Cooking Ground Turkey in the Microwave: A Fast, Easy Guide

As a busy home cook, I’m always looking for ways to save time in the kitchen without sacrificing flavor or nutrition. One shortcut I rely on for quick and healthy weeknight meals is cooking ground turkey in the microwave.

Although the stovetop and oven are more common cooking methods, microwaving ground turkey is an underrated hack. With just a few simple steps, you can have fully cooked, crumbled ground turkey ready to eat in under 10 minutes. It’s amazingly convenient, especially on hectic work nights.

Read on for my complete step-by-step guide to microwaving ground turkey, including tips for the best results every time. I’ll also cover common questions and fun recipe ideas to inspire your ground turkey microwave cooking adventures. Let’s unlock this fast and easy cooking shortcut!

Benefits of Cooking Ground Turkey in the Microwave

Here’s why microwaving has become my go-to ground turkey cooking method:

• It’s incredibly fast – Fresh or frozen, you can have cooked ground turkey in just 5-8 minutes. Perfect for weeknight time crunch.

• Minimal mess – No constant stirring or grease splatters associated with stovetop cooking.

• Fewer dishes – Just the microwave-safe bowl to clean up!

• Great texture – Microwaving retains moisture and prevents the ground turkey from drying out.

• Nutrient retention – The quick cook time helps preserve more nutrients compared to other methods.

• Easy protein – Just a simple prep for instant cooked protein ready to add into recipes.

Microwaving makes cooking ground turkey a total breeze. Now let’s get into the step-by-step method.

Step-by-Step Guide to Microwaving Ground Turkey

Follow these simple steps for perfect ground turkey cooked in the microwave every time.

1. Prepare the Ground Turkey

Remove ground turkey from packaging and place in a microwave-safe dish. Glass or ceramic work best. Break up and crumble using a fork until no large pieces remain for even cooking.

2. Add Seasoning (Optional)

Sprinkle desired seasonings over the turkey and mix well. I like a simple salt, pepper, and poultry seasoning blend. Get creative with spices!

3. Cover and Microwave

Cover the dish loosely with a paper towel or vented lid to prevent splattering Microwave on high for about 4 minutes per 1/2 pound of ground turkey,

4. Stir and Cook More If Needed

Remove the dish and stir the ground turkey to ensure even cooking. If there’s any pink meat left, continue microwaving in 1 minute increments until fully cooked.

5. Check the Internal Temperature

Verify doneness for food safety by taking the internal temp with a meat thermometer. Ground turkey should reach 165°F.

6. Drain and Crumble

Drain excess liquid using a colander or strainer. Using two forks, crumble and break up the cooked ground turkey into smaller pieces for recipes.

7. Use as Desired

The cooked ground turkey is now ready to use however you like! Add it to pasta, salads, tacos, chili, and more.

Microwaving Tips for the Best Ground Turkey

Follow these handy tips and tricks for microwaved ground turkey success:

• Use 90% or higher lean ground turkey to limit grease.

• Defrost frozen ground turkey first for more even cooking.

• Reduce cook time by half for smaller 1/2 pound batches.

• Stir and rotate periodically for consistent doneness.

• Always double check internal temp with a meat thermometer.

• Let it rest 2-3 minutes before crumbling for juicier ground turkey.

• Add a spoonful of water or broth if it seems dry.

With the proper technique, you can easily microwave moist and flavorful ground turkey worthy of any recipe!

Frequently Asked Questions About Microwaving Ground Turkey

Here are answers to some of the most common questions I get about cooking ground turkey in the microwave:

Can you fully cook ground turkey in the microwave?

Yes, absolutely! Follow the steps above and use a meat thermometer to confirm it reaches 165°F internally.

How long does it take to microwave frozen ground turkey?

Add about 2 extra minutes to the cook time if starting with frozen ground turkey. Defrost first for best results.

Should you cover ground turkey when microwaving?

Yes, use a paper towel or vented lid to prevent splatters without trapping steam. Leave a corner open.

What’s the best way to crumble fully cooked ground turkey?

Drain any excess liquid first. Then use two forks or a large spoon to break up and shred the cooked ground turkey.

Can you microwave raw frozen ground turkey?

It’s not recommended. Always thaw frozen ground turkey first before cooking for food safety.

Creative Ways to Use Microwaved Ground Turkey

Now for my favorite part – fun recipes to make with quick microwaved ground turkey!

• Ground turkey lettuce wraps
• Zucchini turkey boats
• Ground turkey stuffed peppers
• Easy turkey burgers
• Quick turkey tacos
• Microwaved turkey meatballs
• Turkey veggie skillet
• Turkey stuffed mushrooms
• Healthy turkey sloppy joes
• Cheesy turkey and rice casserole

With crumbled pre-cooked ground turkey on hand, you can build endless fast and delicious meals. It’s so versatile!

Unlock This Handy Ground Turkey Cooking Shortcut

Thanks to the microwave, you can now shortcut your way to quick and easy weeknight ground turkey recipes. No longer does cooking ground turkey have to be a long, messy hassle at the stovetop.

In just a few simple steps, you can have perfect fully cooked ground turkey ready to mix into your favorite dishes. Follow my microwave cooking tips and suggested recipes to embrace this handy kitchen hack.