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A healthy ground turkey meal in a bowl with colorful vegetables and rice.

Versatile Ground Turkey Base

This versatile ground turkey base is perfect for meal prep, offering a flavorful foundation for various dishes. It's quick to prepare and can be easily adapted to different cuisines.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings 7 portions
Calories 250 kcal

Equipment

  • Large skillet
  • Dutch oven

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients

  • 2 lbs Lean Ground Turkey (approx. 900g)
  • 1 tbsp Olive Oil
  • 1 Large Onion chopped
  • 3-4 Garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tsp Cumin Powder
  • 1 tsp Chili Powder
  • 1/2 tsp Smoked Paprika
  • Salt and Black Pepper to taste
  • 1/2 cup Chicken or Vegetable Broth (optional)

Instructions
 

Preparation

  • Chop the onion and mince the garlic to prepare your aromatics.
  • Heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat until shimmering, then add the chopped onion and cook for 5-7 minutes until softened.
  • Push the onions aside, add the ground turkey to the pan, breaking it up and cooking for 8-10 minutes until browned and no longer pink.
  • Drain excess fat, then add minced garlic, cumin, chili powder, and smoked paprika to the turkey and onions, stirring and cooking for another minute until fragrant.
  • Season with salt and pepper, add broth if desired, and simmer on medium-low for 5-10 minutes to meld flavors, increasing heat briefly if too wet.
  • Remove from heat, allow to cool slightly, then divide into portions.

Notes

This base is incredibly versatile; use it in tacos, pasta sauces, stir-fries, or as a topping for baked potatoes. Adjust spices to your preference for different flavor profiles. For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes with the other spices.