Ground Turkey: sauté (crumbled) on medium heat for 7–9 min. Internal temp: 165°F / 74°C.
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Safe Internal Temp
165°F / 74°C
Cooking Methods
↕ Slide the temperature to see how cook times change
Medium7–9 min
Medium-High5–7 min
Burner Guide: Medium is better than medium-high here — ground turkey is lean and burns easily. It doesn't brown as dramatically as beef, so don't crank the heat trying to get color. A splash of oil helps prevent sticking and drying out.
✎ Break apart as it cooks.
Food Safety
Ground turkey must reach 165°F — same rule as all ground poultry. Like ground beef, the grinding process mixes surface bacteria throughout the meat. 165°F kills all of it. Ground turkey can look done before it's safe (it's pale to begin with), so a thermometer is essential. Don't rely on color.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best tips for cooking ground turkey?
Leaner than beef — add a splash of olive oil to prevent dryness. Season well, turkey is mild.
What internal temperature should ground turkey reach?
Ground turkey must reach 165°F — same rule as all ground poultry. Like ground beef, the grinding process mixes surface bacteria throughout the meat. 165°F kills all of it. Ground turkey can look done before it's safe (it's pale to begin with), so a thermometer is essential. Don't rely on color.
How do you sauté (crumbled) ground turkey?
Sauté (crumbled) at 7–9 min. Break apart as it cooks.
How do you bake (meatballs) ground turkey?
Bake (meatballs) at 22–15 min. 1.5″ balls. Don't overcrowd.
How do you grill (burgers) ground turkey?
Grill (burgers) at 5–6 min/side. Oil the grates — it sticks.
