Ground Turkey Question?

Question

I made mostacholli with ground turkey instead of ground beef and it was horribly bland. Any suggestions on adding flavor? I used salt, pepper, garlic, lots of cheese, and tomato sauce and it still was bland...Thanks!

Answer 1

I ALWAYS use ground turkey...I do not eat red meat or pork. When I brown ground turkey for spaghetti or mostacholli this is what I add to the meat when I brown it...(about...I don't really measure...and you can add more or less depending on your tastes)

1- 1 1/2 teaspoons fresh minced garlic
1 1/2 teaspoons parsley flakes
1 1/2 teaspoons Mrs. Dash Italian
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder (or use as much fresh chopped onions as you like)
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/8 teaspoon basil (dried)

I am partial to Hunt's Roasted Garlic and Onion sauce. I simmer the sauce and the meat together for about 1/2 an hour so the flavors can incorporate. I use 1 can of sauce for every pound of meat. It is a very thick sauce in the end...you can use as much can sauce as you like to make it as thin or thick as you like. I add Parmesan cheese to the pan with the sauce and meat...it adds a little extra something.

Sometimes I mix the pasta and meat sauce together and then bake it with loads of mozzarella cheese on top. Other times I just serve the pasta and sauce separately so everyone gets as much of each as they like. I serve Parmesan cheese and mozzarella cheese with it at the table. And garlic bread...yummy!

I hope this helped you out...good luck and enjoy!!

Answer 2

Depends on which way you want to go. You can try crushed/diced Italian style tomatoes, just add the entire can. Or, you can try chicken base. Make sure when you buy it, that the first ingredient listed is chicken. Do not waste your time, money and effort on anything that doesn't have chicken listed as the first ingredient. Mix a tablespoon or two in water or milk . Pour that mixture into your pan and let the entire dish soak up the flavor.

On a seperate, yet related note : Chicken base has been proven to cure the common cold, but only the kind with Chicken as the first ingredient. To achieve this, you must mix the base with boiling water and drink it as hot as you can. It's the steam being absorbed at the back of your throat, and the chemical compounds in chicken, that do the trick. When sick, you can also boil a pot of water and chicken base and breath in the steam. You'll be amazed at how quickly you feel better. The Amarican Medical Association has published these findings many times over the past 20 years. But people either don't see the story or forget, but chicken base is the cheapest 'medicine' that you'll ever buy, and very effective as well. Chicken base comes in 1 lb. containers, and there are various levels of quality ( some have less chicken and therefore cost less, but are ineffective ) A quality chicken base will likely cost $5.00, more or less. Thank you and I hope I've helped you.

Answer 3

Generally, turkey is leaner than beef. Since fat is a flavor carrier you must boost the about of seasoning and herbs you use when lower fat meats. I favor basil, rosemary, oregano and thyme. When in doubt, I put onion and garlic in everything! Close your eyes and really give herbs a deep inhale. If you really enjoy the smell, you'll love the flavor.

Answer 4

When foods I prepare seem bland it's almost always because i've used salt but not enough salt. I know salt's not good for you but I LOVE it. Next time you prepare the dish add more (ground meats need lots) or some liquid chicken boullion or powdered chicken stock. Good luck

Answer 5

Dont forget about basil, orregano, even some fennel seed to perk up the turkey, which can be very bland. some parsley is nice too.

Answer 6

Maybe cook the turkey in some olive oil with a couple of cloves of crushed garlic.