[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text single_style=”1′′]I was shocked to discover how few healthy ground turkey recipes there were when I did a quick search one day. So after a little research for ground turkey dinner ideas I came up with this. A quick and healthy weeknight meal, this ground turkey recipe is something my family adores. It’s super-simple to throw together and is a healthy, wholesome way to get dinner on the table quick.
The short answer is no, you don’t have to drain ground turkey. In fact, because it’s naturally leaner than ground beef, draining it can actually make it dry and less flavorful. But there are a few things to consider:
Fat content: Ground turkey comes in different fat percentages, ranging from 93% lean to 99% lean The higher the fat percentage, the more fat will render out during cooking If you’re using a higher fat percentage turkey, you may want to drain off some of the excess fat, especially if you’re trying to keep the dish low-fat.
Flavor: Draining the fat can also remove some of the flavor from the ground turkey If you’re concerned about losing flavor, you can always add a little extra oil to the pan before cooking.
Personal preference: Ultimately, whether or not you drain ground turkey is a matter of personal preference. Some people prefer the texture of drained ground turkey, while others find it to be too dry. Experiment and see what you like best.
Here are some additional tips for cooking ground turkey:
- Use a non-stick pan: This will help prevent the turkey from sticking to the pan and drying out.
- Cook over medium heat: This will help the turkey cook evenly without burning.
- Break up the turkey with a spoon as it cooks: This will help it cook faster and more evenly.
- Don’t overcook the turkey: Ground turkey is done when it is no longer pink. Overcooked turkey will be dry and tough.
Here are some recipes that use ground turkey:
- Ground Turkey Chili: This hearty chili is perfect for a cold winter day.
- Ground Turkey Tacos: These tacos are a quick and easy weeknight meal.
- Ground Turkey Meatloaf: This classic comfort food is a great way to use up leftover ground turkey.
- Ground Turkey Shepherd’s Pie: This dish is a delicious and satisfying way to get your vegetables.
- Ground Turkey Burgers: These burgers are a healthy and flavorful alternative to beef burgers.
Expert Tips and Tricks for the Perfect Ground Turkey Every Time
- Choose quality ground turkey. Steer clear of those that contain fillers to enhance the flavor of your ground turkey recipes.
- Make sure it’s cooked through. It should take roughly 15 minutes to cook the ground turkey until it is a nice, uniform brown color without any pink.
- Feel free to add more spice. I love this dish because you can customize the spice. I’ll remove some from the pan for the children first, and then my spouse and I will add additional chili powder.
How do you Make Ground Turkey from Scratch
You’ll heat olive oil in a skillet then add the chopped onions and peppers. After that, the garlic goes in. Move those things to the edge and add more oil before adding the ground turkey in. Add the chili powder, brown the turkey, and mix the veggies in with it. The spices and seasonings help give a flavor boost. Once it’s cooked through, add the cilantro.
How to Brown Ground Turkey
FAQ
Do you have to drain ground meat?
Can you cook ground turkey in liquid?
Is ground turkey supposed to be watery?
Do you need to drain turkey grease?