If you are craving a comforting, hearty meal that comes together quickly and packs a flavorful punch, this Easy Ground Turkey with Potatoes Recipe is exactly what you need. It combines lean ground turkey with tender potatoes simmered in a rich tomato sauce, seasoned perfectly with a blend of herbs and spices. This dish brings together simple ingredients to create a satisfying dinner that warms the soul and pleases every palate.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Easy Ground Turkey with Potatoes Recipe lies in its straightforward, wholesome ingredients. Each component plays a key role, from the lean protein-packed turkey to the golden, tender potatoes that soak up every bit of the savory sauce.
- 1 lb ground turkey: A lean and healthy protein that cooks quickly and absorbs flavors beautifully.
- 3–4 medium potatoes, diced: These add comforting texture and hearty substance to the dish.
- 1 tbsp olive oil: Essential for sautéing potatoes to that perfect golden crispness and adding depth of flavor.
- 1 small onion, diced: Provides a sweet and savory base note when cooked down.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Brings warmth and aromatic fragrance to the sauce.
- 1 cup tomato sauce: Adds richness and a subtle tang that ties all ingredients together.
- ½ cup water: Helps create the perfect simmering environment for tender potatoes and melded flavors.
- 1 tsp dried oregano: Offers a classic Mediterranean herb note enhancing the overall taste.
- 1 tsp dried basil: Adds a fresh, slightly sweet herbal touch.
- 1 tsp dried parsley: Brightens the dish with a hint of herbal green flavor.
- 1 tsp salt (or to taste): Balances and enhances all the flavors.
- ½ tsp black pepper: Gives just the right amount of mild heat.
- ½ tsp onion powder: Reinforces the savory depth gently without overpowering.
How to Make Easy Ground Turkey with Potatoes Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Ground Turkey
Start by heating a large skillet over medium-high heat and cooking the ground turkey until it turns a nice golden brown. While cooking, break it apart with a spatula to get small, even crumbles. Season it with salt, pepper, garlic powder, chili powder, and oregano for a warm, savory profile. Once browned and fully cooked, remove the turkey and set it aside. This step builds the backbone of flavor and ensures every bite is perfectly seasoned from the start.
Step 2: Cook the Potatoes
In the same skillet, pour in olive oil and add your diced potatoes. Let them cook for about 5 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally so they brown evenly and start to soften. This caramelization adds a beautiful golden color and a slightly crispy edge that contrasts wonderfully with the tender texture inside. These little bites of potatoes are what make this recipe so satisfying and comforting.
Step 3: Combine and Add Sauce
Next, return the browned turkey to the skillet with the potatoes. Pour in the tomato sauce and the water to create a flavorful simmering base. Add the minced garlic along with the dried oregano, basil, parsley, salt, pepper, and onion powder. Stir everything together well to combine every ingredient into a harmonious mixture that promises loads of rich flavor.
Step 4: Simmer Until Tender
Cover the skillet and lower the heat, allowing the dish to simmer gently for about 5 minutes. This step softens the potatoes fully while letting the herbs and tomato sauce deeply infuse throughout the turkey and potatoes. The resulting meld of flavors makes this an incredibly cozy and hearty meal you’ll want to revisit again and again.
Step 5: Final Taste and Serve
Before plating, give your dish a quick taste to adjust the salt, pepper, or any herbs if needed. Serving this Easy Ground Turkey with Potatoes Recipe warm is essential to enjoying the full comfort of the flavors. Whether you serve it as is or with a simple side, this meal is sure to satisfy.
How to Serve Easy Ground Turkey with Potatoes Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or a few basil leaves is all you need to add some vibrant color and a fresh herbal note on top. You could also offer a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt on the side, which complements the tomato sauce beautifully with a cool creaminess.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with steamed green vegetables like broccoli or green beans to add freshness and a crisp texture contrast. Alternatively, serving it over warm rice or alongside a crisp salad boosts the meal’s heartiness without overpowering the flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
For a family-style dinner, serve the entire skillet right at the table so everyone can help themselves. If you want to get fancy, plate individual portions topped with a garnish of microgreens or sliced avocado for a modern twist. Wrapping leftovers into warm tortillas also makes a fantastic next-day lunch!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your Easy Ground Turkey with Potatoes Recipe, let the leftovers cool completely and store them in an airtight container. They will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, making this a perfect meal for busy weekdays.
Freezing
You can freeze this dish for longer storage by portioning it into freezer-safe containers. It holds up nicely for up to 2 months. Just be sure to thaw it slowly in the fridge overnight before reheating to preserve its texture and flavor.
Reheating
When ready to enjoy your leftovers, reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave until warmed through. Adding a splash of water or broth during reheating helps keep the potatoes tender and prevents the turkey from drying out.
FAQs
Can I use sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes?
Absolutely! Sweet potatoes will add a lovely natural sweetness and vibrant color to this Easy Ground Turkey with Potatoes Recipe. Just adjust cooking time slightly as sweet potatoes tend to soften a bit faster.
Is ground turkey a healthy alternative to beef?
Yes, ground turkey is lower in fat and calories compared to ground beef, making it a great option for a leaner meal without sacrificing flavor or protein content.
Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker?
You can, but I recommend browning the turkey and softening the potatoes first to develop the best flavor. Then transfer everything to a slow cooker and let it cook on low for 3 to 4 hours until the potatoes are tender.
What spices can I add for more heat?
If you love a kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red chili flakes during the seasoning step. This will add a gentle warmth that complements the herbs nicely.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, this Easy Ground Turkey with Potatoes Recipe is naturally gluten-free since it uses fresh ingredients and no wheat-based sauces or thickeners.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Ground Turkey with Potatoes Recipe feels like a warm hug on a plate — simple, nourishing, and packed with so much flavor. It’s a versatile dish that you can make any night of the week when you want to eat well without fuss. I encourage you to give this recipe a try and make it your own by adding the herbs and sides you love most. Enjoy every cozy bite!
Print
Easy Ground Turkey with Potatoes Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American with Mediterranean influences
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
This easy ground turkey with potatoes recipe is a hearty and flavorful one-pan meal perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. Ground turkey is browned and simmered with diced potatoes, aromatic herbs, and a rich tomato sauce, resulting in a comforting dish full of savory, Mediterranean-inspired flavors. Simple ingredients come together in under 40 minutes for a satisfying and nourishing plate that pairs well with rice or steamed vegetables.
Ingredients
Protein
- 1 lb ground turkey
Vegetables
- 3–4 medium potatoes, diced
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Liquids & Sauces
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- ½ cup water
Herbs & Spices
- 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
Instructions
- Brown the turkey: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add the ground turkey and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula. Season with salt, black pepper, and oregano. Once cooked through, remove the turkey from the skillet and set aside.
- Cook the potatoes: In the same skillet, heat the olive oil. Add diced potatoes and cook for 5–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the potatoes are browned and beginning to soften.
- Combine ingredients: Return the browned turkey to the skillet. Add the tomato sauce, water, minced garlic, dried oregano, dried basil, dried parsley, salt, pepper, and onion powder. Stir everything together to combine well.
- Simmer the mixture: Cover the skillet with a lid and let the mixture simmer on medium-low heat for about 5 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the flavors have melded beautifully.
- Final seasoning & serve: Taste the dish and adjust the seasonings if needed. Serve warm on its own or over rice or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
Notes
- To save time, you can parboil the potatoes before adding them to the skillet for faster cooking.
- Feel free to substitute ground turkey with ground chicken or lean ground beef for variation.
- Adding a pinch of chili powder or red pepper flakes can add a nice subtle heat.
- This dish keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and can be reheated gently on the stovetop or microwave.
- For a gluten-free version, ensure the tomato sauce is free of any additives containing gluten.
