Cooking a turkey in the ground is an interesting and unique way to prepare a turkey for a holiday feast or special occasion. The technique allows the turkey to cook slowly and absorb flavors from the surrounding earth. Determining the right cooking time is important to ensure the turkey is fully cooked and tender.
Why Cook a Turkey in the Ground?
Cooking a turkey underground allows it to cook evenly and absorb earthy, smoky flavors. The ground acts as a natural oven, slowly cooking the turkey. Key benefits to underground turkey cooking include:
- Enhanced flavor – The surrounding dirt infuses the turkey meat with a subtle, earthy taste.
- Moist meat – The slow, indirect heat helps keep the turkey meat very moist.
- Fun cooking method – It’s an unconventional and unique way to cook a turkey.
- Mess containment – Cooking underground contains the mess to one area.
- Temperature regulation – The earth maintains a consistent temperature.
If you want a turkey with a unique flavor profile, cooking it in the ground is worth trying.
How to Cook a Turkey Underground
Cooking a turkey underground involves digging a pit, adding hot coals, and lowering the wrapped turkey into the pit. Here are the basic steps:
- Dig a pit about 1-2 feet deep and line with non-combustible material like stones or bricks.
- Create a bed of hot charcoal in the bottom of the pit.
- Place a roasting rack over the coals.
- Wrap the turkey securely in foil or butcher paper.
- Put turkey on the rack, breast side up.
- Cover the pit with a lid or sheet of metal.
- Shovel dirt over the lid to seal in heat.
- Let turkey cook, checking periodically until fully cooked.
The pit setup allows heat from the coals to slowly circulate and permeate the turkey meat. The ground acts as an oven. The cooking time will vary based on the turkey’s size.
How Long to Cook a Turkey Underground
The cooking time for an underground turkey depends on a few factors:
- Turkey size – A larger turkey will obviously take longer to fully cook than a smaller one.
- Temperature of coals – Hotter coals will cook the turkey faster.
- Depth of pit – The deeper the pit, the longer the cooking time.
- Outside temperature – Colder ambient temperatures may increase cook time.
- Amount of dirt – More dirt over the lid retains more heat.
Here are some general turkey cooking time estimates based on size:
Turkey Size | Approximate Cook Time Underground |
---|---|
8 to 12 pounds | 2.5 to 3.5 hours |
12 to 16 pounds | 3.5 to 4.5 hours |
16 to 20 pounds | 4.5 to 5.5 hours |
20 to 24 pounds | 5.5 to 6.5 hours |
For example, a small 8 pound turkey may only need about 3 hours underground. But a 20 pound turkey could take 6 hours or more to fully cook through.
Factors that Increase Cook Time
Here are some factors that can increase the required cook time:
- A lower outside temperature – This will cool the pit and slow the cooking.
- A shallower pit – Less earth means less heat retention.
- A smaller number of coals – Too few coals can lead to cooling.
- Opening the pit – Opening the lid lets heat escape.
- Insufficient dirt covering – More dirt equals more heat.
- High humidity – Moisture can slow cooking time.
Monitoring the turkey and pit setup can help identify if extra time is needed.
How to Tell When Turkey is Done
Since you can’t visually see the turkey, you’ll need to use other signs to determine doneness:
- Temperature – Use a meat thermometer in the thickest part of the thigh to check internal temperature. It should read 165°F when done.
- Time – Judge based on estimated cooking times and check periodically.
- Aroma – A savory, roasted turkey smell will emerge when it’s done.
- Looseness – Try gently wiggling the turkey leg. It should twist loosely when finished.
- Juices – Use a skewer to pierce the thickest area. Clear juices indicate doneness.
Trust multiple signs to determine when the turkey is thoroughly cooked through. If in doubt, allow extra underground cooking time.
Tips for the Best Results
Use these tips for optimal underground turkey cooking:
- Completely thaw turkey if frozen before cooking.
- Rub skin with oil or butter to keep moist and brown.
- Use separate upper and lower foil sheets for easy removal.
- Place turkey breast-side up for even cooking.
- Use a meat thermometer for accurate temperature.
- Allow resting time before carving the turkey.
- Keep the pit sealed during cooking for moisture and heat.
- Use 20+ charcoal briquettes per turkey pound.
- Lay some lemon slices under the turkey for flavor.
Safety Tips
Observe these safety recommendations when cooking a turkey underground:
- Cook turkey immediately after wrapping to prevent bacterial growth.
- Wash hands thoroughly before handling raw turkey.
- Use separate knives, plates, and cutting boards for raw turkey.
- Check that turkey reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Refrigerate cooked turkey within 2 hours of removing from pit.
- Discard any turkey that has been left out too long.
- Keep raw turkey juices from contacting cooked food.
Following proper sanitation guidelines will reduce the risk of foodborne illness.
Conclusion
Cooking a turkey underground is an interesting alternative to oven roasting. Allow 2.5 to 6.5 hours of cooking time depending on the turkey’s size and your pit setup. Monitor temperature, aroma, and juices to determine when the turkey is fully cooked. With some trial and error, you can masterfully cook a juicy, flavorful turkey using this unique underground method.