Ground Turkey with Potatoes

This comforting Ground Turkey with Potatoes recipe makes dinner time simple and hearty. You get lean protein and golden potatoes crisped together for a skillet meal that never feels boring. With sweet onions and colorful bell peppers for extra pop, this one pan dish is just right for busy nights or whenever you crave honest comfort food. You can get creative with what you toss in or keep it totally classic depending on your mood and what is in your fridge.

I first made this on a chilly Sunday after a long walk and it hit the spot. My family now requests it every time the weather turns cold and we need something cozy fast.

Ingredients

• Ground turkey: one pound for lean hearty protein that is lighter than beef look for fresh or high quality frozen
• Medium potatoes: four diced for fluffy texture and nourishment choose waxy potatoes for best shape
• Olive oil: one tablespoon for richness and to crisp the potatoes
• Onion: chopped for a sweet flavor backbone yellow onions work great
• Garlic: two cloves minced for tasty depth use fresh if possible
• Bell pepper: one chopped for color and natural sweetness try red or yellow for a sweeter profile
• Smoked paprika: one teaspoon brings smoky warmth use Spanish if available
• Dried thyme: half a teaspoon for herbal aroma choose dried for convenience or fresh if on hand
• Salt and pepper: to taste enhance all the flavors use freshly cracked black pepper for more zing
• Fresh parsley: quarter cup chopped for a burst of brightness flat leaf has the best flavor
• Optional red chili flakes: quarter teaspoon if you want gentle heat add more for extra kick

Step by Step Instructions

Prep the Vegetables:

Dice potatoes medium small so they cook through evenly chop onion bell pepper and parsley and mince the garlic

Sauté the Aromatics:

Heat olive oil in a large heavy skillet over medium heat cook the chopped onion and garlic until fragrant about three minutes stirring often to avoid burning the garlic

Cook the Potatoes and Pepper:

Add diced potatoes and bell pepper to the pan stir so every piece gets a little oil let them cook about ten minutes stirring every couple of minutes so the potatoes brown at the edges this builds flavor

Brown the Turkey:

Push the veggies to the side add ground turkey to the skillet break it up with a wooden spoon and cook until no pink remains this takes about six to eight minutes make sure it is completely cooked but not dry

Season Everything:

Sprinkle smoked paprika dried thyme salt pepper and chili flakes over the turkey and veggies mix well let everything cook together for another five to seven minutes potatoes should be fork tender and everything warmly seasoned

Finish and Serve:

Take the skillet off the heat stir in fresh chopped parsley taste and adjust seasoning serve right away while hot

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I always look forward to adding smoked paprika in this recipe because it transforms the flavor and reminds me of family holidays when we tried new spice blends together. Every time I smell it roasting in the pan I feel a flood of homey memories.

Storage Tips

Leftovers keep well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days

Reheat in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave with a splash of water to keep the potatoes moist

You can freeze the cooked mixture for up to two months just expect potatoes to soften a bit upon thawing

Ingredient Substitutions

Swap sweet potatoes or even butternut squash for a sweeter take

Ground chicken or beef both work in place of turkey just be sure to drain any extra fat

Add extra vegetables like diced zucchini mushrooms or greens for more color and nutrients

If you are out of smoked paprika try regular paprika plus a pinch of cumin for depth

Serving Suggestions

Top with a dollop of Greek yogurt or sour cream for extra creaminess

Serve alongside a green salad or some steamed broccoli for a well rounded plate

Try tucking a fried or poached egg on top for a filling brunch version that everyone will love

Warm crusty bread on the side is always welcome in my house

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Cultural Context

This type of meat and potato skillet is beloved around the globe with roots in many cuisines from Eastern European rustic dinners to classic American hash

Ground turkey puts a lighter spin on traditional versions often made with beef or sausage

The mix of humble ingredients and bright herbs gives it universal appeal and makes it perfect for tweaking to your own tastes

Recipe FAQs

→ What potatoes work best for this dish?

Medium white or golden potatoes are ideal for their balance of creaminess and ability to hold shape when sautéed, but sweet potatoes or red potatoes can also add unique flavors and textures.

→ How can I add more heat to this meal?

Incorporate red chili flakes, cayenne pepper, or diced jalapeños during seasoning to adjust the spice level to your preference.

→ Can this be prepared ahead and reheated?

Yes, it stores well in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days and reheats smoothly in a skillet or microwave with a splash of water or broth to retain moisture.

→ Is this dish suitable for meal prepping?

Absolutely. It's a one-pan meal that keeps well and provides balanced nutrition, making it convenient for batch cooking and quick lunches or dinners throughout the week.

→ What are good side dishes to serve with this meal?

Serving suggestions include fresh green salads, steamed vegetables like green beans or broccoli, crusty bread, or a dollop of Greek yogurt to complement the flavors.

→ Can I substitute the ground turkey with other proteins?

Ground chicken, lean beef, or plant-based proteins can be used interchangeably, allowing flexibility based on dietary needs or preferences.