How to Cook a Moist and Delicious Turkey in the Ground

AvatarByKelsey Hammons How To Cook (Dishes)?

How to Cook a Turkey in the Ground

Thanksgiving is just around the corner, and that means it’s time to start thinking about cooking the turkey. If you’re looking for a way to cook your turkey that is both delicious and impressive, then you should consider cooking it in the ground.

Cooking a turkey in the ground is a great way to retain moisture and flavor. The slow, low heat cooks the turkey evenly, and the earthen covering helps to insulate the meat, keeping it warm and juicy. Plus, cooking a turkey in the ground is a lot of fun! It’s a great way to get the whole family involved in the cooking process.

In this article, we’ll show you how to cook a turkey in the ground. We’ll provide step-by-step instructions, as well as tips and tricks to help you make the perfect turkey. So read on, and get ready to enjoy the best Thanksgiving turkey ever!

Step Ingredients Instructions
1
  • 1 whole turkey
  • 1 cup of water
  • 1 teaspoon of salt
  • 1 teaspoon of black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon of onion powder
  • 1/2 cup of vegetable oil
  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
  2. Rinse the turkey inside and out.
  3. Pat the turkey dry with paper towels.
  4. In a small bowl, combine the water, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
  5. Pour the mixture over the turkey, inside and out.
  6. Place the turkey in a large roasting pan.
  7. Drizzle the vegetable oil over the turkey.
  8. Cover the pan with aluminum foil.
  9. Bake the turkey for 3 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
2
  • 1 cup of apple cider vinegar
  • 1 cup of water
  • 1 teaspoon of salt
  • 1 teaspoon of black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon of onion powder
  • 1/2 cup of vegetable oil
  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
  2. Rinse the turkey inside and out.
  3. Pat the turkey dry with paper towels.
  4. In a large bowl, combine the apple cider vinegar, water, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
  5. Pour the mixture over the turkey, inside and out.
  6. Place the turkey in a large roasting pan.
  7. Drizzle the vegetable oil over the turkey.
  8. Cover the pan with aluminum foil.
  9. Bake the turkey for 3 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
3
  • 1 cup of white wine
  • 1 cup of water
  • 1 teaspoon of salt
  • 1 teaspoon of black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon of onion powder
  • 1/2 cup of vegetable oil
  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
  2. Rinse the turkey inside and out.
  3. Pat the turkey dry with paper towels.
  4. In a large bowl, combine the white wine, water, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
  5. Pour the mixture over the turkey, inside and out.
  6. Place the turkey in a large roasting pan.
  7. Drizzle the vegetable oil over the turkey.
  8. Cover the pan with aluminum foil.
  9. Bake the turkey for 3 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
    10. Choosing the Right Turkey

    The first step to cooking a turkey in the ground is choosing the right bird. Here are a few things to consider when making your selection:

    • Size: The size of the turkey will depend on the number of people you are serving. A general rule of thumb is to allow 1 pound of turkey per person. However, if you have guests who are big eaters or who love leftovers, you may want to go with a slightly larger bird.
    • Type: There are two main types of turkeys: heritage turkeys and commercial turkeys. Heritage turkeys are raised on small farms and are fed a natural diet. They tend to be smaller and have a more flavorful meat than commercial turkeys. Commercial turkeys are raised in large barns and are fed a diet of grain and soy. They are typically larger than heritage turkeys and have a milder flavor.
    • Fresh vs. frozen: Fresh turkeys are turkeys that have not been frozen. They are typically more expensive than frozen turkeys, but they also have a better flavor. Frozen turkeys are turkeys that have been frozen after slaughter. They are less expensive than fresh turkeys, but they may not have as good of a flavor.

    Once you have considered these factors, you can start shopping for your turkey. Be sure to choose a turkey that is fresh and plump. The skin should be smooth and yellow, and the meat should be firm and white.

    Preparing the Turkey

    Once you have chosen your turkey, it is time to prepare it for cooking. Here are a few things you can do to make your turkey more flavorful and juicy:

    • Brining: Brining is a process of soaking the turkey in a salt water solution. This helps to season the meat and make it more tender. To brine a turkey, you will need to dissolve 1 cup of salt in 1 gallon of water. Place the turkey in the brine and refrigerate for 12-24 hours.
    • Marinating: Marinating is another way to flavor and tenderize turkey meat. To marinate a turkey, you will need to mix together a marinade of your choice. Some popular marinades include:
    • Italian dressing
    • Teriyaki sauce
    • Lemon juice and herbs
    • Beer and vinegar
    • Worcestershire sauce
    • Garlic and onion powder

    Place the turkey in the marinade and refrigerate for 4-6 hours.

    • Rubs: Rubs are a great way to add flavor to your turkey without adding a lot of liquid. To make a rub, you will need to mix together a combination of spices, herbs, and oils. Some popular rubs include:
    • Cajun rub
    • Herb rub
    • Garlic and herb rub
    • Smoked paprika rub
    • Caribbean jerk rub

    Rub the turkey all over with the rub and let it sit for 30 minutes to an hour before cooking.

    Cooking the Turkey

    Now that your turkey is prepared, it is time to cook it. There are a few different ways to cook a turkey in the ground, but the most common method is to roast it. To roast a turkey in the ground, you will need:

    • A large roasting pan
    • A turkey
    • A roasting rack
    • A bag of charcoal
    • A chimney starter
    • A fireproof gloves
    • A meat thermometer

    To start, build a fire in your charcoal grill. Once the coals are hot, spread them out evenly in the bottom of the roasting pan. Place the turkey on the roasting rack and set it in the roasting pan. Cover the pan with aluminum foil and cook the turkey for 3-4 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

    Once the turkey is cooked, remove it from the grill and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before carving. Serve the turkey with your favorite sides and enjoy!

    Cooking a turkey in the ground is a great way to roast a large bird for a crowd. This method produces a moist and flavorful turkey that is sure to please everyone. By following these tips, you can cook a delicious turkey that will be the star of your next holiday meal.

    3. Cooking the Turkey

    There are two main methods for cooking a turkey in the ground: roasting and smoking. Both methods produce delicious results, but they each have their own advantages and disadvantages.

    Method 1: Roasting in the Ground

    Roasting a turkey in the ground is a great way to cook a large bird for a crowd. The slow, moist heat of the earth helps to keep the turkey moist and flavorful, and the resulting bird is often moister and more evenly cooked than a turkey that is roasted in the oven.

    To roast a turkey in the ground, you will need the following ingredients:

    • A large turkey (12-16 pounds)
    • A roasting pan
    • A drip pan
    • A large bag of charcoal
    • Wood chips (optional)
    • A long, sturdy roasting rack
    • A shovel
    • A thermometer

    Instructions:

    1. Prepare the turkey by removing the giblets and neck from the cavity. Rinse the turkey inside and out with cold water, and pat dry with paper towels.
    2. Place the turkey breast-side up in the roasting pan. Fill the drip pan with 1 inch of water.
    3. If you are using wood chips, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before using them.
    4. Place the roasting rack in the bottom of the roasting pan.
    5. Arrange the charcoal around the roasting pan.
    6. If you are using wood chips, place them on top of the charcoal.
    7. Light the charcoal and let it burn for 15-20 minutes, or until the coals are covered in ash.
    8. Carefully place the turkey on the roasting rack.
    9. Cover the roasting pan with aluminum foil.
    10. Roast the turkey for 2-3 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F.
    11. Remove the turkey from the oven and let it rest for 15 minutes before carving.

    Advantages of Roasting a Turkey in the Ground

    • The slow, moist heat of the earth helps to keep the turkey moist and flavorful.
    • The resulting bird is often moister and more evenly cooked than a turkey that is roasted in the oven.
    • Roasting a turkey in the ground is a great way to cook a large bird for a crowd.

    Disadvantages of Roasting a Turkey in the Ground

    • The process can be time-consuming, as it takes several hours to roast a turkey in the ground.
    • If you are not careful, the turkey can burn.
    • You will need to have access to a large outdoor space in order to roast a turkey in the ground.

    Method 2: Smoking a Turkey in the Ground

    Smoking a turkey in the ground is a great way to add a smoky flavor to your bird. The low, slow heat of the smoker helps to break down the connective tissue in the turkey, making it more tender and flavorful.

    To smoke a turkey in the ground, you will need the following ingredients:

    • A large turkey (12-16 pounds)
    • A roasting pan
    • A drip pan
    • A large bag of charcoal
    • Wood chips (optional)
    • A long, sturdy roasting rack
    • A shovel
    • A thermometer

    Instructions:

    1. Prepare the turkey by removing the giblets and neck from the cavity. Rinse the turkey inside and out with cold water, and pat dry with paper towels.
    2. Place the turkey breast-side up in the roasting pan. Fill the drip pan with 1 inch of water.
    3. If you are using wood chips, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before using them.
    4. Place the roasting rack in the bottom of the roasting pan.
    5. Arrange the charcoal around the roasting pan.
    6. If you are using wood chips, place them on top of the charcoal.
    7. Light the charcoal and let it burn for 15-20 minutes, or until the coals are covered in ash.
    8. Carefully place the turkey on the roasting rack.
    9. Cover the roasting pan with aluminum foil.
    10. Smoke the turkey for 4-6 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F.
    11. Remove the turkey from the oven and let it rest for 15 minutes before carving.

    Advantages of Smoking a Turkey in the Ground

    • The low, slow heat of the smoker helps to break down the connective tissue in the turkey, making it more tender and flavorful.
    • Smoking a turkey in the ground adds a smoky flavor to the bird.
    • Smoking a turkey in the ground is a great way to cook a large bird

      How do I cook a turkey in the ground?

    To cook a turkey in the ground, you will need:

    • A 12- to 14-pound turkey
    • A 5-gallon bucket
    • A 50-pound bag of charcoal
    • 2 dozen wood skewers
    • 1 gallon of water
    • 1 bottle of Worcestershire sauce
    • 1 tablespoon of salt
    • 1 teaspoon of black pepper
    • 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
    • 1 teaspoon of onion powder

    1. Prepare the turkey by removing the giblets and neck. Rinse the turkey inside and out, and pat dry with paper towels.
    2. Place the turkey in the bucket.
    3. Fill the bucket with charcoal, leaving about 1 foot of space at the top.
    4. Light the charcoal and let it burn for about 30 minutes.
    5. Arrange the wood skewers in a circle around the turkey.
    6. Pour the water, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder into a large bowl. Stir to combine.
    7. Brush the turkey with the marinade.
    8. Place the turkey on the skewers.
    9. Cover the bucket with aluminum foil.
    10. Cook the turkey for 6-8 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F.
    11. Let the turkey rest for 15 minutes before carving.

    What is the best way to baste a turkey cooked in the ground?

    The best way to baste a turkey cooked in the ground is to use a turkey baster to drizzle melted butter or broth over the turkey every 30 minutes or so. This will help to keep the turkey moist and flavorful.

    How long does it take to cook a turkey in the ground?

    It takes about 6-8 hours to cook a turkey in the ground. The cooking time will vary depending on the size of the turkey and the temperature of the coals.

    What temperature should I cook a turkey in the ground?

    The internal temperature of a turkey cooked in the ground should reach 165 degrees F. You can use a meat thermometer to check the temperature of the turkey.

    What are some tips for cooking a turkey in the ground?

    Here are some tips for cooking a turkey in the ground:

    • Use a large bucket or roasting pan to cook the turkey. This will help to distribute the heat evenly and prevent the turkey from burning.
    • Light the charcoal in a separate area and let it burn for about 30 minutes before adding it to the bucket. This will help to ensure that the coals are evenly distributed and that the turkey cooks evenly.
    • Arrange the wood skewers in a circle around the turkey. This will help to support the turkey and prevent it from tipping over.
    • Brush the turkey with the marinade every 30 minutes or so. This will help to keep the turkey moist and flavorful.
    • Let the turkey rest for 15 minutes before carving. This will allow the juices to redistribute and will make the turkey easier to carve.

    What are some common mistakes people make when cooking a turkey in the ground?

    Here are some common mistakes people make when cooking a turkey in the ground:

    • Not using enough charcoal. This can lead to the turkey cooking unevenly and burning.
    • Not letting the charcoal burn for long enough. This can also lead to the turkey cooking unevenly and burning.
    • Not basting the turkey enough. This can lead to the turkey drying out.
    • Not letting the turkey rest before carving. This can make the turkey difficult to carve and can cause the juices to run out.

      cooking a turkey in the ground is a great way to achieve moist, flavorful meat. By following the steps in this guide, you can be sure that your turkey will be a hit with your guests. Be sure to experiment with different herbs and spices to find the perfect combination for your taste. And don’t forget to enjoy the delicious results of your hard work!

    Author Profile

    Kelsey Hammons
    Kelsey Hammons
    I was born and raised in the fabulous state of Maryland but recently decided to pack up my stuff and move to the Midwest city they call Chicago.

    I hope to capture all of my life’s adventures of living in the windy city. AKA the food I cook, my journey to the Chicago Marathon, the books I read and the trashy TV shows I watch. I’m a health-nut, book-worm and exercise fiend.

    Join me, Kelsey, on this exciting journey as I embrace the challenges and joys of my new life in Chicago. From mastering the art of healthy cooking to hitting the pavement for marathon training, my blog is a window into my world of self-discovery and fun.

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