Ground Turkey with Potatoes

There’s a certain magic in a meal that comes together in one pan. On those busy weeknights when the day feels like it’s run away from me, the last thing I want is a sink full of dishes. I remember one particularly chilly autumn evening, craving something hearty and comforting but lacking the energy for a complex recipe.

I rummaged through my pantry and fridge, finding a package of ground turkey and a few trusty potatoes. That night, this simple, rustic dish of Ground Turkey with Potatoes was born. The aroma of garlic, herbs, and savory turkey filled my kitchen, promising a satisfying dinner.

It quickly became a staple in our home, a go-to skillet meal that feels both nourishing and incredibly easy. This one-pan Ground Turkey with Potatoes is more than just a recipe; it’s my solution for a delicious, stress-free dinner that always hits the spot.

Why You’ll Love This Ground Turkey and Potatoes Recipe

This one-pan wonder is destined to become a favorite in your dinner rotation for so many reasons. It’s the kind of meal that simplifies your life without sacrificing flavor.

• One-Pan Perfection: Everything cooks in a single skillet! This means minimal cleanup and a straightforward cooking process. Who doesn’t love a delicious dinner with fewer dishes to wash?
• Healthy & Hearty: Lean ground turkey provides excellent protein, while potatoes offer satisfying carbohydrates and nutrients. This Ground Turkey with Potatoes skillet is a balanced meal that will keep you full and energized.
• Quick & Easy: Ready in about 30 minutes, this recipe is a lifesaver for busy weeknights. The steps are simple and perfect for cooks of all skill levels. Making a flavorful ground turkey and potatoes recipe has never been so effortless.
• Budget-Friendly: Both ground turkey and potatoes are accessible and affordable ingredients, making this a great meal for feeding a family without breaking the bank.
• Incredibly Versatile: This potato and ground turkey dinner is a fantastic base recipe. You can easily customize it with different vegetables, spices, or herbs to suit your family’s tastes.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Ground Turkey with Potatoes recipe uses simple, wholesome ingredients you might already have on hand. Each component plays a key role in building a deeply flavorful dish.

Substitutions & Variations

One of the best things about this Ground Turkey with Potatoes skillet is how easily you can adapt it. Feel free to get creative and use what you have on hand!

• Different Potatoes: While Yukon Golds are great, you can also use red potatoes or even Russets. For a twist, try this recipe with sweet potatoes for a slightly sweeter flavor profile.
• Add More Veggies: This is a perfect opportunity to clean out the crisper drawer. Add diced bell peppers, zucchini, mushrooms, or a handful of spinach or kale toward the end of cooking.
• Change the Protein: This potato skillet works wonderfully with lean ground beef or ground chicken if you don’t have ground turkey.
• Spice It Up: Give your Ground Turkey with Potatoes a kick by adding a pinch of red pepper flakes with the garlic. For a different flavor profile, try swapping the herbs for 1 tablespoon of chili powder and 1 teaspoon of cumin.
• Make it Cheesy: Sprinkle a cup of shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese over the top during the last few minutes of cooking. Cover the skillet until the cheese is melted and bubbly. A cheesy ground turkey and potato skillet is pure comfort food.
• Add a Creamy Finish: For a richer sauce, stir in a splash of heavy cream or a few tablespoons of sour cream at the very end, after removing the skillet from the heat.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create the perfect one-pan Ground Turkey with Potatoes dinner. It’s a straightforward process that delivers fantastic results every time.

1. Cook the Potatoes: First, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large, non-stick skillet or cast-iron pan over medium-high heat. Add the diced potatoes in a single layer. Cook for about 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are golden brown and starting to get tender. Then, remove the potatoes from the skillet and set them aside on a plate.
2. Brown the Ground Turkey: Next, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil to the same skillet. Add the ground turkey and break it apart with a spoon. Cook for 5-7 minutes, until the turkey is fully browned and no pink remains. Make sure to drain off any excess fat from the pan.
3. Sauté the Aromatics: Now, add the chopped onion to the skillet with the turkey. Cook for 3-4 minutes, until the onion softens and becomes translucent. Subsequently, add the minced garlic, smoked paprika, dried thyme, and dried oregano. Stir constantly and cook for another minute until the spices are fragrant. This step is crucial for building flavor in your Ground Turkey with Potatoes.
4. Combine and Simmer: Return the cooked potatoes to the skillet. Pour in the vegetable broth and season generously with salt and pepper. Stir everything together gently to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
5. Finish Cooking: Once simmering, reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the skillet, and let it cook for 10-12 minutes. This allows the potatoes to become fully fork-tender and the flavors to meld beautifully. The broth should mostly absorb, creating a light sauce for your potato and ground turkey dinner.
6. Garnish and Serve: Finally, remove the skillet from the heat. Stir in the fresh parsley. Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. Serve your delicious Ground Turkey with Potatoes immediately.

Pro Tips for Success

A few simple tips can elevate your Ground Turkey with Potatoes from good to absolutely great.

• Don’t Crowd the Pan: For the best browning on your potatoes and turkey, use a large skillet (at least 12 inches). If your pan is too small, the ingredients will steam instead of sear, and you’ll miss out on a lot of flavor. Cook in batches if necessary.
• Cut Potatoes Uniformly: Try to dice your potatoes into evenly sized pieces (about ½-inch cubes). This ensures they all cook at the same rate, so you won’t have some pieces that are mushy while others are still hard.
• Get a Good Sear: Don’t be afraid to let the turkey and potatoes develop a nice brown crust. That caramelization is where a ton of flavor comes from in this simple ground turkey and potatoes recipe.
• Bloom the Spices: Sautéing the dried herbs and paprika with the garlic and onions for a minute before adding liquids helps to “bloom” them. This simple step intensifies their aroma and flavor.
• Deglaze the Pan: When you add the broth, use your spoon to scrape up any browned bits stuck to the bottom of the pan. These little bits, called “fond,” are packed with concentrated flavor that will enrich your final dish.

Storage & Reheating Tips

This Ground Turkey with Potatoes skillet makes for fantastic leftovers. Here’s how to store and reheat it properly.

• Storage: Allow the dish to cool completely to room temperature. Then, transfer it to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Reheating: For the best results, reheat the Ground Turkey with Potatoes in a skillet over medium heat. You may want to add a tablespoon or two of water or broth to help rehydrate the dish and prevent it from drying out. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave, stirring halfway through, until heated through.
• Freezing: While you can freeze this dish, note that the texture of the potatoes may change slightly upon thawing. To freeze, let it cool completely, place it in a freezer-safe container or bag, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

What to Serve With This Recipe

This one-pan Ground Turkey with Potatoes is a satisfying meal on its own, but it also pairs wonderfully with a variety of simple sides.

• Simple Green Salad: A crisp salad with a light vinaigrette, like my Lemon Dijon Vinaigrette, provides a fresh, acidic contrast to the savory skillet.
• Steamed Vegetables: Serve alongside steamed green beans, broccoli, or asparagus for an extra serving of greens.
• Crusty Bread: A slice of warm, crusty bread is perfect for sopping up any remaining sauce in the pan.
• A Dollop of Topping: A spoonful of sour cream, plain Greek yogurt, or even a sprinkle of feta cheese on top adds a creamy tang that complements the dish perfectly.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of potato for this recipe?

Absolutely! While I prefer Yukon Golds for their creamy texture, red potatoes are a great substitute as they also hold their shape well. You could even use Russet potatoes, but be mindful they can break down more easily, so handle them gently. Making this Ground Turkey with Potatoes with sweet potatoes is also a delicious and nutritious variation.

How do I know when my ground turkey is fully cooked?

Ground turkey is fully cooked when it is no longer pink and has reached an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). When browning it in the skillet, simply cook it, breaking it up with a spoon, until you see no pink color remaining.

Is this Ground Turkey with Potatoes recipe healthy?

Yes, this is a wonderfully balanced and healthy meal. Ground turkey is a lean source of protein, and potatoes provide complex carbohydrates, fiber, and potassium. By cooking it all in one pan with minimal oil, you get a hearty and nutritious Ground Turkey with Potatoes dinner that isn’t heavy or greasy.

It’s a much healthier alternative to many other comfort food dishes. For another healthy turkey option, try my Hearty Turkey and Lentil Soup.

Can I make this dish ahead of time for meal prep?

This is an excellent meal prep recipe! You can cook a full batch on Sunday and portion it into individual containers for easy lunches or dinners throughout the week. The flavors of this Ground Turkey with Potatoes meld together even more overnight, so the leftovers are fantastic.

Nutrition Information (per serving)

Nutritional values are approximate and will vary based on the specific ingredients used. This is calculated for one serving, assuming the recipe makes 4 servings.

Ground Turkey with Potatoes

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

• Author: Lena
• Total Time: 30 mins
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: Gluten Free

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

A simple, rustic, one-pan meal featuring ground turkey and potatoes. This skillet dinner is hearty, comforting, and perfect for busy weeknights, offering a delicious, stress-free meal with minimal cleanup.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

2 tablespoons Olive Oil
1.5 pounds Yukon Gold Potatoes, diced into ½-inch cubes
1 pound Ground Turkey, 93/7 lea
1 medium Yellow Onion, finely chopped
3 cloves Garlic, minced
1 teaspoon Smoked Paprika
1 teaspoon Dried Thyme
1/2 teaspoon Dried Oregano
1/2 cup Vegetable Broth, low-sodium preferred
Salt and Black Pepper, to taste
1/4 cup Fresh Parsley, chopped, for garnish

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the diced potatoes in a single layer and cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and starting to get tender. Remove potatoes from the skillet and set aside
2. Add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil to the same skillet. Add the ground turkey, break it apart, and cook for 5-7 minutes until fully browned with no pink remaining. Drain any excess fat
3. Add the chopped onion to the skillet with the turkey and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic, smoked paprika, dried thyme, and dried oregano. Stir constantly and cook for another minute until fragrant
4. Return the cooked potatoes to the skillet. Pour in the vegetable broth and season generously with salt and pepper. Stir gently to combine and bring the mixture to a simmer
5. Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the skillet, and cook for 10-12 minutes, until the potatoes are fork-tender and the broth has mostly been absorbed
6. Remove the skillet from the heat. Stir in the fresh parsley. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve immediately

Notes

For the best browning, use a large skillet (at least 12 inches) to avoid crowding the pan.

Ensure potatoes are cut into uniform ½-inch cubes for even cooking.

Sautéing the dried spices for a minute before adding liquid helps to ‘bloom’ them, intensifying their flavor.

Variations: You can use red potatoes or sweet potatoes. Add other vegetables like bell peppers or spinach. For a cheesy version, top with shredded cheddar during the last few minutes of cooking.

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in a skillet with a splash of broth or water.

Serving suggestion: Serve with a simple green salad, steamed vegetables, or crusty bread. A dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt on top is also delicious.

• Prep Time: 10 mins
• Cook Time: 20 mins
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 410 kcal
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 450mg
• Fat: 16g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 35g
• Fiber: 5g
• Protein: 32g
• Cholesterol: 80mg