Ground turkey with potatoes is a comforting, hearty dish that brings warmth to your kitchen. This simple recipe combines the lean protein of ground turkey with tender potatoes, spices, and fresh ingredients to create a meal that is both nutritious and satisfying. It’s a perfect choice for busy weeknights or when you want something delicious and easy to whip up.
Why We Love This Ground Turkey with Potatoes Recipe
This ground turkey with potatoes recipe stands out due to its versatility and wholesome ingredients. It’s not just easy to prepare; it’s also packed with flavor and nutrition. You can customize the spices to suit your personal taste, and it holds up well as leftovers, making it a practical choice for meal prep. Moreover, you can feel good about serving this dish to your family, knowing that it features lean protein and hearty vegetables.
Ingredients about Ground Turkey with Potatoes
To create this delightful dish, you will need fewer ingredients than you might expect. Here’s what you need:
List of ingredients with measurements
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 4 medium-sized potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bell pepper, chopped (optional)
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper (or to taste)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 cup chicken broth or water
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How to Make Ground Turkey with Potatoes Directions
The process of making ground turkey with potatoes is straightforward and doesn’t require advanced cooking skills. Here’s how you can prepare this delicious dish:
- Heat the Olive Oil
- Start by heating two tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Be sure to choose a pan that’s roomy enough to accommodate all your ingredients without overcrowding.
- Sauté Onions and Garlic
- Once the oil is hot, add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook these ingredients for about 3-4 minutes until the onion is soft and translucent. This step is important because it builds the base flavor of your dish.
- Cook the Ground Turkey
- Next, add your pound of ground turkey to the skillet. Break it into smaller pieces using a spatula. Cook the turkey for about 5-7 minutes until it’s browned evenly. Make sure to stir occasionally to avoid sticking and ensure even cooking.
- Add the Potatoes and Spices
- After the turkey is browned, stir in the diced potatoes and the optional chopped bell pepper. Add in the spices: dried thyme, paprika, ground cumin, salt, and black pepper. Mixing these well ensures that the flavors permeate every piece of potato and turkey.
- Pour in the Chicken Broth or Water
- With everything mixed together, pour in 1/2 cup of chicken broth or water. This will help with the cooking process and add moisture to the dish. Once added, cover the skillet with a lid, reduce the heat to low, and let it simmer for about 15-20 minutes. This simmering time allows the potatoes to become tender and soak up the delicious flavors.
- Adjust Seasoning
- After simmering, remove the lid and give everything a good stir. Check the seasoning and adjust as needed. If you want a little more flavor, feel free to add more salt, pepper, or spices.
- Serve with Fresh Parsley
- Once everything is cooked to perfection, garnish your dish with freshly chopped parsley. This adds a bright color and a hint of freshness that complements the heartiness of the dish.
How to Serve Ground Turkey with Potatoes
When it comes to serving ground turkey with potatoes, simplicity is key. You can serve it directly from the skillet for a rustic touch. Fill a bowl or a plate with the turkey and potato mixture, ensuring that everyone gets a generous portion. Pair it with a fresh salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal. If you want to enhance the dish even further, a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of cheese on top can add a bit of richness.
This dish also works well with crusty bread on the side; it’s perfect for scooping up any delicious sauce left on your plate. Ground turkey with potatoes is delightful as a warm meal, but it can also be enjoyed as leftovers, making it an ideal candidate for meal prep.
Expert Tips: Ground Turkey with Potatoes
- Choosing the Right Potatoes
- For this dish, opt for starchy potatoes like Russets or all-purpose types like Yukon Gold. They hold up well during cooking and absorb flavors beautifully.
- Spice It Up
- Feel free to experiment with spices according to your palate. If you prefer heat, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes. Alternatively, some Italian seasoning can add a new dimension to this dish.
- Prepping Ahead of Time
- If you’re short on time during the week, you can chop your potatoes, onions, and bell pepper ahead of time. Store them in the fridge to streamline the cooking process.
- Add More Veggies
- To boost the nutritional value of your meal, you can add other vegetables. Carrots, peas, or green beans can be excellent additions, providing color and an extra layer of flavor.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan
- If you’re making a large batch, consider using two skillets to avoid overcrowding. If the ingredients are packed too tightly, they may steam instead of brown, which can affect the flavor of your dish.
How to Store Ground Turkey with Potatoes
Storing ground turkey with potatoes is simple. Allow the dish to cool completely after cooking. Transfer it to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. This meal will stay delicious for up to three days. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing it. Remember to portion it out before freezing for quick thawing. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and reheat it on the stove or in the microwave until heated through.
Variation of Ground Turkey with Potatoes
There are numerous ways to customize ground turkey with potatoes to suit your taste. Here are some variations you might consider:
- Spicy Version
- Incorporate diced jalapeños or your favorite hot sauce into the mix for a spicy kick. This will give your dish a rich depth of flavor and satisfy those who love heat.
- Creamy Turkey and Potatoes
- Those who enjoy a creamy texture can add a splash of cream or sour cream right before serving. Mix it into the dish for a richer flavor profile.
- One-Pot Meal Variation
- For a one-pot wonder, try adding rice or quinoa at the same time as your potatoes. Just ensure you adjust the liquid accordingly and increase the simmering time for the grains to cook properly.
- Herb Infusion
- Change the flavor profile by swapping out the thyme for rosemary or adding fresh basil. Herbs can dramatically change the character of the dish, bringing freshness and unique tastes.
- Change the Protein
- While this recipe focuses on ground turkey, you can experiment with ground chicken or even plant-based meat alternatives for a vegetarian version. Adjust the spices as needed to suit your chosen protein.
FAQ
Can I use sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes in ground turkey with potatoes?
Yes, sweet potatoes can be a nutritious substitute. They add a touch of sweetness that complements the savory turkey beautifully.
How do I know when the ground turkey is fully cooked?
Ground turkey should be cooked until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). The meat should no longer be pink, and the juices should run clear.
Can I make ground turkey with potatoes in advance?
Absolutely! This dish is perfect for meal prep. Just store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator or freeze it for later use.
What can I serve with ground turkey and potatoes?
You can serve this dish with a side salad, steamed vegetables, or crusty bread to soak up the sauce.
How can I customize the spice level in this dish?
You can easily adjust the spice level by adding more or less of the spices used or by incorporating hot sauce or pepper for heat. Consider adding ingredients according to personal taste preferences.
Ground Turkey with Potatoes
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 4 medium-sized potatoes, peeled and diced Opt for starchy varieties like Russets or Yukon Gold.
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium bell pepper, chopped (optional)
Spices
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper (or to taste)
Cooking Essentials
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 cup chicken broth or water
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
Preparation
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook for 3-4 minutes until the onion is soft and translucent.
- Add the ground turkey to the skillet. Break it into smaller pieces and cook for 5-7 minutes until browned evenly.
Cooking
- Stir in the diced potatoes and optional chopped bell pepper along with the dried thyme, paprika, ground cumin, salt, and black pepper.
- Pour in the chicken broth or water, cover the skillet with a lid, reduce heat to low, and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes.
- After simmering, remove the lid and give the mixture a good stir. Adjust seasoning as needed.
- Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving.
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