How to Cook Ground Turkey in an Instant Pot – A Simple Step-by-Step Guide

Cooking ground turkey in an instant pot is a quick and easy way to make delicious, flavorful meals. The instant pot’s pressure cooking function helps to seal in moisture and infuse flavor into the ground turkey, resulting in tender, juicy meat every time.

In this comprehensive guide we’ll walk through the simple process of cooking ground turkey in an instant pot using easy-to-follow steps. We’ll cover everything from ingredients and prep work to cooking time and release methods. We’ll also provide tips and tricks for maximizing flavor, as well as serving suggestions so you can put your instant pot ground turkey to work in a variety of dishes. Let’s get started!

Benefits of Cooking Ground Turkey in an Instant Pot

Before we dive into the how-to, let’s first go over some of the main benefits of using an instant pot to cook ground turkey:

• Speed – The pressurized environment allows food to cook up to 70% faster than traditional cooking methods. Ground turkey can be cooked to perfection in just 10-15 minutes.

• Juiciness – The instant pot locks in moisture and prevents overcooking. Ground turkey comes out tender and succulent.

• Flavor – Pressure cooking condenses flavors allowing spices and seasonings to penetrate deeply into the meat

• Versatility – Instant pot ground turkey can be shredded for tacos, used in pasta dishes, added to soups and salads, and more.

• Convenience – With an instant pot there’s no need to closely monitor the meat as it cooks. Just set it and forget it!

Now let’s get prepping!

Ingredients for Instant Pot Ground Turkey

Cooking delicious instant pot ground turkey starts with gathering a few simple ingredients:

• 1 pound ground turkey (93% lean is ideal)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/2 onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup chicken or vegetable broth
• Salt, pepper, spices and herbs to taste

Turkey mince, broth, aromatics like onion and garlic, and seasoning are the basics you need. Feel free to tweak herbs and spices to suit your recipe.

Step-by-Step Guide to Cooking Ground Turkey in an Instant Pot

Follow these simple steps for perfect instant pot ground turkey every time.

1. Turn on Instant Pot and Select Sauté Setting

Put the metal insert into the instant pot and close the lid. Turn on the instant pot and select the “Sauté” setting. Let it heat up for a few minutes.

2. Add Oil and Sauté Onion and Garlic

Once hot, add 1 tablespoon olive oil and let it heat up. Add the diced onion and sauté for 1 minute, stirring frequently. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 30 more seconds until fragrant.

3. Add Ground Turkey and Cook

Add the ground turkey to the instant pot, breaking it up with a spoon. Sauté the turkey for 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the meat is no longer pink.

4. Add Broth and Seasonings

Pour in 1/2 cup chicken or vegetable broth, making sure to scrape any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Season with salt, pepper, dried herbs like oregano or Italian seasoning, etc. according to your recipe.

5. Pressure Cook for 10-15 Minutes

Lock the lid into place. Select the “Manual” or “Pressure Cook” setting at high pressure and set the time to 10 minutes. Allow 6-10 minutes for the pot to come up to pressure before the timer starts counting down.

6. Manually Release Pressure

Once cooking is complete, use the quick release method by carefully turning the pressure valve to “Venting”. This will release the steam and pressure.

7. Remove Lid and Fluff Turkey

Carefully remove the lid, tilting it away from you. Use a fork to break up and fluff the cooked ground turkey.

And that’s it – your flavorful instant pot ground turkey is ready to enjoy!

Tips for Maximizing Flavor

Here are some easy ways to take your instant pot turkey flavor up a notch:

• Brown the meat – Browning the ground turkey before pressure cooking adds greater depth of flavor. Sauté until lightly browned before adding other ingredients.

• Use chicken broth – For added moisture and richness, chicken broth is ideal. Turkey stock would also work well.

• Play with spices – Think beyond just salt and pepper. Garlic powder, chili powder, paprika, cumin, and rosemary are all tasty options.

• Finish with a glaze – For something extra special, coat the cooked turkey with a flavorful glaze like barbecue, teriyaki, or sweet chili sauce.

• Let it rest – Allow the ground turkey to rest for 5-10 minutes after cooking. This allows the juices to redistribute evenly.

Serving Suggestions for Instant Pot Ground Turkey

The possibilities are endless when it comes to using instant pot ground turkey! Here are just a few serving ideas:

• Ground turkey tacos or burrito bowls
• Turkey bolognese with pasta
• Inside enchiladas, burritos or tamales
• Turkey chili or sloppy joes
• Healthy turkey meatloaf
• Turkey veggie soup
• Turkey lettuce wraps
• Fajita bar with sauteed peppers and onions
• Potato hash with vegetables
• Turkey stuffed peppers or zucchini boats

Get creative and have fun trying out different flavor profiles and recipes. Instant pot turkey makes the perfect quick and healthy weeknight dinner!

Common Questions

If you’re new to cooking ground turkey in an instant pot, here are answers to some frequently asked questions:

How long does it take to cook ground turkey in an instant pot?

Cooking time can vary based on amount, but expect 10-15 minutes under high pressure. Allow extra time for pressure to build up.

Can you cook frozen ground turkey in an instant pot?

Yes, frozen turkey can be cooked in the instant pot but may take up to 20-25 minutes to ensure it is fully cooked through. Make sure meat is completely thawed before breaking up.

Do you need extra liquid to cook ground turkey?

Some liquid is needed to build pressure and prevent burning. 1/2 cup broth is usually sufficient for 1 pound.

How do I know when the ground turkey is fully cooked?

Check that internal temperature reaches 165°F with a food thermometer after releasing pressure. Meat should not be pink.

Can I use substitutes for onion and garlic?

Yes, onion and garlic powder will work if you don’t have fresh available. You can also omit them entirely.

What can I season ground turkey with?

Salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, rosemary, sage, paprika, chili powder, cumin and oregano all pair well with turkey.

Safety Tips When Cooking Ground Turkey

When handling raw turkey, keep the following food safety guidelines in mind:

• Refrigerate ground turkey within 2 hours of purchasing and use within 1-2 days.

• Thaw frozen turkey in the fridge, not on the counter. Cook immediately after thawing.

• Wash hands, utensils, sink and countertops after contact with raw turkey.

• Use a food thermometer to ensure ground turkey reaches an internal temp of 165°F.

• Don’t keep leftovers at room temperature for more than 2 hours. Refrigerate promptly.

Following these simple precautions will keep you and your loved ones safe while enjoying delicious instant pot turkey!

The Benefits of Ground Turkey

One final reason to cook with ground turkey – it’s incredibly healthy! Here are some of its top nutritional benefits:

• High in protein to support muscle growth and satisfaction.

• Lower in saturated fat than ground beef.

• Provides important nutrients like zinc, selenium and vitamins B6 and B12.

• Versatile for any diet including keto-friendly, paleo, gluten-free, etc.

• Cost-effective and budget-friendly.

So whip up some instant pot ground turkey tonight for a meal that’s quick, easy, nutritious and full of flavor! Enjoy!