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This easy guide will teach you everything on how to cook Ground Turkey in a pan in 15 minutes. My technique makes ground turkey juicy, moist and flavorful. It’s a healthy and versatile protein source for tacos, burgers, and weekly dinners.
Ground turkey is turkey meat that has been finely chopped and mixed together. As it is lower in fats and calories compared to ground beef, ground turkey is considered as a healthy, diet friendly protein food. 100 g (3.5 oz) of lean ground turkey provide approximately 149 calories, 8.26 g fat, 0 g carbohydrates and 17.4 g protein. Additionally, it is a great source of B vitamins and minerals.
Similarly to ground beef, this food is incredibly versatile. It comes in very handy for burgers, tacos and pasta sauces. But if you’ve ever attempted to cook ground turkey at home, you probably already know that it can be tricky. Cook it for too long and it will get dry, season it too little and it will be tasteless. That’s why I have decided to write a complete article on how to make ground turkey that tastes flavorful and extra juicy.
Table of Contents
How to choose ground turkey
Choosing the right ground turkey to cook is the key for juicy, moist and flavorful meat. As you may know, there are many options at the grocery store and not all are the same. First things first, you will want to purchase high-quality ground turkey, ideally from organic farming and raised without antibiotics. Ground turkey differs mainly in 2 ways:
- Percentage of fat. Ground turkey is typically available with different fat content, ranging from 80/20 (80% lean and 20% fat) to 99/1 (99% lean and 1% fat). The higher the fat content, the juicier and more flavorful the meat will be, while lower fat options are leaner and healthier but can get dry if not cooked properly.
- Type of meat. You can find ground turkey breast and mixed ground turkey, made from a combination of breast and fattier cuts. Turkey breast is leaner, while mixed turkey meat is fattier.
MattsfitChef’s Tip. I always use and recommend ground turkey breast with a fat percentage between 2% and 10%. My first choice is 93% lean ground turkey, meaning it is 7% fat and 93% lean meat.
Many people argue that higher fat percentages result in moister and juicier meat, but with the right cooking method, even lean turkey can be juicy and flavorful.
How to cook ground turkey
Cooking ground turkey in a pan is very simple, it won’t require more than 15 minutes. The only ingredients you will need are ground turkey, cooking oil and salt. But for more taste, you can add other seasonings. Here are some details, precise quantities can be found in the recipe card at the end of this guide.
Recipe ingredients
- Ground turkey. Choose high-quality ground turkey breast; I recommend 93/7 meat. This ratio provides a great amount of fat to keep the turkey juicy while remaining low in calories. However, feel free to use the type of turkey you prefer.
- Cooking oil. A cooking oil like canola oil, coconut oil or avocado oil prevent the meat from sticking to the pan and add extra flavor.
- Salt. A pinch of salt is enough for a simple turkey seasoning. But you can add other seasonings such as onion powder or smoked paprika for more taste.
Store-bought ground turkey often comes pre-salted and seasoned. If this is the case, you may not need to add extra salt. Be sure to check the package for any added seasonings or salt content, and adjust your recipe accordingly to avoid over-seasoning.
Recipe directions
- Step 1 – Heat the pan. Preheat a large non-stick stainless steel pan over high heat with 1 tablespoon of cooking oil. My oil of choice was avocado oil.
- Step 2 – Season and cook. Once the pan is hot, add the ground turkey and break it apart with a spatula, a fork, or tongs. Season the meat directly in the pan, with salt, pepper and seasonings of choice. Let the ground turkey cook undisturbed for 5 minutes, until the bottom has browned and caramelized.
- Step 3 – Cook through. Break the ground turkey into crumbles, using either a spatula or tongs. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes more, until the meat is no more pink. A food thermometer should read 165°F (74°C). Do not overcook, or the turkey will get dry.
The key to keeping ground turkey moist, juicy, and flavorful is to avoid overcooking it. When ground turkey is cooked too long, it tends to dry out and become rubbery as all the fat is released into the pan.
It takes 10 – 12 minutes for ground turkey to cook. You should only cook it until it has browned and is no more pink. For precision, I recommend measuring the inner temperature of the meat with a food thermometer. It should read 165° degrees Fahrenheit (74° degrees Celsius).
- Step 4. Serve ground turkey immediately, or let it cool and store in a food container for a maximum of 4 days.
How to season ground turkey
Ground turkey beef is a versatile ingredient that can be used in many dishes. Depending on how you serve it, you should add extra spices and seasonings. Here are 5 different ways how you can season ground turkey for your dishes.
- Italian Seasoning: Mix in 1 tsp of dried basil, 1/2 tsp of dried oregano, 1/2 tsp of garlic powder, and 1/4 tsp of red pepper flakes.
- Taco Meat: Combine 1 tbsp of taco seasoning, 1 tsp of paprika, and 1/2 tsp of cumin.
- Pasta Sauce: Stir in 1 cup of marinara sauce, 2 to 3 tbsp of Parmesan cheese, 1 tsp of dried basil, and 1/2 tsp of garlic powder.
- Burger: Add about 1 tbsp of Worcestershire sauce, 1 tsp of smoked paprika, and 1/3 tsp of black pepper.
- Asian Stir-fry: Add 2 tbsp of soy sauce, 1/2 to 1 tsp of grated ginger, and 1 tsp of sesame oil.
How to use ground turkey
Ground turkey is a staple in our house, we always make a large batch on Sunday to have food for the week. Especially for Taco Tuesday. It tastes delicious and is perfect to add high quality protein to many different meals. Once you know how to prepare ground turkey, you can use it for tacos and smash burger tacos, burgers, patties, breakfast burritos, quesadillas, wraps and stir-fries. It also makes a great addition to your Tex-Mex nights in chili, served with Mexican street corn dip, air fryer tortilla chips and homemade salsa.
How to store and freeze ground turkey
You can meal prep ground turkey and store it for later. It can be stored in the fridge for a maximum of 4 days, or it can be frozen for up to 6 months. Here is everything you need to know on how to store it.
- To store leftovers. Let the cooked meat cool completely first, then transfer to an airtight container. Close it tightly with a lid and refrigerate, it will last for up to 4 days.
- To freeze leftovers. Once it has cooled down completely, place it in zipper bags or in a freezer safe container and freeze ground turkey (cooked) for a maximum of 6 months.
- To reheat leftovers. If you start with frozen ground turkey, remove it from the freezer the day before and allow the meat to thaw in the fridge overnight. Reheat in a hot skillet greased with cooking oil or butter until it is warm, making sure not to overcook it.
Recipe tips
- Use high quality ground turkey breast with a fat percentage between 2% and 10%. My top choice is 93% lean ground turkey, which contains 7% fat and 93% lean meat. This makes the meat juicy and flavorful without excessive fat.
- Season according to your own preferences. Whether you prefer a spicy kick with chili flakes, an Italian touch, or a hint of sweetness, adjust the seasonings to match the dish you are preparing.
- Cook on the stove in a non-stick stainless steel pan, large enough to accommodate all the ground meat. A stainless steel pan ensures even heat distribution across the surface, cooking turkey to perfection.
- Do not overcook ground turkey if you want to keep it moist, juicy, and flavorful. Cooking it for too long can cause it to dry out and become rubbery as all fat is released into the pan.
FAQ – Frequently asked questions
Ground turkey typically takes 10-12 minutes to cook. Sauté until it’s fully browned and no longer pink. For accuracy, use a food thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Yes, you can cook it in a hot non-stick skillet. In fact cooking turkey on the stove is the best technique because it makes the meat juicy and flavorful. Other cooking techniques such as baking or grilling tend to make it dry.
There’s no need to pat dry ground turkey before cooking it, as it’s low in fat and can be cooked straight from the package. However, if there is excess water on the surface, particularly with thawed frozen ground turkey, be sure to pat it dry with a paper towel to remove the extra moisture before cooking.
Oil is not strictly necessary, but it is highly recommended. It prevents that the ground turkey sticks to the pan and adds an extra layer of flavor. As an alternative you can use butter, or even a tablespoon of water to keep fats and calories down.
How to Cook Ground Turkey
Equipment
- non-stick stainless steel pan or cast-iron skillet
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450 g) ground turkey, 5% – 7% fat content
- 1 tbsp cooking oil, I recommend canola oil and avocado oil, or butter
- ⅓ tsp salt, or to taste
Optional Seasonings
- ⅛ tsp ground black pepper
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp garlic powder
Instructions
- Preheat a large non-stick stainless steel pan over high heat with 1 tablespoon of cooking oil.
- Once the pan is hot, add the ground turkey and break it apart with a spatula, a fork, or tongs. Season the meat with salt, pepper and seasonings of choice. Let the ground turkey cook over medium heat undisturbed for 5 minutes, until the bottom has browned and caramelized.
- Break the ground turkey into crumbles, using either a spatula or tongs. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes more, until the meat is no more pink. A food thermometer should read 165°F (74°C). Do not overcook, or the turkey will get dry.
- Serve ground turkey immediately, or let it cool and store in a food container for a maximum of 4 days.
Notes
Storage directions
- To store leftovers. Let the cooked meat cool completely first, then transfer to an airtight container. Close it tightly with a lid and refrigerate, it will last for up to 4 days.
- To freeze leftovers. Once it has cooled down completely, place it in zipper bags or in a freezer safe container and freeze ground turkey (cooked) for a maximum of 6 months.
- To reheat leftovers. If you start with frozen ground turkey, remove it from the freezer the day before and allow the meat to thaw in the fridge overnight. Reheat in a hot skillet greased with cooking oil or butter until it is warm, making sure not to overcook it.
I like to add the pasta or lasagna ground turkey! Delicious!!!
Hey my dear Liza,
thank you so much for your feedback. Same here, I love ground turkey with pasta or as a base for making burgers and meatballs at home.
Have a great day,
Matteo