How Long To Cook Ground Turkey?

Ground turkey is a healthy alternative to ground beef. It is lower in fat and calories and higher in protein. But how long does it take to cook? Let's take a look below.

Ground turkey takes about 12-15 minutes to cook. When there is no pink and your ground turkey reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit, it is done. Avoid overcooking the ground turkey, as it will become dry.

Whether you are cooking ground turkey for tacos, a burger, or meatballs, it is essential to cook it properly. This article will walk you through how long to cook ground turkey. In addition, we will answer other questions about ground turkey so let's get started!

A bowl of ground turkey, oregano, chili and egg, How Long To Cook Ground Turkey?

How does it take to cook ground turkey?

Look no further than ground turkey for those looking for a healthier alternative to ground beef. It is lower in saturated fat and calories and higher in protein. Plus, it is just as versatile as ground beef. You can use it in tacos, burgers, meatballs, and more!

However, since ground turkey is low in fat, it can dry out easily if you are not careful. That's why it is important to cook it properly.

Searing ground turkey and spinach

So, how long does it take to cook ground turkey? The answer depends on a few factors, including the temperature of your cooking surface and the size of the ground turkey.

As a general rule, ground turkey takes about 12-15 minutes to cook. But, it is important to cook it until there is no pink and the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

To ensure that your ground turkey is cooked correctly, we recommend using a meat thermometer. This will help you avoid overcooking the ground turkey, making it dry.

What are tips for cooking ground turkey?

Here are some tips to help you cook your ground turkey perfectly:

  • Use a non-stick skillet or cooking spray. This will prevent the turkey from sticking to the pan and making a mess.
  • Season the turkey with salt, pepper, and any other herbs or spices you like. This will give it flavor and make it more enjoyable to eat.
  • Use low or moderate heat for cooking the turkey all the way through. If you cook it on too high of a heat, it will dry out quickly.
  • Add a little bit of liquid to the pan, such as water, chicken broth, or white wine. This will help keep the ground turkey moist as it cooks.
  • Stir the ground turkey occasionally to ensure that it is cooking evenly.
  • Once the ground turkey is cooked through, remove it from the heat and let it rest for a few minutes. This will allow the juices to redistribute and make the ground turkey more flavorful.

You don't have to follow these tips strictly, but they will help you cook your ground turkey perfectly.

What are some recipes that use ground turkey?

Here are some recipes that use ground turkey:

  • Taco Salad/Tacos with Ground Turkey
  • Mexican Ground Turkey and Rice
  • Ground Turkey Chili
  • Spaghetti with Ground Turkey Meat Sauce
  • Turkey Burger Sliders
  • Ground Turkey Sloppy Joes
  • Sweet and Spicy Turkey Meatballs

There are endless possibilities when it comes to recipes that use ground turkey. So, get creative and experiment with different flavors and ingredients. We're sure you'll find a new favorite!

A delicious turkey sandwich

What is ground turkey made of?

Ground turkey is made from leftover turkey thighs and drumsticks. It can be found with no fat or lean, but the fat content will depend on the brand you purchase.

If you want to avoid the extra calories, shop for ground turkey labeled "lean" or has a lower fat content. You will need to season this ground turkey a little more to give it flavor.

Can you mix ground turkey with ground beef?

Yes, you can mix ground turkey with ground beef. This is a great way to make your burgers or meatballs more flavorful and moist. Plus, using lean ground beef with a lean ground turkey can help cut down on the fat content.

Since ground turkey doesn't hold moisture well, it is best to mix it with other ground meat, such as ground beef. This way, you can still enjoy the flavor of the turkey without worrying about it drying out.

Can you eat undercooked ground turkey?

Minced turkey breasts with garlic

Since turkey is poultry, it is important to cook it properly. Undercooked ground turkey can harbor harmful bacteria, such as salmonella. This can cause food poisoning, which can be very dangerous.

So, to be safe, always cook your ground turkey until there is no pink and the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

Even if you mix your ground turkey with other ground meat, it is still important to cook it properly. This will help ensure that your food is safe to eat and free of harmful bacteria.

What are the signs of bad ground turkey?

There are a few signs that your ground turkey has gone bad. First, if the ground turkey has a foul smell, it is best to discard it. This is a sign that the turkey has started to spoil.

Another sign of bad ground turkey is if the color has changed. Ground turkey should be a light pink color. If it is any other color, it is best to discard it.

Finally, if the ground turkey has a slimy texture, it is also best to discard it. This is a sign that the turkey has gone bad and is no longer safe to eat.

If you see any of these signs, it is best to throw out the ground turkey. Eating bad ground turkey can cause food poisoning, which can be very dangerous.

How long is cooked ground turkey good for?

Cooked ground turkey will be good for 3-4 days in the fridge. If you want to extend its shelf life, you can freeze it. Frozen ground turkey will be good for 3-6 months.

When storing cooked ground turkey, make sure to place it in an airtight container. This will help keep it fresh and prevent it from going bad.

After that, you should err on the side of caution and discard it.

Do you add water to ground turkey?

Depending on the ground turkey fat content, you may or may not need to add water. If the ground turkey is very lean, you may need to add some water to keep it from drying out.

If the ground turkey has a higher fat content, you will likely not need to add any water. The fat will help keep the ground turkey moist while cooking.

However, you can choose to drain the fat off after cooking if you prefer.

What is the best way to cook ground turkey?

Delicious slices of turkey meatloaf drizzled with scallions

It depends on what you are making. For example, if you are making ground turkey burgers, you will want to cook them on the grill or skillet.

If you make ground turkey tacos, you will want to cook them in a skillet.

There are many different ways to cook the ground turkey. It all depends on what you are making and your personal preferences.

You can even make a turkey meatloaf with ground turkey and put it in the oven.

How do make ground turkey taste like beef?

A bowl of turkey, lettuce, cucumber and rice

While it might not taste exactly like beef, there are a few things you can do to make your ground turkey taste more like beef.

One way is to add some beef broth or beef bouillon to the turkey while cooking. This will help give it a more beefy flavor.

Another way is to add Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, or BBQ sauce. This will also help give it a more beefy flavor. Adding cumin and coriander will give it a bit of a smoky flavor that can be reminiscent of beef.

Doing these things will help make your ground turkey taste more like beef. However, it will still have a slightly different flavor.

Do you wash ground turkey?

You should always wash your hands after handling the raw ground turkey. However, you do not need to wash the turkey itself.

Washing raw poultry can increase your risk of food poisoning. This is because the water can spread bacteria from the turkey to other surfaces in your kitchen.

So, to be safe, make sure to wash your hands after handling the raw ground turkey.

Final Thoughts

A bowl of ground turkey, oregano, chili and egg

There are a few things to keep in mind when cooking with ground turkey. First, make sure to cook it thoroughly to kill any harmful bacteria.

Second, you may need to add water or other liquids if the turkey is very lean.

And finally, there are many ways to cook ground turkey, so feel free to experiment until you find a method you like.

Made it to the end? Here are other articles you might like:

Can You Mix Ground Turkey And Ground Beef?

How Do You Cook A Turkey In A Convection Oven?

Turkey Fryer Not Heating Up – What To Do?

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