If you’ve ever juggled work, homework, and soccer practice, you know the struggle of getting a nutritious dinner on the table in a flash. This ground turkey with potatoes recipe is my secret weapon for busy weeknights, offering a one-skillet solution that’s bursting with hearty flavors and ready in under 30 minutes. Juicy turkey mingles with tender potato cubes, while crisp bits of onion and minced garlic build a cozy base for those smoky spices. A touch of paprika and earthy cumin lends a Tex-Mex flair, and just a pinch of chili powder brings a friendly heat without overwhelming the senses. Last week, I whipped this up after a marathon grocery run, and by the time I’d washed my hair and folded laundry, dinner was bubbling away and the hungry crowd was already circling the kitchen. In less than half an hour, we were digging in, forks scraping every last morsel from the pan.
What I love most about this dish is its simplicity and adaptability. No one goes hungry when you have potatoes soaking in spiced turkey juices, and cleanup is a breeze—just one skillet and minimal dishes. Whether you’re a beginner cook or a seasoned home chef, these straightforward steps and pantry-friendly ingredients will make you look like a kitchen rockstar. You can riff on it too: toss in diced bell peppers, carrots, or even sweet corn for a veggie boost. Serve it with a dollop of sour cream or a squeeze of lime to brighten the flavors, or garnish with fresh parsley for that pop of green. This healthy weeknight wonder checks all the boxes—budget-friendly, protein-packed, and irresistibly comforting.
KEY INGREDIENTS IN GROUND TURKEY WITH POTATOES
Let’s break down the stars of this one-skillet wonder. Each ingredient plays a distinct role, from building depth of flavor to adding texture and balance.
- Ground turkey
A lean protein that soaks up spices beautifully, keeping each bite juicy without excess fat. It’s lighter than beef but still delivers that satisfying savory flavor.
- Potatoes
These diced gems cook until tender and absorb the turkey’s seasoned juices. They add a comforting, starchy base that turns this into a hearty, filling meal.
- Onion
Finely chopped and sautéed, onion brings sweetness and depth. As it softens, it forms the aromatic backbone of our skillet.
- Garlic
Minced for maximum punch, garlic infuses the dish with a warm, robust fragrance that complements the spices perfectly.
- Olive oil
Used for cooking, it helps the aromatics soften and prevents sticking while adding a subtle fruity note.
- Paprika
This smoky spice adds color and a gentle warmth that ties all the flavors together.
- Ground cumin
With its earthy, slightly citrusy undertones, cumin gives the dish that signature Tex-Mex vibe.
- Chili powder
A blend of spices that contributes a hint of heat and complexity, enhancing the other seasonings.
- Salt and pepper
Essential for brightening flavors and balancing the spices, letting every ingredient shine.
- Chicken broth or water
Added to create a bit of steam and prevent dryness, it helps the potatoes cook through and keeps everything moist.
- Fresh parsley
Chopped and sprinkled on top, parsley adds a fresh, herbaceous finish and a pop of color for serving.
HOW TO MAKE GROUND TURKEY WITH POTATOES
Now that we know our lineup of ingredients, let’s move to the stovetop. This recipe comes together in a single skillet, making it perfect for anyone who values flavor and simplicity in equal measure.
1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, swirling the pan so the oil coats every inch. You’ll know it’s ready when it shimmers and gently ripples.
2. Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 3 minutes, stirring occasionally until the pieces begin to soften and turn translucent. This sweet base is vital for layering flavor.
3. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant, being careful not to let it brown too much to avoid bitterness.
4. Add the ground turkey to the skillet, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Cook until it’s browned all over, about 5–7 minutes, ensuring no pink remains.
5. Sprinkle the paprika, ground cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper over the turkey. Stir well to combine so every bit of meat is kissed by those smoky spices.
6. Add the diced potatoes to the skillet, folding them gently into the spiced turkey mixture so they start to absorb all that rich flavor.
7. Pour in the chicken broth or water, then cover the skillet and lower the heat to medium–low. This creates a steamy environment to finish cooking the potatoes.
8. Let the mixture simmer for about 15–20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
9. Once the potatoes are cooked through, taste and adjust seasonings if needed—add more salt, pepper, or chili powder to suit your preference.
10. Remove the skillet from heat and sprinkle with fresh parsley before serving, adding that final burst of color and herbal brightness.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS FOR GROUND TURKEY WITH POTATOES
After that satisfying sizzle on the stovetop, it’s time to plate up and delight your taste buds. This dish is as flexible as it is delicious, so I’ve put together a few of my favorite ways to serve it — each one makes the meal feel fresh and exciting, whether you’re feeding a family or enjoying a solo feast.
- Serve with creamy avocado slices and a squeeze of fresh lime over the top to add a silky texture and zesty lift that cuts through the spices.
- Pair alongside a crisp green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette, offering a refreshing contrast to the warm, spiced turkey and potatoes.
- Top with a generous dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt, swirling it in to create pockets of cool creaminess in every bite.
- Scoop into soft tortillas or warm pita bread for a fun twist — it transforms this skillet dinner into handheld tacos or wraps perfect for family-style meals.
HOW TO STORE GROUND TURKEY WITH POTATOES
Whether you’re meal-prepping for the week or simply need to stash leftovers, proper storage will keep this dish tasting fresh and flavorful. With just a few easy steps, you can ensure every reheated bite is as good as day one.
- Refrigerator storage: Transfer cooled leftovers into an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. This seals in moisture and prevents any unwanted fridge odors from creeping in.
- Freezer storage: For longer-term meals, portion into freezer-safe bags or containers, label with the date, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Reheating on the stove: Gently warm in a skillet over low to medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to revive moisture and stir occasionally for even heating.
- Microwave reheating: Place a portion in a microwave-safe dish, cover loosely with a damp paper towel, and heat in 60-second intervals, stirring between each cycle until heated through.
CONCLUSION
This Tex-Mex ground turkey and potatoes skillet has become a staple in my kitchen, and I hope it earns a spot on your weekly dinner rotation too. We’ve covered everything from juicy ground turkey and golden potatoes to the perfect spice blend of paprika, cumin, and chili powder, all coming together in one easy pan. With just 10 minutes of prep and under 30 minutes of cooking time, you can have a satisfying, nutritious meal on the table in no time. The recipe is beginner-friendly, uses everyday ingredients, and yields about 330 calories per serving—ideal for anyone watching their waistline without sacrificing comfort or flavor. Feel free to mix in bell peppers or carrots for a veggie boost, or amp up the heat with red pepper flakes and hot sauce for extra kick. Remember, you can print this article and save it for later, and don’t miss the FAQ section below if you have any questions about substitutions, seasoning adjustments, or troubleshooting.
Now it’s your turn to give it a whirl! I’d love to hear how your skillet turned out, any creative tweaks you made, or tips you picked up along the way. Drop a comment if you’ve tried this recipe, share your favorite serving suggestions, or ask me anything you need—whether it’s about cooking times, ingredient swaps, or presentation ideas. Your feedback and stories make this community so much richer, and I can’t wait to see how you make this dish your own. Happy cooking!
Ground Turkey with Potatoes
Description
Juicy ground turkey cooks with tender potatoes, onions, and garlic, tossed in smoky spices and simmered to perfection. This hearty, one-skillet supper is ready in under 30 minutes and brings comfort and flavor to your table.
Ingredients
Instructions
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Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
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Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 3 minutes, until it begins to soften.
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Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
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Add the ground turkey to the skillet, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes.
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Sprinkle the paprika, ground cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper over the turkey, stirring well to combine.
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Add the diced potatoes to the skillet and mix them with the turkey.
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Pour in the chicken broth or water, then cover the skillet, lowering the heat to medium-low.
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Let the mixture simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and cooked through. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
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Once cooked, adjust seasonings to taste if needed.
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Remove from heat and sprinkle with fresh parsley before serving.
Note
- For a variation in flavor, try adding some diced bell peppers or carrots.
- If you prefer your dish spicier, consider adding red pepper flakes or hot sauce.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; simply reheat before serving.
- Serve with a dollop of sour cream or a squeeze of lime for added flavor.
