In the meat world, both turkey and beef are excellent and versatile. Either one can be adaptable in many recipes. For example, the beef you use as the base in tacos is also in spaghetti. They are versatile and can be wonderful substitutes for one another. This comes in handy when you want a different flavor or if you want to swap out beef for turkey for your heart health. This article will discuss the difference between turkey and beef burgers. A turkey burger has less saturated fat than a beef burger. This is one reason why it is considered healthier for your heart. Another difference is the flavor and the price. Let's look at each of these differences in more depth below.
Turkey Burger vs. Beef Burger: The Main Differences
When it comes to eating healthy, many will agree that a turkey burger is healthier for your heart than a beef burger. This is because it contains less saturated fats than a beef burger.
Turkey burger is also higher in protein for fewer calories. The taste and texture of beef and turkey burger does vary from one to the other. Beef is more robust, and turkey burger has a milder taste. The saturated fat that beef contains means it is juicier than a turkey burger. Turkey burger, on the other hand, tends to be crumblier and more dry. Let's take a look at all of these differences in more depth below.
Nutritional Profile
When looking at each meat's nutritional profile, they seem very similar. Overall, turkey burger has more fat than beef burger, but the saturated fat is higher in beef. They both have sodium, iron, vitamins, and nutrients. Take a look below at the comparison chart to see the differences.
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Main Ingredients
One of the most significant differences between the two is found in what each one is. Beef burgers come from cows. Turkey burgers are made from turkey. The meat from each of these animals offers various benefits and different tastes. Ground beef and turkey are leftover meat that goes through a grinder during processing. Both have their own flavor profile and texture.
Texture and Taste
Turkey burger has a mild taste. The flavor adapts well to various seasonings and sauces. Therefore it can be great meat to add new seasoning to; the meat's flavor will not override the added seasoning. Also, a turkey burger is a dryer and crumbles easier than a beef burger. The reason for this is that it has less saturated fat than beef.
Beef burger, on the other hand, has a robust flavor. The beef flavor stands out, and you will know if you are eating beef. It is strong yet versatile. Although the flavor will stand out when adding seasoning, it can adapt to different flavors.
The texture of a beef burger is chewy as well, but when it cooks correctly, it can be juicy and not as dry as a turkey burger.
What is A Turkey Burger?
Turkey burger is the ground-up meat of a turkey. Ground turkey is made from leftover turkey thighs and drumsticks. They are relatively affordable in comparison to their beef counterparts. The ground turkey is formed into a patty and then cooked, typically fried. Turkey burgers are usually served on a bun of some kind.
It is easy to make your own turkey burger from scratch. You will need ground turkey, eggs, seasoning, and some breadcrumbs. Adding ingredients like Worchester sauce, onions, and more is possible. However, it's not necessary. Mix together the main ingredients. Then form the patties and grill your turkey burger!
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What is a Beef Burger?
A beef burger is a patty that is made from ground beef. It is possible to buy very lean beef. In comparison, it carries similar nutrients to turkey burgers. Ground beef is taken from the leftovers of any cut of beef. Many times chuck steak will be used. This is because the flavor is rich and hearty. The ground beef goes through a grinding process.
To make a beef burger, you need the similar ingredients that a turkey burger uses. These ingredients are eggs, some breadcrumbs, and seasoning. Once your patties are formed, place them on the grill and enjoy!
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Benefits of Beef Burger
Although beef burger sometimes gets a bad rap for being unhealthy, this is quite unfair. Beef carries many health benefits that are essential for your body. You can try a leaner version if you are a meat eater and enjoy getting your protein from beef. This will give you the same benefits without extra saturated fats!
Beef is full of iron. It can be a great source of iron if you are running low and are iron-deficient. Iron helps maintain hemoglobin, which is important because it provides a way to carry oxygen to your lungs! The more iron intake you have, the more energy you will have. Beef also is an excellent source of zinc. Have you ever given much thought to why we need zinc? Living life causes our tissues to become damaged, and our immune system can sometimes take a mighty hit. Zinc does an excellent job of helping repair and promote a healthy immune system.
Another benefit of eating beef is protein. Protein is great for your muscles! It keeps them healthy and even rebuilds them.
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Although eating beef has many benefits, it can come with risks. The higher saturated fat may put a strain on your heart health. Therefore, eating in moderation and choosing leaner beef is important if you are watching your cholesterol and heart health.
Benefits of Turkey Burger
Like the beef burger, the turkey burger is a great way to take in important protein. It can make you feel fuller for longer, aiding in weight loss. The GI index gives a clear snapshot of what foods carry low and high glycemic. Turkey is low on the glycemic index. This is great for those who may be at risk of developing diabetes. Blood sugar is easier to control when eating turkey compared to beef.
Turkey burger has good cholesterol. Meaning it is a lot better for your heart than beef! The HDL cholesterol works as a hall monitor, so to speak. It helps get rid of the bad cholesterol.
Turkey also has research to support the possibility of reducing cancer risk and slowing down Alzheimer's disease. It promotes cognitive skills and memory. It also has selenium in it. Some studies promote the idea that this mineral can help prevent cancers. A few of these cancers include stomach cancer, bladder cancer, breast cancer, and lung cancer. If you would like to read more on this study, here is a great article to explain the benefits of selenium.
In Conclusion
- Turkey burgers are lower in fat and carbs, making them a great choice for those looking out for their health.
- Beef burgers are moister and less crumbly than turkey burgers, an important characteristic for some.
- Turkey burgers are generally more affordable than beef burgers, making them more accessible to the average American.
Turkey and beef burgers are excellent meat types that provide plenty of nutrients. Although many eat turkey burgers because it is better for heart health, a beef burger can likewise offer plenty of benefits. Both burgers have protein, vitamin B, and healthy fats.
Turkey burger has a milder and albeit blander flavor than a beef burger. Beef burgers also are juicier typically. They both are versatile and can be dressed up with plenty of toppings. Regardless of your preference, there is no denying that these burgers are delicious in their own right!
Turkey Burger Recipes
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Stuffed Turkey Burger
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- Yield: Serves 4
Ingredients
1¼ pounds lean ground turkey
½ cup chopped roasted red peppers, drained and rinsed if from a jar
½ cup shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese (2 ounces)
¼ teaspoon salt
Freshly ground black pepper
4 whole-wheat buns
Instructions
1. Preheat the broiler or prepare the grill.
2. Divide the turkey into 4 equal-sized rounds. Make 2 equal-sized patties out of each round so you have 8 patties total. Sprinkle one size of the four patties with 2 tablespoons each of roasted red peppers and cheese, and top with remaining patties, working the turkey around the edges to seal the burgers closed. Sprinkle the patties with salt and a few grinds of pepper.
3. Grill or broil until cooked through, about 5 minutes per side. Serve on the buns.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 burger
- Calories: 310
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 42g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
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