If youre a fan of eating the thickest, juiciest hamburgers, well, youre probably the type that has never had a good turkey burger. Turkey burgers, not to mention ground turkey in general, have the unfortunate reputation of being the less delicious substitute for ground beef. Anyone who wants to make a healthy version of their ground beef-based dish usually goes straight for the ground turkey, but in many cases, it just doesnt taste quite as good.
While they look pretty similar when raw and both are types of ground meat, ground turkey isnt a foolproof substitution for ground beef. Whether its because youre trying to cut calories or simply because you dont have any ground beef left in the freezer, there are a number of reasons why youd want to use turkey instead. It can be done effectively, but heres what you should know before substituting ground turkey in a ground beef recipe.
Ground turkey and ground beef are both versatile ingredients that can be used to make a variety of delicious dishes. But when it comes to cooking times many home cooks wonder – does ground turkey cook faster than ground beef?
The answer lies in examining the unique properties of each type of ground meat. Once you understand what affects cooking speed, you can determine which option may be better for getting dinner on the table quicker.
Factors That Influence Cooking Time
Several key factors impact how quickly ground meat will cook:
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Fat content – Ground beef contains a higher percentage of fat compared to leaner ground turkey More fat means longer cooking time
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Grind – Coarsely ground meats cook faster than finely ground. Ground turkey is often coarsely ground.
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Moisture – Higher moisture speeds up cooking. Ground turkey tends to have a higher moisture content.
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Cooking method – Grilling, pan frying and broiling cook faster than roasting or baking.
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Quantity – Cooking large batches slows down cooking compared to smaller amounts.
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Temperature – Higher heat cooks meat quicker. Preheating pans or grill is important.
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Stirring – Frequently stirring helps meat cook faster and prevents burning.
Ground Turkey Vs. Ground Beef: Cooking Time Comparison
When you take all the factors above into account, ground turkey consistently cooks faster than ground beef:
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Pan frying: Ground turkey cooks in 5-7 minutes, ground beef takes 8-10 minutes.
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Grilling: Ground turkey grills in 6-8 minutes, ground beef takes 9-11 minutes.
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Baking: Ground turkey bakes in 15-17 minutes, ground beef bakes in 18-20 minutes.
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Sautéing: Ground turkey sautés in about 7-9 minutes, ground beef in 10-12 minutes.
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Broiling: Ground turkey broils in 10-12 minutes, ground beef in 13-15 minutes.
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Roasting: Ground turkey roasts in 20-22 minutes, ground beef in 25-27 minutes.
As you can see, ground turkey averages 2-5 minutes faster cooking time across most methods. The quicker cooking gives you flexibility when you’re pressed for time.
Tips for Faster Cooking
You can reduce cooking times for both ground meats with these helpful tips:
- Use a coarse grind rather than fine
- Drain excess moisture before cooking
- Preheat pans, grill or oven fully before cooking
- Cook in smaller batches instead of one large batch
- Stir and break up meat frequently as it cooks
- Add a teaspoon of oil to help facilitate quicker cooking
- Cook ground meat immediately after purchase for best results
Should You Choose Ground Turkey or Ground Beef?
So if speed is your deciding factor, ground turkey is the winner. But taste, texture, nutrition and cost may also guide your choice:
- Ground beef has more fat for richer flavor and moisture.
- Ground turkey can dry out more easily without additions.
- Ground turkey is lower in fat and calories.
- Ground turkey is often cheaper than some types of ground beef.
- Both meats have high protein content.
Look at your specific needs and preferences when determining which ground meat works best in your recipes. And utilize the cooking tips above to get dinner on the table fast, no matter which you choose.
Safety Tips for Cooking Ground Meats
When cooking ground meats speedily, don’t compromise on safety:
- Use an instant read thermometer to verify doneness of 160°F.
- Wash hands, utensils and surfaces after handling raw meat.
- Refrigerate ground meat within 2 hours of purchase.
- Cook frozen ground meat without thawing first.
- Avoid cross contamination by using separate plates and utensils.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does ground turkey have a taste difference from ground beef?
Ground turkey has a milder flavor compared to beef. It can be seasoned to taste more like beef.
Can ground turkey be substituted for recipes calling for ground beef?
Absolutely. Ground turkey makes an excellent healthier and often quicker substitute.
Is pink ground turkey safe to eat?
No, ground turkey should be cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F with no pink showing.
What are good ways to use up ground turkey or beef?
Burgers, meatloaf, meatballs, casseroles, sloppy Joes, tacos, chili, pasta sauce, etc.
Should extra lean ground turkey be cooked differently?
Extra lean ground turkey cooks slightly faster. Monitor it closely to avoid overcooking.
The Bottom Line
Ground turkey does cook faster than ground beef in most cooking methods. However, consider all factors including taste, cost and your specific needs when choosing which ground meat works best for your meal. Follow proper safety and temperature guidelines, and utilize the tips provided, for quick and delicious results.
It’s hard to make ground turkey and beef taste similar
In terms of flavor and texture, there arent many similarities between ground turkey and ground beef. Ground turkey is a much drier, chewier protein than its bovine-derived competition (via Eat This, Not That!). It also contains a mix of only light and dark meat, whereas ground beef comes from a wide variety of cuts, such as chuck or sirloin, all of which are naturally juicier than turkey.
Because theyre so structurally different, the best way to make ground turkey taste more like ground beef is to use the juiciest cut available. That means youll have to buy 85% fat ground turkey, or ground turkey made with only dark meat, according to Eat This, Not That! This higher-fat turkey will do a slightly better job at preserving the integrity of your recipe. However, no matter the percentage of fat, your dish will still end up tasting pretty different from the original.
Ground turkey isn’t always healthier
Contrary to popular belief, there isnt much of a nutritional difference between ground turkey and ground beef. Healthline shares that unless youre substituting 100% lean ground turkey for an exceptionally fatty batch of ground beef, it isnt worth the swap — theyre really that similar. Though ground turkey is known to be the healthier of the two, the main difference is that ground beef is slightly higher in protein. In terms of calorie counts and fat percentage, however, they are nearly identical.
Its important to note, however, that regardless of having comparable fat percentages, the two contain different types of fat. The type more commonly found in ground beef — saturated fat — is slightly worse than that of turkey. As Healthline explains, any food high in saturated fat, including ground beef, puts you at risk for heart disease, which is generally why turkey is considered the better dietary option.