Do you want to take your ground turkey dishes to the next level? Look no further! In this article, we’ll explore two simple and mouthwatering seasoning blends that will transform your ground turkey into a flavor-packed delight. The best part? You probably have all the spices you need in your pantry already!
And make sure you don’t miss out on my Ground Turkey Alfredo Pasta with Broccoli!
How to Season Ground Turkey
As a Registered Dietitian and a ground turkey enthusiast, I can assure you that ground turkey is an excellent choice for a lean protein option. It’s incredibly versatile, cooks quickly, and is perfect for those busy weeknights when you need a hassle-free and delicious meal.
However, ground turkey can be a tad bland and dry if not seasoned or cooked properly. Fear not! I’m here to share my favorite tips for cooking delightful ground turkey that bursts with flavor every time!
1. Use a Great Seasoning Blend
In this article, I’ll introduce you to my two go-to ways to season ground turkey. We’ll explore a tantalizing garlic onion ground turkey seasoning blend and a scrumptious ground turkey taco seasoning.
Since ground turkey naturally lacks the deep flavor of meats like ground beef, it’s crucial to use an ample amount of seasoning to enhance its taste.
2. Cook with a Fat
Most ground turkey you’ll find is categorized as “lean ground turkey,” meaning it has low fat content. While this makes it a healthier option, it can also lead to dryness. To combat this, make sure to add a good source of cooking fat, such as olive oil or avocado oil.
3. Add Moisture
Due to its lower fat content, ground turkey benefits from added moisture to prevent it from becoming too dry. You can achieve this by incorporating sauces and condiments into your dish, depending on the recipe.
For instance, pasta sauce for pasta dishes, salad dressing for salads, sour cream and salsa for tacos, or ketchup and mustard for turkey burgers. Additionally, adding a few tablespoons of broth or water to the pan while cooking the turkey helps maintain moisture. Simply pour a few tablespoons of water or broth after seasoning the ground turkey, and let it simmer until the liquid thickens and reduces.
Garlic Onion Ground Turkey Seasoning
This versatile seasoning blend is perfect for everyday meals and can be used in various recipes. It’s the ultimate seasoning for salads, grain bowls, pasta dishes with sauce, homemade turkey burgers, and even turkey meatballs.
Ingredients:
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Paprika
- Black pepper
- Salt
- Italian seasoning
Ground Turkey Taco Seasoning
Use this tantalizing taco seasoning to bring the fiesta to your ground turkey dishes! Making your own taco seasoning is surprisingly easy, and it adds the perfect kick to your tacos, nachos, burrito bowls, taco salads, and quesadillas. You can even use this spice mixture to season other meats as well.
Ingredients:
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Cumin
- Chili powder
- Paprika
- Salt
- Pepper
How to Cook and Season Ground Turkey
Follow these step-by-step instructions to cook ground turkey to perfection every time!
- Heat 1-2 tablespoons of oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add a 1 lb package of ground turkey and break it apart using a spatula or ground meat tool. Continue cooking until the meat is fully cooked and no pink is visible.
- Add your desired seasoning blend and incorporate it evenly throughout the turkey.
- Pour 2-3 tablespoons of water or chicken broth into the skillet.
- Reduce the heat to medium-low and let the ground turkey simmer, stirring occasionally.
- Continue cooking until the liquid reduces and is absorbed.
Ways to Use Ground Turkey
Here are some delectable ideas to inspire your ground turkey culinary adventures:
- Pasta dishes: Add ground turkey to your favorite tomato sauce, pesto, or Alfredo sauce. Serve over whole grain pasta and sprinkle with parmesan cheese.
- Taco salad: Enjoy taco-seasoned ground turkey with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, rice, black beans, salsa, avocado, cheese, sour cream, and tortilla chips.
- Ground turkey tacos: Serve on soft tortillas or hard shells with your favorite salsa, shredded lettuce, chopped tomato, and sour cream.
- Mediterranean Turkey Bowl: Serve ground turkey over couscous or bulgur, topped with cucumber, tomatoes, olives, feta cheese, and a drizzle of tzatziki sauce.
- Quesadillas: Layer taco-seasoned cooked ground turkey, Mexican shredded cheese, and sautéed peppers and onions between two tortillas. Cook in a pan until the cheese melts.
- Salads: Use ground turkey as your protein source in mixed greens, cucumbers, tomatoes, sliced red onion, cheddar cheese, and your favorite salad dressing. You can even create deconstructed burger salad bowls.
- Ground turkey lettuce wraps: Wrap your seasoned ground turkey in lettuce leaves and garnish with green onions, shredded carrots, and peanut sauce.
Frequently Asked Questions
What can I add to ground turkey for flavor?
Feel free to experiment with any seasonings or seasoning blends you love because ground turkey itself has a neutral flavor profile. If you prefer not to create your own homemade blend, you can always use a pre-made one. Personally, I adore this one.
For an extra burst of flavor, sauté fresh minced garlic and chopped onions with your ground turkey.
Can I meal prep ground turkey ahead of time?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is an excellent protein option for meal prepping because it’s quick, easy, and versatile. I recommend preparing a large batch ahead of time and using it throughout the week in various quick and nutritious meals, such as tacos and salads. Store it in an airtight container and consume within 3-4 days.
How to make ground turkey taste like beef?
While ground turkey doesn’t possess the same rich flavor as ground beef, you can make it mimic the taste to some extent by adding Worcestershire sauce.