Ground Turkey with Potatoes

Total Time: 50 mins Difficulty: Beginner
Cozy one-pan comfort with savory ground turkey and tender potatoes in a flavor-packed skillet that's perfect for weeknight dinners
pinit

Cozy up to a dinner that feels like a warm hug from the inside out! This Ground Turkey with Potatoes skillet is exactly the kind of one-pan comfort we all crave after a long day. With just a handful of simple ingredients and easy techniques, you’ll have a nourishing meal on the table in under an hour—perfect for busy weeknights or laid-back lunches. Lean ground turkey meets tender, golden potatoes in a vibrant tomato-broth, kissed by aromatic spices like paprika, cumin, and oregano. It’s beginner-friendly, so even if you’re new to cooking you’ll feel like a total kitchen rockstar. The prep is only 15 minutes, cooking takes 35, and you end up with around 320 calories per serving. Whether you’re meal-prepping for the week, cooking for your family, or just whipping up something quick for yourself, this skillet dinner delivers on flavor, ease, and wholesome satisfaction.

Every bite is a symphony of savory turkey, soft potato nuggets, and bright tomato notes, all brought together by a splash of chicken broth to keep things saucy. I remember the first time I made this recipe for my college roommates—they were blown away that something so cozy could be so simple. I love how the spices infuse the meat, and how tiny pearls of frozen peas (optional but so fun!) pop up as bright green surprises. Garnished with fresh parsley, this dish is as pretty as it is tasty. So grab your favorite skillet, roll up your sleeves, and let’s dive into a flavorful journey that will become a weekly go-to in your recipe rotation.

KEY INGREDIENTS IN GROUND TURKEY WITH POTATOES

Before we get cooking, let’s talk about the stars of the show. Each ingredient plays an important role in building layers of flavor, texture, and satisfaction. Gather these beauties and you’re halfway to dinner glory!

  • Ground Turkey

A lean protein base that soaks up spices beautifully. Its mild flavor makes it versatile and perfect for simmering in tomato-broth without feeling heavy.

  • Olive Oil

The healthy fat that starts our flavor journey. Warming it in the skillet helps soften onions and garlic, and it carries the spices throughout the dish.

  • Onion

Chopped onion adds a touch of sweetness and depth. When sautéed until translucent, it becomes the savory backbone of the recipe.

  • Garlic

Minced garlic brings that irresistible aroma and sharpness. A quick minute of cooking prevents bitterness while unlocking its full flavor.

  • Paprika

A sweet, smoky spice that gives the dish a warm red hue and a subtle earthiness.

  • Ground Cumin

Adds a warm, nutty note with just a hint of citrus, beautifully complementing the turkey.

  • Dried Oregano

Offers a classic Mediterranean touch with its slightly minty, peppery flavor.

  • Salt & Black Pepper

Simple seasonings that enhance all the natural flavors and spices in every bite.

  • Potatoes

Peeled and diced, these starchy gems soak up broth and spices, providing tender, comforting bites.

  • Chicken Broth

The liquid foundation that melds everything together, creating a rich, savory base.

  • Diced Tomatoes

Bring acidity, brightness, and a touch of sweetness to the skillet.

  • Frozen Peas (optional)

Pops of green that add color, texture, and a mild sweet flavor when stirred in at the end.

  • Fresh Parsley

A sprinkle of chopped parsley brightens and freshens each serving with herbal notes.

HOW TO MAKE GROUND TURKEY WITH POTATOES

Let’s roll up our sleeves and turn these ingredients into a delicious, hearty skillet meal. Follow these detailed steps for the best results.

1. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until it turns translucent, about 3–4 minutes, stirring occasionally so it cooks evenly without browning too much.

2. Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for an additional minute. You’ll know it’s ready when you smell its fragrant aroma—just be careful not to let it burn.

3. Increase the heat to medium-high and add the ground turkey. Use a spoon to break the meat apart and cook until it’s fully browned and cooked through, about 5–7 minutes. This creates a flavorful base and ensures no pink bits remain.

4. Sprinkle in the paprika, ground cumin, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Stir thoroughly to coat the cooked turkey in the fragrant spices, letting them toast for about 30 seconds.

5. Add the diced potatoes to the skillet and stir to combine. Pour in the chicken broth and diced tomatoes, deglazing the pan by scraping any flavorful bits off the bottom.

6. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the skillet with a lid and let it simmer for 20–25 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender and the liquid has thickened slightly.

7. If you’re using frozen peas, stir them in during the last 5 minutes of cooking. This ensures they retain a bright color and tender-crisp texture.

8. Once the potatoes are fully cooked and the skillet mixture is lovely and thick, remove from heat.

9. Garnish with the chopped fresh parsley and serve hot, letting everyone dive into this cozy, flavor-packed feast.

SERVING SUGGESTIONS FOR GROUND TURKEY WITH POTATOES

Now that your skillet creation is ready, let’s talk about the fun ways you can serve it. These ideas will make every meal feel fresh and special, perfect for family dinners or casual get-togethers.

  • Scooped with Crusty Bread

Offer thick slices of warm, artisan bread alongside the skillet. Guests can scoop up the saucy turkey and potatoes, adding a rustic, hands-on vibe.

  • Topped with Grated Cheese

A generous sprinkle of sharp cheddar or pepper jack on top while the dish is hot gives a gooey, melty finish that’s pure comfort.

  • Dolloped with Sour Cream

A cool spoonful of creamy sour cream adds a tangy contrast and extra richness—especially delightful if you added extra spices.

  • Served Over Greens

For a lighter twist, serve the turkey and potatoes over a bed of mixed greens or baby spinach, letting the warm skillet juices dress the salad.

HOW TO STORE GROUND TURKEY WITH POTATOES

This skillet meal is even better the next day, so let’s make sure it stays fresh and flavorful. Follow these tips for perfect storage and easy reheating.

Whether you’re prepping lunches for the week or saving leftovers for a quick dinner, proper storage keeps those flavors bright and textures just right.

  • Refrigerate in Airtight Containers

Once cooled to room temperature, transfer your skillet leftovers into an airtight container. Store in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors will meld even more deliciously overnight!

  • Freeze for Longer Storage

For up to 2 months of fridge-free safety, spoon portions into freezer-safe bags or containers. Label with the date, then thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating gently on the stovetop.

  • Reheat Gently

Warm single servings in a nonstick skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of broth or water if needed to loosen the sauce. Stir occasionally until heated through.

  • Revive with Fresh Herbs

Before serving leftovers, stir in a handful of fresh parsley or a squeeze of lemon juice to brighten flavors and refresh the dish.

CONCLUSION

Congratulations, home cook! You’ve just mastered a cozy, one-pan wonder that brings together lean ground turkey, tender potatoes, and a chorus of spices for a satisfying meal that’s as easy to make as it is delicious. This article has walked you through every detail—from choosing the right ingredients and seasoning them perfectly to simmering everything in a rich tomato-broth and presenting it with fun serving ideas. With just 15 minutes of prep and 35 minutes of cooking, you have a wholesome dinner that fits snugly into any busy week. Don’t forget that this recipe is beginner-friendly, perfect for lunch or dinner, and comes in at around 320 calories per serving. You can print this guide and save it for later, or bookmark it so it’s ready whenever you need a reliable, flavor-packed dinner solution. Below, you’ll find a handy FAQ section to answer any lingering questions you might have.

As you dig into this skillet of comfort, I hope you feel encouraged to make it your own—maybe swapping in sweet potatoes, adding carrots, or topping with extra cheese and sour cream. If you try the recipe, I’d love to hear how it turned out! Drop a comment if you have questions about any step, feedback on flavor tweaks, or just want to share your cooking adventure. Happy cooking!

Ground Turkey with Potatoes

Difficulty: Beginner Prep Time 15 mins Cook Time 35 mins Total Time 50 mins
Calories: 320

Description

This hearty skillet dish combines lean ground turkey, aromatic spices, and golden potatoes simmered in a rich tomato-broth, delivering a warm, satisfying meal bursting with wholesome flavor and simple comfort.

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
  2. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
  3. Increase the heat to medium-high and add the ground turkey. Cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
  4. Sprinkle in paprika, cumin, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to coat the meat with the spices.
  5. Add the diced potatoes and stir to combine. Pour in the chicken broth and diced tomatoes.
  6. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the skillet and let it simmer for about 20-25 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.
  7. If using, add the frozen peas during the last 5 minutes of cooking.
  8. Once the potatoes are cooked through and the mixture has thickened, remove from heat.
  9. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve hot.

Note

  • For added flavor, consider using sweet potatoes instead of regular white potatoes.
  • Feel free to add additional vegetables such as carrots or bell peppers for more variety.
  • This dish pairs well with a sprinkle of grated cheese or a dollop of sour cream on top.
  • Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container and refrigerated for up to 3 days.
Keywords: ground turkey skillet, easy weeknight dinner, one-pan meal, potato turkey recipe, healthy comfort food, skillet dinner

Did you make this recipe?

Tag #wpdelicious and #deliciousrecipesplugin if you made this recipe. Follow @wpdelicious on Instagram for more recipes.

Pin this recipe to share with your friends and followers.

pinit
Recipe Card powered by WP Delicious

Frequently Asked Questions

Expand All:
How long does it take to prepare and cook this Ground Turkey with Potatoes recipe?

From start to finish, plan on about 35–40 minutes. Chopping the onion, garlic, and potatoes takes around 10 minutes. Sautéing the aromatics and browning the turkey takes another 8–10 minutes. Simmering with broth, tomatoes, and potatoes for tender results requires 20–25 minutes.

Can I substitute sweet potatoes or other vegetables in this dish?

Absolutely. Sweet potatoes can be swapped one-for-one; they will soften in roughly the same time and add a touch of natural sweetness. You can also stir in diced carrots or bell peppers—add firmer vegetables like carrots with the potatoes and quick‐cooking ones like bell peppers during the last 5–10 minutes.

What should I do if the mixture is too thin or too thick?

If it’s too thin, remove the lid during the last few minutes of simmering to allow excess liquid to evaporate and concentrate the flavors. If too thick, stir in up to ¼ cup more chicken broth or water until you reach your desired consistency.

Can I use a different protein or make this recipe vegetarian?

You can swap ground turkey for ground chicken, pork, or lean beef with minimal adjustment to cooking time. For a vegetarian version, use plant-based crumbles or diced tofu and replace chicken broth with vegetable broth. Just brown the tofu or crumbles in the same way, then proceed with spices and liquids.

How and how long can I store leftovers?

Allow the dish to cool slightly, then transfer to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, microwave covered for 1–2 minutes or warm gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally and adding a splash of broth if it has thickened too much.

Do I have to use frozen peas, and when should I add them?

Frozen peas are optional but add color and sweetness. Stir them in during the last 5 minutes of cooking to heat through without becoming mushy. If using fresh peas, the timing is the same—add just before turning off the heat.

What can I serve alongside this dish to complete the meal?

While hearty enough on its own, you can serve it with a side of rice or crusty bread to soak up the flavorful sauce. A simple green salad or steamed vegetables balance the meal, and a sprinkle of grated cheese or a dollop of sour cream adds richness.

laura

Laura Mitchell

Food and Lifestyle Blogger

Hi! I’m Laura Mitchell, the cook, comfort food fan, and kitchen cheerleader behind CookingWithLaura.com. Growing up in a house where Sundays meant slow-cooked roasts and weeknights meant quick skillet dinners, I learned early that good food doesn’t need to be complicated—it just needs to hit the spot.

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *