How to Substitute Ground Turkey for Ground Beef

There comes a time in many of our lives where we have to consider the switch or substitution of ground beef for ground turkey. Whether it is strict doctor's order, a personal choice, or simply looking to explore other proteins, the choice may not be as difficult as one would expect. As a doubting man, I initially had my reservations about making such changes in the diet, but with the right approach and menu planning, this has been pulled off relatively easily with tasty and satisfying results. For those skittish about making the changes from beef to turkey, I highly recommend that one goes about it gradually. Do not give up beef entirely or go "cold turkey "(pun intended). If your diet permits you to eat beef on occasion, please do so on occasion. Consider it a treat to have that cheeseburger or grilled steak. The transition to turkey in meals should be done in small incremental steps.

Also, focus on substitution of ground beef in which the meat only plays a partial role such as tacos, pasta dishes, rice dishes, etc. Do not make the instant switch to turkey with such items as a burger, stuffed pepper or meatloaf. This instant hit of a large amount of turkey and no serious flavor sidekicks will leave you a dry mealy lump of protein that will make you run from turkey far and fast. Turkey is much leaner than beef and tends to be drier than beef as it browns. Prepare ground turkey in an environment that will be served in a moist environment such as soup, sauces, and casseroles.

Also, purchase your turkey freshly ground in the wrapped tray. It makes all the difference in the world. Avoid turkey in a tube like those found with Italian sausage. Tube turkey is an interesting product that is occasionally unidentifiable and unappetizing when looking at the funky colors and chunks of fat.

There are four easily convertible beef to turkey recipes one can try at home which will produce a tasty meal for the whole family.

Substitution Turkey for Beef: Tacos

Tacos creation all starts with browning the meat in a skillet and adding the right seasonings. Anyone that has prepared tacos with instant seasoning realizes the meat takes on about 99% of the flavor of the taco flavors. This recipe easily allows one to swap out fatty ground beef for some fresh lean ground turkey. The turkey will brown much faster than beef so keep a close watch. Once the seasonings and liquid are added to the browned meat, the mixture will slightly thicken into a fantastic meal when served over taco shells with lettuce and tomato. This turkey dish was one of the first ground beef substitution dishes I tasted a few years back and love to this day.

Substitute Turkey For Beef: Sloppy Joes

I am not a purist when it comes to making sloppy joes. I have always made this meal with the instant Manwich or some other "Brand X" instant sloppy joe sauce. This dish is easy to decoy when it comes to substitution via turkey. The first time I tried this dish prepared by my wife, I was convinced it was ground round.

Substitute Turkey for Beef: Lasagna

If your pan of lasagna includes ground Italian sausage or ground beef, consider going meatless or even consider ground turkey. When browning the turkey, consider adding some minced garlic and Italian seasonings such as oregano and basil. Make sure the browned meat is finely ground before adding between your lasagna layers. Top with some mixture of cheeses such as lower fat ricotta and mozzerella and the lasagna will be a leaner version that tastes like the real deal.

Substitute Turkey for Beef: Chili

This is a no brainer. Stick to your original favorite chili recipe and use ground turkey in place of ground chuck or sirloin. Your blanco or turkey chili will reap rave reviews with much lower fat. The turkey will take on the flavors of the other chili participants such as the onion, chili peppers, cumin, chili powder and tomatoes. Serve your final creation over a bed of macaroni or with oyster crackers and top with low fat sour cream and serve.