Ground Turkey with Potatoes

Introduction

There’s something irresistibly homey about the smell of sizzling ground turkey and potatoes carried on the warm haze of olive oil and garlic—the kind of aroma that wraps around you like a soft blanket on a chilly evening. Crisp-edged potato cubes give way to tender, savory turkey, while the onion and paprika add a bright, slightly sweet backbone. Each bite offers a comforting contrast: a little crunch from browned edges, a yielding chew from the potatoes, and a savory, herb-flecked finish that begs for a second plate.

This Ground Turkey with Potatoes skillet is perfect for busy weeknights when you want a satisfying, one-pan dinner without fuss. It’s also ideal for casual family gatherings, a cozy Sunday supper, or a make-ahead meal for lunches during the week. If you love skillet comfort food, you might also enjoy a similar hearty dish like garlic butter beef bites with potatoes—a great inspiration for swapping proteins while keeping the same cozy spirit.

At a Glance

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Servings: 4
• Difficulty Level: Easy — great for beginner cooks and busy home cooks

Nutrition Highlights

Estimated nutrition per serving (1 of 4 servings). Values are approximations based on common ingredient profiles and USDA FoodData Central entries for the primary ingredients. For personalized nutrition guidance, consult a registered dietitian or official resources such as the USDA or Mayo Clinic.

• Calories: ~307 kcal
• Protein: ~24 g
• Carbohydrates: ~18 g
  • Dietary Fiber: ~1.5 g
  • Sugars: ~2–3 g
• Fat: ~16 g
  • Saturated Fat: ~4 g
• Sodium: ~740 mg (includes 1 tsp added salt total)
• Key micronutrients: potassium (from potatoes), B vitamins and iron (from turkey), vitamin C (small amounts from potatoes and onion)

Notes on accuracy: These estimates use standard nutrition values (USDA FoodData Central) for raw ground turkey (93% lean), medium potatoes, onion, and olive oil. Actual values will vary by exact ingredient brand, lean percentage of turkey, potato size, and whether you peel the potatoes. Limiting added salt or using low-sodium options will lower the sodium number; swapping olive oil for a lower-calorie spray will reduce fat/calories.

Why You’ll Love It

• Comfort with quick prep: This skillet hits the comfort-food mark without hours in the kitchen—brown meat, add potatoes, and finish covered.
• Balanced, family-friendly flavors: Mild ground turkey pairs beautifully with earthy potatoes and a warm paprika note that kids and adults alike will enjoy.
• Flexible and forgiving: This recipe is forgiving of variations—swap spices, add veggies, or change herbs to suit your pantry or dietary needs.
• Nutritious protein boost: Ground turkey provides lean protein that helps keep the dish filling without being overly heavy, a plus for weekday meals or meal prep.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground turkey (preferably 93% lean)
• 2 medium potatoes, diced into 1/2-inch cubes (leave skin on or peel as preferred)
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Fresh herbs (parsley or thyme), chopped for garnish

Optional ingredients and substitutions

• 1 cup chopped bell pepper or mushrooms (add with onion)
• Use sweet potatoes instead of white potatoes for a sweeter profile
• Swap smoked paprika for regular paprika for added depth
• For lower fat, use 99% lean ground turkey and reduce olive oil to 1 tbsp
• To make gluten-free, this recipe is naturally gluten-free (confirm any added sauces/spices)

Directions

1. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat until shimmering.
2. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté for 2–3 minutes until the onion becomes translucent and aromatic.
3. Add the ground turkey to the skillet. Break it up with a spatula and cook until browned and no longer pink, about 6–8 minutes.
4. Stir in the diced potatoes, paprika, salt, and black pepper until everything is evenly combined.
5. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover the skillet, and cook for about 18–22 minutes, stirring occasionally so potatoes brown a bit and cook through. Check doneness by piercing the largest potato cubes with a fork—tender is the goal.
6. Uncover for the last 3 minutes if you want a little extra browning and crisp edges. Taste and adjust seasoning.
7. Garnish with fresh parsley or thyme before serving.

Practical tips

• Cut potatoes uniformly so they cook evenly; 1/2-inch cubes are a good target.
• Avoid overmixing the turkey once it’s mostly browned to keep a good texture.
• If potatoes are browning too fast before tender, lower heat and add a tablespoon of water or broth, then cover to steam-cook.
• Use a lid to trap heat and speed potato cooking without extra oil.

Best Pairings

• Simple sides: A green salad with lemon vinaigrette or steamed green beans brightens the plate.
• Bread options: Crusty bread, warm naan, or dinner rolls soak up the skillet juices nicely.
• Breakfast twist: Top leftovers with a fried egg for a hearty breakfast or brunch.
• Beverage pairings: A light-bodied red wine (Pinot Noir) or an herbal iced tea complements the savory notes.
• If you want a pasta pairing, this skillet would be a cozy companion to richer dishes like creamy garlic butter pasta with ground beef for a family-style spread.

Storing Leftovers

• Room temperature: Do not keep prepared perishable food at room temperature longer than 2 hours (per food safety guidance).
• Refrigeration: Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days.
• Freezer: Freeze in airtight, freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating tips: Reheat gently in a skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of water or broth to prevent drying, or microwave covered in 30–45 second bursts until heated through.

Chef’s Advice

• Browning is flavor: Give the turkey a chance to develop brown bits—this Maillard flavor makes the whole dish more savory.
• Choose the right potato: Yukon Golds hold shape and become creamy inside; russets will break down more and give a softer texture.
• Texture balance: For more bite, parboil potatoes 5 minutes before dicing and pan-roasting—they’ll crisp faster and keep a tender interior.
• Spice layering: If you like heat, add 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne when adding paprika.
• Herb timing: Add delicate herbs (parsley, basil) at the end; heartier herbs (rosemary, thyme) can be added earlier for infusion.

Creative Twists

1. Curried variation: Add 1 tbsp curry powder when you add the paprika and finish with a squeeze of lime and cilantro—turns it into a fragrant, Indian-inspired skillet.
2. Mediterranean twist: Stir in 1/2 cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes and 1/4 cup crumbled feta at the end; swap oregano for thyme.
3. Vegetarian swap: Replace ground turkey with 14 oz canned lentils (drained) or 12 oz crumbled firm tofu; increase paprika and add 1 tsp soy sauce or tamari for umami.
4. Cheesy skillet: Sprinkle 1/2 cup shredded cheddar or pepper jack over the top, cover until melted for a gooey finish.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use frozen ground turkey?
A: Yes—thaw it completely before cooking for even browning and to ensure safe internal temperatures.

Q: My potatoes are browning on the outside but still hard inside. What went wrong?
A: They were likely cut too large or cooked at too high heat. Reduce heat, add a splash of broth, and cover until tender.

Q: How can I reduce the sodium?
A: Cut or omit the added teaspoon of salt, use low-sodium broth if adding liquids, and season with fresh herbs and lemon for brightness.

Q: Is this freezer-friendly?
A: Yes. Portion into airtight containers and freeze up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Q: Can I double the recipe?
A: Absolutely—use a larger skillet or cook in batches to ensure even browning and proper cooking.

Conclusion

This Ground Turkey with Potatoes skillet is a reliable, comforting recipe that comes together quickly and adapts to many tastes and diets. It’s ideal for weeknights, meal prep, and any time you want a warm, satisfying bowl that’s both nourishing and flavorful. If you’re curious about other takes on ground turkey and potatoes, see this practical Ground Turkey and Potato Skillet – The Whole Cook for a similar skillet approach, or try a spiced alternative like Curried Ground Turkey With Potatoes – Simply Recipes to explore a bolder flavor profile.

If you make this recipe, I’d love to hear how it turned out—share a photo or tip in the comments and join our community of home cooks.