Turkey with Potatoes Skillet

This simple one-skillet ground turkey with potatoes dish has become my weeknight salvation when I need a nutritious, budget-friendly meal that satisfies the whole family. The combination of lean protein, hearty potatoes and savory seasonings creates a comforting meal that comes together in just 35 minutes.

I discovered this recipe during a particularly busy season when my family needed quick but nourishing dinners. Now it appears on our table at least twice a month because everyone cleans their plate without complaint.

Ingredients

• Ground turkey: lean protein that absorbs flavors beautifully while keeping the dish lighter than beef
• Potatoes: create a hearty base that makes this dish filling and comforting
• Olive oil: helps create a flavorful foundation and prevents sticking
• Onion: provides aromatic sweetness and depth
• Garlic: adds essential punchy flavor that elevates the entire dish
• Bell pepper: contributes color vibrance and subtle sweetness
• Smoked paprika: brings a distinctive smoky dimension that transforms ordinary ingredients
• Dried thyme: adds an earthy herbal note that complements the turkey perfectly
• Salt and pepper: essential for bringing all flavors to life
• Fresh parsley: brightens the finished dish with color and fresh flavor
• Red chili flakes: optional for those who enjoy a subtle heat undertone

Step-by-Step Instructions

Start the Aromatics:

Heat your olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat until it shimmers slightly but doesn't smoke. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic carefully to avoid burning the garlic. Sauté them together for 2-3 minutes while stirring occasionally until they become fragrant and translucent but not browned.

Add the Vegetables:

Incorporate the diced potatoes and chopped bell pepper into the skillet. Make sure your potatoes are cut into uniform sized pieces about half an inch for even cooking. Stir everything together to coat in the oil and aromatics then cook for 10 minutes. During this time stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even browning. The potatoes will begin to soften but won't be completely tender yet.

Cook the Turkey:

Push all vegetables to one side of the skillet creating space to add the ground turkey. Break the turkey into the empty side of the pan and let it begin to brown for about a minute before breaking it apart with a wooden spoon into small crumbles. Continue cooking until no pink remains and the meat is fully cooked through which takes about 5 minutes.

Season the Dish:

Sprinkle the smoked paprika dried thyme salt pepper and optional red chili flakes evenly over the entire skillet. Mix everything together thoroughly ensuring the seasonings are well distributed throughout both the meat and vegetables. The paprika will give everything a beautiful reddish hue.

Finish Cooking:

Allow everything to cook together for another 5-7 minutes stirring occasionally. This final cooking time allows the flavors to meld and ensures the potatoes become perfectly tender. Test a potato piece with a fork it should pierce easily when done.

Add Fresh Finish:

Remove the skillet from heat and immediately stir in the freshly chopped parsley. The residual heat will slightly wilt the herbs while maintaining their bright flavor. Serve immediately while still hot.

Save

The smoked paprika is truly the secret ingredient in this recipe. I once accidentally used regular paprika instead and my husband immediately noticed the difference. The smoky depth it adds transforms this simple dish into something that tastes like it took much more effort than it actually did.

Perfect Potato Selection

For this recipe waxy potatoes like Yukon Gold or red potatoes work best as they hold their shape during cooking. Avoid starchy russet potatoes which tend to break down too much during the cooking process. If using baby potatoes simply quarter them instead of dicing for a rustic presentation. The key is ensuring all potato pieces are roughly the same size to guarantee even cooking.

Make It Your Own

This recipe serves as an excellent base for countless variations. Swap the bell pepper for other vegetables like zucchini mushrooms or frozen peas. For a Mediterranean twist add olives and a sprinkle of feta cheese before serving. Looking for more complex flavors? Add a tablespoon of tomato paste when seasoning or incorporate curry powder instead of paprika and thyme. The adaptability of this dish makes it perfect for using whatever ingredients you have available.

Serving Suggestions

While delicious on its own this turkey and potato skillet can be elevated in several ways. Serve it alongside a simple green salad for a complete meal. For breakfast minded variations top with a fried egg for a delicious protein packed start to your day. The leftovers also make excellent filling for breakfast burritos simply wrap in a tortilla with some shredded cheese. For a more substantial dinner serve with crusty bread for soaking up the flavorful juices.

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I substitute the ground turkey with another protein?

Yes, ground chicken, beef, or even plant-based meat alternatives work well in this dish. Each will provide a different flavor profile, with beef offering a richer taste and chicken being similar to turkey. Adjust cooking times slightly as needed, as beef may take a bit longer while plant-based alternatives might cook more quickly.

→ How can I make this dish more flavorful?

To enhance the flavor, try adding additional herbs like rosemary or oregano, incorporating a tablespoon of tomato paste while cooking the meat, deglazing the pan with a splash of white wine, or stirring in a quarter cup of grated Parmesan cheese at the end. You could also increase the garlic or add a teaspoon of your favorite herb blend.

→ What type of potatoes work best for this dish?

Waxy potatoes like Yukon Gold or red potatoes hold their shape well during cooking and are ideal for this skillet dish. Russet potatoes can also work but may break down more during cooking, creating a slightly different texture. For faster cooking, ensure your potato dice is consistent and relatively small (about 1/2-inch cubes).

→ Can I prepare any components ahead of time?

Yes, you can chop all the vegetables (onions, garlic, bell peppers, and potatoes) up to a day in advance and store them in airtight containers in the refrigerator. The potatoes should be kept in cold water to prevent browning, then drained and patted dry before cooking. This prep work will significantly reduce your cooking time when ready to make the dish.

→ How can I make this dish more filling?

To make this dish more substantial, consider adding a can of drained black beans or corn during the final 5 minutes of cooking. You could also serve it with a side of crusty bread, over rice, or wrapped in warm tortillas as a burrito filling. Adding cheese on top or incorporating more vegetables like mushrooms or zucchini will also increase the volume and nutritional value.

→ Is this dish suitable for meal prep?

This turkey and potato skillet is excellent for meal prep. Once cooled, portion it into microwave-safe containers and refrigerate for up to 4 days. To reheat, microwave on medium power with a splash of water or broth to maintain moisture. The flavors often develop further after a day in the refrigerator, making leftovers particularly delicious.