Healthy Ground Turkey Recipes: Turkey Taco Soup | Quick Easy Meals (2024)

FAQs

Is ground turkey healthy for weight loss? ›

Ground turkey is a great food choice for individuals looking to shed excess weight. It offers several health and nutritional benefits, including: High protein content: Ground turkey is an excellent source of lean protein — a crucial component of any weight loss diet.

There are plenty of easy ground turkey recipes out there. But, you will always need spices like olive oil, kosher salt and pepper, chili powder, and garlic powder. You can add minced garlic, and freshly chopped onions and peppers, for an extra edge.

Turkey Soup Tips

The other clincher is cooking the carcass low and slow to get as much flavor from the roast turkey as possible. Try sauteeing your vegetables in a bit of olive oil before adding to the soup. Finally, a splash of vinegar or lemon juice just before serving adds brightness to every bowl.

Generally, it takes around 10-15 minutes to fully cook ground turkey when boiled. However, it's always recommended to use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.

Lean meats include skinless chicken breast, the white meat part of the turkey, and lean cuts of beef. Leafy greens, green tea, and bright vegetables can help reduce swelling and turn off fat-storage genes. Bright, colorful vegetables also add color and crunch to the meal plan.

"Use fresh or dried basil in tomato-based recipes or fresh parsley to add freshness to clear broth soups," says Sofia Norton, RD. You can also go with more heat and spices. "Ground paprika, turmeric, nutmeg, ground ginger, and other powdered spices add a touch of color and spiciness to broths," she says.

Add Flour Or Cornstarch

Instead, ladle a small amount of broth into a separate bowl and let it cool. Add a few tablespoons of flour or cornstarch to the bowl and whisk until it's blended smooth. Next, bring the soup to a simmer and add the mixture back to the pot. Pro tip: Don't dump in the entire mixture at once.

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. Adjust seasoning accordingly.

Do you have to drain ground turkey for tacos? ›

If necessary, drain any excess fat and return the meat to the pan. Typically with ground turkey you don't have to do this step like you would with ground beef. Reduce the heat to medium-low, add the black beans, taco seasoning, salsa, lime juice, hot sauce, and water.

You may have noticed that turkey is a common ingredient in dog treats and dog food. Skinless, unseasoned white turkey meat that's been properly cooked is actually fine for dogs to consume in small amounts. Ground turkey, as long as it's plain and has no additives, is also perfectly healthy for dogs.

We will also look at their vitamins and minerals. Both turkey and chicken provide the same amount of protein per serving and offer a rich protein source. Turkey has fewer calories due to the low-fat content. This makes turkey a good option for people monitoring their calorie and fat intake closely.

If we're getting really granular, ground turkey is generally a little leaner than ground chicken. It has fewer calories, less sodium, more iron, and more protein. Still, the differences are almost negligible.

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.

Fat and Calorie Content: Turkey has a modest advantage over other foods when it comes to fat content and calories, especially when skinless breast meat is taken into account. Compared to chicken breast, skinless turkey breast has less fat and fewer calories.