These Ground Turkey Recipes Are Nice and Hearty for Dinner (2024)

FAQs

What makes ground turkey taste better? ›

Chopped yellow onions, scallions, cilantro, and red bell pepper all help add flavor. So too does the chili powder and minced garlic.

"Ground turkey contains less saturated fat than ground beef, giving it a more beneficial fat profile," says Beaver. "In its place, ground turkey instead contains more polyunsaturated fat, which is a protective, healthier type of fat."

Both turkey and chicken provide the same amount of protein per serving and offer a rich protein source. Turkey has fewer calories due to the low-fat content. This makes turkey a good option for people monitoring their calorie and fat intake closely.

Raw turkey meat should be light pink or beige, depending on the type of meat and its fat content. The meat color becomes dull as time passes, which is normal. However, if the meat has a brown, gray or yellow or green hue, you will want to part ways with it.

The basics, like onion, garlic, thyme, rosemary, and sage, help lend that traditional Thanksgiving flavor. Take your aromatics up a notch by adding halved lemons or oranges. The citrus will add a nice brightness to the turkey and keep it perfectly moist.

How do you add flavor to ground turkey? Turkey meat can be flavored with easy ingredients like kosher salt and pepper, bell peppers, garlic powder, and olive oil. If you're cooking meat, specifically turkey taco meat, hot sauce and enchilada sauce are your best mates.

Whether you're making ground turkey tacos, turkey burgers, or another family favorite, 93% Lean Ground Turkey will be your go-to for lean, flavorful dishes.

Turkey and chicken are often recommended as healthy alternatives to red meat. But if they are preserved, they count as processed meats and are harmful.

In terms of calories, fat, and protein, turkey breast and chicken breast are similar. Turkey breast contains about 44 calories, six grams of protein, and two grams of fat per ounce. Chicken breast contains slightly more protein and slightly less fat. But, to most people, these differences are negligible.

Protein is a macronutrient, which means that your body needs a lot of it. Your body can't store protein, so you need to consume it every day. As long as you don't eat too much turkey, it is a healthy way to get the protein you need. It's also a good source of beneficial vitamins and minerals like magnesium and niacin.

Is ground turkey better for your heart than ground beef? ›

If you have heart disease or are at high risk of developing it, ground turkey may be healthier for you than ground beef. Turkey has approximately one gram less of saturated fat, compared with beef of the same fat percentage ( 1 , 2 ).

The Bottom Line

If you're eating for a healthy heart, lean ground turkey—which is lower in saturated fat—is the better pick for you. Of course, you can still enjoy ground beef from time to time, but choosing lean ground turkey more often will help your heart in the long run.

From a food safety perspective, washing raw poultry, beef, pork, lamb or veal before cooking it is not recommended as the safest method. If you wash meat or poultry, some bacteria can be splashed on the surfaces of your kitchen, which can make you sick if not properly cleaned and sanitized.

Before you start cooking, be sure to season the ground turkey well with salt and pepper. Also consider including dried herbs and spices for additional flavor. If you're cooking meatballs or meatloaf, pinch off some of the seasoned mixture and cook it in a skillet to taste. Adjust seasoning accordingly.

But as any poultry starts to go bad, it will start to turn an unpleasant shade of gray. If that pink hue starts to look slightly dull then it's time to use up your ground turkey immediately, and if it has a gray tint (even just a slight one), then it's time to toss it.

Fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, and sage along with a half lemon go a long way to add flavor, and stuffing it into the bird takes almost no time at all. (While you're at it, season the cavity with a good amount of salt and pepper.) Brining is an essential step to ensure a juicy bird.

Before you start cooking, be sure to season the ground turkey well with salt and pepper. Also consider including dried herbs and spices for additional flavor. If you're cooking meatballs or meatloaf, pinch off some of the seasoned mixture and cook it in a skillet to taste. Adjust seasoning accordingly.

The distinct game flavor of either birds or animals will be milder after soaking the meat overnight in the refrigerator in either a salt or vinegar solution.