Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s quick, budget-friendly, and incredibly versatile. It uses everyday ingredients but delivers bold, satisfying flavor thanks to smoked paprika, oregano, and a touch of garlic. It’s easy to customize with whatever vegetables or spices I have on hand, and it’s perfect for meal prep since it reheats so well. Plus, it’s a complete meal all on its own—protein, carbs, and veggies all in one pan.

Ingredients

(Note: All ingredient amounts are listed in the recipe card below.)

1 lb (450 g) ground turkey
3 medium potatoes, peeled and diced into ½-inch cubes
1 medium onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 bell pepper (any color), diced (optional)
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon dried oregano or Italian seasoning
½ teaspoon ground cumin (optional)
Salt and pepper, to taste
Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped (for garnish)

Directions

1. Prep the Potatoes:
   I heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. I add the diced potatoes, season them lightly with salt and pepper, and cook for about 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they’re golden and starting to soften. I remove them from the skillet and set them aside.

2. Cook the Turkey and Veggies:
   In the same skillet, I add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. I sauté the diced onion and bell pepper for 3–4 minutes until they begin to soften. Then, I add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant. I add the ground turkey, breaking it up with a spoon, and season it with smoked paprika, oregano, cumin (if using), salt, and pepper. I cook until the turkey is browned and cooked through, about 6–8 minutes.

3. Combine and Finish:
   I return the cooked potatoes to the skillet with the turkey mixture. I stir everything together and cook for another 3–5 minutes to let the flavors meld and the potatoes finish cooking. I taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.

4. Serve:
   I garnish the dish with fresh parsley or cilantro and serve it hot. It’s delicious on its own, but I sometimes pair it with a simple salad or steamed vegetables for a more balanced meal.

Servings and Timing

This recipe serves about 4 people and takes roughly 40 minutes total—10 minutes to prep and 30 minutes to cook.

Variations

I love switching things up with this recipe. Sometimes I use sweet potatoes instead of regular ones for a slightly sweeter, more colorful version. For extra flavor, I add a splash of soy sauce or Worcestershire sauce while cooking the turkey. If I want to make it heartier, I sprinkle shredded cheese on top and cover the skillet for a few minutes until melted. I also like adding a handful of spinach or kale at the end for extra greens and nutrition.

Storage/Reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, I warm it in a skillet over medium heat until hot, adding a splash of water or broth if needed to keep it from drying out. It also reheats well in the microwave for a quick meal. This dish can be frozen too—I cool it completely, store it in freezer-safe containers, and reheat it straight from frozen in a covered skillet or microwave.

FAQs

Can I use ground chicken or beef instead of turkey?

Yes, I often substitute ground chicken or lean ground beef for a slightly different flavor.

Can I make this dish spicy?

Definitely. I add a pinch of chili flakes, cayenne pepper, or diced jalapeños for heat.

What kind of potatoes work best?

I like using Yukon Gold or russet potatoes—they hold up well and get beautifully crisp.

Can I add more vegetables?

Yes, I sometimes add zucchini, peas, carrots, or spinach to make it even more nutrient-packed.

How do I prevent the potatoes from sticking?

I use a nonstick skillet and don’t overcrowd the pan, allowing the potatoes to brown evenly.

Can I cook the turkey and potatoes together?

I prefer cooking them separately at first so the potatoes crisp up nicely and the turkey doesn’t overcook.

Can I use leftover potatoes?

Yes, pre-cooked or roasted potatoes work great—just add them at the end to heat through.

Is this recipe meal prep friendly?

Absolutely. I make a big batch on Sunday and enjoy it for easy lunches or quick dinners throughout the week.

Can I make it dairy-free or gluten-free?

Yes, this recipe is naturally dairy-free and gluten-free as written.

What can I serve with it?

I like pairing it with a fried egg on top for breakfast, or a green salad or roasted veggies for dinner.

Conclusion

I love how this Ground Turkey with Potatoes recipe takes simple ingredients and turns them into something warm, flavorful, and satisfying. It’s easy to make, wholesome, and endlessly adaptable—perfect for busy nights or when I want a hearty meal that doesn’t take much effort. Whether I enjoy it fresh off the stove or as leftovers the next day, it always delivers that comforting homemade goodness that I never get tired of.