It helps to think of ground turkey as a blank slate for flavor. That low fat content means you get to add a fat of your choice to impart taste and moisture. Whether that means olive oil, a little bacon fat (as per Washington Post Recipes Editor Ann Maloney’s suggestion) or even cheese, ground turkey will synthesize with other flavors. You also can opt for ground turkey made from the slightly fattier dark meat.
Remember to add fresh or dried herbs to your heart’s content to punch up the taste. Here are some of our most delicious ground turkey superstars from our archive.
Turkey, Feta and Herb Burger, above. Your fat here: feta. This juicy and softly spiced herby burger might not be the fabled Chris Traeger burger of “Parks and Recreation,” but we have a feeling he’d absolutely love it. We borrowed a little mango chutney from him to spread on top.
Turkey Breakfast Sausage. Channel that burger energy into a miniature treat with these sausage patties from Cathy Barrow. Creme fraiche gives you lightness, moisture and flavor. A little bit of gochujang and fresh herbs elevate the flavor.
Ground Turkey, Asparagus and Basil Stir-Fry. Turkey’s gamy qualities work well with fruit — that’s why cranberry sauce is so crucial to a Thanksgiving spread. That principle applies here in this stir-fry, where apricot jam flavors a light sauce.
Turkey Tortilla Skillet. This one’s for a breezy weekend morning: Crisp up tortilla strips in the oven (or use chips, we won’t judge), then saute a breakfast skillet of ground turkey, aromatics and beans.
Ground Turkey and White Bean Stew. If you think your chili could use an extra kick of protein, this is the stew for you. Ground turkey, beans, quinoa and spinach combine to make this satisfying and cozy meal that will freeze wonderfully.
