What Is Ground turkey and How Can I Use It?
Here's everything worth knowing about ground turkey and how to pick it, what it is, how to store it, and what to use instead, plus 128 recipes to cook tonight.
Key Points
- Ground turkey is a lean, mild stand-in for ground beef in burgers, meatballs, chili, and sauce.
- Breast grind runs 93 to 99% lean and dries out; thigh grind near 85% stays juicy.
- Brown it hard in batches; a crowded pan steams the meat gray instead of searing it.
- Add fat, grated onion, or a panade to keep turkey burgers from cooking up dry.
- Cook fully to 165°F (74°C); refrigerate 1 to 2 days or freeze 3 to 4 months.
What is ground turkey?
Ground turkey is turkey meat run through a grinder, sold as the lean weeknight stand-in for ground beef. It browns mild and pale, takes on whatever you season it with, and slips into burgers, meatballs, chili, and pasta sauce with far less fat than beef.
The catch sits on the label. The two main grinds behave like different ingredients, and which one you grab decides how the dish turns out.
Lean Grind vs Dark Grind
A breast grind, often labeled 99% or 93% lean, is almost pure white meat. It is the leanest option on the shelf and the one that goes dry and crumbly if you so much as glance away from it.
A regular grind made from thigh meat runs closer to 85% lean. It carries enough fat to stay juicy and tastes noticeably richer, which is what you want in a burger or a meat sauce.
My rule is simple. Use the dark thigh grind anywhere the meat is the star, and save the lean breast grind for dishes where a sauce or broth carries the flavor.
Cooking and Pairing
Brown ground turkey hard. It releases water as it cooks, so a crowded pan steams the meat gray instead of giving it color. Work in batches over medium-high heat and let it sit before stirring.
Lean turkey leans bland, so season harder than you would beef. It loves cumin and chili powder in a Favourite Skinny Southwestern Chili, sage and onion in breakfast Sage Sausage Patties, or bright acid like the lemon in Lemon Dill Meatballs with Artichokes.
For burgers, the fix for dryness is moisture and fat worked into the mix. A grated onion, a spoon of olive oil, or a panade of breadcrumb and milk all help, as in the Garden-Fresh Turkey Burgers.
And stop pressing the patty down on the grill. You are squeezing out the little juice it has.
The most common failure is overcooking. Lean turkey passes from juicy to sawdust in a minute, so pull it the moment it hits 165°F (74°C).
Swapping It In
Ground turkey subs for ground beef or ground pork one for one by weight in most dishes, with two adjustments. Add a little fat or oil to make up for what is missing, and push the seasoning up a notch.
Ground chicken is the closest swap going the other way; it behaves almost identically and is just as lean. Where you need real richness, a half-and-half blend of turkey and beef gives you the lower fat without the cardboard texture.
Going from beef to turkey, expect a paler color and a softer chew. It will not brown as deep, so lean on a hard sear and bolder spice to build flavor.
Buying and Storing
Read the lean percentage before anything else. The words "ground turkey" alone tell you nothing about the fat in the package.
For juiciness pick 85% lean. For the leanest macros pick 93% or 99% and plan to add moisture back in.
Ground meat spoils faster than a whole cut because grinding exposes so much surface area. Keep it in the coldest part of the fridge and cook or freeze it within 1 to 2 days of purchase.
It freezes well for 3 to 4 months. Thaw it in the fridge overnight rather than on the counter, and cook it straight through to 165°F (74°C) every time, with no pink-in-the-middle latitude.
Nutrition
Nutrition Facts
Serving Size 1 patty (4 oz, raw) (yield after cooking) (82g)Quick facts
Food group: Ground turkey is a member of the Poultry Products US Department of Agriculture nutritional food group.
- In Chinese
- 地面火鸡
- British (UK) term
- turkey mince
- en français
- la dinde hachée
- en español
- pavo picada
How much does ground turkey weigh?
| Amount | Weight |
|---|---|
| 1 patty (4 oz, raw) (yield after cooking) | 82 grams |
| 1 unit, yield from 1 lb raw | 330 grams |
Related
Poultry Products
Recipes using ground turkey
There are 128 recipes that contain this ingredient.
Turkey Bacon Burgers
Juicy turkey burgers with raw bacon ground into the patty, sage, and sautéed mushrooms on top. Pan-cooked in butter, the leanness of turkey paired with the richness of bacon.
Turkey-Cheddar Burgers
Juicy turkey cheddar burgers seasoned with sage, thyme, lemon zest, and sauteed garlic onions, with melted cheese stuffed right inside the patty. Grill or broil in 40 minutes for a lighter burger that still oozes with flavor.
Santoreggia Rosso Sauce (Savory Red Sauce)
My family loves Italian food so I created this recipe to fit our tastes of a savory marinara sauce that is great over pasta, in lasagna, on pizza and as a dipping sauce. We love it over cooked spaghetti squash. You can make it with the meatballs or leave them out. It very freezes well.
Turkey Cocktail Meatballs
Lean ground turkey cocktail meatballs baked on a broiler pan with a sweet-tangy chili sauce dip. Lower-fat party appetizer, makes about 50 bite-sized balls.
Garden-Fresh Turkey Burgers
Lean turkey burgers loaded with shredded zucchini, sweet bell pepper, and onion. Oats bind everything together for juicy, vegetable-packed patties on whole wheat buns.
Tom's Meatball Soup
Turkey meatball soup with milk-soaked bread, simmered in tomato-spiked chicken broth with onion, carrots, celery, and a whisper of allspice. A weeknight dinner soup that feels Sunday-cooked.
Spaghetti Sauce with Turkey Meatballs
Lighter spaghetti and meatballs with baked turkey meatballs in a veggie-packed tomato sauce. Carrots, celery, peppers, and onion build a sauce that's wholesome and deeply flavorful.
Asian Turkey Burgers
Asian turkey burgers seasoned with fresh ginger, garlic, and soy sauce, then grilled and served on crisp romaine leaves. Lean, low-carb, and packed with savory flavor in every bite.
Ground Turkey & Veggie patties
A very flavorful, juicy and moist turkey pattie, loaded with vegetables and melts in your mouth.
Turkey Burgers
We wanted a quick and easy recipe--and this was it. Just as good as any other turkey burger recipe we've tried. I made just 4 big patties, so cooked a few minutes longer than the 3-4 per side it calls for. I kept adding a little more olive oil to the pan to keep them from burning.
American Biscuits with Sausage & Gravy
These homemade biscuits are buttery and flakey. Using ground turkey to make the sausage delivers a much lighter result but still tastes delicious. Gravy is packed with flavour. For those who love this combination for breakfast, this recipe is worth the effort.
Honey-Mustard Turkey Meatballs
These were so tasty. I'd make them again and again. I used bread crumbs instead of crackers and a red bell instead of a green bell. I could see trying this with different fruit juice and cheese combos! Make this, I don't think you'll be disappointed.
Low Fat Turkey Burgers
Low-fat turkey burgers with couscous, warm spice blend of curry, cumin, allspice, and ginger, plus sauteed red pepper for moisture. A globally-spiced lean burger on whole-wheat buns.
Turkey Jalapeno Sausage Reuben
Turkey jalapeno sausage Reuben stacks a homemade ground turkey patty with cilantro and jalapeños on rye bread, melted Monterey Jack, and tomato. A Southwestern twist on the deli classic.
Mushroom Turkey Burgers
Turkey burgers seasoned with Worcestershire and onion salt, topped with butter-sauteed mushrooms. A leaner burger with savory depth, ready in 30 minutes.
Tempting Turkey Loaf
Moist, herb-seasoned turkey meatloaf with mushrooms, thyme, and Worcestershire sauce, baked in a water bath for extra tenderness. A leaner take on classic meatloaf that slices clean and pairs with tomato sauce or mushroom gravy.
Spicy Turkey Burgers with Pickled Onions
Grilled turkey burgers seasoned with chipotle, cumin, cilantro, and allspice, topped with tangy quick-pickled red onions on whole wheat buns. Lean, bold, and ready in 30 minutes.
Western Frittata
Loaded Western frittata with ground turkey, potatoes, mushrooms, and melted cheese seasoned with cumin, sage, and thyme. A one-skillet egg dish that feeds a crowd for brunch or dinner.
Turkey Chimichangas
Ground turkey seasoned with taco mix and nonfat sour cream, rolled in flour tortillas and pan-fried until crispy. These lighter chimichangas skip the deep fryer but keep all the crunchy, creamy, spiced flavor you crave.
Turkey Barbecue
Ground turkey simmered in a tangy homemade barbecue sauce with apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, chili powder, and Worcestershire, piled onto kaiser rolls. A leaner, no-grill sloppy joe that's ready in 30 minutes.
Spicy Turkey Loaf
A herb-packed turkey meatloaf with fresh basil, parsley, ginger, red pepper flakes, and thyme. Baked until golden with a tender, flavorful center. Great hot or cold.
Thai Turkey Bites
Spicy, tangy Thai turkey meatballs with red curry paste and fish sauce, served with a sweet-sour cucumber dipping sauce. A quick party appetizer ready in 30 minutes that feeds a crowd.
Carla's Turkey Loaf
Herb-packed ground turkey meatloaf with rosemary, thyme, basil, and oatmeal for binding. Slow-baked until firm and full of savory flavor. Only 5 minutes of prep.
Garden Burgers
Garden burgers made with ground turkey or beef mixed with shredded carrot, onion, green pepper, and Parmesan. Grilled with a tomato slice melted on top.
Pizza Roll-Ups
Pizza roll-ups made with pizza dough spread with ground turkey, mozzarella, and Italian seasoning. Sliced pinwheels baked until golden. Freezer-friendly and perfect for lunch boxes.
Turkey Sloppy Joes
Turkey sloppy joes with ground turkey, bell peppers, onions, tomato sauce, and Worcestershire in a quick skillet. A lighter twist on classic sloppy joes ready in 35 minutes.
Turkey Salad Arizona
Hot seasoned ground turkey and corn tossed with salsa, piled over crisp shredded lettuce with tomato, red onion, lime wedges, and sour cream. A Southwestern taco salad without the shell, ready in 20 minutes.
Spicy Italian Patties
Spicy Italian turkey patties seasoned with fennel seeds, crushed red pepper, garlic, and Italian herbs topped with warm tomato sauce. A lean, flavorful weeknight dinner.
Mayflower Meat Loaf
Mayflower meat loaf rolled with ground turkey and mixed vegetables inside, seasoned with thyme. A lighter stuffed meat loaf with a colorful vegetable surprise.
Spicy Breakfast Pattycakes
Crispy homemade turkey breakfast sausage patties seasoned with fresh basil, parsley, garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes. A leaner, herb-packed alternative to store-bought pork sausage.
Heart Healthy Cranberry & Herb Turkey Burgers
Heart-healthy cranberry and herb turkey burgers mix lean ground turkey with whole-wheat couscous, sauteed onion and celery, fresh thyme, sage, and chopped cranberries. A Thanksgiving-flavored burger for 6.
Spicy Turkey Burgers
Cajun-spiced turkey burgers with cayenne, cumin, garlic powder, and black pepper. Just 5 ingredients, broiled in 10 minutes for a lean, fiery burger.
Favourite Skinny Southwestern Chili
A wonderful winter recipe, this recipe can be made vegan or with meat. Either way, it’s packed with healthy fiber and low fat protein. High fiber meals help to lower cholesterol and blood pressure, as well as protect us from various types of cancers.
Italian Spaghetti Sauce w/ ground turkey
Make your pasta dishes seem authentic with this spaghetti sauce made of Veggies, ground turkey, tomatoes and a variety of spices.
Turkey-Pasta Pie
A fettuccine crust holds layers of cottage cheese, broccoli, and seasoned ground turkey in tomato sauce, all baked under a Parmesan top. Part pasta, part pie, fully irresistible.
Shrimp Dumplings
Steamed shrimp dumplings with ground turkey, dried mushrooms, and green onions wrapped in wonton skins. Served with a soy-ginger-honey dipping sauce, these 24 bite-sized parcels are a lighter take on dim sum favorites.
Turkey-Macaroni Chili
Ground turkey, elbow macaroni, and chili spices simmered together in one Dutch oven. Topped with Parmesan and ready in under an hour, this is the weeknight comfort food your family will request on repeat.
Loaded Turkey & Pinto Bean Chili
Lean turkey and pinto bean chili with bell peppers, jalapeño, and chili powder. Hearty pot of chili in an hour with cooking spray instead of oil for a lighter base.
One Pan Meal
Ground turkey one-pot meal with green beans, diced potatoes, stewed tomatoes, and tomato soup. A budget-friendly dump-and-heat dinner ready in 20 minutes flat.
Hearty Halloween Soup
Hearty Halloween soup with ground turkey, red potatoes, tomatoes, and vermicelli in an herbed broth with turkey gravy. A warming one-pot meal for a chilly October night.
Chili Con Pavo
Ground turkey chili with jalapeño, kidney beans, green chilis, and a surprise hit of briny Spanish olives and warm cloves. Leaner than beef chili but just as bold. Top with cheddar, cilantro, and a squeeze of lime.
South of the Border Chili
Ground turkey chili with kidney beans, stewed tomatoes, and red bell pepper spooned over split baked potatoes. Topped with cheddar and sour cream for a hearty 40-minute dinner.
Oriental Turkey Loaf
Asian-inspired turkey and veal meatloaf with hoisin sauce, fresh ginger, water chestnuts, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes. A flavorful twist on classic American meatloaf.
Turkey Bayou Burgers
Ground turkey burgers packed with red bell pepper, scallions, cilantro, cumin, thyme, and paprika, then charcoal-grilled and served on toasted buns. These Cajun-spiced bayou burgers bring big Louisiana flavor to your backyard grill.
Why Be Normal Burger
Why Be Normal Burger mixes ground turkey with wild rice, whole cranberry sauce, and cooking wine for a Thanksgiving-inspired grilled burger. Anything but ordinary.
Barbara's Applesauce Meat Loaf
Barbara's Applesauce Meat Loaf makes a lighter turkey meatloaf with oats and unsweetened applesauce for moisture, cooked in a microwave in just 10 minutes with a ketchup-mustard glaze.
Tasty Turkey Loaf
Turkey meatloaf bound with saltines and eggs, seasoned with sloppy joe mix, and brushed with a ketchup-mustard-brown sugar glaze. Lighter than classic beef meatloaf with the same comforting bake.
Turkey Mole Empanadas
Turkey mole empanadas wrapped in flaky puff pastry with cilantro and scallions. Baked golden in 10 minutes for an easy Mexican-inspired appetizer with rich, spiced filling.
More ground turkey recipes
- Bacon-Wrapped Turkey Burgers
- Barbara's Applesauce Meat Loaf
- Breakfast Burrito Scramble
- Brigitte's Turkey Dumpling Casserole
- Classic Hamburger Casserole
- Favourite Skinny Southwestern Chili
- Fresh Herb Turkey Loaf
- Garden Burgers
- Ground Turkey Chili
- Hot Texas Chili Soup
- Italian Version of Turkey Sausage
- Lasagne with Turkey & Fresh Tomato Sauce
- Linguine Turkey Bolognese
- Meal Casserole
- Meaty Ziti Casserole
- Mix'N'Match Meatballs
- One Pan Meal
- Sage Sausage Patties
- Spiced Turkey Loaf
- Spicy Breakfast Pattycakes
- Turkey Loaf
- Turkey Patties in Mushroom Wine Sauce
- Turkey Salad Arizona
- Turkey Sloppy Joes
- Turkey-Macaroni Chili
- Turkey-Pasta Pie
- Turkey-Stuffed Peppers
- Turkish Lamb Pita Burgers
