It can be hard to figure out how long to cook ground turkey, which is a healthy and tasty alternative to beef. If you cook it for too long, it can get dry and tough. If you don’t cook it long enough, it can be undercooked and could be harmful to eat.
So, how long should you cook ground turkey? This article will tell you the best times to cook ground turkey so that your food is always safe, juicy, and flavorful, whether you’re making tacos, meatballs, or burgers.
Many people choose ground turkey instead of ground beef when they want a white meat option. With fewer calories and fat, it’s a great option when looking to keep dishes lighter.
Like chicken, ground turkey has two different meat types: dark meat and white meat. Dark turkey meat comes from the legs and thighs, while white turkey meat mostly comes from the breasts.
Dark turkey meat has more calories and fat than white turkey meat, but it tastes better because of this.
You can usually find both types of ground corn in any grocery store. Since they cook the same, just pick the one that works best for your dish.
For turkey meatballs, dark ground turkey works best. For this lighter turkey cauliflower skillet meal, white ground turkey works best.
Cooking ground turkey in the oven can be a great way to prepare healthy, delicious meals for your family. But to get the best results – tender, moist meat with great flavor – it’s important to know how long to cook ground turkey in the oven. In this article, I’ll go over everything you need to know so you can perfectly cook ground turkey in the oven every time.
Choosing the Right Ground Turkey
Ground turkey is available with different fat contents, which affects cooking time. The leaner the meat, the less time it needs in the oven. Here are the most common choices:
- 93% lean / 7% fat ground turkey: Very lean, cooks fastest
- 85% lean / 15% fat ground turkey: Lean with a bit more fat for flavor and moisture
- 80% lean / 20% fat ground turkey: Higher fat content, needs a little more oven time
For most recipes, 85% or 93% lean ground turkey works well. The extra fat in 80/20 keeps the meat moist, but requires adjusting cook times.
Preparing Ground Turkey for the Oven
Properly preparing the ground turkey before cooking is key. Here are a few tips:
- If frozen, thaw fully in the refrigerator before cooking. This can take 1-2 days.
- Mix in any seasoning like salt, pepper, herbs before forming patties or meatballs. Evenly distributed flavor is important.
- For meatballs, roll mixture into same size balls. For burgers or loaves, form into same thickness patties or loaves.
- Arrange on a baking sheet lined with foil or parchment paper to prevent sticking. Leave space between pieces.
Even thickness and proper arrangement ensures the turkey cooks evenly from all sides.
Oven Temperature
The ideal oven temperature for cooking ground turkey is 350°F This allows the meat to cook through without burning or drying out
For meatballs or burgers, you can go up to 375°F if you want more browning on the outside. For loaves or casseroles 325°F gives more time for the inside to cook through before the exterior dries out.
How Long to Cook Ground Turkey in Oven
Cooking times depend on the shape and thickness of the ground turkey pieces.
Meatballs
- 1 inch balls: Cook 15-20 minutes
- 1 1/2 inch balls: Cook 20-25 minutes
Burgers
- 1/2 inch thick patties: Cook 15-18 minutes
- 3/4 inch thick patties: Cook 18-22 minutes
Meatloaf or Casserole
- 1 inch thick: Cook 45-55 minutes
- 1 1/2 inches thick: Cook 55-65 minutes
For any shape, cook until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Then allow to rest 5 minutes before serving.
Always use a meat thermometer to check doneness – it’s the only way to confirm safety and prevent undercooking.
Cooking Techniques
A few simple techniques will boost flavor and moisture when cooking ground turkey in the oven:
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Season well: Ground turkey benefits from lots of seasoning. Use salt, pepper and spices like garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, Italian seasoning, etc.
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Mix in breadcrumbs: Adding some panko or plain breadcrumbs helps retain moisture. About 1/4 cup per pound of meat works well.
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Don’t overmix: Overworking the meat makes it dense and tough. Gently mix just until combined.
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Brush with oil or sauce: Brushing with oil or bbq sauce adds flavor and prevents drying out. Apply a few times during cooking.
Cook Frozen Ground Turkey in Oven
To cook frozen ground turkey in the oven, double the cook time in the recipes above. So 1 inch meatballs would need 30-40 minutes, 1/2 inch patties would need 30-36 minutes. Check temperature to confirm doneness.
Defrosting in the fridge first is still best for evenly cooked ground turkey. But cooking from frozen is doable with extra oven time.
Troubleshooting Oven Cooked Ground Turkey
Having some issues getting perfect results when cooking ground turkey in the oven? Here are some tips if you notice any problems:
Undercooked in the middle: Increase oven temperature 25°F to speed cooking and cook a few minutes longer. Stick to the recommended internal temp.
Overcooked and dry: Use foil to prevent excessive browning next time. Brush with oil or sauce during cooking. Opt for fattier ground turkey.
Not browning: Raise oven temp 25°F. Brush turkey with oil before cooking. Use lower side of cook time range.
Uneven cooking: Ensure consistent size and thickness of all pieces. Arrange carefully on pan. Rotate pan halfway through.
With the right techniques and cook times, you can enjoy tender and delicious oven-baked ground turkey every time! Just follow these tips for perfect results.
Oven-Baked Turkey Meatball Recipe
Here’s a tasty oven-baked turkey meatball recipe to try out using the tips in this article:
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground turkey (93% lean)
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 egg
- 1/4 cup minced onion
- 2 tbsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 375°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, combine ground turkey, breadcrumbs, egg, onion, and seasoning. Season with salt and pepper. Mix gently until just combined.
- Form mixture into 16 meatballs, about 1 1/2 inches each.
- Arrange on prepared baking sheet. Brush meatballs with olive oil.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until cooked through (165°F internal temperature).
- Let rest 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy!
The Takeaway
Cooking moist, flavorful ground turkey in the oven just takes a little know-how. Choosing the right lean-to-fat ratio, proper prep,ideal oven temp, and using the recommended cook times for your specific recipe is key. With the tips in this guide, you’ll be able to perfectly oven-bake ground turkey for all your favorite meals.
How to cook ground turkey
Let’s talk about the best way to cook ground turkey before we get to how long to cook it.
A skillet on the stove is the best and fastest way to cook ground turkey, just like any other ground meat.
Preheat a skillet with a cooking oil of your choosing over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the ground turkey to the pan. Slowly cut the turkey into smaller pieces while it browns. You can use a wooden spoon, a spatula, or a ground meat chopper for this.
Keep cooking the turkey until all the small pieces are browned and any water that was still inside has been released. During the cooking process, the meat will turn from a pinkish color to a dull brownish gray. When there’s no pink remaining, the ground turkey is fully cooked.
When the turkey is almost done, drain any extra water in the pan in the sink. Then, put the pan back on the heat.
At this point, the ground meat can be seasoned however you desire. Stir in the seasoning and continue cooking until crispy bits form on the edges of the turkey pieces.
How to know when ground turkey is overcooked
While you certainly don’t want to undercook ground turkey, overcooking it is also a concern.
Overcooked turkey meat is tough, crumbly and dry. It’s important to keep an eye on the turkey meat while it cooks on the stove, in the oven, or on the grill. Pulling it right after the last residual pink is gone is key to not overcooking ground turkey.
How To Cook Ground Turkey
FAQ
How long does it take for ground turkey to cook?
How long does it take to cook a turkey in the oven?
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Weight
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Cook Time (Unstuffed)
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Cook Time (Stuffed)
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10-18 lbs.
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3-3½ hrs.
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3¾-4½ hrs.
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18-22 lbs.
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3½-4 hrs.
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4½-5 hrs.
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22-24 lbs.
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4-4½ hrs.
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5-5½ hrs.
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24-30 lbs.
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4½-5 hrs.
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5½-6¼ hrs.
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How to brown ground turkey in the oven?
What temperature is ground turkey done in the oven?
How long do you cook a ground turkey in the oven?
Bake the ground turkey: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake the ground turkey for 20-25 minutes, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Cooking times may vary depending on the thickness of the turkey layer, so it’s important to use a meat thermometer to check for doneness.
How long do you cook a ground turkey at 375?
Bake it at 375°F (190°C) for about 20-25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Remember to spread the ground turkey evenly on a baking sheet or in a dish for even cooking. 3. Grill: If you prefer to grill ground turkey, it typically takes around 10-12 minutes over medium heat.
How do you cook a ground turkey in a baking dish?
Season the turkey with salt, pepper, and any additional seasonings of your choice. Mixing the seasonings into the turkey will help to flavor it throughout. Shape the turkey: Use a spoon or your hands to shape the ground turkey into an even layer in the baking dish. This will help it cook more evenly and ensure that it is fully cooked through.
How do you cook ground turkey in a crock pot?
Instructions: 1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). 2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. 3. Add the ground turkey and cook until browned, about 5 minutes. 4. Add the onion, green bell pepper, red bell pepper, celery, salt, black pepper, oregano, thyme, garlic powder, and onion powder.
What temperature should ground turkey be cooked at?
While it’s possible to use ground turkey for raw dishes like meatballs or burgers, it is essential to cook them until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to eliminate any harmful bacteria. 5. Should I rinse ground turkey before cooking?
How long do you cook leftover ground turkey?
Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. When reheating your leftover ground turkey, make sure it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F to ensure it is safe to eat. If your leftovers seem dry, add a little bit of chicken broth or water to moisten them up.