How to Substitute Turkey for Beef

By eHow Health Editor

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Turkey is a versatile meat that shouldn't be reserved for Thanksgiving dinner. It is healthier for you than beef and usually costs less. Incorporate more turkey in your diet by considering these suggestions.

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Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Step1

Start with ground turkey. Basically any recipe that calls for ground beef can use ground turkey in its place. Think chili, sloppy joes, tacos and burritos, meatloaf, soups and burgers. The key to using ground turkey is in the seasoning. Season it well and layer the flavors using vegetables and herbs, such as cumin, jalapenos and red onions. Add a slice of fresh pineapple and a bun and you've got yourself a Smokey Chipotle Hawaiian Turkey Burger.

Step2

Move up to whole turkey pieces. Sure a plump steak right off the grill, dripping with marinade and juices is mouthwatering, but you can save the fat and calories by grilling turkey cutlets marinated in a rosemary lemon or pesto sauce. Get even more adventurous with regional tastes such as teriyaki or smoky chipotle.

Step3

Look for similar cuts of meet. Instead of a beef shoulder or tenderloin, check the turkey section in your grocer's fridge for something similar, such as turkey tenderloin. Marinate it just as you would your beef, and then prepare it on the grill, roast it in the oven or cook it in a crockpot.

Step4

Just think of what you're doing for your body. One 3 oz. serving of ground beef contains 263.7 calories, 22.6 grams of fat and 14.1 grams of protein, while one 3 oz. serving of ground turkey contains 235 calories, 13.2 grams of fat and 27.4 grams of protein.

Step5

Make it easy on yourself and head to the frozen section of your grocery store. Sometimes you may have to look in the organic section, but keep your eye out for frozen turkey burgers, turkey hot dogs and other premade turkey items. As a bonus, you may be able to find turkey ham and turkey bacon in the processed meat cases.