If you have a soft spot for comforting, hearty dishes, then you are in for a treat with this Traditional Ground Turkey White Gravy Recipe. It combines lean, flavorful ground turkey with a silky, creamy white gravy that’s seasoned just right to give you that cozy, soul-satisfying feeling with every bite. Whether you’re craving a quick weeknight dinner or a comforting meal to warm you up, this recipe is a total winner that delivers classic taste and simple preparation in one delicious package.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to making a stellar gravy, and these essentials work together to create the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and color. From the lean ground turkey to the rich butter and smooth milk, each component plays a vital role in making this dish taste just right.
- 1 lb ground turkey: Choosing a lean brand like Jennie-O ensures a clean, mild flavor that won’t overpower the gravy.
- 1 tbsp oil: A neutral oil helps to brown the turkey evenly without altering its taste.
- 1.5 tbsp butter: Kerrygold unsalted butter adds a luxurious, rich depth that brings the gravy to life.
- 2.5 tbsp flour: Sifted to avoid lumps, the flour is key for thickening the gravy perfectly.
- 1.75 cups milk: Creamy milk creates the smooth texture and mild flavor that makes the gravy so comforting.
- Salt: Essential for seasoning and bringing out all the natural flavors.
- Pepper: Freshly cracked adds a mild kick and complexity.
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder: Gives a subtle warmth and aromatic hint without overpowering.
- 1/4 tsp onion powder: Adds a gentle background sweetness and earthiness.
How to Make Traditional Ground Turkey White Gravy Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Ground Turkey
Start by heating the oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the ground turkey and cook it until it’s fully browned, breaking it apart with a spatula to get that perfect crumbly texture. Browning the meat properly builds flavor and gives this gravy its hearty base.
Step 2: Prepare the Roux
Once the turkey is browned, push it to the side and add the butter to the pan. Let it melt completely, then sprinkle in the sifted flour. Whisk constantly to combine the flour and butter, creating a smooth paste known as the roux. This step is crucial because the roux is what gives the gravy its thick, velvety consistency.
Step 3: Add Milk and Seasonings
Slowly pour the milk into the roux, whisking continuously to prevent lumps from forming. Add the salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder as you stir. Keep cooking and stirring until the gravy thickens to your desired consistency. The key here is patience; let the flavors meld and the texture come together naturally.
Step 4: Combine and Simmer
Mix the browned turkey back into the sauce, stirring well so every bite is full of savory goodness. Let the gravy simmer for a couple of minutes to ensure all the flavors blend beautifully and the sauce stays rich and creamy.
How to Serve Traditional Ground Turkey White Gravy Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley adds a pop of vibrant green and a fresh flavor contrast that brightens up the creamy gravy perfectly. For an extra touch, a dash of cracked black pepper on top enhances the aroma and adds visual appeal.
Side Dishes
This gravy shines when paired with classic southern staples like fluffy mashed potatoes, creamy grits, or buttery biscuits. Each side soaks up the gravy in its own way, making every spoonful melt-in-your-mouth delicious. You can also serve it over steamed rice or roasted vegetables for a simple, wholesome meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Try spooning the Traditional Ground Turkey White Gravy Recipe over open-faced sandwiches or savory breakfast bowls with eggs and toast. Using it as a dipping sauce for homemade potato wedges or vegetable sticks brings a savory twist that stimulates the palate. The options here are endless, so don’t be afraid to get creative and find your favorite way to enjoy this dish.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After cooking, allow the gravy to cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors tend to deepen after resting, making leftovers even more delicious.
Freezing
This Traditional Ground Turkey White Gravy Recipe freezes well, which is perfect if you want to save time on busy days. Portion it out into freezer-friendly containers or bags and freeze for up to 2 months. Just be sure to leave some space in the container as it may expand slightly when frozen.
Reheating
To reheat, thaw the gravy overnight in the refrigerator or carefully in the microwave. Warm it gently on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally to keep the texture smooth. If the gravy thickens too much, whisk in a splash of milk until it reaches that perfect creamy consistency again.
FAQs
Can I use other types of ground meat in this gravy?
Absolutely! While this Traditional Ground Turkey White Gravy Recipe is designed for lean turkey, you can substitute ground chicken, beef, or pork depending on your preference. Just keep in mind the cooking times and fat content might vary slightly.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, you can replace the butter with a plant-based alternative and use your favorite dairy-free milk, such as almond or oat milk, to keep the gravy creamy while accommodating dietary needs.
How do I prevent lumps when making the gravy?
Sifting the flour before adding it to the melted butter and whisking constantly while gradually adding the milk are the best ways to prevent lumps, ensuring an ultra-smooth and creamy gravy every time.
Can I add vegetables to this gravy?
Definitely! Feel free to sauté chopped onions, mushrooms, or bell peppers with the turkey at the beginning of cooking. They add wonderful texture and flavor that complements the gravy beautifully.
What is the best way to thicken gravy if it’s too thin?
If your gravy ends up thinner than you like, mix a little more flour with cold water to create a slurry and stir it into the simmering gravy gradually. This will thicken it up without making it gloopy.
Final Thoughts
I wholeheartedly encourage you to give this Traditional Ground Turkey White Gravy Recipe a try because it’s not just delicious but also incredibly comforting and easy to make. It’s one of those recipes that quickly becomes a favorite, perfect for sharing with family and friends. Once you taste that creamy, flavorful gravy paired with tender turkey, you’ll understand why it’s such a classic delight in so many kitchens.
Print
Traditional Ground Turkey White Gravy Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Sauce/Gravy
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
This Traditional Ground Turkey White Gravy recipe is a creamy, savory sauce perfect for complementing mashed potatoes, biscuits, or breakfast dishes. Made with lean ground turkey and a rich, buttery roux, this gravy brings comforting flavors and a smooth texture to your table in just 15 minutes.
Ingredients
Meat
- 1 lb ground turkey (preferably Jennie-O for leaner, cleaner flavor)
Fat and Flour
- 1 tbsp oil
- 1.5 tbsp unsalted butter (such as Kerrygold for extra richness)
- 2.5 tbsp flour (sifted to remove lumps)
Dairy
- 1.75 cups milk
Seasonings
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp onion powder
Instructions
- Cook the ground turkey: Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the 1 pound of ground turkey and cook, breaking it apart with a spatula, until browned and fully cooked, about 5-7 minutes. Season lightly with salt and pepper during cooking.
- Make the roux: Push the cooked turkey to the side of the pan or remove it temporarily. Add 1.5 tablespoons of butter and let it melt completely. Sprinkle 2.5 tablespoons of sifted flour into the melted butter and whisk constantly to combine. Cook this mixture for about 1-2 minutes to remove the raw flour taste, stirring continuously to create a smooth roux.
- Add milk and seasonings: Gradually pour in 1.75 cups of milk while whisking vigorously to prevent lumps. Stir in 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder and 1/4 teaspoon onion powder. Continue to cook and stir over medium heat until the gravy thickens to your desired consistency, usually around 3-5 minutes. Return the cooked ground turkey fully into the pan if removed. Adjust salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve: Once the gravy is thick and creamy, remove from heat and serve immediately over biscuits, mashed potatoes, or your preferred dish.
Notes
- Use lean ground turkey for a lighter flavor without excess grease.
- Sift the flour before adding to avoid lumps in the gravy.
- Adjust milk quantity for thinner or thicker gravy consistency.
- For extra flavor, you can add a splash of chicken broth or Worcestershire sauce.
- This gravy is best served fresh but can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently.
