Quick Answer
Yes, you can absolutely mix ground turkey and ground beef together. This is commonly done to make turkey burgers or meatballs that are lower in fat and calories compared to all-beef versions, while still retaining moisture and flavor. The general recommendation is to use a ratio of about 1 pound ground turkey to 1/2 pound ground beef. Mix them together well before forming patties or meatballs. The turkey can be prone to dryness on its own, while the beef provides added moisture and fat.
Explaining the Benefits of Mixing Them
There are a few potential benefits to mixing ground turkey and ground beef together:
Lower Fat Content
Ground turkey is much lower in fat and calories than ground beef. Ground turkey can have as little as 7 grams of fat per 4 ounce uncooked serving, whereas 4 ounces of 80% lean ground beef contains around 15 grams of fat. By combining the two, you end up with a lower overall fat content.
Added Moisture
Ground turkey can become dry, crumbly and dense when cooked on its own. The addition of ground beef provides more moisture and fat to keep the turkey mixture tender and juicy. This is especially helpful when making turkey burgers, which can become dried out during cooking.
More Beefy Flavor
Some people find the taste of ground turkey to be a bit bland or flavorless on its own. Mixing in some ground beef can add more depth of beefy flavor that enhances overall taste.
Lower Cost
Ground beef is often less expensive per pound than ground turkey breast. By using half beef and turkey, you can cut down on costs while still keeping the mixture leaner.
Ratio of Ground Turkey to Ground Beef
The most common ratio used is:
– 1 pound of lean ground turkey
– 1/2 pound of 80% lean ground beef
This provides a good balance of limiting fat content while adding moisture and flavor. It results in a finished mixture of around 85% lean meat.
Some people may prefer to use a higher proportion of turkey to beef, such as 3/4 pound turkey to 1/4 pound beef. This further reduces overall fat and calories for those looking for an extra lean mixture.
It’s generally not recommended to use more beef than turkey, as that will increase the fat content too much. Stick with no more than half ground beef to keep the fat moderate.
Mixing Them Together
To mix ground turkey and beef:
1. Add the ground turkey and beef to a large bowl. Use hands to break up any large pieces.
2. Knead and mix the two meats together well until fully combined. Keep working the mixture for a couple minutes.
3. For burgers or meatballs, form patties or balls using your hands, making sure to pack them well.
4. Cook as desired, such as grilling burgers to 160°F internal temperature or baking meatballs at 375°F until browned and cooked through.
5. Allow to rest for 5 minutes before serving.
The key is to mix thoroughly to evenly distribute the fat and moisture from the beef throughout the turkey. Overworking the meat can make burgers dense, so mix just until blended.
Considerations
Here are some things to keep in mind when mixing ground turkey and beef:
Fat Content
– Use 85% or 90% lean ground beef for the best texture and moisture. Too high of fat content can cause greasiness.
Food Safety
– Handle raw meat properly and cook to safe temperatures to avoid illness. Cook burgers and meatballs to 160°F minimum.
Allergies
– Those with poultry or beef allergies should avoid this mixture.
Cost Savings
– Buying ground beef and turkey separately may be more economical than pre-mixed options.
Texture
– Overworking the mixture can make it dense. For tender results, mix just until blended.
Recipes Using Mixed Ground Turkey and Beef
Here are some recipe ideas that use a blend of ground turkey and beef:
Turkey Burgers
These moist and flavorful turkey burgers use a 3/4 pound turkey to 1/4 pound beef ratio:
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Ground turkey | 3/4 pound |
| Ground beef | 1/4 pound |
| Breadcrumbs | 1/4 cup |
| Egg | 1 |
| Minced onion | 2 tablespoons |
| Worcestershire sauce | 1 tablespoon |
| Salt and pepper | To taste |
1. In a bowl, combine all ingredients and mix gently until blended. Form into 4 patties.
2. Grill burgers over medium-high heat for about 5-7 minutes per side, until internal temperature reaches 160°F.
3. Serve on buns with favorite toppings.
Turkey Meatloaf
For a lighter meatloaf, use a 1:1 ratio of ground turkey and beef:
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Ground turkey | 1 pound |
| Ground beef | 1 pound |
| Onion, diced | 1/2 cup |
| Bell pepper, diced | 1/2 cup |
| Breadcrumbs | 1 cup |
| Eggs | 2 |
| Ketchup | 1/4 cup |
| Worcestershire sauce | 2 tbsp |
| Salt and pepper | To taste |
1. Preheat oven to 375°F. In a bowl, mix all ingredients until just combined.
2. Transfer to a loaf pan and shape into a loaf.
3. Bake for 1 hour, until internal temperature reaches 160°F.
4. Allow to rest 10 minutes before slicing to serve.
Meatballs
For flavorful meatballs with a bit of healthy lean ground turkey, use a 1:1/2 ratio:
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Ground turkey | 1 pound |
| Ground beef | 1/2 pound |
| Breadcrumbs | 1/2 cup |
| Parmesan cheese | 1/4 cup |
| Egg | 1 |
| Italian seasoning | 1 tablespoon |
| Garlic, minced | 1 clove |
| Salt and pepper | To taste |
1. In a bowl, gently mix all ingredients together until well blended.
2. Roll into 1-2 inch balls and place on a baking sheet.
3. Bake at 400°F for 15-20 minutes, until browned on the outside and 160°F internal temperature.
4. Toss with your favorite marinara sauce to serve.
Tips for Juicy, Flavorful Results
To get the best results when mixing ground turkey and beef:
– Use 80% or 85% lean ground beef for added moisture and fat
– Mix thoroughly to distribute ingredients evenly
– Handle the meat gently to avoid dense texture
– Cook to safe internal temperatures, at least 160°F
– Let rest for 5-10 minutes before serving to allow juices to redistribute
– Season well with salt, pepper and other spices or herbs for flavor
– Add breadcrumbs, egg or cheese to help bind the mixture
– Turkey thigh meat has more fat and flavor than breast, if available
– Try different ratios to find your optimal blend of leanness vs moisture
Storage
Store raw ground turkey and beef mixtures in the refrigerator:
– In a sealed container or resealable plastic bag
– Towards the back of the fridge where colder
– Use within 1-2 days for best quality and safety
To freeze:
– Form meat into patties or meatballs before freezing for easier use
– Wrap tightly in plastic wrap, then foil or freezer bags
– Freeze for up to 3-4 months
– Thaw in the refrigerator before cooking
Cook from frozen, just add a few extra minutes to the cook time.
Nutrition
The nutrition of mixed ground turkey and beef can vary based on the ratio used.
In general, expect the following nutrients per 4 ounce serving:
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 180-220 |
| Fat | 9-12g |
| Carbs | 0g |
| Protein | 25-28g |
| Iron | 10-15% DV |
Compared to all beef, mixing with ground turkey provides less fat, calories and cholesterol while still offering high quality protein.
Cost Analysis
On average, you can expect the following costs when buying ground beef and turkey:
– Ground beef: $4-6 per pound
– Ground turkey: $4-8 per pound
By mixing 1 pound turkey with 1/2 pound beef, you may spend:
– 1 pound ground turkey: $4
– 1/2 pound ground beef: $2
– Total: $6
Whereas 1.5 pounds of just ground beef would be:
– 1.5 pounds ground beef: $9
So the mixed option reduces the cost by about 30%.
Exact prices will vary by region, store specials, and type of meat used. Buying larger packages when on sale can further increase savings. Mixing ground meats yourself allows more control over cost than buying pre-made blends.
Conclusion
Mixing ground turkey and ground beef together is an easy way to enjoy the benefits of both meats in burgers, meatballs, meatloaf and many other dishes. With proper handling and cooking, the blend of ground turkey and beef results in a juicier, more flavorful and lighter option compared to all beef. Using about a 1:1/2 ratio keeps fat moderate while adding moisture. Just be sure to mix thoroughly before cooking to distribute the ingredients evenly. Get creative with seasoning and add-ins to make delicious recipes the whole family will love.