Quick Answer
Yes, it is perfectly fine to mix ground turkey and ground beef together in recipes that call for ground meat. Many people do this as a way to reduce the fat and calories without compromising on flavor or texture. Ground turkey tends to be leaner than ground beef, so mixing the two allows you to control the fat content. As long as you use fresh, high-quality ground turkey and beef, you can combine them in any ratio you prefer. Some common mix ratios are 50/50, 60/40 turkey to beef, or 80/20 turkey to beef. Mixing ground meats is a handy trick for burgers, meatballs, meatloaf, tacos, chili, casseroles, and more.
Looking Closer at Ground Turkey and Ground Beef
Ground turkey and ground beef each have their own distinct properties when it comes to nutrition, fat content, flavor, and texture. Here is a closer look at the characteristics of each:
Ground Turkey
- Typically contains less fat and calories than beef: Ground turkey can contain as little as 7% fat whereas most ground beef is 15-27% fat.
- Milder in flavor than beef: The flavor profile of ground turkey is more subtle and mild compared to the richer, beefy flavor of ground beef.
- More prone to drying out during cooking: With less fat content, ground turkey can become drier and crumbly more quickly than ground beef.
- Two main types: Ground turkey can be white or dark meat. Dark meat is higher in fat while white meat is leaner.
Ground Beef
- Higher in fat and calories than turkey: Most types of ground beef range from 15-27% fat.
- Rich, meaty, beefy flavor.
- Holds moisture well during cooking: The higher fat content keeps ground beef juicier.
- Multiple fat options: Ground beef can be found in different fat blends like 90/10, 80/20, 70/30, depending on preferences.
Benefits of Mixing Ground Turkey and Beef
There are several advantages to blending together ground turkey and beef for your recipes:
- Control the fat and calories – By using more ground turkey than beef, you can create a healthier version of classic dishes like burgers, meatballs, and chili. The turkey helps lower the saturated fat and calories.
- Retain moisture and texture – Mixing some higher fat ground beef into lean ground turkey helps prevent the turkey from drying out during cooking. This improves moisture and texture.
- Infuse flavor – While ground turkey has a more delicate flavor, adding some ground beef boosts the savory umami, beefy taste.
- Reduce recipe costs – Ground turkey often costs less per pound than ground beef. Stretching the turkey with some beef can reduce recipe costs.
- Use up what’s on hand – Mixing meats allows you to use up whatever ground beef or turkey you have in the fridge or freezer.
Best Practices for Mixing and Cooking Ground Meats
To end up with the best results when blending ground turkey and beef, follow these tips:
Mix Thoroughly
Be sure to mix the two types of ground meat very thoroughly until evenly incorporated. You want the flavors and textures evenly distributed throughout the dish, not separate. Gently knead and fold the meat together with your hands until completely blended.
Don’t Overmix
While you want to mix well, take care not to overwork the meat. Too much handling can result in dense, rubbery meat. Mix just until blended, then proceed with shaping or cooking.
Know Your Ratios
Decide on flavor and fat content by selecting your ratios wisely. To minimize fat, do an 80/20 or 60/40 turkey to beef blend. For more richness, try 50/50 or 70/30. Taste and adjust ratios to suit your preferences.
Enhance Flavor as Needed
Add whatever spices, herbs, sauces, etc. are called for in the recipe you’re using to boost the overall flavor profile. Onion, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, ketchup, and eggs are all common additions.
Cook Thoroughly to Proper Temperatures
Always cook mixed ground meats to the proper safe minimum internal temperature of 160°F as measured by a meat thermometer. This kills any bacteria that may be present. Burgers, for example, should not have any pink inside when fully cooked.
Recipes for Mixed Ground Turkey and Beef
Here are some tasty recipe ideas that work well with a blend of ground turkey and beef:
Turkey-Beef Burgers
Form patties with a 60/40 or 80/20 blend of ground turkey to beef for juicy, flavorful burgers. Grill, pan fry, or broil until cooked through. Top with cheese, veggies, condiments as desired.
Meatloaf
For a healthier meatloaf, mix 1 lb ground turkey with 1/2 lb ground beef plus breadcrumbs, egg, and any seasonings or vegetables. Bake in a loaf pan at 350°F until no longer pink inside.
Turkey-Beef Meatballs
Combine 1 lb ground turkey with 1/2 lb beef. Add egg, panko, Parmesan, herbs, garlic. Form into balls and bake or simmer in your favorite sauce.
Chili
Brown a blend of 3/4 lb turkey and 1/4 lb beef. Make chili by adding onions, peppers, spices, tomatoes, beans, etc. Simmer until thickened. Garnish with avocado, cheese, etc.
Tacos
Spice up taco night with turkey-beef tacos. Brown the meat with taco seasoning. Serve in soft tortillas or taco shells with all the fixings.
Sloppy Joes
Cook 2 lbs mixed ground turkey and beef until no longer pink. Add barbecue style sauce and serve on buns. Customize with pickles, cheese, etc.
Tips for Purchasing Ground Turkey and Beef
To end up with delicious mixed ground meat recipes, start with high-quality ingredients:
- Check sell-by dates and pick the freshest options.
- Look for ground turkey labeled at least 93% lean if aiming for lower fat.
- Select ground beef with the fat percentage that suits your preferences.
- Make sure ground meats look red and fresh, not brown or slimy.
- If grinding your own meat, use very cold meat and clean equipment.
- For food safety, refrigerate ground meats as soon as possible after purchase.
Cooking Times and Temperatures
To ensure any recipe with mixed ground turkey and beef is cooked safely:
- Always use a food thermometer to check the internal temperature.
- Cook burgers, meatloaf, and meatballs to 160°F minimum.
- Cook casseroles and chili to an internal temperature of 165°F.
- If reheating, heat thoroughly to 165°F.
- Don’t let raw meat sit out for longer than 2 hours total before cooking.
- Discard any cooked ground meat that has been left out over 2 hours.
Food Safety Precautions
Proper handling is important when working with any raw meats like ground turkey and beef:
- Wash hands and surfaces after handling raw meat.
- Separate raw meats from other foods in your grocery cart and fridge.
- Use separate cutting boards and utensils for raw meats vs. other foods.
- Store ground meats on the bottom shelf of the refrigerator to prevent juices from dripping onto other foods.
- Cook meats thoroughly and check internal temperatures with a food thermometer.
- Refrigerate or freeze leftovers within 2 hours.
FAQs
Is ground turkey healthier than ground beef?
Ground turkey is typically leaner and lower in saturated fat and calories compared to ground beef. For example, a 4 ounce serving of 90% lean ground turkey has around 200 calories and 9 grams of fat while 4 ounces of 80% lean ground beef has 290 calories and 23 grams of fat.
Does ground turkey taste the same as ground beef when cooked?
Ground turkey has a milder flavor than beef. When mixed together and cooked, the ground beef helps boost the flavor and richness. Spices, seasonings, sauces and other ingredients also help enhance the overall taste.
What ratio of ground turkey to beef is best?
The ratio depends on your taste and health preferences. For maximum leanness, do 80/20 or 60/40 turkey to beef. For more fat and flavor, 50/50 is ideal. Mix and adjust ratios to find your perfect blend.
Can I substitute ground turkey for recipes calling for ground beef?
It’s generally fine to use all ground turkey in place of ground beef. Keep in mind the turkey may cook faster and the flavor will be more delicate. Mixing in some beef can help maintain moisture and flavor.
Does ground turkey turn brown faster than ground beef when cooked?
Yes, ground turkey often browns faster than beef since it is leaner. Make sure to break up the turkey into small crumbles as it cooks if aiming for browned bits. Cook over slightly lower heat to prevent overbrowning.
Conclusion
Mixing together ground turkey and beef is an easy way to control the fat and calorie content in dishes that call for ground meat. The right ratios can give you the best of both worlds—juiciness from the beef and health benefits from the turkey. Following proper food safety guidelines, mixing the two meats thoroughly, and cooking to safe temperatures will result in delicious blended burgers, meatloaves, tacos, chilis, and more. Get creative with ground turkey-to-beef ratios and seasonings until you find your favorite combination.