Ground turkey (or any minced meat, really) is one of those staples most of us always have on hand. Instant Pot Ground Turkey Recipes are affordable, easy to freeze, and a lifesaver when you need a quick protein-packed meal.
That’s where this collection comes in! These healthy, lean protein recipes are perfect for simple weeknight dinners, meal prepping lunches, and keeping the whole family happy and satisfied.[feast_advanced_jump_to]
As a busy home cook, I’m always looking for ways to prepare quick, healthy meals for my family. That’s why cooking ground turkey in my pressure cooker has become a regular dinnertime staple. When properly pressure cooked, ground turkey comes out incredibly moist, tender and packed with flavor. However, nailing down the right cook time can make all the difference between succulent, fall-apart meat and dried out, bland disappointment.
In this comprehensive guide, I’ll share my tips and timeline for how long to pressure cook ground turkey based on over a decade of trial and error. You’ll learn the keys to perfect results every time.
Why Pressure Cook Ground Turkey?
Compared to stovetop simmering or oven braising pressure cooking offers major advantages when cooking ground turkey
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Speed – Pressure significantly shortens cook time by raising the temperature above boiling point, Ground turkey can be fully cooked in only 15-20 minutes under pressure,
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Moisture retention – The closed pressurized environment traps steam and moisture, keeping ground turkey incredibly tender and juicy.
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Flavor infusion – Pressure forces seasonings and liquids deep into the meat for more intense flavor in less time.
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Hands-off ease – Once the lid is locked, no need to monitor the pot. Just set it and let the pressure cooker work its magic!
Factors That Impact Cook Time
Several key factors determine precisely how long to pressure cook ground turkey:
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Quantity – The more meat in the pot, the longer the cook time. For example, cooking 1 pound takes less time than 2 pounds.
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Fat content – Higher fat ground turkey cooks quicker since the fat keeps it moist. Lean ground turkey requires a bit more time.
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Size of pieces – Finely ground meat cooks faster than coarsely ground.
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Frozen vs. thawed – Thawed ground turkey cooks much faster than frozen.
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Natural vs. quick release – Natural release adds 5+ minutes to the cook time.
Recommended Cook Times
Taking these factors into account, here are the general pressure cook times I’ve found yield the best results:
- 1 pound thawed ground turkey – 15 minutes
- 1-2 pounds thawed ground turkey – 18 minutes
- 2-3 pounds thawed ground turkey – 20 minutes
- Frozen ground turkey – Add 5-8 minutes
- Natural pressure release – Add 5 minutes
For leaner meat, you may need to add 1-2 minutes to these cook times. It’s better to slightly undercook and quick release for a minute or two more if needed.
Tips for Best Results
Follow these tips in your prep and cooking process for exceptionally tender, moist, flavor-packed pressure cooked ground turkey:
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Evenly distribute – Spread meat out evenly in a single layer for most even cooking.
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Add liquid – 1/2 cup broth, water, or sauce helps create steam and moisture.
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Sauté first – Browning meat builds savory flavor and texture.
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Layer seasonings – Season before and after cooking to infuse maximum flavor.
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Check for doneness – Use a thermometer to confirm 165°F internal temperature.
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Quick release pressure – Release pressure immediately after cook time to prevent overcooking.
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Rest before serving – Let meat rest 5 minutes to allow juices to redistribute.
Sample Recipe
To put all this advice into action, here is an easy, foolproof pressure cooker ground turkey recipe:
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 1⁄2 cup chicken broth
- Onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper
- Dried herbs like oregano or thyme (optional)
Instructions:
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Turn on Sauté setting. Brown ground turkey 5 minutes, breaking it up as it cooks.
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Add broth and stir in desired seasoning and herbs.
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Pressure cook on High for 15 minutes.
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Quick release pressure. Check internal temperature.
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Let rest 5 minutes then serve.
Get ready to enjoy amazingly fast, juicy, and flavorful pressure cooked ground turkey meals. Mastering the ideal timing is truly the key to success. Adjust as needed based on the amount and leanness of the meat.
Once you’ve nailed down your perfect pressure cook time, the possibilities are endless. This healthy, budget-friendly protein can be used in everything from tacos, pasta sauce and chili to stuffed peppers, casseroles and more. Pressure cooking takes the guesswork out of cooking ground turkey and makes it an easy, anytime option.
So next time you buy ground turkey on sale or have some in the freezer ready to use, remember this guide. Follow the prep tips, recommended cook times and proper release methods for succulent, delicious pressure cooked ground turkey every time!
Frequently Asked Questions
How long should you pressure cook frozen ground turkey?
Frozen ground turkey will take a bit longer to pressure cook thoroughly, usually around 18-25 minutes on high depending on the quantity. Always add 5-8 minutes to the cook time for thawed ground turkey.
What size pieces should ground turkey be for pressure cooking?
Finely ground turkey cooks most quickly and evenly. If coarsely ground, pulse in a food processor to break down the meat into smaller crumbles before pressure cooking.
Can you pressure cook ground turkey from frozen?
Yes, you can cook frozen ground turkey in a pressure cooker without thawing first. Just be sure to increase cook time as needed.
What temperature should ground turkey reach when pressure cooking?
Ground turkey should always reach an internal temperature of 165°F as measured by a food thermometer before serving.
Is it necessary to brown ground turkey before pressure cooking?
Browning adds deeper flavor and texture, but you can skip this step if short on time. Season well and add broth or sauce to boost moisture and taste.
What liquid should you use when pressure cooking ground turkey?
Chicken, vegetable or beef broth, tomato sauce, or even just water will work. Use 1/2 – 1 cup per 1-2 pounds of meat.
Should you do a quick or natural pressure release for ground turkey?
For tender, moist ground turkey, do a quick release immediately after pressure cooking. Avoid natural release which can lead to overcooking.
What are good seasonings for pressure cooked ground turkey?
Salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, Italian seasoning, taco seasoning, cumin, chili powder, thyme, oregano, basil and more!
What are good sides to serve with pressure cooked ground turkey?
Rice, quinoa, pasta, roasted vegetables, potatoes, sweet potatoes, salad, beans or tortillas/taco shells are all excellent complements.
2 Instant Pot Turkey Tortellini
This easy instant pot turkey tortellini is packed with protein, spinach, and cheese tortellini. Its simple to make for the whole family. It is also macro-friendly.
Turkey Meatballs With Japanese Gravy
Lets kick things off with a meatball recipe. Meatballs are amazing in the Instant Pot because you can cook them from scratch in there, or cook a batch from frozen in the sauce for a meal later down the line. These lean meatballs are packed with red chili and cilantro, and chilled in a teriyaki-inspired Japanese broth.