Because it's so much lower in saturated fat, I try to use ground turkey instead of ground beef whenever possible. And it's significantly cheaper as well--usually about 1/3 of the price. With a large family, that really helps on the meat bill!
I've found that with my family, no one minds and most can't tell if I substitute it in strongly flavored dishes like tacos, Taco Casserole, or chili. I also make barbeque, or sloppy joes, with it; the secret there is to include a little Worcestershire sauce in with the ketchup, vinegar and brown sugar. The Worcestershire just cuts across the turkey taste, I've found, and so I add a little to my chili or anytime I'm subbing ground turkey in a ground beef recipe.
I originally got the idea from this recipe, which has a flavor profile perfect for ground turkey. Thanks, Mom--this one's been a keeper!
Turkey Vegetable Soup/Chili
1.5 lbs. ground turkey (I guess I just use 1 lb.--I never really noticed this odd amount before!)
46 oz. can tomato juice
3 cups chopped celery
3 cups chopped cabbage (optional)
1 cup sliced carrots
1 pkg. frozen green beans
1/2 tsp. each: garlic powder, basil, oregano, chili powder
1 tbsp. onion flakes or use real onion to taste
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
Cook ground turkey and drain grease. Add remaining ingredients and simmer 2-3 hours. Serves 8. Freezes well.
Give ground turkey a try--and don't forget the Worcestershire!
It works for me...!
For more practical, user-tested ideas and recommendations, visit Rocks in my Dryer.
I used to do this but now we just don't eat meat, generally. Some, but very little. I must admit I'm a little troubled by the concept of turkey being eaten by a family of chickens. ;)
ReplyDeleteMegan--
ReplyDeleteOooh, you're right! I forget about my pseudo-identity sometimes.
Jeanne
We mostly use ground turkey as well instead of ground beef. I use it in spaghetti, meatloaf, turkey noodle bake, pasta bake and more. It is healthier, cheaper and tastes great!
ReplyDeleteGreat tip. :)
That sounds yummy! Can you tell the difference in taste between the ground turkey and ground beef in the things you make?
ReplyDelete