla strips make this soup hearty and delicious.

Turkey Stuffed Peppers

• Cook peppers and savory turkey filling together in the multi-cooker for perfect weeknight meal.

Turkey Shepherd’s Pie

• With turkey, vegetables, and creamy mashed potatoes, this comforting dish is made easy in the Instant Pot.

Cooking Time Guidelines

To ensure safe, properly cooked ground turkey, follow these general cooking times:

Amount of Ground Turkey	Cook Time
1/2 pound	5 minutes
1 pound	7 minutes
2 pounds	9 minutes
3 pounds	11 minutes

*At high pressure with natural release

Always check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer to confirm doneness.

Helpful Tips and Precautions

• If cooking frozen turkey, add 5 extra minutes to the cook time per 1 lb.

• Ground turkey can dry out and turn mushy if overcooked. Err on the side of less time.

• Don’t stack turkey thicker than 2 inches for even cooking.

• Letting the pressure release naturally prevents overcooking.

• Use a meat thermometer to confirm the turkey reaches 165°F.

• Make sure the valve is set to “sealing” before starting pressure cooking.

Get Creative with Ground Turkey

Part of the fun of the Instant Pot is experimenting with different flavor combinations. Try cooking seasoned or marinated ground turkey for delicious results.

• Italian – Add garlic, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes

• Mexican – Use cumin, chili powder, garlic, lime juice

• Greek – Mix in lemon, oregano, parsley, mint

• Indian – Stir in garam masala, cumin, turmeric, ginger

• BBQ – Mix in your favorite barbecue sauce or dry rub

• Teriyaki – Cook turkey in a teriyaki sauce marinade

The options are endless for making tasty Instant Pot ground turkey tailored to your taste preferences.

Enjoy the Versatility and Convenience

With the press of a button, you can cook moist, flavorful ground turkey safely and quickly in your Instant Pot. Use it to whip up easy weeknight meals, meal prep lunches, and inventive new recipes. The convenience of this kitchen wonder makes healthy home cooking a breeze.

Meat