If ground beef is a regular staple on your grocery list, it’s time to consider switching to ground turkey instead. This protein alternative is a delicious option that offers numerous benefits as well. It’s a great way to improve the health of many of your favorite dishes and can be a success with even the pickiest of eaters. Switching to ground turkey is as simple as can be and can help you feel better about the meals you’re preparing for yourself or your family.
Tasty Swaps With Ground Turkey
Anywhere that you use ground beef, you can use ground turkey instead. You can find a variety of recipes for every flavor profile online at sites like The Kitchen Community. It’s important to note that while the texture is very similar, it does have a little less structure than ground beef. In recipes where you’re forming a shape, such as a loaf, a meatball, or a patty, you may need to add some extra ingredients to give it more stability, like breadcrumbs or eggs. Also, ground turkey is very lean meat and can be dryer than beef, so add a few tablespoons of healthy oil to the pan before browning or searing it.
Finally, keep in mind that, unlike ground beef, the ground turkey must be fully cooked to kill off any harmful bacteria. All ground turkey products should be well-done. Using a meat thermometer can be helpful for some recipes.
Tacos
When ground turkey tacos are loaded with savory Mexican spices and tasty toppings, it’s almost impossible to tell the difference between these and their ground beef twin. You can purchase your favorite seasoning packet or make your own with a combination of chili powder, cumin, paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, and oregano. Season well with salt and make it spicy with cayenne pepper if you like a little more bite.
Spaghetti
Ground turkey is a delicious addition to your favorite spaghetti sauce recipe and helps cut the fat without sacrificing any flavor. Break it up and brown it in a saute pan to make a meat sauce or mix with eggs, breadcrumbs, garlic, and parsley for the perfect Italian meatball.
Burgers
Turkey burgers have been trending for a while and they’re a tasty way to get your fix for a meaty and flavorful meal. You can choose a variety of flavor profiles to up your burger game, from barbecue cheddar to Greek feta to Swiss with caramelized onions. Turkey burgers are delicious when grilled, but you may want to start them on a piece of foil coated with cooking spray until they firm up.
The Perks of Choosing Ground Turkey
Turkey is a healthy option that’s one of the highest-protein meats out there, but it also provides plenty of other nutrients, including B vitamins and selenium. It’s naturally low in fat and sodium too, making it a heart-healthy choice. In addition, ground turkey is often much cheaper than ground beef and it is easy to find in most grocery stores across the country.
For meals that are tasty and healthy, swap out ground beef for ground turkey in your family’s favorite recipes. It’s an easy way to make a better choice for your body and your wallet.
