Quick Turkey Dinner
A quick and hearty turkey dish featuring savory patties cooked in a cranberry sauce glaze, perfect for busy weeknights or casual family dinners.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a bowl, combine ground turkey, bread crumbs, and egg until blended. Shape into 4 large or 8 small patties.
- In a skillet over medium heat, melt margarine and brown the patties on both sides.
- Blend cranberry sauce, water, and bouillon; pour over the patties.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer until cooked through.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider mixing in some chopped onions or garlic into the turkey mixture. If you're out of bread crumbs, crushed crackers or oatmeal can serve as a great substitute. You can also use fresh or dried herbs like thyme or sage to elevate the dish. Adjust the water in the cranberry sauce blend to your preferred consistency.
Serving Suggestions
This Quick Turkey Dinner pairs beautifully with mashed potatoes or steamed green beans for a complete meal. For a lighter option, serve with a fresh salad. You can also complement the dish with a dollop of extra cranberry sauce on the side. For dessert, consider serving with Busha'S Cherry Torte for a delightful finish.
Storage & Reheating
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm in a skillet over medium heat until heated through, or microwave in short intervals until hot. Ensure the patties are heated to an internal temperature of 165°F for safe consumption.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Quick Turkey Dinner contains roughly 615 calories, with 5g protein, 36g carbohydrates, and 51g fat. It is a good source of protein (11% of the Daily Value) and iron (10% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1083mg per serving (47% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use chicken instead of turkey?
Yes, you can substitute ground chicken for the turkey in this recipe. The cooking time will remain similar, but be sure to check for doneness as chicken can sometimes require a bit longer to cook through than turkey.
What if I don't have cranberry sauce?
If you don't have cranberry sauce, you can use a fruit preserve like raspberry or apricot as a substitute. Alternatively, make a quick sauce by mixing equal parts of jam with a bit of vinegar for acidity and flavor.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the patties in advance and store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours before cooking. Just cook them right before serving for the best texture and flavor. Alternatively, cooked patties can be frozen for later use.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).