These Ground Turkey Recipes Are So Good, You'll Say Buh-Bye to Ground Beef (2024)

FAQs

Is ground turkey really healthier than ground beef? ›

Ground beef and turkey are both nutritious meats that provide protein, fat, and a variety of vitamins and minerals. Turkey is generally lower in saturated fat than beef. As such, it may be a better choice for heart health. Fat-free turkey is also the lowest calorie option if you're interested in weight loss.

Ground turkey isn't as flavorful as ground beef, but if you want it to feel a little bit more like ground beef, try adding some Worcestershire sauce.

Ground Poultry

With a similar texture, ground chicken or ground turkey can be superb substitutes for ground beef.

Love the taste of beef burgers, but not the saturated fat? Try doing what smart cooks do: Mix ground turkey breast with lean ground beef to improve the taste and limit the saturated fat.

The bottom line is yes—it is okay to include ground turkey in your diet regularly, though as with any food, it's crucial to eat it in moderation and variety in your food choices. Eating a diverse range of nutrient sources helps ensure you obtain all of the essential nutrients needed for enhancing overall health.

If you're eating for a healthy heart, lean ground turkey—which is lower in saturated fat—is the better pick for you. Of course, you can still enjoy ground beef from time to time, but choosing lean ground turkey more often will help your heart in the long run.

If you're concerned about additives, these more natural-sounding meats might seem appealing. But there's a catch. Doyle explains that these natural meats (including chicken and turkey) are still processed, and they're still made with nitrates. “They use natural sources of preservatives,” she says.

Tofu is a terrific source of protein made from soybeans. It's a reliable alternative for ground beef, and you can substitute tofu for ground beef in most of the meat-based recipes you already know and love. Cooking firm-textured tofu begins with removing the water by placing a paper towel around it.

Shady Brook is hands down my favorite ground turkey brand. They are consistent and I always know I am going to get a high quality, good tasting product.

Before you start cooking, be sure to season the ground turkey well with salt and pepper. Also consider including dried herbs and spices for additional flavor. If you're cooking meatballs or meatloaf, pinch off some of the seasoned mixture and cook it in a skillet to taste.

What makes ground turkey taste better? ›

For meatballs and Italian-inspired recipes, you can't go wrong with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and oregano. If you're making a taco, lift the flavor of your ground turkey with ground cumin or taco seasoning.

An easy ratio to remember is 2 tablespoons unsalted butter per 1 pound ground turkey or chicken. Here's what I do: Add the ground poultry and any add-ins (like egg, panko, or parsley) to a large bowl. Then take a box grater or Microplane and grate the butter directly into the bowl.

Turkey and chicken are often recommended as healthy alternatives to red meat. But if they are preserved, they count as processed meats and are harmful.

Comparing the two, beef raised on grass is higher in omega-3 fatty acids than poultry because cows get more of these omega-3s from eating grass so there may be some additional anti-inflammatory benefits there. All meats have a different composition of nutrients so variety is really what's best.

With 21g of protein and 17g of fat per serving, our 85% Lean Ground Turkey puts a healthy spin on your favorite recipes. From lasagna to burgers and tacos, Shady Brook Farms® ground turkey is a lean protein addition you can feel good about.

Our 99% Fat-Free, Antibiotic-Free Ground Turkey Breast is a healthy, nutritious protein base for delicious meals. Each serving has 28 grams of protein and only one gram of fat. It's great in a salad or after a workout!