How to Cook Ground Turkey Different Ways

Ground turkey is an excellent solution when you want a healthier meal using ground meat. If you’re looking to go a little leaner without sacrificing your favorite flavors, then knowing how to cook ground turkey will give you may ways to make magnificently tasty meals that are far healthier than those made with beef.

Since it’s ground up, the turkey will cook more quickly than whole meats, making ground turkey an awesome go-to protein for busy evenings. If you don’t know how to cook ground turkey, we have 5 methods that you can use to help you bring your favorite ground turkey recipe to the table more often than just on Thanksgiving Day!

How to Cook Ground Turkey on the Stove

Your stovetop is truly the best place to cook your ground turkey meals. It will cook quickest when you use your stove, taking roughly 13 to 18 minutes until it’s done for just about every recipe you follow.

Make sure when you cook turkey on the stove that the meat is no longer pink. You can be certain it’s safe to eat if you use a meat thermometer and find the temperature is 165°F.

How to Cook Ground Turkey in a Pan

If you are using a pan on your stove, you can set the temperature to medium high heat. Make sure you add oil since ground turkey is leaner than lean ground beef.

When cooking it with vegetables, start with those first, then scoot them to the side to add your ground turkey. Season the meat and continue cooking until it is no longer pink or registers at the proper temperature. You can serve ground turkey in taco shells, on top of rice, or even with noodles.

How to Cook Ground Turkey in a Skillet

Using a cast iron skillet is another way to make ground turkey. You can press it into the skillet in a single layer and then brown it. Let it sit for about 2 to 3 minutes before you flip it and continue browning the other side. You can then add any veggies and seasonings to the ground turkey, mixing it all together until it has completely finished cooking.

How to Cook Ground Turkey on a Grill

If you want to know how to cook ground turkey on a grill, the best way is to shape it into patties, like hamburgers. Trying to cook a loose batch of ground turkey on a grill will only result in the meat falling through the grill grates, creating a grilling disaster.

Simply shape your ground turkey into patties in accordance with your favorite recipe. You will have better success keeping them intact if you freeze them briefly while the grill warms up. You should heat it over medium-high for direct heat and gently grease the grates to prevent sticking. Grill for 6 to 7 minutes per side or until the ground turkey reaches 165°F in the center.

How to Cook Ground Turkey in a Crock Pot

Knowing how to cook ground turkey in a crock pot is a huge time saver for busy weekdays. You can simply add your ground turkey and whatever else your favorite recipe calls for into the slow cooker. Cover and set it to cook on high for 2 to 3 hours.

How to Cook Ground Turkey in an Instant Pot

If you forgot to get dinner ready earlier, you can learn how to cook ground turkey in your Instant Pot. It is a quick way to cook this type of meat.

Use the sauté function on your Instant Pot and add your oil and ground turkey, along with any aromatics such as garlic or onions. When the color of the meat begins to look whitish, add your seasoning and stir well for several minutes.

You can follow that with more veggies or sauces, mixing to combine as it cooks. Give it about 2 more minutes and your Instant Pot ground turkey should be finished.

What Can You Serve with Ground Turkey?

Ground turkey is as versatile as ground beef, just leaner and healthier. You can choose to serve it with lettuce wraps, tortillas, on top of rice, or even on top of potatoes or sweet potatoes. When you know how to cook ground turkey, you’re free to be creative and make up your own flavors or simply swap this leaner meat into a ground beef recipe to get that great texture and taste without the guilt.