Use this seasoning blend to amp up the flavor of ground turkey and lighten up nearly any meal!
Swapping in turkey for beef can help make many dishes lighter. From tacos and stir-fries to burgers and meatballs, ground turkey works well in most recipes. The problem many people face is that ground turkey has less flavor than beef, so you need to season it more—and many resort to oversalting. This ground turkey seasoning recipe helps you bring out the deeply complex and savory flavors of turkey without loading up on salt.
This blend has a little something for everyone! The garlic and onion powders play off each other to create a familiar foundation of savoriness. Then the paprika brings in subtle smoky notes, while the thyme adds an herbaceous, slightly minty character. Oregano contributes a hint of pungent sweetness, not unlike licorice. The cumin and chili powder deliver a warm, nutty earthiness, while the salt and pepper help all the spices marry together beautifully.
You can use the recipe as it is or customize it to suit the meal you want to prepare. For example, you can increase the chili powder and cumin if you make tacos, nachos, enchiladas, burritos, or other south-of-the-border dishes. Ancho or chipotle chili powder gives unique flavors. Cayenne pepper instead of black pepper can help bring incredible flavor and heat.
For Italian dishes, I omit the chili powder and cumin, then add marjoram, basil, and Italian seasoning. It’s easy to customize this recipe to add umami to your dishes.
You can use this seasoning blend on more than just ground turkey—rub it into chicken breasts or thighs before grilling, sprinkle it on pork chops before searing, or toss it with potatoes or root veggies before roasting.
How to use your seasoning in ground turkey
Using your ground turkey seasoning is easy. Start by heating a skillet over medium heat and adding a tablespoon of olive oil to prevent sticking. Add the turkey and break it up with a wooden spoon or spatula while it cooks. Once it is cooked and no longer pink, sprinkle in one to two tablespoons of your seasoning blend and mix it in well. Add two tablespoons of water and stir until it evaporates. That will help the seasonings blend into the meat while keeping it moist. Taste the mixture and add more seasoning, if necessary, to achieve your desired flavor level. Another option is to add one to two tablespoons of tomato paste with the water for a richer flavor. Store leftover cooked ground turkey in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can also freeze leftovers for up to three months, let them thaw overnight in the fridge, then use them in recipes like this Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Chili, these Ground Turkey Stuffed Peppers, or these Ground Turkey Zucchini Boats.
How do I store leftovers?
Store your ground turkey seasoning in an airtight container in a dark, dry place, like your pantry. I recycle empty spice jars to store my custom blends, labeling them with the date and name of each mix. This seasoning will remain fresh when stored properly for 6-12 months. Signs that your blend has passed its prime include a faded color, clumping, and a dull or stale aroma.
Serving suggestions
The possibilities are endless for using this ground turkey seasoning to transform tried-and-true recipes into something new and unique. For example, add your cooked ground turkey to Arroz Con Gandules, Cheesy Mexican Rice, or Spanish Rice And Beans and turn a delicious side dish into a fantastic main meal. Mix the cooked turkey into this Squash And Zucchini Casserole, Creamy Tomato Pasta, or add it to the filling for these Stuffed Tomatoes. Add it to these Potato Tacos, Breakfast Tacos, Air-Fryer Nachos, or Breakfast Burritos.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 2 tablespoons dried thyme leaves
- 2 tablespoons dried oregano
- 2 tablespoons salt
- 2 teaspoons black pepper
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 2 teaspoons cumin
Instructions
- In a bowl, combine garlic powder, paprika, thyme leaves, oregano, salt, black pepper, onion powder, chili powder, and cumin. Stir until all spices are evenly mixed.
- Transfer the spice blend to an airtight container. Store in a cool, dry place to maintain freshness.
Nutrition Info:
Nutrition information are estimates only and may vary based on the specific brands, ingredients, and portion sizes you use. This data is provided for informational purposes only.
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