As a busy home cook, I’m always looking for ways to save time in the kitchen without sacrificing quality. That’s why cooking ground turkey in the pressure cooker has become one of my go-to weeknight strategies. When done right, pressure cooking yields tender, moist ground turkey in a fraction of the normal cook time. But nailing down the timing can make all the difference between succulent meat and dried out disappointment. In this article, I’ll share my tips and recommendations for how long to pressure cook ground turkey for the best results every time.
The Benefits of Pressure Cooking Ground Turkey
Compared to stovetop simmering or oven braising pressure cooking offers some major advantages when cooking ground turkey
- Speed – Pressure significantly shortens cook time by raising the temperature above boiling point Ground turkey can be fully cooked in only 15-20 minutes under pressure
- Moisture retention – The closed environment traps steam and moisture keeping ground turkey incredibly tender and juicy.
- Flavor infusion – Pressure forces seasonings and liquids into the meat for more intense flavor in less time.
- Hands-off ease – Once the lid is locked, no need to monitor the pot. Just let the pressure cooker work its magic!
Factors That Impact Cook Time
Several key factors determine how long to pressure cook ground turkey:
- Quantity – The more meat in the pot, the longer the cook time. For example, cooking 1 pound takes less time than 2 pounds.
- Fat content – Higher fat ground turkey cooks quicker since the fat keeps it moist. Lean ground turkey requires a bit more time.
- Size of pieces – Finely ground meat cooks faster than coarsely ground.
- Frozen vs. thawed – Thawed ground turkey cooks much faster than frozen.
- Natural vs. quick release – Natural release adds 5+ minutes to the cook time.
Recommended Cook Times
Taking these factors into account, here are the general pressure cook times I recommend:
- 1 pound thawed ground turkey – 15 minutes
- 1-2 pounds thawed ground turkey – 18 minutes
- 2-3 pounds thawed ground turkey – 20 minutes
- Frozen ground turkey – Add 5-8 minutes
- Natural pressure release – Add 5 minutes
For leaner meat, you may need to add 1-2 minutes to these cook times. It’s better to slightly undercook and quick release for a minute or two more if needed.
Tips for Best Results
Follow these tips for tender, flavorful pressure cooked ground turkey:
- Evenly distribute – Spread meat out evenly in a single layer for most even cooking.
- Add liquid – 1/2 cup broth, water, or sauce helps create steam and moisture.
- Sauté first – Browning meat builds flavor and texture.
- Layer seasonings – Season before and after cooking to infuse maximum flavor.
- Check for doneness – Use a thermometer to confirm 165°F internal temperature.
- Quick release – Release pressure immediately after cook time for least overcooking.
- Rest before serving – Let meat rest 5 minutes to allow juices to redistribute.
Sample Recipe
To put all this advice into action, here is an easy, foolproof pressure cooker ground turkey recipe:
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 1⁄2 cup chicken broth
- Onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper
Instructions:
- Turn on Sauté setting. Brown ground turkey 5 minutes, breaking it up as it cooks.
- Add broth and stir in seasoning. Pressure cook on High for 15 minutes.
- Quick release pressure. Check internal temperature.
- Let rest 5 minutes then serve.
Get ready to enjoy amazingly quick yet juicy, flavor-packed pressure cooked ground turkey meals! Dialing in the ideal cook time is the key to success.
Cooking Tips: How To Make Delicious Ground Turkey Using an Instant Pot
Ground turkey is a versatile and healthy protein option that can be used in a variety of recipes, from tacos and burgers to pastas and soups. If you’re looking for a quick and easy way to cook ground turkey while preserving its flavor and moisture, look no further than your Instant Pot! In this guide, we’ll walk you through the step-by-step process of cooking ground turkey in an Instant Pot.
- 1 pound of ground turkey
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil
- 1 medium-sized onion, diced
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper
- 1 teaspoon of dried herbs (such as oregano or thyme)
- 1 cup of chicken or vegetable broth
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- Preparation:
Start by preparing your ingredients. Dice the onion, mince the garlic, and gather all the spices you’ll be using. This will help streamline the cooking process.
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- Sautéing:
Turn on your Instant Pot and select the “Sauté” setting. Add the olive oil and let it heat up. Once hot, add the diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté for a few minutes until the onion becomes translucent.
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- Cooking the Ground Turkey:
Add the ground turkey to the Instant Pot and break it up with a spatula or wooden spoon. Cook for about 5 minutes, or until the turkey is browned and no longer pink.
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- Seasoning:
Add the salt, black pepper, and dried herbs to the Instant Pot. Stir well to evenly distribute the seasonings.
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- Adding the Broth:
Pour the chicken or vegetable broth into the Instant Pot. This will help keep the ground turkey moist during the cooking process.
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- Pressure Cooking:
Secure the lid on the Instant Pot and set the valve to the “Sealing” position. Select the “Manual” or “Pressure Cook” setting and adjust the timer to 5 minutes. The Instant Pot will take a few minutes to come to pressure before the cooking process begins.
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- Release Pressure:
Once the timer goes off, allow the Instant Pot to naturally release pressure for 5 minutes before carefully doing a quick release by turning the valve to the “Venting” position.
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- Serving Suggestions:
Your perfectly cooked ground turkey is now ready to be served and enjoyed! Use it as a filling for tacos, add it to pasta dishes, or use it as a protein-packed topping for salads.
With the help of your Instant Pot, cooking ground turkey has never been easier. By following these simple steps, you’ll have moist, flavorful, and perfectly cooked ground turkey every time. Get creative with spices and seasonings to customize the taste to your liking. Enjoy the versatility and health benefits of this protein-packed ingredient in your favorite recipes!
Remember, the Instant Pot is a fantastic tool for fast and delicious cooking, and ground turkey is just one of the many dishes you can create with it. Explore other recipes and experiment with different ingredients to unleash your culinary creativity. Happy cooking!
Explore More Recipes and Uses for Instant Pot Ground Turkey
Having mastered the basics of cooking ground turkey in your Instant Pot, why not put your skills to the test with a variety of delicious, wholesome recipes? From hearty chilis to innovative casseroles, each dish offers a unique way to enjoy this versatile meat. We recommend starting with the Instant Pot Turkey Chili Recipe, a perfect blend of flavors and textures that showcases the Instant Pots capabilities. For those looking for a lighter option, the Instant Pot Turkey Lettuce Wraps Recipe is a fresh, easy-to-make choice. And dont miss out on the Instant Pot Turkey and Vegetable Stir Fry Recipe, which is ideal for a quick, nutritious weeknight dinner. These recipes not only widen your culinary repertoire but also make meal planning exciting and varied. Share your thoughts and experiences on cooking ground turkey in the Instant Pot in our
Instant Pot Ground Turkey
FAQ
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