Growing up, ground turkey with potatoes was a staple in my household. My mom would whip it up on busy weeknights when we needed a hearty, comforting meal that the whole family would enjoy. I can still smell the aroma of the savory ground turkey sizzling in the pan, mixed with the earthy scent of roasted potatoes. It’s a dish that brings back so many warm memories for me.
Even as an adult, ground turkey with potatoes remains one of my go-to recipes. It’s easy to prepare, budget-friendly, and so darn delicious. The combination of the juicy ground turkey and tender, fluffy potatoes is simply irresistible. Plus, it’s a dish that can be endlessly customized to suit your taste preferences.
That’s why I’m excited to share my foolproof ground turkey with potatoes recipe with you today. This is the version I turn to time and time again, and I know it’ll become a staple in your household too. Let’s dive in!
Why This Ground Turkey With Potatoes Recipe Will Become Your Go-To
The Secret Behind Perfect Ground Turkey With Potatoes
The secret to making the best ground turkey with potatoes lies in the seasoning. Too often, ground turkey can end up dry and bland, but with the right blend of spices, it transforms into a flavor-packed protein that perfectly complements the potatoes. In my recipe, I use a combination of garlic, onion, paprika, and a touch of cayenne to create a warm, aromatic seasoning that really makes the dish shine.
But the seasoning is just one part of the equation. The other key is how you cook the ground turkey and potatoes. I’ve perfected a method that ensures the turkey stays juicy and the potatoes get crispy on the outside while remaining fluffy on the inside. Trust me, once you try this ground turkey with potatoes recipe, you’ll be hooked!
Essential Ingredients You’ll Need
To make this ground turkey with potatoes recipe, you’ll need:
- Ground turkey – I prefer to use lean ground turkey for this dish, as it’s a healthier alternative to ground beef.
- Russet potatoes – These potatoes get wonderfully crispy when roasted, making them the perfect pairing for the savory ground turkey.
- Onion – Sautéed onion adds depth of flavor and aromatics to the dish.
- Garlic – Fresh garlic is a must for enhancing the overall flavor.
- Paprika – This smoky spice gives the ground turkey with potatoes a touch of warmth.
- Cayenne pepper – Just a pinch adds a subtle heat that complements the other seasonings.
- Salt and pepper – These simple seasonings help bring all the flavors together.
- Olive oil – A bit of high-quality olive oil is needed for cooking the onions and turkey.
Step-by-Step Ground Turkey With Potatoes Instructions
Preparing Your Ground Turkey With Potatoes
This ground turkey with potatoes recipe is a one-pan wonder that comes together in about 45 minutes. You’ll need a large skillet or cast-iron pan to cook the dish. Once you’ve gathered all your ingredients, you’re ready to get started!
1- Begin by peeling and dicing the russet potatoes into 1-inch cubes. Place them in a large bowl and toss with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, salt, and pepper.
2- In your skillet or pan, heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until translucent and fragrant.
3- Next, add the ground turkey to the pan and use a wooden spoon to break it up into small crumbles. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the turkey is no longer pink.
4- Stir in the minced garlic, paprika, and a pinch of cayenne pepper. Cook for 1 minute, allowing the spices to bloom and infuse the turkey.
5- Add the cubed potatoes to the pan and toss everything together. Cover the pan and reduce the heat to medium-low. Cook for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the potatoes are tender and crispy on the outside.
6- Once the potatoes are cooked through, remove the lid and let the mixture continue to cook for 2-3 minutes to allow any excess moisture to evaporate. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
Pro Tips for Success
To ensure your ground turkey with potatoes turns out perfectly every time, here are a few pro tips:
- For the crispiest potatoes, make sure to dice them into evenly sized cubes. This will help them cook at the same rate.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan when cooking the turkey. Work in batches if needed to get a nice sear on the meat.
- Keep a close eye on the potatoes towards the end to prevent them from burning. Adjust the heat as needed.
- Feel free to experiment with different spice blends. Dried oregano, thyme, or rosemary would also be delicious additions.
- If you want an extra creamy texture, you can stir in a tablespoon of sour cream or Greek yogurt at the end.
Serving and Storing Your Ground Turkey With Potatoes
Perfect Pairings for Ground Turkey With Potatoes
This ground turkey with potatoes dish is incredibly versatile and pairs well with a variety of side dishes. For a complete meal, I love serving it with a fresh green salad, roasted vegetables, or a crusty piece of garlic bread. It also makes a fantastic filling for burritos or tacos.
As for beverages, a crisp white wine or a light beer would be the perfect accompaniment. And if you’re looking for a cozy, comforting meal, a glass of red wine or a hot cup of tea would be lovely.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Luckily, this ground turkey with potatoes recipe is super easy to make ahead and store for later. Once the dish has cooled completely, you can transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days.
When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply reheat the ground turkey and potatoes on the stovetop or in the microwave until piping hot. You can also freeze the leftovers for up to 3 months. Just be sure to thaw it in the refrigerator before reheating.
This recipe also lends itself well to meal prep. You can cook the ground turkey and potatoes in advance, then portion it out into individual servings for easy grab-and-go lunches or dinners throughout the week.
Variations and Dietary Adaptations for Ground Turkey With Potatoes
Creative Ground Turkey With Potatoes Variations
One of the best things about this ground turkey with potatoes recipe is how versatile it is. You can easily customize it to suit your tastes or the season.
For a Southwestern-inspired twist, try adding diced bell peppers, corn, and a sprinkle of chili powder or cumin. Or, for a more Mediterranean vibe, replace the potatoes with diced sweet potatoes and stir in some sun-dried tomatoes, olives, and fresh herbs.
In the fall, you could swap the potatoes for cubed butternut squash and finish the dish with a drizzle of maple syrup. And in the summer, lighten it up by tossing in some chopped zucchini or cherry tomatoes.
The possibilities are endless, so feel free to get creative and make this ground turkey with potatoes recipe your own!
Making Ground Turkey With Potatoes Diet-Friendly
Looking to make this dish a bit healthier? No problem! There are several easy substitutions you can make.
For a low-carb version, you can use cauliflower florets or diced radishes in place of the potatoes. Or, for a gluten-free option, simply serve the ground turkey over a bed of cooked quinoa or brown rice.
If you’re following a vegan or vegetarian diet, you can swap the ground turkey for crumbled tofu or a plant-based ground meat alternative. Just be sure to adjust the seasoning accordingly.
No matter which dietary restrictions you’re working with, this ground turkey with potatoes recipe can be easily adapted to fit your needs. The key is to have fun and get creative with the ingredients!
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use a different type of potato besides russet?
A: Absolutely! While russet potatoes work great in this dish, you can also use Yukon Gold, red, or even sweet potatoes. Just keep in mind that the cooking time may vary slightly depending on the potato variety.
Q: How can I make this recipe spicier?
A: To amp up the heat, simply add more cayenne pepper to the seasoning blend. You can also try using a spicy paprika or even some diced jalapeño or serrano peppers.
Q: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A: Yes, this ground turkey with potatoes recipe is perfect for meal prepping. You can cook the entire dish in advance and reheat it when you’re ready to serve. It will keep in the fridge for up to 4 days or in the freezer for 3 months.
Q: How many people does this recipe serve?
A: This recipe makes about 4 servings, but the exact portion size will depend on your appetite and what you’re serving it with. If you’re looking to feed a larger crowd, you can easily double or triple the ingredients.
Ground Turkey With Potatoes
- Total Time: 30
- Yield: 4
Description
This easy-to-make Ground Turkey With Potatoes dish is a comforting and flavorful weeknight meal. Tender potatoes and seasoned ground turkey come together in a one-pot wonder that’s sure to satisfy the whole family.
Ingredients
– 1 lb ground turkey
– 3 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed
– 1 onion, diced
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tsp dried oregano
– 1 tsp paprika
– 1/2 tsp chili powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 2 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
1. 1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. 2. Add the ground turkey and cook, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, until browned, about 5-7 minutes.
3. 3. Add the diced onion and minced garlic. Cook for 2-3 minutes, until fragrant.
4. 4. Stir in the cubed potatoes, oregano, paprika, chili powder, salt, and pepper.
5. 5. Pour in just enough water to cover the potatoes. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.
6. 6. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
7. 7. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley or green onions if desired.
Notes
– For a creamier texture, you can mash some of the potatoes against the side of the pan during the last few minutes of cooking.
– Feel free to add other vegetables, such as bell peppers or frozen peas, for extra nutrition and flavor.
– This dish can be made ahead of time and reheated for easy meal prep.
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 20
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Conclusion
There you have it – my tried-and-true ground turkey with potatoes recipe that’s sure to become a new family favorite. The combination of juicy, flavorful turkey and crispy, tender potatoes is simply unbeatable.
I hope you’ll give this recipe a try soon. Let me know in the comments how it turns out for you, and feel free to share any of your own creative variations. Bon appétit!
