Ground Turkey with Potatoes

Imagine savory, seasoned Ground Turkey with Potatoes sizzling in your skillet, filling your kitchen with an irresistible aroma that promises comfort in every bite. This hearty, one-pan wonder combines lean protein with tender potatoes, creating a satisfying meal that’s both nutritious and delicious. Perfect for busy weeknights, this ground turkey with potatoes recipe transforms simple ingredients into a memorable dinner that your family will request again and again. You’ll learn how to create a perfectly seasoned, protein-packed meal that comes together in just 30 minutes.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Ground Turkey with Potatoes recipe is about to become your new weeknight hero. The combination of tender, golden potatoes and savory ground turkey creates a delightful texture contrast that keeps every bite interesting. The lean turkey provides ample protein without excess fat, while the potatoes add a satisfying heartiness that makes the dish feel indulgent even though it’s relatively healthy.

What makes this recipe truly special is its versatility and simplicity. With just one pan, you’ll create a complete meal that’s ready in about 30 minutes—perfect for those busy evenings when you need something substantial but don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen. The seasonings can be adjusted to suit your family’s preferences, making this turkey and potato skillet a chameleon dish that never gets boring.

The natural juices from the turkey infuse the potatoes with incredible flavor as they cook together, eliminating the need for excessive oils or fats. This means you’re getting maximum taste with minimal effort and cleanup—a winning combination for any home cook.

Ingredients

For this delicious Ground Turkey with Potatoes dish, you’ll need:

• 1 lb (454g) lean ground turkey
• 2 lbs (900g) russet or Yukon Gold potatoes, diced into ½-inch cubes
• 1 medium yellow onion (about 1 cup), finely diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon paprika (sweet or smoked)
• ½ teaspoon dried thyme
• ½ teaspoon ground cumin
• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
• 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Russet potatoes work best for a fluffier texture, while Yukon Golds offer a creamier, buttery flavor. The lean ground turkey (93% lean) provides ample protein while keeping the dish lighter than beef alternatives, making this potato turkey skillet both hearty and nutritious.

Pro Tips

Use a Large, Heavy Skillet: A cast-iron or heavy stainless steel skillet distributes heat evenly and gives the ground turkey with potatoes the perfect texture. The wide surface area allows the potatoes to get crispy and the turkey to brown properly without steaming. Make sure your pan is at least 12 inches in diameter to prevent overcrowding, which would result in soggy potatoes instead of crispy ones.

Parboil the Potatoes: For the perfect texture in your turkey potato dinner, consider parboiling the potatoes for 4-5 minutes before adding them to the skillet. This head start ensures they’ll cook through completely while still allowing them to crisp up in the pan. Drain them thoroughly and let them dry slightly before adding to the hot oil for maximum crispiness. This step saves cooking time and guarantees tender potatoes without burning the other ingredients.

Build Layers of Flavor: The key to an exceptional ground turkey with potatoes dish is layering flavors. Start by properly browning the turkey until it develops a caramelized crust (don’t stir constantly). Then, allow your onions to cook until translucent before adding garlic to prevent burning. Finally, deglaze the pan with a splash of chicken broth to incorporate all the flavorful browned bits stuck to the bottom of the pan, which adds tremendous depth to the final dish.

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Potatoes
Start by washing and dicing your potatoes into uniform ½-inch cubes. For faster cooking, you can parboil them for 4-5 minutes in salted water, then drain thoroughly. Alternatively, if you prefer a one-pan approach, just ensure your potato cubes are consistent in size. Pat them dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture – this is crucial for achieving that golden-brown exterior we’re looking for in our ground turkey with potatoes dish.

Step 2: Brown the Turkey
Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground turkey, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Season with ½ teaspoon salt and ¼ teaspoon pepper. Let the turkey cook undisturbed for a minute or two to develop some browning, then stir and continue cooking until no pink remains, about 5-7 minutes total. Transfer the cooked turkey to a plate and set aside.

Step 3: Sauté the Aromatics
In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Add the diced onions and cook for 2-3 minutes until they begin to soften. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the diced red bell pepper and cook for 2 minutes until it begins to soften.

Step 4: Cook the Potatoes
Add the potatoes to the skillet with the aromatics, stirring to combine. Season with oregano, paprika, thyme, cumin, and red pepper flakes if using. Add another ½ teaspoon of salt and ¼ teaspoon pepper. Cook for about 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure even browning. If the potatoes are sticking, add a splash of chicken broth.

Step 5: Combine and Finish
Return the browned turkey to the skillet with the potatoes. Add ½ cup of chicken broth, stirring to incorporate all the flavorful bits from the bottom of the pan. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 5-7 minutes until the liquid has reduced and the potatoes are fork-tender. If needed, add more broth a little at a time. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Remove your ground turkey with potatoes from heat and sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley. Serve hot, directly from the skillet for a rustic presentation, or transfer to a serving dish. This hearty one-pan meal is perfect on its own or with a simple side salad.

Variations

Mediterranean Style: Transform your ground turkey with potatoes into a Mediterranean delight by adding 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes, ½ cup pitted Kalamata olives, and 1 tablespoon dried oregano during the final 5 minutes of cooking. Finish with a sprinkle of crumbled feta cheese and fresh dill. This variation brings bright, tangy flavors that complement the hearty base of the dish perfectly.

Spicy Mexican Version: For a south-of-the-border twist on this turkey potato skillet, add 1 tablespoon of chili powder and 1 teaspoon of ground cumin when cooking the turkey. Mix in one diced jalapeño with the bell pepper, and stir in ½ cup of black beans and ½ cup of corn kernels during the final cooking stage. Top with chopped cilantro, a squeeze of lime, and a dollop of sour cream for a fiesta of flavors that turns this simple dish into something extraordinary.

Breakfast Hash Adaptation: Repurpose this versatile ground turkey with potatoes recipe into a breakfast hash by using smaller potato cubes and adding diced sweet potatoes for color and nutrition. Once everything is cooked, create small wells in the mixture and crack eggs directly into them. Cover and cook until the eggs reach your desired doneness. Top with sliced green onions and hot sauce for a protein-packed breakfast that’ll keep you energized all morning.

Storage and Serving

This Ground Turkey with Potatoes recipe stores beautifully, making it perfect for meal prep. Allow leftovers to cool completely before transferring to airtight containers. In the refrigerator, they’ll keep for 3-4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze portions for up to 3 months – just be aware that the texture of the potatoes may change slightly upon thawing.

For reheating, the microwave works in a pinch, but for best results, warm the turkey potato skillet in a pan over medium heat with a splash of chicken broth to restore moisture and prevent drying out. This method helps maintain the texture and flavors of the original dish.

When it comes to serving, this versatile dish shines as a standalone meal but can be elevated with simple additions. Try topping with a fried egg for a satisfying breakfast-for-dinner option. For a more substantial meal, serve alongside a crisp green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette. For a restaurant-quality presentation, garnish with additional fresh herbs and a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt to add creaminess that beautifully complements the savory ground turkey with potatoes.

FAQs

Can I use sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes?
Absolutely! Sweet potatoes work beautifully in this ground turkey with potatoes recipe. They cook slightly faster than regular potatoes, so either cut them a bit larger or add them to the skillet a few minutes after you’ve started cooking the regular potatoes if you’re using a combination.

How can I make this recipe lower in carbs?
To reduce carbs in this ground turkey with potatoes dish, you can replace half or all of the potatoes with cauliflower florets or turnips. These alternatives will absorb the flavors nicely while significantly reducing the carbohydrate content.

Can I use ground chicken instead of turkey?
Yes, ground chicken is an excellent substitute for turkey in this recipe. The cooking method remains the same, and you’ll still achieve that delicious flavor profile that makes this turkey potato skillet so satisfying.

My potatoes are taking too long to cook. What am I doing wrong?
If your potatoes are cooking slowly, they may be cut too large or unevenly. For faster cooking, ensure you’re cutting them into consistent ½-inch cubes. Alternatively, try parboiling them for 4-5 minutes before adding them to the skillet.

How can I add more vegetables to this dish?
This recipe is incredibly versatile! You can easily add zucchini, mushrooms, spinach, or kale to your ground turkey with potatoes. Add firmer vegetables like zucchini with the bell pepper, and leafy greens during the last few minutes of cooking.

Conclusion

This Ground Turkey with Potatoes is comfort food at its finest — hearty, satisfying, and surprisingly wholesome. The tender potatoes soak up all the savory flavors while the lean turkey provides protein without heaviness. It’s the kind of dish that transforms ordinary weeknight dinners into something special, proving that simple ingredients can create extraordinary meals when prepared with care. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or meal prepping for the week ahead, this versatile skillet meal delivers both nutrition and flavor in every bite.

Print