The general rule for cooking a turkey is 20 minutes per pound, but that can vary depending on whether or not your turkey recipe calls for a stuffed or unstuffed bird. Use this handy chart to determine approximately how long to cook it, whether stuffed or unstuffed. Of course, the best way to know if your turkey is cooked to a safe temperature is to use a meat thermometer. (Scroll down for tips.) Insert it properly and check it often.