Ground Turkey with Potatoes is a simple and comforting dish that brings together juicy, seasoned turkey and tender, golden potatoes. It’s a one-pan meal that’s both filling and full of homey flavors. The mix of savory turkey and crispy potatoes makes it easy to love, especially on a busy weeknight.
I like to add a bit of garlic and onion to the turkey while it cooks to boost the flavor without making things complicated. Sometimes I throw in some herbs like thyme or parsley to freshen it up a little. What’s great is how easy it is to adjust the spices depending on what I have on hand — a quick way to keep it interesting.
My favorite way to serve this is straight from the pan onto a plate with a simple side salad or some steamed veggies. It feels like the perfect no-fuss dinner that still tastes like I spent time in the kitchen. Whenever I make this, I’m reminded of meals from home that warmed me up and made me feel cozy, no matter the season.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions for Ground Turkey with Potatoes and Broccoli
Ground Turkey: This lean meat cooks quickly and is mild in flavor. If you want a fattier option, try ground chicken or lean ground beef. For a vegetarian pick, crumbled firm tofu or plant-based meat works well.
Yellow Potatoes: They hold their shape and get nicely crispy. If you don’t have yellow potatoes, russets or red potatoes are good substitutes. Just keep the chunks similar in size for even cooking.
Broccoli: Adds color and crunch. You can swap it with green beans, bell peppers, or zucchini — just add them later to keep their texture fresh.
Spices (Smoked Paprika, Cumin, Chili Powder): These bring warmth and a hint of depth. If you’re short on chili powder, a pinch of cayenne or chili flakes works fine. Feel free to adjust the spice levels to your liking.
Tomato Paste & Diced Tomatoes: These build the sauce base. If you don’t have tomato paste, add a bit of tomato sauce or omit for a lighter dish.
How Can I Cook Potatoes and Ground Turkey Perfectly Together?
The key is to cook the potatoes first so they get tender and slightly crisp before adding the turkey. Here’s how I do it:
- Heat oil in the pan and add potatoes, cooking them over medium heat. Stir occasionally so they brown evenly without burning.
- Once potatoes are soft and starting to brown (around 10-12 minutes), push them to one side.
- Add oil if needed and cook onions and garlic separately so their flavors develop without burning.
- Add ground turkey to the pan, breaking it up well. Cook until turkey is no longer pink.
- Combine turkey and potatoes, then add tomatoes and spices. Let it simmer so flavors blend.
- Finally, add broccoli, cover, and cook until it’s tender but still bright green.
Taking these steps ensures potatoes don’t stay hard and turkey cooks through without drying out. It keeps the dish balanced and tasty every time!
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large skillet or frying pan – perfect for cooking turkey and potatoes together in one place.
- Wooden spoon or spatula – great for stirring and breaking up ground turkey without scratching your pan.
- Knife and cutting board – for chopping potatoes, broccoli, onions, and garlic easily and safely.
- Measuring spoons – help you add the right amount of spices for balanced flavor.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Add bell peppers or zucchini for extra color and veggies; they cook quickly and bring freshness.
- Swap ground turkey for ground chicken or lean ground beef if you prefer a different protein taste.
- Mix in shredded cheese like cheddar or mozzarella at the end for a creamy texture.
- Use fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro instead of green onions for a bright, fresh finish.
How to Make Ground Turkey with Potatoes and Broccoli
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 3 medium yellow potatoes, peeled and diced into chunks
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup diced tomatoes (fresh or canned)
- 1 tbsp tomato paste (optional for richer flavor)
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp ground cumin
- ½ tsp chili powder (optional for a little heat)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- ¼ cup chopped green onions or fresh herbs for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This meal takes about 30-35 minutes from start to finish. You’ll spend 10-12 minutes cooking the potatoes, then another 15-20 minutes preparing the turkey with the veggies and spices. It’s a quick, healthy dish that comes together nicely in one pan.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Potatoes:
Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet or frying pan over medium heat. Add the diced potatoes and cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they start to brown and become tender.
2. Sauté Onion and Garlic:
In the same pan (pushing potatoes to one side if needed) or in a separate pan, heat the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil. Add the chopped onion and garlic, cooking about 3-4 minutes until fragrant and translucent.
3. Brown the Ground Turkey:
Add the ground turkey to the onion and garlic. Break it apart with a spatula and cook for 6-8 minutes until the turkey is fully browned and cooked through.
4. Add Tomatoes and Spices:
Stir in diced tomatoes and tomato paste. Sprinkle in smoked paprika, cumin, chili powder (if using), salt, and pepper. Mix well and let cook for another 5 minutes so the flavors blend.
5. Cook Broccoli and Combine Everything:
Add the broccoli florets to the skillet with the turkey and potatoes. Stir everything together, cover the pan, and cook for 5-7 minutes until the broccoli is tender but still bright green.
6. Season and Serve:
Taste the dish and adjust the seasoning if needed. Garnish with chopped green onions or fresh herbs. Serve warm and enjoy your hearty, flavorful meal!
Can I Use Frozen Ground Turkey or Potatoes?
Yes, you can! Just be sure to thaw them completely before cooking. Thaw frozen turkey in the fridge overnight for best results, and let frozen potatoes thaw or cook them a bit longer until tender.
Can I Substitute Other Vegetables for Broccoli?
Absolutely! Green beans, bell peppers, zucchini, or carrots all work well. Add vegetables that cook quickly toward the end to keep their texture and color.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring halfway through for even warming.
Can I Make This Recipe Spicier or Milder?
Definitely! Adjust the chili powder to your taste, or omit it completely for a milder dish. You can also add extra spices like cayenne or smoked paprika to boost heat and flavor.
