Turkey & Egg Scramble: A Hearty and Flavorful Breakfast

If you’re craving a protein-packed breakfast that’s both filling and flavorful, look no further than this Turkey & Egg Scramble. This delicious and easy-to-make dish combines lean ground turkey, vibrant spices, and eggs into a satisfying meal perfect for starting your day. Whether you’re looking for a healthy breakfast option or a meal prep solution, this scramble is sure to hit the spot. The blend of turkey, eggs, and spices offers not only a great nutritional profile but also a mouthwatering taste that will leave you coming back for more.

For more breakfast inspiration, you can check out Cooking Light’s Healthy Breakfast Ideas or explore Taste of Home’s Protein-packed Breakfast Recipes.

Basic Recipe: Ingredients and Instructions

Turkey & Egg Scramble – A Flavorful, Protein-Packed Breakfast Recipe

Author: Jennifer Mitchell
Total Time: 20 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

This Turkey & Egg Scramble is a hearty and flavorful breakfast (or brunch) option that’s packed with protein. Lean ground turkey, combined with aromatic spices, salsa, and scrambled eggs, creates a satisfying and nutritious meal. Top with shredded cheese, tomatoes, avocado, and a little hot sauce for an extra kick!

Ingredients

Scale

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 pound lean ground turkey (90/10% preferred)
1 tablespoon chili powder
1 teaspoon ground cumin
½ teaspoon smoked paprika
½ teaspoon granulated garlic
½ cup diced onion
2 tablespoons water
½ cup salsa
6 eggs
2 egg whites
2 tablespoons milk of choice
Hot sauce to taste (optional)
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
½ cup shredded cheese (Colby Jack or your choice)
Toppings (optional): Chopped tomatoes, avocado, red onion, cilantro, extra salsa

Instructions

Cook the Turkey:

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground turkey and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until it’s browned and cooked through (about 6-8 minutes). Drain any excess fat if necessary.

Add the Spices:

Stir in the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and granulated garlic. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until the spices become fragrant.

Add the Onion and Water:

Add the diced onion to the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened. Add 2 tablespoons of water to help deglaze the pan and create a slight sauce with the spices.

Add Salsa:

Stir in the salsa and simmer for 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to combine. Taste and adjust seasonings if needed with salt and pepper.

Prepare the Eggs:

In a bowl, whisk together the eggs, egg whites, and milk until well combined. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper.

Scramble the Eggs:

Pour the egg mixture into the skillet with the turkey and salsa mixture. Stir gently to combine and cook until the eggs are scrambled and cooked through (about 4-5 minutes). Keep stirring to ensure even cooking.

Add Cheese:

Once the eggs are cooked, sprinkle the shredded cheese over the scramble. Stir until the cheese melts and everything is well mixed.

Serve:

Serve the turkey and egg scramble hot with your choice of toppings like chopped tomatoes, avocado, red onion, cilantro, and extra salsa. Add hot sauce for an extra kick if desired.

Notes

For a lower-fat version, use egg whites only or a non-dairy milk alternative.
Customize the toppings to your liking! Try adding a dollop of sour cream or a squeeze of lime for extra flavor.
You can also serve this scramble with warm tortillas for a breakfast burrito option.

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Breakfast, Brunch
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American, Mexican-inspired

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving (1/4 of the total scramble)
Calories: 300
Sugar: 3g
Sodium: 650mg
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Unsaturated Fat: 13g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 6g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 30g
Cholesterol: 265mg

Keywords: Turkey & Egg Scramble

Instructions:

Prepare the Turkey Mixture: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground turkey to the skillet and cook, breaking it up with a spatula until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
Season the Turkey: Once the turkey is cooked, add the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, granulated garlic, and diced onion to the skillet. Stir well to coat the turkey and onions evenly with the spices. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, until the onions soften.
Add the Salsa and Water: Pour the water and salsa into the skillet, stirring to combine with the turkey mixture. Let the mixture simmer for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
Prepare the Eggs: In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, egg whites, and milk. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper. Pour the egg mixture over the turkey mixture in the skillet.
Cook the Scramble: Reduce the heat to low and gently scramble the eggs with the turkey mixture. Stir constantly, allowing the eggs to cook through but remain soft and fluffy, about 4-5 minutes.
Add the Cheese: Once the eggs are cooked to your liking, sprinkle the shredded cheese over the top and stir until it melts into the scramble.
Serve and Garnish: Serve the turkey and egg scramble hot with your favorite toppings such as chopped tomatoes, avocado slices, red onion, cilantro, and extra salsa. You can also add hot sauce for an extra kick!

Advanced Techniques

Customize the Spice Level:

If you like your scramble to have an extra punch, increase the amount of chili powder and smoked paprika. You can also add a chopped jalapeño to the turkey mixture for an additional layer of heat.

Use Different Cheese Varieties:

Colby Jack is a great choice, but feel free to experiment with different types of cheese. Cheddar, pepper jack, or a blend of Mexican cheeses will all work wonderfully in this dish. For a lighter version, opt for a reduced-fat cheese or a dairy-free alternative.

Make It a Meal Prep:

This turkey and egg scramble is perfect for meal prep. Simply make a large batch and store it in individual containers in the fridge. You can enjoy it for breakfast throughout the week, or even for a quick lunch or dinner. Add a side of whole-grain toast or some avocado for a complete meal.

Vegetable Add-ins:

To increase the veggie content of your scramble, try adding some bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms. Simply sauté them in the skillet before adding the turkey for a colorful and nutritious boost.

See more advanced recipes, at Mobolux.

Storage, Shelf Life, and Maintenance Tips

How to Store Leftovers:

Store any leftover turkey and egg scramble in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat. Add a splash of milk or water to help loosen it up if it gets too dry.

Freezing Leftovers:

You can freeze this turkey and egg scramble for up to 2 months. To freeze, allow it to cool completely, then store it in a freezer-safe container or ziplock bag. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave.

Dietary Adaptations and Substitutions

Gluten-Free:

This recipe is naturally gluten-free as it doesn’t contain any gluten-containing ingredients. Just ensure that your salsa and seasonings are gluten-free, as some pre-made brands might contain hidden gluten.

Dairy-Free:

For a dairy-free version, simply omit the cheese or use a dairy-free cheese substitute. You can also replace the milk with a dairy-free alternative, such as almond milk or oat milk.

Low-Carb/Keto-Friendly:

This scramble is already low in carbs, especially if you skip the salsa or use a low-carb variety. To make it even more keto-friendly, avoid any high-carb toppings and pair it with a side of avocado for extra healthy fats.

Vegetarian Option:

For a vegetarian version, replace the turkey with plant-based protein, such as crumbled tofu, tempeh, or black beans. Season it the same way as the turkey to maintain the flavor profile.

FAQs About The Recipe

Can I use ground chicken or beef instead of turkey?

Yes, you can swap the ground turkey for ground chicken or lean beef. Ground chicken will provide a similar texture and flavor, while beef will give the dish a richer taste. Adjust the seasonings slightly if using beef, as it may need a little extra flavor to balance the richness.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can make this scramble ahead of time. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to eat, simply reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop.

Can I add vegetables to this scramble?

Absolutely! Adding vegetables like spinach, bell peppers, or zucchini will increase the nutritional value and provide extra texture. Sauté the vegetables first before adding the turkey for a delicious veggie-packed scramble.

How do I make my scramble fluffier?

To make your scramble fluffier, beat the eggs and egg whites well before adding them to the skillet. The more air you incorporate into the eggs, the fluffier your scramble will be. Additionally, cooking on low heat and stirring gently will help maintain a soft texture.

Conclusion & Final Thoughts

Turkey & Egg Scramble is a fantastic breakfast choice that’s both nutritious and delicious. Packed with protein from lean turkey and eggs, it’s a satisfying way to start your day or fuel up for a workout. The combination of spices, salsa, and cheese adds bold flavor, while the optional toppings like avocado, cilantro, and tomatoes offer a fresh touch.

Whether you’re looking for a quick breakfast, meal prep idea, or a versatile dish to serve to your family, this turkey and egg scramble is a winner. It’s easy to customize to suit your taste preferences, and it’s a great way to get more protein into your diet.