Ground Turkey with Potatoes and Spring Peas

The aroma of Ground Turkey with Potatoes and Spring Peas simmering on the stovetop creates an irresistible invitation to gather around the dinner table. This hearty yet fresh dish balances savory ground turkey with creamy potatoes and the sweet pop of spring peas for a complete meal that satisfies without weighing you down. Perfect for busy weeknights or weekend meal prep, this versatile recipe delivers protein, starch, and vegetables in one delicious package. You’ll learn how to create a perfectly seasoned turkey potato skillet that the whole family will request again and again.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Ground Turkey with Potatoes and Spring Peas recipe quickly becomes a household favorite for several compelling reasons. First, it’s a true one-pot wonder that minimizes cleanup while maximizing flavor. The lean ground turkey provides satisfying protein without excess fat, while the potatoes add a comforting heartiness that makes this dish substantial enough for even the hungriest appetites.

The textural contrast is what makes this dish truly special. The tender, browned turkey crumbles against creamy potato chunks, while the spring peas burst with freshness in each bite. The garlic and onion base creates a savory foundation, while herbs add aromatic depth that elevates this simple dish to something truly craveworthy.

Best of all, this turkey and potato skillet comes together in about 30 minutes, making it perfect for those evenings when you need something wholesome and delicious without spending hours in the kitchen. The recipe is forgiving and adaptable, making it ideal for cooks of all skill levels.

Ingredients

For this delicious Ground Turkey with Potatoes and Spring Peas skillet, you’ll need:

• 1 pound (454g) lean ground turkey
• 1½ pounds (680g) Yukon gold potatoes, cut into ½-inch cubes
• 1 cup (150g) fresh or frozen spring peas
• 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced (about 1 cup)
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 cup (240ml) low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1 teaspoon dried)
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
• Optional: ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese

The Yukon gold potatoes are ideal for this dish because they maintain their shape while becoming creamy inside. Fresh peas work beautifully when in season, but frozen peas are a convenient year-round alternative that work just as well.

Pro Tips

Achieving the perfect Ground Turkey with Potatoes and Spring Peas requires attention to a few key techniques that elevate this simple dish to something special.

Properly Brown the Turkey: Don’t rush this step! Take the time to truly brown the ground turkey rather than just cooking it until no longer pink. Breaking it into small, even crumbles and allowing it to develop golden-brown edges creates deeper flavor through caramelization. This step alone can transform your dish from bland to outstanding.

Par-Cook the Potatoes: For the ideal texture, give your potatoes a head start. Either microwave the cubed potatoes for 4-5 minutes before adding them to the skillet, or par-boil them for 5 minutes. This ensures they’ll cook through perfectly without requiring so much time in the skillet that your turkey becomes overcooked.

Layer Your Flavors: Build depth by sautéing your aromatics properly. Cook the onions until translucent before adding garlic (which burns easily), then introduce your herbs and spices to the hot oil to bloom their flavors before adding the liquid components. This sequential flavor-building creates a more complex and satisfying final dish.

Instructions

Step 1
Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large, deep skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground turkey, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. Season with ½ teaspoon salt and ¼ teaspoon black pepper. Cook for 5-7 minutes until browned and cooked through, creating small crumbles. Transfer the cooked turkey to a plate and set aside.

Step 2
In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Add the diced onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened and translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.

Step 3
Add the diced potatoes to the skillet along with the paprika, dried oregano, and thyme. Stir to coat the potatoes in the seasoned oil mixture. Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan with your spoon.

Step 4
Cover the skillet and reduce heat to medium. Allow the potatoes to simmer for 10-12 minutes, or until they can be easily pierced with a fork but still hold their shape. Check occasionally and add a splash more broth if the pan seems dry.

Step 5
Once the potatoes are tender, return the cooked ground turkey to the skillet. Add the spring peas (no need to thaw if frozen) and gently fold everything together. Cook uncovered for 3-5 minutes until the peas are bright green and tender, and any excess liquid has reduced.

Step 6
Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed. Remove from heat, sprinkle with fresh parsley and optional Parmesan cheese. Serve hot directly from the skillet for a rustic presentation, or transfer to a serving dish.

Variations

This versatile Ground Turkey with Potatoes and Spring Peas recipe welcomes creative adaptations to suit your preferences or what you have on hand.

Mediterranean Style: Transform the flavor profile by adding 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes, ½ cup chopped kalamata olives, and 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning. Finish with crumbled feta cheese instead of Parmesan for a Mediterranean-inspired version that’s equally delicious and offers a tangy twist.

Spicy Southwest: For those who enjoy heat, create a southwestern version by adding 1 diced bell pepper with the onions, substituting the herbs with 2 teaspoons taco seasoning, and incorporating ½ cup corn kernels along with the peas. Top with diced avocado, cilantro, and a squeeze of lime juice before serving for a completely different flavor experience.

Vegetarian Option: Skip the turkey entirely and double the vegetables by adding 8 ounces of sliced mushrooms (cremini or white button work well) and 1 diced zucchini. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a hearty vegetarian skillet that still provides satisfying protein and texture.

Storage and Serving

Ground Turkey with Potatoes and Spring Peas stores beautifully, making it perfect for meal prep. Allow leftovers to cool completely before transferring to airtight containers. Refrigerated portions will keep for 3-4 days and can be reheated in the microwave for 2-3 minutes or in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of broth to restore moisture.

For freezing, portion the cooled mixture into freezer-safe containers, leaving some room for expansion. Frozen portions will maintain quality for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for best results.

For serving, consider these delicious pairings:
• Top with a fried or poached egg for a protein-packed breakfast or brunch option
• Serve alongside a simple green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette for a complete meal
• Spoon the mixture into warmed tortillas and top with cheese for quick weeknight tacos

For an extra special touch, serve the skillet with warm crusty bread on the side to soak up the flavorful sauce.

FAQs

Can I use ground chicken instead of turkey?
Yes! Ground chicken works as a perfect 1:1 substitute for turkey in this recipe. The cooking method remains exactly the same, though chicken may release slightly less fat during cooking.

Why are my potatoes still hard even after cooking?
This usually happens when the potato pieces are too large or the cooking liquid evaporates too quickly. Make sure to cut potatoes into ½-inch cubes and keep the skillet covered during the potato cooking phase. If needed, add extra broth and extend cooking time.

Can I add other vegetables to this dish?
Absolutely! This Ground Turkey with Potatoes and Spring Peas recipe is very adaptable. Diced carrots, bell peppers, corn, or green beans all work well. Add harder vegetables (like carrots) with the potatoes, and tender vegetables in the final few minutes of cooking.

Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free as written. Just ensure your chicken broth is certified gluten-free if you have celiac disease or severe sensitivity.

How can I make this dish creamier?
For a creamier version, stir in 2-3 tablespoons of cream cheese or ¼ cup of heavy cream during the final 2 minutes of cooking. The Parmesan cheese also adds a nice creamy element.

Conclusion

This Ground Turkey with Potatoes and Spring Peas is comfort food at its finest — wholesome, satisfying, and brimming with fresh flavors that bring the entire family to the table. It’s the kind of dish that proves healthy eating doesn’t have to be complicated or bland. With its perfect balance of lean protein, complex carbohydrates, and bright vegetables, this one-pan wonder has earned its place in your regular meal rotation. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight family dinner or meal prepping for busy days ahead, this versatile skillet delivers delicious nutrition without fuss.

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