Ground turkey and tender potatoes

The aroma of ground turkey and tender potatoes sizzling in a skillet is enough to make anyone’s mouth water. This hearty, one-pan meal combines lean protein with perfectly browned potato cubes, all enhanced by aromatic herbs and spices. Ground turkey and tender potatoes create a satisfying meal that’s both nutritious and comforting—perfect for busy weeknights when you need dinner on the table without fuss. You’ll learn how to create the perfect balance of flavors and textures in this versatile dish that the whole family will request again and again.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This ground turkey and tender potatoes recipe will quickly become a staple in your meal rotation for several compelling reasons. First, it’s the ultimate one-pan wonder, minimizing cleanup while maximizing flavor. The contrast between the golden, crispy-edged potatoes and the savory, protein-rich turkey creates a textural symphony that satisfies with every bite.

What makes this turkey potato skillet truly special is its adaptability. The dish works beautifully for any meal of the day—try it for breakfast topped with a fried egg, serve it as a hearty lunch, or pair it with a simple salad for dinner. The combination of lean turkey and filling potatoes delivers a protein-packed meal that keeps you satisfied for hours.

Perhaps best of all, this ground turkey and tender potatoes recipe strikes that perfect balance between wholesome and comforting. It’s a healthier alternative to heavier ground beef dishes without sacrificing an ounce of flavor. The aromatic blend of herbs and spices infuses every morsel with mouthwatering savoriness that will have everyone at the table asking for seconds.

Ingredients List for the Ground Turkey and Tender Potatoes

This simple yet flavorful dish relies on everyday ingredients that combine to create something truly special. The lean ground turkey provides protein without excess fat, while the potatoes offer hearty substance with crispy-edged perfection.

• 1 pound ground turkey
• 4 medium potatoes
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium onion
• 2 cloves garlic
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley

Pro Tips

To elevate your ground turkey and tender potatoes from good to exceptional, focus on these three critical techniques:

First, don’t rush the potato browning process. Those golden-brown edges are flavor powerhouses and provide essential texture contrast. Allow them to develop proper color before stirring, which means resisting the urge to constantly move them around the pan.

Second, season your ground turkey properly. Turkey has a milder flavor than beef, so proper seasoning is crucial. Add the spices directly to the meat as it cooks rather than at the end, allowing the flavors to fully incorporate. For even more depth, consider toasting your dried herbs in the pan for 30 seconds before adding the turkey.

Finally, master the deglazing technique with the chicken broth. After cooking the turkey and returning the potatoes to the pan, add your broth and use a wooden spoon to scrape up all those flavorful browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. This step creates a light sauce that ties the entire turkey potato skillet together and ensures no flavor is left behind.

Instructions

Step 1: Heat a large skillet over medium heat.

Step 2: Peel and dice the potatoes into small cubes, about 1/2 inch in size.

Step 3: Add the olive oil to the skillet and swirl to coat the bottom.

Step 4: Once the oil is hot, add the diced potatoes to the skillet.

Step 5: Cook the potatoes for about 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they begin to soften and turn golden brown.

Step 6: While the potatoes cook, peel and finely chop the onion.

Step 7: Peel and mince the garlic cloves.

Step 8: Once the potatoes are done, remove them from the skillet and set them aside.

Step 9: In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and garlic.

Step 10: Cook the onion and garlic for about 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion becomes translucent.

Step 11: Add the ground turkey to the skillet with the onion and garlic.

Step 12: Break up the turkey into smaller pieces as it cooks, stirring frequently for about 6-8 minutes, until the turkey is fully cooked and no longer pink.

Step 13: Add the dried thyme, paprika, salt, and black pepper to the skillet with the turkey.

Step 14: Stir the seasonings into the turkey mixture, ensuring an even distribution of flavor.

Step 15: Return the cooked potatoes to the skillet with the turkey and onions.

Step 16: Pour the chicken broth into the skillet and stir to combine.

Step 17: Reduce the heat to low and cover the skillet.

Step 18: Let the mixture simmer for about 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.

Step 19: Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the chopped fresh parsley.

Step 20: Serve the ground turkey and potatoes hot, garnished with extra parsley if desired.

Variations

This versatile ground turkey and tender potatoes recipe easily adapts to various flavor profiles and dietary needs. For a Mediterranean twist, add a cup of diced bell peppers with the onions, sprinkle in 1/2 teaspoon of oregano, and top the finished dish with crumbled feta cheese and sliced Kalamata olives. The bright, tangy flavors complement the turkey and potatoes beautifully.

For those following a spicy turkey potato skillet variation, incorporate 1-2 diced jalapeños with the onions and substitute the paprika with chipotle powder or cayenne. Finish with a squeeze of lime juice and chopped cilantro instead of parsley for a Southwestern flair that transforms the dish.

Looking for a lower-carb option? Replace half of the potatoes with diced cauliflower or turnips. These vegetables brown similarly to potatoes while significantly reducing the carbohydrate content, making it perfect for those monitoring their carb intake without sacrificing the comforting texture of this satisfying meal.

Storage and Serving

Your ground turkey and tender potatoes keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze individual portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Reheat refrigerated portions in the microwave for 2-3 minutes or in a skillet with a splash of broth to maintain moisture. For frozen portions, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

When serving this versatile dish, try these crowd-pleasing presentations. For a hearty breakfast, top a portion with a fried or poached egg, allowing the runny yolk to create a rich sauce. The protein-packed combo of turkey, potatoes and egg will keep you satisfied until lunch.

For dinner, serve alongside a bright, acidic side salad with vinaigrette to balance the savory flavors of the ground turkey and tender potatoes. Or transform it into a complete bowl meal by serving it over a small portion of brown rice or quinoa, topped with avocado slices and a dollop of Greek yogurt for added creaminess.

FAQs

Can I use ground chicken instead of turkey in this recipe?
Absolutely! Ground chicken works as a perfect 1:1 substitute for the turkey in this potato skillet recipe. The cooking process remains identical, though chicken may release slightly less moisture during cooking.

What type of potatoes work best for this dish?
Yukon Gold or red potatoes are ideal for this ground turkey and tender potatoes recipe as they hold their shape well during cooking. Russet potatoes can also work but may break down more during cooking, creating a different but equally delicious texture.

How can I make this dish more flavorful?
To enhance flavor, try using homemade chicken stock instead of broth, add 1/2 teaspoon of smoked paprika along with the regular paprika, or incorporate 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce when adding the chicken broth.

Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, this ground turkey and tender potatoes recipe is naturally gluten-free, assuming your chicken broth is certified gluten-free (most are, but always check labels).

Can I prepare components of this dish ahead of time?
Definitely! You can dice the potatoes up to 24 hours ahead (store submerged in cold water in the refrigerator to prevent browning), and you can chop the onions, garlic, and parsley up to 2 days in advance. This prep work makes the final cooking process much faster for a quick weeknight meal.

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