Go Back
+ servings
the completed how to cook ground turkey recipe in a skillet
Print

How To Cook Ground Turkey

Delicious cooked ground turkey that can be used in a variety of recipes.
Course Main Course
Cuisine American, Western
Diet Gluten Free, Low Calorie, Low Fat
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings 4
Calories 127kcal

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil divided
  • 1 pound (453g) ground turkey
  • salt and other seasonings of your choice

Instructions

  • Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat and add 1 tablespoon of oil.
  • When the oil is hot, add the ground turkey to the skillet and stir for a couple of minutes to break the meat up.
  • Season generously with salt and other seasoning of your choice.
  • Stir regularly for 5-7 minutes, until the meat is cooked through and has reached an internal temperature. of 165 degrees F / 74 degrees C.
  • Turn off the heat and serve as is, or add it to other recipes.

Video

Notes

  • Opt for lean or extra lean ground turkey, which contains less fat. This is healthier, but requires careful cooking to prevent it from drying out.
  • If using a lean or extra lean ground turkey, add a splash of broth, tomato sauce, or olive oil while cooking. This helps prevent it from becoming too dry. If the turkey is not a lean cut, then adding liquid isn’t needed. 
  • Ground turkey can be bland, so season it generously with herbs, spices, or sauces to add flavor. Consider using the seasoning variations mentioned below.
  • If the meat has a higher fat or water content and there is a lot of liquid while cooking, then carefully drain and continue cooking. Likewise, you can simply cook the turkey until adequate moisture evaporates. 
  • Overcooked ground turkey can become dry and crumbly so watch it closely. Cook until it reaches the safe internal temperature, then remove from heat.
  • Ground turkey can be mixed with vegetables, beans, or grains in dishes like chili or casseroles to add protein and flavor.
  • Cover the pan with a lid while cooking ground turkey in recipes like chili or stews to help trap moisture.
  • Storage - you can keep cooked and cooled ground turkey in an airtight container inside the fridge up to 5 days.
  • There is 1 WW Blue Plan SmartPoints in one serving of this.

Nutrition

Calories: 127kcal | Protein: 27g | Fat: 2g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Trans Fat: 0.02g | Cholesterol: 62mg | Sodium: 58mg | Potassium: 335mg | Vitamin A: 28IU | Calcium: 3mg | Iron: 1mg