Ground Turkey & Potato Skillet

Wondering what to make tonight? Quickly throw together this hearty one pot meal of ground turkey and potatoes! Perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings, the Ground Turkey & Potato Skillet is both flavorful and satisfying. Its versatility allows it to be served over roasted veggies, rice, or cauliflower rice, making it a go-to recipe for any occasion. The standout qualities of this dish include its ease of preparation and the comfort it brings to your table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This dish comes together in just 25 minutes, making it ideal for busy evenings.
• One-Pot Convenience: With everything cooked in a single skillet, cleanup is a breeze.
• Customizable Flavors: You can easily tweak the spices or add your favorite vegetables for a personal touch.
• Hearty and Filling: Packed with protein and carbohydrates, it’s sure to keep you satisfied.
• Healthy Ingredients: Using lean ground turkey and fresh vegetables makes this meal nutritious without compromising flavor.

Tools and Preparation

To create your Ground Turkey & Potato Skillet, having the right tools on hand will make the process smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Kitchen Tools

• Skillet
• Spatula
• Knife
• Cutting Board

Why These Tools Matter

• Skillet: A good skillet ensures even cooking and great browning of the meat and potatoes.
• Spatula: A sturdy spatula helps you easily crumble the turkey and stir ingredients without damaging your cookware.
• Knife: A sharp knife makes chopping vegetables quick and efficient, saving you time in prep.
• Cutting Board: Protects your countertops while providing a stable surface for cutting.

Ingredients

Wondering what to make tonight? Quickly throw together this hearty one pot meal of turkey and potatoes! Serve over roasted veggies, traditional rice, or cauliflower rice for a healthy and satisfying dinner.

For the Skillet

• 1 lb lean ground turkey (I use 93/7. You can use ground beef if you prefer.)
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp chili powder
• 1/2 tsp dried oregano
• 2 tbsp olive or avocado oil
• 4 cups diced potatoes (Dice small to ensure they cook quickly.)
• 8 oz canned tomato sauce
• 1/2 cup water
• 2 tsp garlic (minced)
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp dried basil
• 1/2 tsp dried parsley
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 tsp onion powder

How to Make Ground Turkey & Potato Skillet

Step 1: Brown the Ground Turkey

Add your ground turkey (or beef) to a skillet on the stovetop. Use your spatula to crumble the meat. Cook on medium high heat, stirring occasionally until browned. Stir in salt, pepper, garlic powder, chili powder, and oregano. Remove from pan and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Potatoes

Add the oil to the skillet. Once the oil is hot, add the diced potatoes. Sauté on medium high heat, stirring occasionally until sides of potatoes have browned. This can take 5 to 10 minutes depending on your stove and the size of your potatoes.

Step 3: Combine Ingredients

Reduce heat to medium. Add your cooked ground turkey, tomato sauce, water, minced garlic, oregano, basil, parsley, salt, pepper, and onion powder to the skillet with potatoes. Cover and simmer for 5 minutes or until potatoes are tender.

Step 4: Adjust Seasoning

Taste your dish and add more salt or pepper if desired.

Step 5: Serve

Serve over roasted vegetables (I recommend my Spicy Roasted Broccoli or Easy Roasted Broccoli), traditional rice, or cauliflower rice for a complete meal.

How to Serve Ground Turkey & Potato Skillet

This Ground Turkey & Potato Skillet is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed in many ways. Whether you prefer it over grains, veggies, or on its own, there are plenty of serving options to enhance your meal.

Over Roasted Vegetables

• Spicy Roasted Broccoli: Pair this skillet with flavorful broccoli that has been tossed in spices and roasted until crispy.
• Easy Roasted Carrots: Sweet carrots roasted to perfection add a nice contrast to the savory turkey and potatoes.
• Zucchini Medley: A mix of zucchini and bell peppers roasted together offers a colorful side that complements the dish.

With Rice Alternatives

• Traditional Rice: Serve over fluffy white or brown rice for a classic combination that soaks up all the delicious flavors.
• Cauliflower Rice: For a low-carb option, cauliflower rice provides a great base while keeping the dish light and healthy.
• Quinoa: This protein-rich grain adds a nutty flavor and boosts the nutritional value of your meal.

As a Standalone Meal

• In a Bowl: Enjoy the skillet dish on its own in a bowl for an easy and hearty dinner without any sides.
• Stuffed in Bell Peppers: For an exciting twist, use the mixture as stuffing for halved bell peppers and bake until tender.

How to Perfect Ground Turkey & Potato Skillet

To achieve the best results with your Ground Turkey & Potato Skillet, consider these helpful tips. They will ensure that your meal is flavorful and satisfying.

• Bold Seasoning: Don’t hesitate to adjust the spices to your taste. Adding more garlic or chili powder can enhance the flavors.
• Even Potato Dicing: Make sure your potatoes are diced uniformly. This ensures they cook evenly and are tender throughout.
• Use Fresh Herbs: If available, fresh herbs like basil or parsley can elevate the dish’s taste compared to dried ones.
• Control Heat Levels: Monitor your skillet’s heat closely; adjusting it appropriately can prevent burning while ensuring perfect cooking.
• Check Doneness: Always taste test the potatoes before serving. They should be tender but not mushy.
• Add Vegetables: Feel free to stir in other vegetables like spinach or peas during cooking for added nutrients and texture.

Best Side Dishes for Ground Turkey & Potato Skillet

Pairing side dishes with your Ground Turkey & Potato Skillet can elevate your dining experience. Here are some excellent options to consider.

1. Garlic Bread: Crispy garlic bread makes for a delightful addition, perfect for scooping up any leftover sauce.
2. Simple Salad: A fresh salad with mixed greens and a light vinaigrette complements the hearty skillet nicely.
3. Steamed Green Beans: Lightly steamed green beans provide crunch and color, balancing out the meal beautifully.
4. Mashed Cauliflower: For those who want to keep it low-carb, creamy mashed cauliflower is an excellent substitute for traditional mashed potatoes.
5. Roasted Sweet Potatoes: Their natural sweetness contrasts wonderfully with savory turkey and potatoes.
6. Couscous Salad: A light couscous salad with lemon dressing gives a refreshing touch to your plate.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making your Ground Turkey & Potato Skillet, it’s easy to overlook some key details that can affect the dish. Here are some common mistakes to avoid for the best results.

• Using uneven potato sizes: If your potatoes are not diced uniformly, they will cook at different rates. To avoid this, make sure all pieces are similar in size for even cooking.
• Skipping seasoning adjustments: Tasting your dish before serving is essential. Always adjust the seasoning to suit your palate, as different brands of ingredients can vary in saltiness and flavor.
• Not browning the meat properly: Browning adds depth of flavor to your dish. Make sure to cook the ground turkey until it’s fully browned before adding other ingredients for the best taste.
• Overcrowding the skillet: If you add too much food at once, it can steam rather than sauté. Cook in batches if necessary, ensuring each ingredient gets enough heat.
• Ignoring cooking times: Cooking times are crucial for achieving tender potatoes and flavorful meat. Keep an eye on them and don’t rush through any step.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days.
• Make sure to let it cool down before sealing to prevent condensation.

Freezing Ground Turkey & Potato Skillet

• Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2–3 months.
• Separate into individual portions for easier reheating later.

Reheating Ground Turkey & Potato Skillet

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake in a covered dish until heated through, about 20 minutes.
• Microwave: Use a microwave-safe container and heat on medium power in intervals of 1-2 minutes until hot.
• Stovetop: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed throughout.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Ground Turkey & Potato Skillet?

A Ground Turkey & Potato Skillet is a hearty one-pot meal combining lean ground turkey and diced potatoes with various seasonings, creating a satisfying dish perfect for dinner.

Can I substitute ground turkey with another protein?

Yes! You can use ground chicken or beef instead of turkey. Each will bring its own flavor profile while maintaining the essence of this skillet meal.

How do I customize my Ground Turkey & Potato Skillet?

Feel free to add vegetables like bell peppers or spinach for extra nutrition. You can also experiment with different herbs and spices based on your taste preferences.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! This dish stores well and can be made ahead of time, making it perfect for meal prepping throughout the week.

Conclusion

The Ground Turkey & Potato Skillet is not just easy to make; it’s also versatile and packed with flavor. Customize it with your favorite veggies or spices to make it truly yours. Give this recipe a try tonight for a quick and satisfying dinner!

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