Ground turkey lovers, here’s the best thing to cook with it!

BY Jiao jiao

Posted: 02/14/2025

Turkey

Wondering what to do with leftover ground turkey at home? After reading this article on ground turkey, you’ll know exactly what to make. Give it a try!

What's the best thing to cook with ground turkey?

Ground turkey is a healthy and versatile ingredient. Here are some of my favorite ways to cook with it, which I recommend to everyone:

Make Meatballs

You can mix leftover ground turkey with breadcrumbs, eggs, and spices (such as garlic powder, onion powder, rosemary, thyme) to make meatballs, then fry or bake them.

Ground turkey meatballs with tomato sauce or spicy sauce are incredibly delicious! Not only do they have a rich flavor, but they’re also low-fat and healthy, making them perfect for family gatherings.

Make Filling

Ground turkey can be used as a filling for dumplings, spring rolls, buns, or pies. You can add ingredients like mushrooms, onions, and peppers to make the flavor even richer.

Make Soup

Ground turkey can also be used to make a flavorful soup. Simply use it as a base for the broth, then add vegetables, beans, herbs, and spices for a nutritious, low-fat clear soup. Ground turkey soup is light yet full of flavor, perfect for those who enjoy a lighter diet.

Make Burgers

Another great option is turning ground turkey into burgers. When made into patties, ground turkey is a lower-fat alternative to traditional beef patties. You can add lettuce, tomatoes, pickles, and other toppings for a healthy and tasty meal.

Make Pasta Sauce

Ground turkey can also be used to make pasta sauce, replacing traditional beef or pork. Combine it with tomato sauce and spices, then simmer for a delicious meat sauce to pair with pasta. It’s not greasy and is both healthy and tasty.

How to jazz up ground turkey?

To make ground turkey even more delicious, keep these tips in mind:

Choose Quality Turkey:

The first step in making ground turkey taste great is selecting fresh, well-textured turkey. High-quality turkey has smooth skin, firm muscle, and no unpleasant odor, which leads to better flavor.

Turkey

Proper Handling and Cleaning:

If you’re using a whole turkey, be sure to clean it thoroughly. Remove the internal organs, excess fat, and any impurities. Rinse it with water, then dry it with paper towels to avoid any lingering smells or impurities.

Marinate Before Cooking:

Before cooking, marinate the turkey with salt, black pepper, garlic, rosemary, thyme, and other spices. Marinating will help keep the turkey juicy and tender.

Cooking Tips:

Preheat your oven to the right temperature (usually between 180°C-200°C) before starting. This ensures the turkey cooks evenly and the skin becomes crispy.

To prevent the skin from drying out or burning, wrap the turkey in aluminum foil. This will help lock in moisture and keep the skin crispy.

Place the marinated turkey in the preheated oven and adjust the cooking time based on its size and weight—about 20 minutes per kilogram. Be sure to rotate the turkey occasionally for even cooking.

Once the turkey is done, let it rest on the tray for 15-20 minutes before cutting. This allows the juices to redistribute.

Creative Pairings:

If you want your turkey to be even more flavorful, try creative methods like smoking it with applewood or cherry wood for a unique smoky flavor. You can also make homemade sauces, such as honey mustard, cranberry sauce, or red wine sauce, to pour over the sliced turkey for extra flavor.

Important Notes:

Avoid overcooking: Overcooked turkey becomes dry and tough. Keep an eye on the oven, adjusting the temperature and cooking time as needed.

Safety first: Be sure to handle raw turkey and knives carefully to avoid accidents.

What is a popular accompaniment for turkey?

There are many great side dishes to pair with turkey. Here are a few of my favorites:

Mashed Potatoes:

Mashed potatoes are a classic pairing with turkey. Their creamy texture helps balance out the richness of the turkey.

You can also roast potato chunks in the turkey pan—this way, the potatoes absorb the turkey's juices and become even more flavorful.

Vegetable Salad:

Since turkey contains some fat, it can feel greasy if eaten alone. Pairing it with a fresh vegetable salad helps cut through the richness. A salad made with lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, and other veggies adds a refreshing contrast.

Corn:

Sweet corn is a traditional Thanksgiving side dish, and it pairs wonderfully with turkey. You can roast or boil the corn for a delicious side.

Pumpkin Pie:

Pumpkin pie is an essential part of the Thanksgiving table. It not only enhances the festive atmosphere but also completes the meal when paired with turkey.

Mushrooms:

Mushrooms go perfectly with turkey, adding depth and aroma to the dish. You can sauté fresh mushrooms and serve them alongside the turkey, or mix them into the turkey stuffing.

Cranberry Sauce:

Cranberry sauce is tangy and sweet, providing a nice balance to the richness of the turkey. It’s often served as a side or dipping sauce and is a beloved addition to the turkey meal.

Is ground turkey healthier than ground beef?

In some ways, ground turkey is indeed healthier than ground beef, especially in the following areas:

Lower Fat Content:

Ground turkey, specifically the lean 99% variety, contains just 1 gram of total fat and 0 grams of saturated fat per 4 ounces. Ground beef, even lean cuts, generally has more fat.

Turkey

Lower Calories:

Ground turkey is high in protein, low in fat, and low in calories, making it a popular choice for those watching their weight or looking to eat healthier. While ground beef can be low in calories as well, it typically has more than ground turkey.

Lower Cholesterol:

Ground turkey has lower cholesterol levels compared to ground beef, which is beneficial for people who need to manage their cholesterol intake, such as those with heart conditions.

Rich in Iron:

Ground turkey contains nearly three times more iron than regular chicken, which helps prevent and improve iron deficiency anemia.

How to make ground turkey taste more like beef?

Flavoring Tips:

Add beef bouillon powder or beef essence: This is the quickest way to replicate beef flavor. Add 1 teaspoon of beef bouillon powder per 500 grams of ground turkey to simulate beef flavor.

Add sauce: While cooking ground turkey, add a bit of soy sauce, light soy sauce, and a small amount of sugar. This will not only enhance the flavor but also give the turkey a color closer to that of beef.

Cooking Methods:

Pan-Fry: Pan-frying helps create a crispy surface, which adds flavor. Cook until browned, then add your seasonings and mix well.

Slow Cook: Add beef broth and spices like star anise or cinnamon, then simmer on low for 30 minutes to let the ground turkey absorb the flavors of the broth.