Can you save money by switching from ground beef to ground turkey? Yes. But there’s more to the story. Find out how to make ground turkey taste better, find recipe ideas, and save money by reading on.
Ground turkey and ground beef are staple proteins found in many kitchens But when it comes to cost and nutrition, which one comes out on top? This comprehensive guide compares ground turkey versus ground beef to help you make the best choice for your budget, health goals, and meal plans
Ground Turkey Often Cheaper Than Ground Beef
Price is a major consideration for many shoppers when choosing between ground turkey or beef. In general, ground turkey tends to be the more affordable option. On average, ground turkey costs 20% less per pound compared to ground beef.
However, pricing varies depending on factors like:
-
Location – Prices fluctuate regionally. Ground turkey may cost less in one area over another.
-
Sales and promotions – Check for markdowns and package deals that lower costs.
-
Store – Warehouse clubs and budget grocers may offer better deals.
-
Type – Organic and free-range ground turkey is typically more expensive.
-
Fat percentage – Fattier ground beef is usually cheaper than leaner blends.
The best way to save money is to compare prices and buy ground turkey and beef when on sale or at bulk discount. Purchasing ahead of time and freezing can take advantage of sales too.
Ground Turkey Typically Healthier Than Ground Beef
For those focused on healthy eating, ground turkey often gets the edge over ground beef. Here’s how they compare nutritionally:
-
Calories – Ground turkey contains around 160 calories per 4 ounce serving compared to 290 calories for 4 ounces of ground beef.
-
Fat – Ground turkey has 7 grams total fat versus 21 grams in ground beef, making it much leaner.
-
Saturated Fat – Ground turkey has 2 grams saturated fat per serving while ground beef provides 9 grams.
-
Cholesterol – Ground beef contains higher cholesterol at 90 mg versus 60 mg in ground turkey.
-
Sodium – Ground turkey averages around 70 mg sodium per serving compared to 75 mg in ground beef.
-
Protein – Both meats are excellent sources of protein. A 4 ounce serving of ground turkey or beef supplies about 22 grams.
When it comes to vitamins and minerals, both meats provide iron, zinc, B vitamins, and other nutrients. Overall, ground turkey’s lower calorie, fat, and cholesterol profile makes it the healthier choice, especially for heart health.
Factors Like Taste Play a Role Too
While the cost and nutrition differences favor ground turkey much of the time, other factors come into play when choosing between the two, such as:
-
Taste – Some find fattier ground beef has richer, beefier flavor. Lean ground turkey may need extra seasoning.
-
Texture – Ground beef’s fat content makes it juicier and more tender when cooked versus drier ground turkey.
-
Uses – Hearty dishes like chili, burgers, and meatballs may pair better with ground beef.
-
Meal plans – Those following low fat, heart healthy, or low calorie diets may prefer ground turkey.
-
Personal preferences – Your tastes may simply align more with ground beef over turkey or vice versa.
Tips for Buying and Cooking Ground Turkey
Follow these simple tips to get the most from ground turkey:
-
Buy plain ground turkey without seasonings, which reduces sodium. Choose 93% lean or leaner to keep fat low.
-
Check the sell-by date and pick packages with the furthest dates for maximum freshness.
-
Store ground turkey in the refrigerator in the coldest section. Freeze for longer term storage up to 4 months.
-
Use bold spices and ingredients like garlic, chili powder, onions, broth, and oils when cooking to boost flavor.
-
Cook to an internal temperature of 165°F to ensure ground turkey reaches proper doneness for food safety.
-
Substitute in most recipes that call for ground beef, adjusting seasonings as needed.
The Verdict: Lean Ground Turkey a Budget and Health Win
When weighing all factors, lean ground turkey emerges as an all-around winner over fattier ground beef. Its lower price makes it easier on the wallet. The reduced fat and calories fit well into a healthy lifestyle.
Of course, you can still enjoy ground beef from time to time, but choosing lean ground turkey more often will help your heart in the long run. If it comes down to budget, ground turkey is often the cheaper option. And of course, taste preference comes into play, too. With versatility in the kitchen, greater affordability, and a nutrition profile supporting better health, lean ground turkey is hard to beat!
Ground Turkey vs. Ground Beef: The Taste
Ground beef can come from different cuts of meat from a cow. There is a lot of ground sirloin and ground round, but a lot of ground beef also has meal from other parts of the cow.
It is common for ground turkey to come from the thighs and drumsticks, but it can also come from the turkey breast.
There is more flavor and fat in ground beef than in ground turkey, which is why ground beef is usually a better choice for cooking. However, don’t discount incorporating more ground turkey into your diet. You just have to know how to flavor it and cook it.
Cheap Recipes To Get You Started
Here are some affordable and easy-to-make ground turkey recipes to add to your meal rotation:
This swap is easy for me because I like ground turkey (see below for ways to make ground turkey taste better).
If you like ground beef in recipes, I urge you to give ground turkey a try. Once the meat is seasoned and the dish is complete, it’s usually hard to notice the difference.
Is Ground Turkey Better For You Than Beef?
FAQ
What meat is cheaper than turkey?
Is ground chicken cheaper than ground beef?
Is ground turkey that much healthier than beef?
Is ground turkey cheaper than ground beef on Reddit?
Is ground turkey cheaper than lean ground beef?
Some general points: Regular ground beef is often cheaper than lean ground turkey. As the fat content decreases for ground beef, the price goes up. Comparing similar fat contents, ground turkey is usually cheaper than extra lean ground beef. Watch for sales on ground turkey and stock up your freezer.
Which is better ground beef or Turkey?
The lean ground beef contains about 1 gram more saturated fat for a 3-ounce serving but is lower in total fat and cholesterol, and slightly higher in iron and protein compared to the turkey. Which One Wins? The answer? It’s a toss-up.
Is fat-free Turkey better than ground beef?
Ground beef and turkey are both rich in protein, but fat-free turkey has the fewest calories and most protein, compared with higher fat cuts of turkey ( 6 ). It also has equal or greater amounts of protein than any type of ground beef ( 1, 3, 5 ). Therefore, when trying to lose weight, fat-free ground turkey may be the best choice.
Is ground turkey a Good Burger?
Hailed as the better-for-you pick for decades, ground turkey has become the default healthy stand-in for ground beef. Want healthier burgers? Swap in ground turkey. The bottom line is, if you’re eating for a healthy heart, lean ground turkey is lower in saturated fat, and thus, the better pick for you.