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If you’re looking for a satisfying, flavorful, and wholesome skillet meal that comes together with minimal fuss, this Easy Ground Turkey and Potatoes Skillet Recipe is an absolute winner. With tender ground turkey mingling perfectly with golden, crispy potatoes in a rich tomato sauce seasoned with herbs, it’s a comforting dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate. Whether you’re whipping this up after a busy day or feeding your family something wholesome and tasty, this recipe delivers hearty goodness with every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe shines because it relies on simple, everyday ingredients that bring incredible flavor, texture, and color to the table. Each one plays a vital role in creating that perfectly balanced skillet meal you’ll want to make again and again.
- Ground turkey: Lean and mild, it absorbs the herbs beautifully and keeps the dish light yet protein-packed.
- Potatoes: Diced medium potatoes add a lovely golden crisp and creamy texture inside once cooked.
- Olive oil: Helps brown the potatoes and turkey, infusing the dish with a subtle fruity richness.
- Onion: Finely diced, it brings a gentle sweetness and depth to the base.
- Garlic: Minced cloves add that unmistakable aromatic kick that elevates every bite.
- Tomato sauce: Creates a luscious, slightly tangy coating that ties all the ingredients together.
- Water: Keeps the sauce just right and helps tenderize the potatoes as they simmer.
- Dried oregano, basil, parsley: A trio of classic herbs that inject fresh, garden-like notes and warmth.
- Salt, black pepper, onion powder: Essential seasonings that lift and fine-tune the overall flavor.
How to Make Easy Ground Turkey and Potatoes Skillet Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Ground Turkey
Start by heating your skillet over medium-high heat and cooking the ground turkey until it’s nicely browned. Breaking it apart as it cooks ensures every bit is flavorful and well-seasoned. Add salt, pepper, garlic powder, chili powder, and oregano right away to infuse the meat with incredible aromas. Once browned, transfer the turkey to a bowl and set aside — don’t rush this step, as it lays down the foundation for rich taste.
Step 2: Cook the Potatoes
Using the same skillet, pour in the olive oil and add the diced potatoes. Let them cook for 5 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally so they develop a beautiful golden crust. The potatoes are where the texture magic happens — crispy on the outside, tender within, making each forkful a treat. Keeping the skillet hot but not burning will help achieve that perfect texture.
Step 3: Combine Turkey and Potatoes with Sauce
Return the browned turkey to the skillet with the potatoes. Pour in the tomato sauce and water, then stir in the minced garlic, oregano, basil, parsley, salt, pepper, and onion powder. This stage brings all your ingredients into harmonious blend, with the sauce lovingly coating your turkey and potatoes for balanced flavor in every bite.
Step 4: Let It Simmer
Cover the skillet and let the mixture simmer gently for about 5 minutes. This allows the potatoes to finish cooking through and soak in all those gorgeous herb and tomato flavors. The steam and heat work together to meld everything, turning this simple skillet dish into something truly special.
Step 5: Final Taste and Serve
Before serving, give your skillet a quick taste and adjust the seasonings if needed — maybe a touch more salt or pepper to make it shine. Serve it warm, either on its own or over a bed of rice or steamed veggies for an extra comforting meal that everyone will love.
How to Serve Easy Ground Turkey and Potatoes Skillet Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like chopped parsley or basil sprinkled on top instantly brighten this dish. A dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of shredded cheese adds creamy richness, while a squeeze of lemon juice can lift the flavors for a subtle zing.
Side Dishes
This skillet pairs beautifully with simple steamed greens such as spinach or green beans to add color and nutrition. A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette offers refreshing contrast, balancing the warmth of the skillet perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For a family-style dinner, serve this right in the skillet, letting everyone dig in family-style. Alternatively, plate it alongside a scoop of creamy mashed potatoes or spoon over warm quinoa for a hearty twist. Turning it into a burrito filling with some fresh avocado and salsa is another fun idea that keeps things lively.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making it an ideal make-ahead meal for busy weekday lunches or dinners.
Freezing
This skillet freezes beautifully — portion it out into freezer-safe containers and it will keep well for up to 2 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for a quick, nourishing meal on demand.
Reheating
Reheat gently in a skillet over medium-low heat or microwave until warmed through. Adding a splash of water or broth while reheating helps keep the potatoes tender and the turkey juicy, so nothing dries out.
FAQs
Can I use sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes?
Absolutely! Sweet potatoes add a naturally sweeter note and vibrant color that pairs well with the tomato-based sauce. Just dice them similarly and keep an eye on cooking time as they can soften a bit faster.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, this Easy Ground Turkey and Potatoes Skillet Recipe is naturally gluten-free. Just double-check your tomato sauce to ensure there are no added gluten-containing ingredients.
Can I substitute ground chicken for the turkey?
Definitely! Ground chicken works well as a substitute, offering a slightly different flavor but the same great texture and protein content.
How can I make this spicier?
Add red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper along with the other seasonings in Step 1 to bring some heat. Adjust to taste for a spicy kick that complements the herby flavors.
What if I don’t have tomato sauce on hand?
You can use crushed tomatoes or even tomato paste diluted with a bit of water as alternatives. Just make sure to adjust seasoning to keep the balance right in the skillet.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Ground Turkey and Potatoes Skillet Recipe is one of those reliable, feel-good dishes that comes together quickly without compromising on taste or comfort. It’s perfect for busy weeknights and impressively adaptable to suit your family’s favorites. I hope you’ll give it a try soon and make it your go-to meal when you want something warm, hearty, and absolutely delicious.
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Easy Ground Turkey and Potatoes Skillet Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Easy Ground Turkey with Potatoes recipe offers a delicious and hearty one-pan meal featuring lean ground turkey and tender diced potatoes simmered in a savory tomato sauce infused with aromatic herbs. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, it brings together wholesome ingredients with simple seasoning to create a comforting dish that can be served on its own or alongside rice and vegetables.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 3–4 medium potatoes, diced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- ½ cup water
Seasonings and Herbs
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1 tsp dried parsley
- 1 tsp salt (or to taste)
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp onion powder
- Additional seasonings for turkey: garlic powder, chili powder, and oregano
Instructions
- Cook the Ground Turkey: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground turkey while breaking it apart with a spatula. Season with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, chili powder, and dried oregano. Once cooked, remove the turkey from the skillet and set it aside.
- Cook the Potatoes: Using the same skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced potatoes and cook for 5 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the potatoes are browned and beginning to soften.
- Combine Ingredients: Return the cooked ground turkey to the skillet with the potatoes. Add the tomato sauce, water, minced garlic, dried oregano, dried basil, dried parsley, salt, black pepper, and onion powder. Stir well to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Simmer: Cover the skillet and let the mixture simmer for about 5 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the flavors meld together beautifully.
- Final Seasoning and Serve: Taste the dish, adjust the seasonings as needed, and serve warm. This dish pairs wonderfully on its own or served over rice or alongside steamed vegetables.
Notes
- You can use sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes for a different flavor and added nutrients.
- Adjust seasoning based on your taste preferences, adding more herbs or spices as desired.
- For a spicier version, increase the amount of chili powder or add a pinch of red pepper flakes.
- This recipe keeps well for leftovers and can be refrigerated for up to 3 days.
- To make it gluten-free, simply ensure that the tomato sauce and seasonings contain no gluten additives.
