Turkey gravy over mashed potatoes is the ultimate comfort food, but who says you need a holiday to enjoy it? This recipe makes it easy to enjoy this classic dish any time of year, swapping out traditional turkey for ground turkey to make it quick, simple, and budget-friendly. Let’s dive into how to make this delicious meal!
Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
* **Quick and Easy:** No need to roast a whole turkey. Ground turkey cooks in minutes, making this a perfect weeknight meal.
* **Budget-Friendly:** Ground turkey is generally more affordable than a whole turkey.
* **Delicious Comfort Food:** Creamy mashed potatoes topped with savory gravy – what’s not to love?
* **Versatile:** Easily customizable with your favorite herbs and spices.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this delicious dish:
* **For the Gravy:**
* 1 pound ground turkey
* 1/2 cup chopped onion
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
* 4 cups chicken broth (or turkey broth if you have it)
* 2 tablespoons butter
* 1 teaspoon dried thyme
* 1/2 teaspoon dried sage
* Salt and pepper to taste
* 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
* **For the Mashed Potatoes:**
* 2 pounds potatoes, peeled and quartered
* 1/2 cup milk (or cream for extra richness)
* 4 tablespoons butter
* Salt and pepper to taste
Making the Mashed Potatoes
1. **Boil the Potatoes:** Place the potatoes in a large pot and cover them with cold water. Bring to a boil and cook until tender, about 15-20 minutes. You should be able to easily pierce them with a fork.
2. **Drain and Mash:** Drain the potatoes well and return them to the pot. Add the milk and butter. Mash until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste. You can use a potato masher, ricer, or even an electric mixer for this step.
Making the Ground Turkey Gravy
1. **Brown the Turkey:** In a large skillet or Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the ground turkey and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain off any excess grease.
2. **Sauté the Aromatics:** Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the turkey. Cook until the onion is softened and translucent, about 5 minutes.
3. **Make a Roux:** Sprinkle the flour over the turkey and onion mixture. Cook, stirring constantly, for 1-2 minutes. This creates a roux, which will thicken the gravy.
4. **Add Broth and Simmer:** Gradually whisk in the chicken broth, making sure to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Add the dried thyme and sage. Bring to a simmer and cook, stirring occasionally, until the gravy has thickened to your desired consistency, about 10-15 minutes.
5. **Season and Serve:** Season the gravy with salt and pepper to taste. Stir in fresh parsley, if using.
Serving Suggestions
Ladle the ground turkey gravy generously over the mashed potatoes. Serve immediately and enjoy! This dish pairs well with:
* Steamed green beans
* Roasted carrots
* A simple side salad
* Cranberry sauce (for a touch of holiday flavor)
Tips and Tricks for the Best Ground Turkey Gravy
* **Use Good Quality Broth:** The flavor of your broth will greatly impact the flavor of the gravy, so choose a good quality chicken or turkey broth.
* **Don’t Skip the Roux:** The roux (flour and butter mixture) is essential for thickening the gravy. Make sure to cook it for a minute or two to get rid of the raw flour taste.
* **Adjust the Consistency:** If the gravy is too thick, add a little more broth. If it’s too thin, simmer it for a few more minutes.
* **Add a Splash of Wine:** For a richer flavor, add a splash of dry white wine (like Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc) to the gravy after sautéing the onions and garlic. Let it simmer for a minute before adding the broth.
* **Make it Creamy:** For an extra creamy gravy, stir in a tablespoon or two of heavy cream or sour cream at the end of cooking.
* **Use Fresh Herbs:** If you have fresh thyme and sage on hand, use them! They will add a brighter, more vibrant flavor to the gravy. Use about 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh herbs in place of the dried herbs.
Variations to Try
* **Mushroom Gravy:** Add sliced mushrooms to the skillet along with the onions and garlic.
* **Cranberry Gravy:** Stir in a can of cranberry sauce at the end of cooking for a sweet and tangy twist.
* **Spicy Gravy:** Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the gravy for a little heat.
* **Vegetarian Gravy:** Replace the ground turkey with sautéed mushrooms or lentils for a vegetarian-friendly version. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
Frequently Asked Questions
* **Can I make this ahead of time?**
Yes, both the mashed potatoes and the gravy can be made ahead of time. Store them separately in the refrigerator and reheat them before serving.
* **How do I store leftovers?**
Store leftover mashed potatoes and gravy in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
* **Can I freeze this?**
Mashed potatoes don’t always freeze well as they can become grainy. The gravy can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
* **Can I use ground chicken instead of ground turkey?**
Yes, ground chicken works just as well in this recipe.
* **What if I don’t have fresh parsley?**
Fresh parsley is optional. You can omit it or use dried parsley if you prefer.
Ground Turkey Gravy Recipe
This ground turkey gravy over mashed potatoes recipe is a simple, delicious, and affordable way to enjoy a classic comfort food. With easy-to-follow instructions and customizable options, you can make this dish your own. Whether it’s a cozy weeknight dinner or a potluck gathering, this recipe is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
Enjoy!