If you like biscuits and gravy, this version will have your mouth watering. This ground turkey gravy is healthier, really tasty and so simple to make. Creamy delicious turkey gravy to eat with biscuits and so much more.
I just don’t think I could eat it all the time, at every meal. But that doesn’t mean I don’t get a hankering for some great tasting southern inspired recipes. This is one of those times.
The gravy is thick, creamy, tasty, and leaner than country gravy made with pork sausage, which is what most country gravy is made with.
To be honest, I can’t find a good ground turkey sausage. I buy ground turkey all the time, and I love trying new recipes, so this one works great with ground turkey. Add in some of your favorite spices if you’d like.
The gravy will be ready in just a few easy steps. If you were like me, you put the biscuits in the oven before you started making the gravy, and they’ll be done around the same time!
You wouldn’t believe that these four biscuits are made from pancake mix. OH, these are a MUST make!.
Mashed potatoes smothered in rich, savory gravy is the epitome of comfort food. But traditional gravy made with greasy pan drippings can be heavy and indulgent. This easy recipe for ground turkey gravy served over creamy mashed potatoes gives you all that cozy, heartwarming flavor without the extra calories and fat.
Why Turkey Gravy is a Healthy Alternative
Switching from beef or pork drippings to lean ground turkey to make your gravy saves a significant amount of calories and fat
- Pan drippings can have 200-300 calories per 1/4 cup
- Ground turkey only has 140 calories per 3 ounces
And since there’s no skin or excessive saturated fat in ground turkey like you find with beef or pork. you get a much healthier nutrition profile
1/4 cup pan drippings:
- Total fat: 27g
- Saturated fat: 10g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
3 ounces ground turkey
- Total fat: 9g
- Saturated fat: 2g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
That’s a third of the calories, a quarter of the saturated fat, and over 60% less cholesterol just by using ground turkey meat for the gravy!
How to Make Turkey Gravy from Scratch
Making gravy from scratch with ground turkey is simple:
- Cook the ground turkey – Break up and brown the meat in a skillet until fully cooked.
- Whisk in flour – To thicken the gravy and absorb any drippings.
- Gradually add broth – Chicken or turkey broth works well.
- Simmer and stir – Until the gravy thickens to your desired consistency.
- Season to taste – With salt, pepper and any other spices you like!
The flour gives the gravy thickness without needing a roux or cornstarch slurry. Letting it simmer eliminates any raw flour taste too.
Cooking Up Creamy, Dreamy Mashed Potatoes
To serve under your turkey gravy, you want the creamiest, fluffiest mashed potatoes ever. Here are some tips:
- Choose starchy potatoes – Russets or Yukon golds work great.
- Cook until tender – In salted water, don’t overcook.
- Rice or mash – For smoother texture, rice the potatoes.
- Use butter and cream – For ultimate rich flavor and creaminess.
- Fluff with a mixer – Use a stand mixer on low for light potatoes.
- Season simply – Just salt, pepper and a little nutmeg.
With clouds of buttery, velvety mashed potatoes under your savory turkey gravy, this meal can’t be beat!
Serving Suggestions
Beyond just turkey gravy and mashed potatoes, you can make this a whole comfort food feast:
- Roasted vegetables like carrots, parsnips or brussels sprouts
- Warm bread rolls or biscuits for dipping
- A fresh garden salad
- Stuffing or dressing on the side
- Cranberry sauce for a pop of tangy sweetness
- Pie or crisp for dessert
Serve up this hearty, homestyle meal for a cozy weeknight dinner or go all out for Thanksgiving!
FAQs
Can I use chicken instead of ground turkey?
Absolutely! Ground chicken makes delicious gravy as well. Just be sure to cook it fully before making the gravy.
Should I use milk or broth for the liquid?
Broth adds the most flavor, but you can use milk or a combo of both. For a creamy gravy, use all milk.
How can I make this meal more budget-friendly?
Substitute butter and cream with olive or vegetable oil when making the mashed potatoes. Use water or very low-sodium broth for a more affordable gravy.
Can I prepare this dish in advance?
Yes, you can make both the gravy and the mashed potatoes 1-2 days in advance. Simply reheat gently before serving.
The Ultimate Comfort Food Duo
With fluffy mashed potatoes and rich homemade ground turkey gravy, you have an easy, hearty meal that feeds your soul. Ditch the high-fat drippings and make gravy the healthier way. Surround it with dreamy mashed potatoes and enjoy this simple yet satisfying comfort food any night of the week!
Steps to making the gravy
In a hot skillet, saute the ground turkey until it’s no longer pink and cooked to 165 degrees.
Next, add a little oil or butter and mix it in with the flour to cover the ground turkey.
As you add the milk slowly, whisk it in so that the sauce stays thick.
Add any flavors you want along with salt and pepper. Since this isn’t sausage, the ground turkey doesn’t have any spices already in it, so a little goes a long way in this recipe.
What else can I use this gravy on?
If you don’t have biscuits you can pour it over
- a couple of slices of toast
- English muffins
- pour it over a burger
- over roasted potatoes
- mashed potatoes
- rice
- broccoli
- mushrooms all good options!
