Mixing ground beef and ground turkey together is perfectly safe and can provide some benefits when used in recipes. The main considerations when mixing the two are flavor, fat content, and cooking method. With a bit of care, you can successfully combine ground beef and turkey for burgers, meatballs, chili, bolognese sauce, and more.
Quick Answers
Here are quick answers to some common questions about mixing ground beef and turkey:
- It is safe to mix ground beef and ground turkey together in recipes.
- The blend will have a different flavor and fat content than pure beef or turkey.
- For best results, use a ratio of 3 parts beef to 1 part turkey.
- Mix them well before cooking to evenly distribute fat and flavors.
- Cook thoroughly to 165°F internal temperature.
- The lower fat blend may cook faster than pure beef.
- Adding spices, herbs, and other ingredients can boost flavor.
- The blend works well for burgers, meatballs, chili, bolognese, etc.
Flavor
Ground beef has a richer, beefier flavor compared to ground turkey which tends to be more mild. When mixed, the turkey will dilute some of the beefy taste. How noticeable this is depends on the ratio used. With more beef than turkey, the beef flavor will still dominate.
There are a few ways to boost the flavor of a beef-turkey blend:
- Use 85% or 80% lean ground beef for more beef flavor.
- Add more seasoning than for pure beef, such as Worcestershire sauce, garlic, onion, pepper.
- Use beef or chicken stock instead of water when cooking.
- Sear the raw meat before simmering to develop fond.
- Mix in bacon, smoked paprika, grill seasoning, or soy sauce.
Getting the seasoning right can yield a tasty meat blend with just enough turkey flavor to complement the beef.
Fat Content
Ground beef is higher in fat than ground turkey. The exact amounts vary based on the fat percentage:
| Meat | Total Fat (g per 4oz raw) |
|---|---|
| 85% lean ground beef | 15 |
| 90% lean ground beef | 10 |
| 93% lean ground beef | 7 |
| 95% lean ground beef | 5 |
| Ground turkey (avg) | 7 – 10 |
When mixed with turkey, the overall fat content will be lowered. This can be beneficial for health, but very lean blends may lack moisture. For burgers, aim for 10-15% fat. For chili or sauces, 5-10% fat is fine.
Cooking Method
The lower fat content of mixed ground beef and turkey means it can cook faster than pure ground beef. Monitor carefully and reduce oven temperatures or stove heat as needed to prevent overcooking. The goal is still to cook to an internal temperature of 165°F.
Some tips for cooking ground beef-turkey blend:
- Use medium or medium-low heat for stovetop cooking.
- Reduce oven temperature by 25°F compared to recipes for pure beef.
- Grill over indirect low heat, moving to direct higher heat just to finish.
- Fry gently in oil for softer textures like tacos or pasta sauce.
- For burgers, mix in a little olive oil to add moisture.
Proper cooking method can prevent the meat from drying out due to the lower fat content. Low, moist cooking techniques are ideal.
Ratio
The ideal ratio of ground beef to ground turkey depends on your taste preferences and recipe needs. Here are some common ratios:
- 3 parts beef : 1 part turkey – For strong beef flavor in chili, burgers, meatloaf.
- 2 parts beef : 1 part turkey – Balanced flavor, moderately lowered fat.
- 1 part beef : 1 part turkey – Significant fat reduction but still some beef taste.
- 1 part beef : 3 parts turkey – Turkey flavor dominates, very lean.
For most recipes, a 3:1 or 2:1 beef to turkey ratio provides the best balance. But feel free to adjust according to your taste and dietary needs. When in doubt, start with 3:1 for bolder beefy flavor.
Recipes
Mixed ground beef and turkey can be used in place of ground beef in just about any recipe. Here are some tasty options:
Turkey-Beef Burgers
Mixing ground turkey and beef allows you to lighten up burgers without losing juiciness or beefy flavor. Use a 3:1 ratio and add Worcestershire sauce, garlic, and parsley.
Turkey-Beef Meatballs
With dried breadcrumbs, parmesan, egg, and Italian seasonings, you can make healthier meatballs with ground turkey and beef. Bake or simmer in tomato sauce.
Chili
Use 2 parts ground beef to 1 part ground turkey for chili. Brown the meat, then simmer in tomatoes, beans, spices, and beer or stock for a hearty and healthier stew.
Bolognese Sauce
For a lighter twist on classic bolognese, use 1 part ground turkey to 1 part beef. Cook with tomatoes, red wine, cream, and seasonings.
Stuffed Peppers
A blend of ground beef, turkey, rice, onion, garlic, and cheddar can provide a flavorful yet healthier filling for baked stuffed peppers.
Shepherd’s Pie
For the meat layer, sauté a mix of ground beef, turkey, carrots, peas, and onions. Top with mashed potatoes and bake for a comforting shepherd’s pie.
Storage
Properly stored, mixed raw ground beef and turkey will last 1-2 days in the refrigerator. For best quality, it’s best to freeze the mixed meat in recipes like meatballs or burgers before cooking.
Here are some storage tips:
- Refrigerate raw meat blend within 2 hours of mixing.
- Store in a sealed container or zip top bag.
- Use within 1-2 days for maximum freshness.
- For longer storage, freeze meat mixtures in patties or balls.
- Thaw frozen meat slowly in the refrigerator.
- Cooked meat mixtures last 3-4 days refrigerated.
With proper food safety practices, you can safely save blended ground beef and turkey to use within a couple days. Freezing cooked portions is best for longer term storage.
Nutrition
Compared to ground beef, a beef and turkey blend will be lower in total fat, calories, and saturated fat. It provides a mix of nutrients from both meats:
- Protein – Both meats are high quality protein sources.
- Iron – Beef provides more iron than turkey.
- Zinc – Beef and turkey supply this essential mineral.
- B Vitamins – Found in greater amounts in beef.
The exact nutrition profile will vary based on the ratio of beef to turkey. But in general, you can achieve a healthier nutrition profile by blending the two compared to pure ground beef. Try using a leaner beef and watch portions to further control fat and calories.
Conclusion
Mixing ground beef and ground turkey can allow you to reduce fat and calories compared to pure beef, while still retaining moisture and beefy flavor. Use a ratio of 75% or 67% beef to 25% or 33% turkey for the best results. Add ample spices, herbs, and flavor boosters to prevent blandness. Cook thoroughly but gently to prevent drying out. With some simple strategies, you can successfully combine ground beef and turkey for a healthy, tasty meat blend.