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How to Season and Cook Ground Turkey Perfectly Every Time

Perfectly Seasoned Ground Turkey

A quick skillet recipe for tender, flavorful ground turkey seasoned with onion, garlic, paprika, Italian seasoning, cumin, salt, and pepper. A small splash of broth or water keeps the crumbles moist, especially when using very lean turkey.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 1 pound Ground turkey, preferably 93% lean
  • 1 tablespoon Olive oil
  • 1/2 medium Yellow onion, finely diced
  • 2 cloves Garlic, minced
Seasonings
  • 1 teaspoon Kosher salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon Black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon Paprika
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon Ground cumin
Optional Moisture
  • 2 tablespoons Chicken broth or water

Method
 

Step-by-Step
  1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium to medium-high heat. Add the diced onion and cook for 2–3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened.
  2. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant. Avoid letting it darken, since browned garlic can taste bitter.
  3. Add the ground turkey to the skillet and break it into small pieces with a wooden spoon or spatula. Sprinkle in the kosher salt, black pepper, paprika, Italian seasoning, and cumin.
  4. Cook for 7–9 minutes, stirring and breaking up the meat as it cooks, until no pink remains. Do not stir constantly at the beginning; allow some contact with the hot pan so the turkey can brown.
  5. During the final 1–2 minutes, add the chicken broth or water if the turkey looks dry. Stir well and continue cooking until the liquid is mostly absorbed.
  6. Check the thickest pieces with an instant-read thermometer and make sure they reach 165°F (74°C). Taste and adjust the seasoning before serving, then remove the skillet from the heat promptly to prevent overcooking.

Notes

Use a little oil even with higher-fat turkey to reduce sticking and help keep the meat tender. Store leftovers in a covered container in the refrigerator and reheat gently with a small splash of water or broth.