This easy guide will teach you everything on how to cook Ground Turkey in a pan in 15 minutes. My technique makes ground turkey juicy, moist and flavorful. It’s a healthy and versatile protein source for tacos, burgers, and weekly dinners. You will also find a simple Bolognese sauce recipe for lasagna or pasta dishes.
Ground turkey is turkey meat that has been finely chopped and mixed together. As it is lower in fats and calories compared to ground beef, ground turkey is considered as a healthy, diet friendly protein food. 100 g (3.5 oz) of lean ground turkey provide approximately 149 calories, 8.26 g fat, 0 g carbohydrates and 17.4 g protein. Additionally, it is a great source of B vitamins and minerals.
Similarly to ground beef, this food is incredibly versatile. It comes in very handy for burgers, tacos and pasta sauces. But if you’ve ever attempted to cook ground turkey at home, you probably already know that it can be tricky. Cook it for too long and it will get dry, season it too little and it will be tasteless. That’s why I have decided to write a complete article on how to make ground turkey that tastes flavorful and extra juicy.
Ground turkey is a popular lean protein that can be used in a variety of healthy recipes. However, proper cooking is essential to eliminate any harmful bacteria and ensure it is safe to eat. So how long should you cook ground turkey? This comprehensive guide will provide all the details you need for perfect ground turkey every time.
Why Proper Cooking Time Is Important
Raw or undercooked ground turkey can contain dangerous pathogens like Salmonella and E.coli. These bacteria are only destroyed when the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Following the proper cook times and temperatures kills any present bacteria and makes the ground turkey safe to consume.
I always recommend using a food thermometer to validate the internal temperature. Visual cues like color are not enough – the thermometer is the only way to confirm safety and doneness. Undercooked turkey can cause serious foodborne illness so it’s not worth taking any risks.
Factors That Affect Cook Time
Several factors impact how long it takes to cook ground turkey thoroughly:
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Fat content – Ground turkey with higher fat percentages will generally cook faster than very lean meat. The fat helps it cook quicker.
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Quantity – Cooking a larger batch will require additional time compared to a smaller amount.
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Thickness – Thicker cuts like turkey patties will take longer than thin crumbles
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Frozen vs. thawed – Frozen ground turkey will cook significantly slower than meat that is thawed.
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Cooking method – The oven, stovetop, grill etc. all require different cook times.
Taking these factors into account will allow you to determine the best turkey cook time.
Cook Times by Method
Follow these ground turkey cook times for each preparation method:
Stovetop
- Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Add ground turkey and break up with a wooden spoon as it cooks.
- Cook for 7-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until fully browned and 165°F.
Oven
- Preheat oven to 375°F.
- Form ground turkey into patties or spread on a baking sheet.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until 165°F.
Grill
- Form ground turkey into patties and grill over medium heat.
- Grill for 12-14 minutes, flipping once halfway through, until 165°F.
Slow Cooker
- Add ground turkey and ingredients to slow cooker.
- Cook on low for 4-6 hours or high for 2-3 hours until 165°F.
Instant Pot
- Sauté ground turkey with oil for 3-5 minutes until browned.
- Pressure cook for 5-8 minutes then allow natural release. 165°F.
Regardless of method, always use a thermometer to confirm 165°F. Cook times are simply estimates and the only way to guarantee safety is checking temperature.
What If It’s Still Pink?
It can be tempting to eat ground turkey that still has some pink coloration, but don’t do it! Ground turkey is safe to eat only when cooked to 165°F all the way through, as measured with a food thermometer. Any pink indicates undercooking, so cook it longer if needed until the thermometer reads 165°F. The USDA recommends against consuming any poultry that is still pink.
What About Frozen Ground Turkey?
For best results, thaw frozen ground turkey in the refrigerator before cooking. This allows it to cook more quickly and evenly.
If short on time, you can cook frozen ground turkey straight from the freezer. Just expect it to take roughly 50% longer to reach a safe internal temperature. Check often and extend cook time as needed.
Microwaving frozen ground turkey to thaw is not recommended, as it can lead to uneven cooking.
Storing Leftovers
Properly stored leftover cooked ground turkey will last 3-4 days refrigerated. To freeze, allow to cool completely then store in airtight bags or containers for 2-3 months. Reheat fully until 165° internal temperature.
Always cook ground turkey to the FDA recommended safe minimum internal temperature of 165°F. Use a food thermometer to validate doneness, regardless of cooking method. Estimate cook times based on preparation technique, quantity, thickness and other factors. When in doubt, keep cooking it until the thermometer hits 165°! Follow these guidelines for reliably safe, delicious ground turkey every time.
How to choose ground turkey
Choosing the right ground turkey to cook is the key for juicy, moist and flavorful meat. As you may know, there are many options at the grocery store and not all are the same. First things first, you will want to purchase high-quality ground turkey, ideally from organic farming and raised without antibiotics. Ground turkey differs mainly in 2 ways:
- Percentage of fat. Ground turkey is typically available with different fat content, ranging from 80/20 (80% lean and 20% fat) to 99/1 (99% lean and 1% fat). The higher the fat content, the juicier and more flavorful the meat will be, while lower fat options are leaner and healthier but can get dry if not cooked properly.
- Type of meat. You can find ground turkey breast and mixed ground turkey, made from a combination of breast and fattier cuts. Turkey breast is leaner, while mixed turkey meat is fattier.
MattsfitChef’s Tip. I always use and recommend ground turkey breast with a fat percentage between 2% and 10%. My first choice is 93% lean ground turkey, meaning it is 7% fat and 93% lean meat.
Many people argue that higher fat percentages result in moister and juicier meat, but with the right cooking method, even lean turkey can be juicy and flavorful.
How to cook ground turkey
Cooking ground turkey in a pan is very simple, it won’t require more than 15 minutes. The only ingredients you will need are ground turkey, cooking oil and salt. But for more taste, you can add other seasonings. Here are some details, precise quantities can be found in the recipe card at the end of this guide.
- Ground turkey. Choose high-quality ground turkey breast; I recommend 93/7 meat. This ratio provides a great amount of fat to keep the turkey juicy while remaining low in calories. However, feel free to use the type of turkey you prefer.
- Cooking oil. A cooking oil like canola oil, coconut oil or avocado oil prevent the meat from sticking to the pan and add extra flavor.
- Salt. A pinch of salt is enough for a simple turkey seasoning. But you can add other seasonings such as onion powder or smoked paprika for more taste.
Store-bought ground turkey often comes pre-salted and seasoned. If this is the case, you may not need to add extra salt. Be sure to check the package for any added seasonings or salt content, and adjust your recipe accordingly to avoid over-seasoning.
- Step 1 – Heat the pan. Preheat a large non-stick stainless steel pan over high heat with 1 tablespoon of cooking oil. My oil of choice was avocado oil.
- Step 2 – Season and cook. Once the pan is hot, add the ground turkey and break it apart with a spatula, a fork, or tongs. Season the meat directly in the pan, with salt, pepper and seasonings of choice. Let the ground turkey cook undisturbed for 5 minutes, until the bottom has browned and caramelized.
- Step 3 – Cook through. Break the ground turkey into crumbles, using either a spatula or tongs. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes more, until the meat is no more pink. A food thermometer should read 165°F (74°C). Do not overcook, or the turkey will get dry.
The key to keeping ground turkey moist, juicy, and flavorful is to avoid overcooking it. When ground turkey is cooked too long, it tends to dry out and become rubbery as all the fat is released into the pan.
It takes 10 – 12 minutes for ground turkey to cook. You should only cook it until it has browned and is no more pink. For precision, I recommend measuring the inner temperature of the meat with a food thermometer. It should read 165° degrees Fahrenheit (74° degrees Celsius).
- Step 4. Serve ground turkey immediately, or let it cool and store in a food container for a maximum of 4 days.
How To Cook Ground Turkey
FAQ
How long does it take ground turkey to cook?
Cooking ground turkey should take about 15 minutes and have a nice even brown hue with no pink. Feel free to add more spice. I love this dish because you can customize the spice. I’ll take some out of the pan for the kids first and then I’ll add more chili powder for my husband and me.
How do you know if ground turkey is cooked through?
TRICK QUESTION – the answer is always 165°F. All the way. Done. No excuses.Mar 23, 2021
How long to cook ground meat in a pan?
A pound of ground meat, at a medium low temperature, will take about 6 to 9 minutes depending on the temperature and thickness of the pan, and the temperature …Aug 16, 2023
How long should you keep cooked ground turkey?
According to the USDA, cooked ground turkey can last in the fridge for 3 to 4 days after cooking. Stowing the ground turkey in the freezer can extend its shelf life to 3 to 4 months if the meat is frozen from the date of purchase. Freezing slows down bacteria growth and the rate of spoilage.
How long does a ground turkey take to cook?
Fat content – Higher fat ground turkey cooks faster than lean. Lean ground turkey requires more time to reach 165°F. Appliance used – Stovetop cooking is faster than baking in the oven. Ground turkey takes 5-7 minutes in a skillet but 15-20 minutes baked. Cooking temperature – High heat cooks ground turkey quicker than low.
How long do you cook a thawed ground turkey?
Once your ground turkey is thawed, you can proceed with cooking it in the oven. The cooking time for ground turkey will vary depending on the recipe and thickness of the patties or meatballs. As a general guideline, ground turkey should be cooked in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 to 30 minutes.
How long to cook ground turkey in oven if frozen?
The suggested cooking time for ground turkey in the oven is 25-30 minutes at 375°F. However, the exact time may vary depending on the size and thickness of the turkey patties or meatballs. Can I Cook Ground Turkey In The Oven If It Is Frozen? It is not recommended to cook frozen ground turkey in the oven.
Can you cook ground turkey in the oven?
When cooking ground turkey in the oven, it is important to use ground turkey with the right fat content. Ground turkey that is too lean will become dry and tough, while ground turkey that is too fatty will be greasy. Look for ground turkey that has a fat content of around 7% to 10%. This will yield moist and flavorful meat.
What temperature should a ground turkey be cooked at?
The oven temperature plays a critical role in ensuring that ground turkey is cooked thoroughly and evenly. The recommended oven temperature for cooking ground turkey is 350°F (175°C). At this temperature, the ground turkey will cook through without drying out excessively, and it will develop a golden brown exterior when applicable to the recipe.
How to cook ground turkey on the stove?
Cooking ground turkey on the stove is a quick and easy way to prepare a healthy and delicious meal. Here are the basic steps: 1. Heat a large skillet or frying pan over medium heat. 2. Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the pan. 3. Add the ground turkey to the pan and break it up into small pieces. 4.