There’s something comforting about the smell of onions and garlic sizzling in a pan—it’s like a little promise that something delicious is on the way. For me, ground turkey with potatoes has always been one of those “savior recipes” I can count on. Whether it’s been a chaotic weekday or one of those nights when my kids are circling the kitchen asking, “Mom, what’s for dinner?”—this dish never fails me.
It’s hearty, quick, budget-friendly, and (bonus!) only needs one skillet. That’s less scrubbing for you, which is always a win in my book.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Ground Turkey with Potatoes Recipe
- Weeknight Hero: Ready in under 40 minutes.
- One Pan = Less Mess: Everything cooks together, making cleanup a breeze.
- Family-Friendly: Mild spices, comforting flavors, and a veggie boost from peas.
- Budget-Smart: Uses simple pantry staples that don’t break the bank.
What Does Ground Turkey with Potatoes Taste Like?
Think cozy and savory with just a touch of spice. The turkey is seasoned with cumin and paprika, giving it warmth without being overwhelming. The potatoes soak up all those savory juices, becoming tender little flavor bombs. Then come the peas, adding just the right pop of freshness. It’s like a hug in a bowl.
Ingredients You’ll Need for Ground Turkey with Potatoes
When it comes to a recipe like ground turkey with potatoes, the beauty is in its simplicity. Every ingredient is humble, affordable, and most importantly—delicious when brought together in one skillet. Let’s break it down:
- Ground Turkey (1 lb) – Lean and flavorful, ground turkey is the star of this dish. It’s lighter than beef but still hearty enough to keep everyone full. If you love cozy family recipes like this one, you’ll probably also enjoy my Carrot Potato Soup for another budget-friendly comfort meal.
- Olive Oil (2 tbsp) – Used to sauté the onions and garlic until fragrant. It creates the perfect base of flavor. You can substitute avocado oil if that’s what you have on hand.
- Onion (1 medium, finely chopped) – Onions bring sweetness and depth. The smaller you chop them, the more they melt into the dish, blending beautifully with the turkey and potatoes.
- Garlic (2 cloves, minced) – Because no skillet dinner is complete without that garlicky aroma filling the kitchen. Feel free to add an extra clove if your heart tells you to.
- Potatoes (2 cups, diced) – The “comfort” in this comfort food! Choose Yukon Gold or Russet for the best texture. Make sure to dice them small and even so they cook through in the skillet.
- Frozen Peas (1 cup) – These little green gems add color, freshness, and just the right hint of sweetness to balance the savory turkey and potatoes.
- Ground Cumin (1 tsp) – Warm and earthy, cumin gives the dish its signature depth.
- Paprika (½ tsp) – Adds subtle smokiness and a gentle pop of color. You can use smoked paprika if you prefer a bolder flavor.
- Salt and Black Pepper (to taste) – Adjust as you go—seasoning is what ties it all together.
- Fresh Cilantro (¼ cup, chopped, optional) – For garnish. It’s not mandatory, but it gives the finished skillet a fresh, herby finish that brightens everything up.
These ingredients are everyday staples you likely already have in your pantry and fridge. That’s what makes ground turkey with potatoes such a lifesaver recipe—you don’t need fancy extras, just the basics coming together to create something special.
How to Make Ground Turkey with Potatoes
This recipe for ground turkey with potatoes is all about layering flavor in one skillet. Don’t worry—it’s not complicated. Think of it as a cozy kitchen rhythm: sauté, season, simmer, and serve. Here’s how to do it:
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Start by heating 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. When the oil shimmers, add in your finely chopped onion. Let it cook slowly, stirring now and then, until it becomes soft and translucent—this should take about 5 minutes.
Once the onion has released its sweetness, add in your minced garlic. Stir gently for about 1 minute, just until you smell that rich garlicky aroma. (Pro tip: don’t let it burn—it turns bitter quickly!)
Step 2: Brown the Ground Turkey
Now, crumble in your 1 pound of ground turkey. Use a wooden spoon or spatula to break it into smaller pieces as it cooks. Keep stirring occasionally, letting the meat brown evenly. This step usually takes 7–10 minutes.
As the turkey changes from pink to golden-brown, season it generously with cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. These spices build the backbone of the dish, giving ground turkey with potatoes its warm, savory flavor.
Step 3: Add the Potatoes
Here’s where the magic happens. Stir in your diced potatoes, making sure they’re nestled in with the turkey so every bite gets flavor. Cover the skillet with a lid, reduce the heat slightly, and let it all cook together.
Check and stir every few minutes so nothing sticks. After about 15 minutes, the potatoes should be fork-tender and lightly golden from soaking up the turkey juices. This step is what makes the potatoes transform from plain cubes into little flavor-packed gems.
Step 4: Toss in the Peas
Once the potatoes are soft, add in the frozen peas. Stir them gently into the mixture and let the skillet cook for another 5 minutes, just until the peas are warmed through. Their pop of green freshness brightens up the dish beautifully.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
If you’re a fan of fresh herbs, sprinkle chopped cilantro over the top right before serving. It adds color, freshness, and a burst of brightness to balance the cozy flavors of turkey and potatoes.
Spoon your skillet of ground turkey with potatoes into bowls and serve it hot. It’s perfect with a side of crusty bread, warm tortillas, or even spooned over rice. If you’re a soup lover, you might also enjoy my Hearty Lentil and Potato Soup as another wholesome, budget-friendly dinner idea.
Tips and Tricks for Perfect Ground Turkey with Potatoes
- Cut Evenly: Dice potatoes into small, even cubes so they cook faster and more uniformly.
- Don’t Rush the Turkey: Letting it brown properly adds big flavor.
- Make it Spicy: Add chili flakes or cayenne if your family likes heat.
- Meal Prep Win: This dish keeps well in the fridge for up to 4 days and freezes beautifully.
- Shortcut Alert: Swap in frozen diced potatoes if you’re short on time.
Storage for Ground Turkey with Potatoes
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Cool completely, then freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Reheat: Warm on the stovetop with a splash of broth or water to keep it moist.
FAQs
Can I swap the turkey for another protein?
Yes! Ground chicken, lean beef, or even plant-based crumbles all work.
Do I have to use peas?
Not at all—try corn, bell peppers, or green beans.
Can I make it ahead?
Absolutely. It’s meal-prep friendly and reheats beautifully.
Conclusion
Ground turkey with potatoes is the kind of recipe that works hard for you—simple ingredients, one skillet, and pure comfort in every bite. The next time you’re staring into your fridge wondering what to cook, give this dish a try. I promise, it’ll earn a permanent spot in your weeknight rotation.
And if you’re in the mood for something cozy and sweet to follow this meal, check out my Healthy Pumpkin Blossoms for dessert—they’re irresistible with a cup of tea!
Follow us on Pinterest for weekly slow cooker inspiration, or join the conversation over on our Facebook page where fellow food lovers share their favorite comfort meal.
Print
Ground Turkey with Potatoes: The Best One-Skillet Dinner
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This one-pan ground turkey with potatoes skillet is hearty, flavorful, and easy to make. Blending tender turkey with golden potatoes, spices, and peas, it’s the perfect comforting meal for any night of the week.
Ingredients
1 lb (450g) ground turkey
2 tbsp olive oil
1 medium onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups diced potatoes
1 cup frozen peas
1 tsp ground cumin
1/2 tsp paprika
Salt and pepper, to taste
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro (optional)
Instructions
1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and sauté for about 5 minutes, until soft and translucent.
2. Add minced garlic and stir for 1 minute, just until fragrant.
3. Add ground turkey, breaking it up with a spatula. Cook for 7–10 minutes, or until browned.
4. Stir in cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper to season the turkey evenly.
5. Add the diced potatoes and mix well. Cover the skillet and cook for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until potatoes are tender.
6. Stir in the frozen peas and cook for another 5 minutes until heated through.
7. Garnish with chopped cilantro if using. Serve warm, optionally with crusty bread or over rice.
Notes
For meal prep, this dish keeps well in the fridge for up to 4 days.
It’s freezer-friendly—store in airtight containers for up to 1 month.
Try adding diced bell peppers or corn for extra flavor and texture.
Use sweet potatoes instead of white potatoes for a twist on the classic.
