How to Grind a Turkey at Home – A Step-by-Step Guide

Grinding turkey meat at home can provide you with greater control over ingredients while also saving money. With just a few simple tools you can easily grind turkey yourself for delicious burgers, sausages, tacos and more. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know to DIY turkey grinding from start to finish.

Why Grind Your Own Turkey?

Grinding turkey yourself offers many benefits

• Cost Savings – Buying whole turkeys and grinding them yourself is much cheaper per pound than buying pre-ground meat.

• Ingredient Control – You can select the exact cut of meat and customize seasonings to your taste.

• Avoid Preservatives – Store-bought ground turkey often contains preservatives. Grinding your own avoids these additives.

• Better Texture – Freshly ground turkey has a superior mouthfeel and consistency compared to packaged commercial ground meat.

• Make Unique Blends – Mix different cuts like breast and thigh to create custom ground turkey suited to your preferences.

Equipment You’ll Need

You don’t need any fancy gadgets to grind turkey at home. Here’s the basic equipment required:

• Sharp Knife & Cutting Board
• Food Processor or Meat Grinder Attachment
• Kitchen Scale (helpful but optional)
• Storage Containers

A quality food processor can quickly pulverize turkey into a ground texture. For larger quantities, invest in an electric meat grinder with at least 1/2 horsepower.

Choosing Turkey for Grinding

Focus on buying whole, unenhanced turkeys without added broths or salt solutions. This gives you the most control over the final texture and flavor.

Turkey breasts offer a mild taste and lean meat perfect for grinding. Turkey thighs have more fat and dark meat flavor. For a balanced combo, opt for a whole turkey.

Keep turkey chilled until grinding time. Partially frozen meat actually grinds more efficiently than room temp or warm.

Pre-Grinding Preparation

Proper prep is vital for success:

• Thaw – Ensure turkey is fully thawed if frozen. Always thaw in the fridge, never at room temp.

• Remove Giblets – Check cavities of whole turkeys and remove any innards.

• Cut Into Pieces – Break whole turkey down into smaller pieces for easier grinding.

• Chill Meat – Keep turkey chilled before grinding, around 40°F if possible.

Step-by-Step Grinding Process

Once prepped, follow these steps:

1. Cut turkey into 1-2 inch chunks. Smaller pieces grind more easily. Remove skin and visible fat.

2. Place chunks in food processor. Don’t overfill, grind in batches as needed.

3. Pulse food processor until desired texture is achieved. Check often. Avoid overprocessing into a paste.

4. Transfer ground turkey to a storage container. Remove and clean processor bowl regularly to prevent clogging.

5. Repeat steps until all turkey is processed. Combine batches for one final mix if making a large quantity.

6. Refrigerate within 1-2 hours of grinding. Cook or freeze within 24 hours.

Storing and Using Ground Turkey

Properly storing freshly ground turkey is important. Follow these tips:

• Refrigerate within 1-2 hours of grinding. Keeps 3-4 days maximum.

• For longer storage, freeze in airtight containers up to 4 months.

• Thaw frozen ground turkey overnight in the fridge before using.

• Cook within 24 hours to prevent bacteria growth. Cook to an internal temp of 165°F.

• Season with spices and herbs to customize flavor. Avoid overworking during cooking to maintain texture.

Grinding Turkey Safely

Good food safety practices prevent illness:

• Use clean equipment and wash hands thoroughly before grinding.

• Keep raw turkey chilled at 40°F or below prior to grinding.

• Don’t leave ground turkey unrefrigerated more than 2 hours total before cooking or freezing.

• Cook to a safe internal temp of 165°F measured with a food thermometer.

• Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours. Use within 3-4 days. Discard if mold, smell or slime develops.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you grind frozen turkey?

Partially frozen turkey grinds more easily. But fully frozen meat can damage equipment. Defrost first for best results.

What’s better for grinding – white or dark turkey meat?

Turkey breast provides a milder flavor and lean texture. Thighs add more fat and collagen for juiciness. A combo balances the finished grind.

How long does ground turkey last refrigerated?

Store freshly ground turkey just 1-2 days in the fridge for optimum quality and safety. Use within 24 hours when possible.

Can you make turkey burgers from ground turkey?

Absolutely! Home ground turkey excels at making moist, flavorful burgers. Add breadcrumbs and spices to help burgers hold their shape.

What’s the optimal turkey cut for grinding?

A whole turkey allows fully customizing fat content. For leanest option, turkey breast alone. Thighs provide more fat and flavor.

The Takeaway

With minimal equipment and some turkey on hand, grinding fresh turkey at home is easy and rewarding. This DIY approach saves money versus store-bought, while enabling total control over ingredients used. Follow proper handling and cooking guidelines to keep home-ground turkey safe to eat. Get creative with seasonings and cuts to craft your own signature turkey blend.