The Star Players: Ingredients You’ll Need
Ground Turkey Goodness
- 1 pound ground turkey (lean or regular, your preference!)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Potato Power
- 1.5 pounds Yukon gold potatoes, diced into 1/2-inch pieces
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
Flavor Boosters
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little kick!)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Finishing Touches
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
- Optional: shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, or your favorite toppings
Let’s Get Cooking: Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prep the Turkey
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet (cast iron works great!) over medium-high heat.
- Add the ground turkey and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through. Drain off any excess grease. I always pat my ground turkey dry with paper towels before cooking to help it brown better!
- Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 3-5 minutes.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic!
Step 2: Potato Party!
- Add the diced potatoes and bell peppers to the skillet.
- Season with oregano, thyme, smoked paprika, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine. I love the smoky depth the paprika adds, but feel free to use regular paprika if that’s what you have on hand.
Step 3: Simmer to Perfection
- Reduce the heat to medium, cover the skillet, and cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. If the potatoes start to stick, add a splash of water or broth to the skillet.
- Remove the lid and cook for another 5-10 minutes, or until the potatoes are lightly browned. This is where you’ll get that delicious crispy texture!
Step 4: Garnish and Serve
- Remove from heat and garnish with fresh parsley.
- Serve immediately. Top with shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, or your favorite toppings, if desired.
Why This Ground Turkey Potato Skillet is a Winner
Okay, besides the fact that it’s absolutely delicious, let me tell you why this Ground Turkey Potato Skillet is a game-changer for busy weeknights. As far as Dinner Options go, this one is hard to beat.- One-Pan Wonder: Fewer dishes to wash? Yes, please! Everything cooks in one skillet, making cleanup a breeze.
- Healthy and Filling: This skillet is packed with lean protein from the ground turkey and complex carbohydrates from the potatoes, making it a satisfying and nutritious meal. Using ground turkey instead of ground beef can cut down on fat, too, making it a healthier choice.
- Customizable: Don’t like bell peppers? Swap them out for your favorite veggies! Want to add more spice? Add a pinch of cayenne pepper. This recipe is incredibly versatile.
- Budget-Friendly: Ground turkey and potatoes are both relatively inexpensive ingredients, making this a great meal for feeding a family on a budget.
- Meal Prep Friendly: This Ground Turkey Potato Skillet reheats beautifully, making it perfect for meal prepping lunches or dinners for the week.
Tips and Tricks for Skillet Success
I want this recipe to be foolproof for you, so here are some extra tips to ensure your Ground Turkey Potato Skillet turns out perfectly every time:- Choose the Right Potatoes: Yukon gold potatoes are my favorite for this recipe because they have a creamy texture and hold their shape well. However, you can also use red potatoes or even russet potatoes. Just be sure to dice them into uniform pieces so they cook evenly.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Skillet: If your skillet is too crowded, the potatoes will steam instead of brown. If necessary, cook the potatoes in batches. A large skillet is definitely your friend here.
- Season Generously: Don’t be shy with the salt, pepper, and other seasonings. This is what will give your Ground Turkey Potato Skillet its flavor. I always taste as I go and adjust the seasonings as needed.
- Adjust Cooking Time as Needed: The cooking time will vary depending on the size of your potato pieces and the heat of your stove. Keep an eye on the potatoes and cook until they are tender and lightly browned.
- Make it a Gluten-Free Meal: This recipe is naturally gluten free, ensuring that everyone at the table can have a delicious meal. If you’re looking for other gluten-free options, consider trying our Ground Turkey And Peppers Stir-fry or even using this recipe as a filling for Gluten Free Chicken lettuce wraps.
Variations to Spice Things Up
Want to put your own spin on this Ground Turkey Potato Skillet? Here are a few ideas:- Add Cheese: Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese, Monterey Jack cheese, or pepper jack cheese over the skillet during the last few minutes of cooking.
- Add Vegetables: Add other vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach.
- Make it Spicy: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the skillet.
- Add Beans: Stir in a can of drained and rinsed black beans or kidney beans.
- Use Different Herbs: Experiment with different herbs like rosemary, sage, or marjoram.
Serving Suggestions: What to Serve with Your Skillet
This Ground Turkey Potato Skillet is delicious on its own, but it also pairs well with a variety of sides. Here are a few of my favorites, keeping in mind the perfect Bread Serving is essential:- Salad: A simple green salad with a vinaigrette dressing.
- Bread: Crusty bread or rolls for dipping into the skillet.
- Vegetables: Steamed broccoli, green beans, or asparagus.
- Soup: A creamy tomato soup or a hearty vegetable soup. Have you tried Outback Potato Soup? It would be an amazing pairing with this skillet!
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Got leftovers? Lucky you! Here’s how to store and reheat your Ground Turkey Potato Skillet:- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat until heated through. You can also reheat in the microwave, but the potatoes may not be as crispy.
Ground Turkey vs. Other Protein Options
While this recipe calls for ground turkey, you could easily substitute other proteins. Ground beef is a classic choice, and you might even consider using ground chicken. Keep in mind that cooking times may vary slightly depending on the protein you choose. For instance, you could try it with a Slow Cooker Beef And Potato Casserole type approach by letting the flavors meld over low heat for a longer period. Or, for a different flavor profile, consider Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Potatoes. However, for a lighter and potentially healthier option, ground turkey is definitely a great choice. No matter how you choose to customize it, this Ground Turkey Potato Skillet is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. Enjoy!What kind of potatoes are best for this skillet recipe?
Yukon gold potatoes are recommended for their creamy texture and ability to hold their shape, but red potatoes or russet potatoes can also be used. Make sure to dice them uniformly for even cooking.
How can I prevent the potatoes from sticking to the skillet while cooking?
Stir the potatoes occasionally during cooking. If they start to stick, add a splash of water or broth to the skillet.
How should I store and reheat leftover Ground Turkey Potato Skillet?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave.
Can I substitute ground beef or ground chicken for the ground turkey in this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute ground beef or ground chicken. Cooking times may vary slightly depending on the protein you choose.
Best Ground Turkey Potato Skillet
This Ground Turkey Potato Skillet is a comforting and healthy one-pan meal perfect for busy weeknights. Tender potatoes and browned ground turkey are seasoned to perfection and ready in under an hour, making it a family favorite.
Equipment
- Large skillet (preferably cast iron)
- Spoon or spatula
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Measuring spoons
- Measuring cups
- Paper towels
- Lid for skillet
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1.5 pounds Yukon gold potatoes, diced into 1/2-inch pieces
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
- Salt to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper to taste
- ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
- Optional: shredded cheddar cheese, for topping
- Optional: sour cream, for topping
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the ground turkey and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through. Drain off any excess grease.
- Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 3-5 minutes.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Add the diced potatoes and bell peppers to the skillet.
- Season with oregano, thyme, smoked paprika, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine.
- Reduce the heat to medium, cover the skillet, and cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Add a splash of water or broth if needed.
- Remove the lid and cook for another 5-10 minutes, or until the potatoes are lightly browned.
- Remove from heat and garnish with fresh parsley.
- Serve immediately. Top with shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, or your favorite toppings, if desired.
Notes
For best results, use Yukon gold potatoes. Don’t overcrowd the skillet to ensure browning. Season generously. Cooking time may vary depending on potato size and stove heat. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in a skillet or microwave. Variations include adding cheese, different vegetables, spice, beans, or herbs. This recipe is naturally gluten-free.
