You know those nights? The ones where the clock is ticking way too fast, the fridge looks a little bare, and the thought of a complicated dinner feels like, well, a lot? Yeah, I’ve been there. That’s exactly why this Ground Turkey with Potatoes recipe has become my absolute weeknight savior. It’s hearty, incredibly satisfying, and honestly, the cleanup is a breeze because it all happens in basically one pan. It’s the kind of meal that makes you feel like you’ve accomplished something big, even when it’s just Tuesday. Trust me, you’ll want this in your rotation!
Why You’ll Love This Ground Turkey with Potatoes
This isn’t just another weeknight meal; it’s a dinnertime lifesaver! Here’s why you’re going to adore this Ground Turkey with Potatoes:
- Super Speedy: Ready in under an hour, perfect for busy evenings.
- One-Pan Wonder: Minimal dishes mean less scrubbing and more relaxing.
- Hearty and Satisfying: Packed with protein and comforting carbs to keep you full.
- Flavor Packed: Simple seasonings bring out the best in the turkey and potatoes.
- Healthy-ish: Lean ground turkey and wholesome potatoes make for a balanced choice.
- Customizable: Easily tweak the veggies and herbs to your liking.
Key Ingredients for Your Ground Turkey with Potatoes
Alright, let’s talk about what you’ll need to whip up this deliciousness! It’s all pretty straightforward, stuff you probably already have lurking in your pantry or fridge.
First up, for the skillet star!
- Olive oil: Just 1 tablespoon to get things started.
- Ground turkey: You’ll want 1 pound of it. I usually go for the leaner kind, but use what you like!
- Onion: One medium one, finely chopped. It brings all the savory goodness.
- Garlic: Two cloves, minced. Because, honestly, is anything really complete without garlic?
- Potatoes: Two medium ones are perfect. Make sure they’re peeled and diced up into nice bite-sized pieces.
- Dried thyme: About 1/2 teaspoon for that cozy, earthy flavor.
- Black pepper: A good 1/4 teaspoon to add a little zing.
- Salt: I start with 1/2 teaspoon, but always taste and adjust!
- Chicken broth: Half a cup works wonderfully to create a little sauce and help those taters get tender.
- Fresh parsley: A handful, chopped, for a bright pop of green and freshness right at the end. It really makes the finished dish sing.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Ground Turkey with Potatoes
Alright, let’s get this deliciousness cooked! Making this hearty dish is pretty simple. Just follow along, and you’ll have a fantastic meal on the table in no time.
Searing the Ground Turkey
First things first, grab a big skillet – the larger, the better! Pop in that tablespoon of olive oil and get it nice and hot over medium-high heat. Toss in your pound of ground turkey. Use your spoon to break it all up as it cooks. You want it nicely browned, so keep it moving until it looks lovely and cooked through. Don’t forget to drain off any extra fat before you move on!
Adding Aromatics and Potatoes
Now, toss that chopped onion into the skillet with the turkey. Let it soften up and get a little see-through, that usually takes about 5 minutes. Next, stir in the minced garlic. Mmm, the smell! Cook it for just about a minute until you can really smell its fragrance. Then, add in your diced potatoes, that pinch of dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Give it all a good stir and let everything toast for another minute. If you love potatoes, you should also check out my garlic herb roasted potatoes – they’re amazing!
Simmering to Perfection
Time to make some magic happen! Pour in that half cup of chicken broth. It’ll bubble up nicely. Bring it to a gentle simmer, then turn the heat down to medium-low. Cover the skillet – this is key for those potatoes to get nice and tender! Let it cook for about 15 to 20 minutes. Remember to give it a stir every now and then so nothing sticks. This simmering really lets all those flavors meld together for the best Ground Turkey with Potatoes.
Finishing Touches for Your Skillet
Once the potatoes are fork-tender, take the lid off. Let it cook uncovered for another 5 minutes or so. This lets any extra liquid cook off and thickens up that yummy sauce just a bit. Lastly, sprinkle all that fresh, chopped parsley over the top right before serving. It adds a beautiful pop of color and a fresh flavor kick!
Tips for the Best Ground Turkey with Potatoes
Okay, so you’ve got the recipe, but let’s talk about making this Ground Turkey with Potatoes absolutely sing! Little tricks here and there can really elevate it from good to OMG good.
First off, use good quality ground turkey. It doesn’t have to be fancy, but you know, the stuff that’s not super watery and has a decent color? That’s a good sign. And don’t skimp on browning the turkey; that little bit of caramelization is where all the deep flavor starts. When you add the onions, let them get nice and soft, almost translucent – that sweetness they develop is key!
For the potatoes, don’t cut them too big, or they might not cook all the way through in the allotted time. And if you have some extra time, maybe check out my recipe for ground turkey and zucchini, it has some similar base ideas but is a fun twist!
Ingredient Substitutions and Variations
You know, the beauty of a dish like this is how forgiving it is! If you don’t have exactly what the recipe calls for, or if you’re just feeling adventurous, there are tons of ways to switch things up.
Don’t have russets or Yukon Golds for the potatoes? No worries! Sweet potatoes or even red potatoes can totally work. They might change the cooking time a little, so just keep an eye on them. Feeling a bit fancy with the herbs? Swap out the thyme for rosemary, or toss in some sage. Any kind of broth – veggie or even beef – will work in a pinch if chicken isn’t your thing.
And for variations? Oh, the possibilities! You could totally add some frozen peas or corn in with the potatoes for extra color and flavor. A pinch of red pepper flakes can give it a nice little kick, or maybe you want to stir in some spinach at the very end until it just wilts. Basically, make it your own! If you love creative potato dishes, you should really give my Persian Potato Curry a look – it’s another favorite!
Serving Suggestions for Ground Turkey with Potatoes
This hearty Ground Turkey with Potatoes dish is practically a meal in itself, but sometimes you just want to round it out, right?
I love serving it with a simple side salad – think crisp greens with a light vinaigrette to cut through the richness. A slice of crusty bread is also amazing for soaking up any extra sauce. For something a little more substantial, a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt on top makes it extra decadent!
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Got leftovers? Lucky you! Let your delicious skillet cool down a bit, then pop it into an airtight container. It’ll keep nicely in the fridge for about 3-4 days. When you’re ready for round two, just scoop some out into a microwave-safe dish and heat it gently until it’s warmed through. You can also reheat it slowly in a skillet over low heat with a tiny splash of water or broth if you prefer.
Frequently Asked Questions about Ground Turkey with Potatoes
Got questions about this easy skillet meal? I’ve got you covered!
Can I use different types of potatoes?
Absolutely! While Yukon Golds or Russets are fantastic for their texture, you can totally use red potatoes or even fingerlings. Just make sure to dice them to a similar size so they cook evenly.
How can I make this recipe spicier?
If you like a little heat, just add a pinch of red pepper flakes when you add the garlic and potatoes. A dash of your favorite hot sauce at the end works wonders too!
What other vegetables can I add to Ground Turkey with Potatoes?
Oh, this is where the fun really begins! You can totally toss in some frozen peas or corn right along with the potatoes. A handful of spinach wilted in at the very end is delicious, or you could even add some chopped bell peppers with the onions. Basically, anything goes! For more ideas with turkey and veggies, check out my ground turkey and zucchini recipe; it’s a different vibe but just as easy!
Nutritional Information
Please remember that these values are estimates! They can change depending on the specific brands you use and the exact size of your potatoes. Generally, a serving of this hearty Ground Turkey with Potatoes dish is around 400-500 calories, offering a good balance of protein, carbs, and essential nutrients for a satisfying meal.
Share Your Ground Turkey with Potatoes Creation
So, how did your Ground Turkey with Potatoes turn out? I’d absolutely LOVE to hear about it! Drop a comment below with your thoughts, or tell me if you tried any fun variations. And hey, if you snapped a pic, tag me on social media – seeing your kitchen creations makes my day! Happy cooking!
Ground Turkey with Potatoes
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the ground turkey and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain off any excess fat.
- Add the chopped onion to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the minced garlic, diced potatoes, dried thyme, black pepper, and salt. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Pour in the chicken broth, bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender, stirring occasionally.
- Uncover and cook for another 5 minutes to allow the sauce to thicken slightly.
- Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.