If you’re craving a hearty, flavorful dish that comes together in no time, this Mouthwatering Instant Pot Ground Turkey Recipe is about to become your new favorite. It’s packed with savory spices, tender ground turkey, and a colorful medley of veggies, all cooked perfectly in the Instant Pot to lock in those delicious flavors. Whether you’re new to cooking with an Instant Pot or just love simple, satisfying meals, this recipe brings warmth and comfort to your table quickly and effortlessly.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Mouthwatering Instant Pot Ground Turkey Recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient is carefully chosen to bring out wonderful flavors and textures—from the rich olive oil that starts the dish to the vibrant veggies adding a pop of color and sweetness. These essentials work in harmony to create a balanced, tasty meal that’s as nutritious as it is delicious.
- 1.5 tbsp olive oil: I prefer Bertolli for its smooth flavor which is excellent for sautéing the turkey and aromatics.
- 1 lb ground turkey: A lean protein that cooks quickly and absorbs spices beautifully.
- 3 garlic cloves, freshly minced: Fresh garlic gives the dish a fragrant depth that dried simply can’t match.
- 1 small yellow onion, diced: Adds a subtle sweetness and texture to the ground turkey base.
- 1 tsp salt: Enhances all the flavors without overpowering the dish.
- 1/2 tsp parsley: For a hint of herbal freshness!
- 1/2 tsp pepper: Just the right amount of heat to complement the turkey.
- 1 tsp cumin: This warm spice ties everything together for a comforting earthy undertone.
- 1/2 cup carrots and peas: Birds Eye frozen mix keeps the texture crisp and consistent every time.
- 1/2 cup corn: Adds a touch of natural sweetness and vibrant color.
- 1/2 cup tomato sauce: Hunt’s brand provides a smooth base that melds perfectly into the turkey mixture.
How to Make Mouthwatering Instant Pot Ground Turkey Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics and Turkey
Start by heating the olive oil in your Instant Pot on the sauté setting. Once warm, add the diced onion and freshly minced garlic. Let them cook until they become fragrant and translucent, which usually takes about 2 to 3 minutes. Then, add the ground turkey, stirring and breaking it apart as it browns evenly. This step builds a flavorful foundation you’ll love.
Step 2: Season the Mixture
Once the turkey begins to brown, sprinkle in the salt, pepper, parsley, and cumin. Mixing the spices into the meat now allows them to bloom and enhance every bite with their aromatic presence. Stir well so all the turkey is well-coated, creating a dynamic flavor base for the vegetables and tomato sauce to come.
Step 3: Add Vegetables and Tomato Sauce
Next, pour in the tomato sauce along with the peas, carrots, and corn. The vegetables add a delightful contrast of textures and colors, brightening the dish while the tomato sauce lends moisture and tanginess. Give everything a good stir so the ingredients are evenly distributed.
Step 4: Pressure Cook
Seal the Instant Pot lid and set it to cook on high pressure for about 8 minutes. This quick burst of pressure cooking tenderizes the turkey and blends the flavors beautifully, giving you a juicy and richly flavored dish every time. When the cooking time’s up, let the pressure release naturally for a few minutes before opening.
How to Serve Mouthwatering Instant Pot Ground Turkey Recipe
Garnishes
A fresh garnish can elevate your dish to something even more mouthwatering. Try topping your ground turkey with chopped fresh cilantro, a sprinkle of shredded cheese, or even a squeeze of lime juice. These add brightness and texture that make each bite pop.
Side Dishes
This ground turkey recipe pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. Consider fluffy steamed rice, creamy mashed potatoes, or even a crunchy green salad for balance. If you want something lighter, cauliflower rice is a fantastic option that helps keep the meal nutritious and filling.
Creative Ways to Present
Feeling adventurous? Use this recipe as a filling for tacos or stuffed bell peppers. You could also spoon it over baked sweet potatoes or mix it into pasta for an easy weeknight dinner. Serving it in lettuce wraps makes for a fresh, low-carb alternative that’s both delicious and visually appealing.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
To enjoy this Mouthwatering Instant Pot Ground Turkey Recipe later, simply transfer any leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days, allowing you to savor every last flavorful bite without any rush.
Freezing
If you want to prep meals ahead of time, this recipe freezes wonderfully. Store in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bags, removing as much air as possible. It will keep well for up to 3 months, perfect for busy days when you need a quick, wholesome meal.
Reheating
Reheat refrigerated or thawed portions on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. Alternatively, microwave on high for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway, to ensure even heating and maintain the delicious texture.
FAQs
Can I use ground chicken instead of ground turkey?
Absolutely! Ground chicken works as a great substitute and will offer a slightly milder flavor while still soaking up all the tasty spices in this recipe.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prepping?
Yes, it is perfect for meal prepping since it stores well in the fridge and freezer. Make a big batch and portion it out for easy lunches or dinners throughout the week.
Can I add other vegetables to this dish?
Definitely! Feel free to experiment with bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach to boost the nutrient content and customize the dish to your taste.
What can I substitute for tomato sauce?
You can use crushed tomatoes, tomato paste diluted with water, or even salsa for a chunkier texture and a different flavor twist.
How spicy is this recipe?
This recipe isn’t very spicy—it focuses more on warmth and earthiness from cumin and pepper. If you like heat, consider adding red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
Final Thoughts
I genuinely hope you try this Mouthwatering Instant Pot Ground Turkey Recipe and discover how easy and satisfying home cooking can be. It’s a recipe that delivers big on flavor without a lot of fuss, and it’s sure to become a staple in your kitchen. Give it a go and watch how quickly it wins over your family and friends!
Print
Mouthwatering Instant Pot Ground Turkey Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Instant Pot
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
This Mouthwatering Instant Pot Ground Turkey recipe is a quick and flavorful dish perfect for busy weeknights. Ground turkey is sautéed with aromatic garlic and onion, seasoned with cumin, parsley, salt, and pepper, then combined with a medley of vegetables and simmered in rich tomato sauce all in an Instant Pot for a tender, savory meal that’s both healthy and satisfying.
Ingredients
Protein and Oil
- 1.5 tbsp olive oil (preferably Bertolli for sautéing)
- 1 lb ground turkey
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 3 garlic cloves, freshly minced
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 1/2 cup carrots and peas (Birds Eye brand recommended for consistency)
- 1/2 cup corn
Seasonings and Sauce
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp parsley
- 1/2 tsp pepper
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1/2 cup tomato sauce (Hunt’s recommended for smooth consistency)
Instructions
- Prepare the Instant Pot: Turn on the Instant Pot and select the ‘Sauté’ function. Add the olive oil and let it heat for about 1 minute.
- Sauté Aromatics: Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the pot. Cook for 2-3 minutes until fragrant and the onions turn translucent.
- Brown the Ground Turkey: Add the ground turkey to the pot. Break it up with a wooden spoon or spatula and cook until no longer pink, about 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add Seasonings: Sprinkle in the salt, parsley, pepper, and cumin. Stir well to evenly distribute the spices throughout the meat and onion mixture.
- Add Vegetables and Sauce: Mix in the carrots, peas, corn, and tomato sauce. Stir to combine all ingredients thoroughly.
- Pressure Cook: Cancel the ‘Sauté’ function. Secure the lid on the Instant Pot and set the valve to sealing. Select the ‘Manual’ or ‘Pressure Cook’ mode and set the timer for 5 minutes.
- Release Pressure: When the cooking time ends, let the pressure release naturally for 5 minutes, then carefully perform a quick release to release any remaining pressure.
- Serve: Open the lid and give the mixture a final stir. Serve warm over rice, quinoa, or use as a filling for wraps or tacos.
Notes
- Use freshly minced garlic for the best flavor.
- Birds Eye vegetables ensure consistent quality, but fresh or frozen can also be used.
- Adjust seasoning to taste, especially salt and pepper.
- This dish pairs well with rice, pasta, or in a taco shell for a different meal option.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
