Ground Turkey with Potatoes Recipe
If you’re after a meal that’s hearty, quick, and absolutely bursting with home-cooked comfort, this Ground Turkey with Potatoes ticks all the right boxes. Each forkful is packed with cozy flavors: think savory browned turkey, fork-tender golden potatoes, and pops of sweet bell pepper, all seasoned perfectly and finished with fresh herbs. It’s the sort of dish you’ll want to tuck into on a busy weeknight or when you just need a bowl of pure edible cheer. Not only is this recipe satisfying, it’s adaptable, budget-friendly, and ideal for sharing with family or friends.

Ingredients You’ll Need
You’ll be amazed at how a handful of simple ingredients comes together to create something this flavorful. Each component brings its own charm—whether it’s the creamy bite of potatoes or the colorful crunch of bell pepper—making this an unmissable dish.
- Ground turkey: Lean and protein-packed, it soaks up all the spices and stays juicy as it cooks.
- Potatoes: The key to hearty comfort, diced potatoes become golden and tender, soaking up the savory juices.
- Olive oil: This brings everything together, lightly crisping the veggies while adding a subtle, peppery richness.
- Onion: A caramelized base layer that sweetens the whole skillet.
- Garlic: Brings just the right punch of flavor—don’t skip it!
- Bell pepper: Adds vibrant color and natural sweetness for balance.
- Smoked paprika: Imparts a lovely smokiness that gives depth to the dish.
- Dried thyme: A touch of earthiness that pairs perfectly with turkey and potatoes.
- Salt and pepper: Essential seasonings for bringing out all the flavors.
- Fresh parsley: The fresh, green finish that brightens things up at the end.
- Red chili flakes (optional): Toss these in for a gentle, warming heat if you like a bit of spice.
How to Make Ground Turkey with Potatoes
Step 1: Sauté Onion and Garlic
Start by heating your olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil shimmers, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté them together for two to three minutes, just until the onion softens and everything smells wonderful. This simple step lays down a delicious foundation for our Ground Turkey with Potatoes, and you’ll catch hints of toasty, mouthwatering aroma.
Step 2: Cook the Vegetables
Next, toss in your diced potatoes and chopped bell pepper. Give everything a good stir to coat the vegetables in the oniony, garlicky oil, then let them cook for about ten minutes. Stir occasionally to make sure the potatoes cook evenly and take on a little golden color—this stage starts building the heartiness of the dish.
Step 3: Brown the Ground Turkey
Push the cooked vegetables to one side of the pan, and add your ground turkey to the open space. Let it brown peacefully, breaking it apart with your spoon as it cooks. Once the turkey’s no longer pink and nicely crumbled, mix it back in with the vegetables. This blend is the soul of any classic Ground Turkey with Potatoes.
Step 4: Season Everything
Now comes the magic: sprinkle in your smoked paprika, dried thyme, salt, pepper, and those red chili flakes if you want a gentle kick. Mix everything together, making sure the spices touch each bite. Let it all cook for five to seven minutes more, until the potatoes are knife-tender and the pan smells absolutely irresistible.
Step 5: Finish and Serve
Turn off the heat and stir in a generous handful of chopped fresh parsley. This little detail brightens up the entire skillet, adding a hint of freshness and making your Ground Turkey with Potatoes sing with flavor. Serve hot and watch it disappear fast!
How to Serve Ground Turkey with Potatoes

Garnishes
A final scattering of fresh parsley gives a lively pop of color and freshness. For a more decadent finish, try a dollop of Greek yogurt or a sprinkle of shredded sharp cheese. A twist of cracked black pepper never goes amiss either—it sharpens everything up and makes your bowl look inviting.
Side Dishes
While Ground Turkey with Potatoes is a meal in itself, you can never go wrong with a crisp green salad or some simple garlic bread on the side. Roasted veggies like broccoli or asparagus also pair beautifully, adding crunch and contrast to each bite.
Creative Ways to Present
Spoon your ground turkey and potatoes into warm tortillas for a hearty handheld dinner, or pile them on a bed of steamed rice for extra comfort. For brunch, top with a fried egg and a touch of hot sauce—you’ll have a whole new reason to love this recipe.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Ground Turkey with Potatoes keeps like a dream. Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container and pop them in the fridge, where they’ll stay fresh for up to four days. It’s ideal for meal prep or those nights when you just need a ready-to-eat supper.
Freezing
If you’d like to freeze any extras, let the dish cool completely, then transfer it into freezer-safe containers or bags. It will keep its flavor and texture for up to two months—just remember to label with the date, so nothing gets lost to the back of the freezer.
Reheating
To reheat, simply warm portions in the microwave or on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally for even heating. Add a splash of water or broth if you notice it’s a bit dry; this helps bring back that original tenderness and flavor.
FAQs
Can I use sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes?
Absolutely! Sweet potatoes add a natural sweetness and a gorgeous color to this Ground Turkey with Potatoes. They also soften a bit faster, so keep an eye on cooking times and check for tenderness.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, it is naturally gluten-free as written. Just make sure any optional additions (like toppings or sides) are also gluten-free if needed.
How can I add more veggies to this dish?
It’s easy to boost the nutrition! Try tossing in a handful of spinach or kale toward the end of cooking, or add small-diced carrots and celery with the potatoes for extra texture and color.
What protein options can I substitute for turkey?
Ground chicken, lean beef, or even plant-based meat alternatives work well here. Just be mindful that different proteins may cook at slightly different rates, so check for doneness before serving your Ground Turkey with Potatoes (or alternative!).
Can I make this in advance for meal prep?
This dish is fabulous for meal prep! Cook as directed, let it cool, then portion into individual containers for quick lunches or dinners all week long.
Final Thoughts
You deserve a go-to meal that’s as comforting as it is satisfying, and Ground Turkey with Potatoes totally delivers. Don’t wait to try this easy, crowd-pleasing recipe—it just might become a new favorite at your table. Happy cooking!
PrintGround Turkey with Potatoes Recipe
A hearty and flavorful dish, this Ground Turkey with Potatoes recipe is a satisfying meal that’s easy to make and packed with delicious ingredients.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
For the Ground Turkey:
- 1 lb ground turkey
For the Potatoes:
- 4 medium potatoes, diced
Additional Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- Optional: 1/4 teaspoon red chili flakes for heat
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and garlic; sauté for 2-3 minutes until fragrant.
- Stir in diced potatoes and bell pepper; cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Push the vegetables to the side and add ground turkey to the pan. Cook until browned and cooked through, breaking it apart with a spoon.
- Sprinkle in smoked paprika, thyme, salt, pepper, and red chili flakes if using. Mix everything together and cook for another 5-7 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.
- Remove from heat, stir in fresh parsley, and serve hot.
Notes
- You can customize the seasonings to suit your taste preferences.
- This dish pairs well with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: Ground Turkey, Potatoes, Skillet, Easy, Quick, One-Pan Meal