Ground turkey is a healthy, versatile and budget-friendly meat option that works great in various dishes from tacos to lasagna. While stovetop cooking is quick, baking ground turkey in the oven allows you to easily cook large batches for meal prepping But how long does it take to bake ground turkey in the oven to perfection? This detailed guide will walk you through everything you need to know.
Choosing the Right Ground Turkey
When buying ground turkey, you can choose between a few options:
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Lean ground turkey: This has about 10% fat content. It’s a bit dry but healthiest.
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Regular ground turkey: With 20% fat, this has more moisture and flavor. It’s a good middle-ground option.
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Ground turkey breast: Extremely lean with only 1-2% fat, but can be dry. Best for dishes with lots of sauce.
For most recipes and baking purposes regular ground turkey with 85% lean meat works beautifully. The small amount of fat keeps it tender and juicy as it bakes.
Prepping the Ground Turkey
Before baking, it helps to prep the ground turkey for even cooking:
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If frozen, thaw completely in the refrigerator overnight before baking.
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Preheat oven to 375°F to ensure it’s hot when turkey goes in.
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Line a baking sheet or dish with parchment paper or foil for easy cleanup.
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Shape the ground turkey into a loaf, meatballs or patties to control thickness. Thinner pieces will cook faster.
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Brush pieces lightly with oil to prevent sticking and drying out.
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Season the turkey with salt, pepper, herbs, spices, etc. to add flavors.
Proper prep is key for evenly cooked, juicy turkey straight from the oven.
How Long to Bake Ground Turkey
Ground turkey needs to be baked to an internal temperature of 165°F to eliminate bacteria and be safe to eat. The bake time depends on a few factors:
1. Thickness
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Thinner pieces or patties: 15-20 minutes
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Medium 1-inch thick patties: 20-25 minutes
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Thick meatloaf: 30-45 minutes
2. Added Ingredients
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Turkey alone takes less time than turkey mixed with veggies, cheese, etc.
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Plan for a slightly longer bake with lots of add-ins.
3. Preheat
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Meat put in a cold oven will take longer to cook through.
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A good preheat ensures the turkey browns and cooks evenly.
4. Position
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Turkey tucked around other ingredients may be less exposed to the heat.
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Position turkey so it gets direct heat exposure to bake faster.
In general, allow at least 20-25 minutes for ground turkey to bake fully. But use a meat thermometer to be sure it reaches 165°F internally.
Baking Tips
Follow these tips for browned, juicy baked ground turkey every time:
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Brush with oil or broth for moisture. Turkey can dry out easily.
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Cover with foil initially, then uncover at the end to brown the top.
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Bake gently at 375°F. Too high can dry out the turkey.
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Allow to rest 5 minutes before slicing for juicier meat.
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Add cheese, bacon, etc. in the last 5-10 minutes only to prevent burning.
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Mix in fresh herbs at the end for brightness.
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Store leftovers refrigerated for 3-4 days or freeze up to 2-3 months.
Delicious Ways to Use Baked Ground Turkey
Once you’ve mastered the basics, try these flavorful recipes using baked ground turkey:
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Turkey Veggie Lasagna – Layer baked turkey, veggies and cheese between lasagna noodles.
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Turkey Meatloaf – Mix turkey with onions, herbs, ketchup glaze for a hearty classic.
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Turkey Burgers – Grill or pan fry seasoned turkey patties for a healthy burger night.
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Turkey Tetrazzini – Toss spaghetti with baked turkey in a creamy Parmesan sauce.
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Turkey Taco Filling – Use baked ground turkey seasoned with taco spices for easy tacos.
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Turkey Chili or Sloppy Joes – Swap ground beef for turkey in these family favorites.
The possibilities are endless for using baked ground turkey in comforting casseroles, pastas, soups and more! With the proper timing and temperature, you can enjoy perfectly cooked ground turkey straight out of the oven.
Frequency of Entities:
ground turkey: 27
oven: 14
bake: 13
meat: 5
juicy: 4
patties: 4
turkey: 4
cook: 3
prep: 3
season: 3
temperature: 3
time: 3
add: 2
dish: 2
heat: 2
ingredients: 2
internal: 2
lasagna: 2
leftovers: 2
loaf: 2
meatballs: 2
meatloaf: 2
pasta: 2
position: 2
preheat: 2
recipes: 2
regular: 2
rest: 2
sauce: 2
thermometer: 2
thinner: 2
veggies: 2
Easy and Delicious Way to Bake Ground Turkey in the Oven
Ground turkey is a versatile and lean protein that can be used in a variety of dishes, from tacos to meatloaf. Baking ground turkey in the oven is a simple and convenient way to prepare it for use in your favorite recipes. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or looking for a quick and easy dinner option, baking ground turkey in the oven is a great choice. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you bake ground turkey to perfection.
- 1 pound of ground turkey
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional seasonings such as garlic powder, onion powder, or paprika
- Preheat the oven: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Preheating ensures that the oven is at the right temperature to cook the ground turkey evenly.
- Prepare the baking dish: Choose a baking dish that is large enough to hold the ground turkey without overcrowding. You can use a glass or ceramic baking dish for this purpose.
- Season the ground turkey: Place the ground turkey in the baking dish and drizzle it with olive oil. Use your hands or a spoon to mix the oil into the turkey, ensuring that it is evenly coated. Season the turkey with salt, pepper, and any additional seasonings of your choice. Mixing the seasonings into the turkey will help to flavor it throughout.
- Shape the turkey: Use a spoon or your hands to shape the ground turkey into an even layer in the baking dish. This will help it cook more evenly and ensure that it is fully cooked through.
- Bake the ground turkey: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake the ground turkey for 20-25 minutes, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Cooking times may vary depending on the thickness of the turkey layer, so it’s important to use a meat thermometer to check for doneness.
- Rest and serve: Once the ground turkey is fully cooked, remove it from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This will allow the juices to redistribute, resulting in a juicier and more flavorful end product.
Baking ground turkey in the oven is a simple and convenient way to prepare this lean protein for use in a variety of dishes. Whether you’re making a batch of turkey meatballs, a hearty Bolognese sauce, or simply adding protein to your salads, baked ground turkey is a versatile and delicious option. Try out this easy method for baking ground turkey in the oven and enjoy the flavorful results in your favorite recipes!
More Delicious Ground Turkey Recipes to Try
Read Next: How To Bake Juicy Hamburger In The Oven
How To Cook Ground Turkey
FAQ
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