4 Ways to Substitute Turkey in Common Recipes

1. Meatballs, Prepared Healthier
Make a healthy appetizer by using ground turkey to make meatballs instead of the standard, ground beef or sausage. Meatballs are easy to make. Just add an egg and a handful of breadcrumbs for each package of ground turkey that you use. Season the meatball mix with any herbs and spices that you like. Spray non-stick cooking oil into a baking dish, place the formed meatballs about an inch apart and bake for about 20 minutes, or until cooked all the way through. Use any fat free sauce or marinade on top of your meatballs. Teriyaki sauce, a light creamy mushroom sauce or sweet and spicy chili sauces are standard favorites.

2. Tasty Turkey Burgers
Substitute regular ground beef with ground turkey to make delicious and healthy burgers. Season the ground turkey with a little bit of salt, pepper and steak seasoning before forming patties. They taste best grilled, but can also be pan "fried" using non-stick cooking oil. Serve on a whole-wheat bun with pickles, lettuce, tomato, onion, mustard and ketchup. You might even find this version of the classic burger even tastier than it's high fat and cholesterol counterpart.

3. Turkey Taco Salad
Use either ground turkey or diced turkey breast to make a tasty taco salad. To season the turkey, cook it in a pan sprayed with non-stick cooking spray. Add some taco seasoning and a little bit of water. Allow that mixture to simmer as the turkey cooks thoroughly. To make your salad, start with a layer of shredded lettuce. Add the turkey and top with some cheddar cheese, fat free sour cream, salsa, tomatoes and diced avocados. If you want to splurge a little, add a few crushed tortilla chips to the top of your salad for a little crunch.

4. White Chili Made with Turkey
Use ground turkey or diced turkey pieces to make turkey chili. For a tasty twist on classic chili, use white instead of red beans. Add some frozen corn kernels for a southwestern twist. Season with grated onion, cumin, chicken bouillon and either hot or mild green chilies depending on your personal taste. Top with a dollop of fat free sour cream and a sprinkle of grated pepper jack cheese. This turkey chili is loaded with protein. It's very filling, but go ahead and grab seconds, as it's nearly fat free..

4 Ways to Substitute Turkey in Common Recipes originally published on LIVESTRONG.COM

LIVESTRONG.COM is designed to inspire people to change their lives, help themselves and help others. For more on this topic, visit http://www.LIVESTRONG.com. Track your calories using the Daily Plate.

Related Articles on LIVESTRONG.COM
Heart-Healthy Soups
How to Cut Down on Meat Without Becoming a Vegetarian
4 Ways to Make Low-Fat Pizza