There’s something incredibly comforting about gathering around the dinner table on a hectic weeknight and realizing you’ve got a delicious, homey meal waiting for you. This One-Pan Ground Turkey & Potatoes dish is exactly the kind of simple bliss that turns those “I have no time” evenings into a cozy, flavorful celebration. Savor the simple bliss of this hearty one-pan ground turkey and potatoes dish that’s perfect for busy nights! The beauty lies in its straightforwardness: with just one skillet, you can brown lean ground turkey, cook tender potato cubes, and infuse everything with aromatic herbs and spices. No juggling pots and pans, no last-minute clean-up battles. Just pure, uncomplicated comfort food that feels like a warm hug on a plate.
Every bite offers a mouthful of seasoned turkey mingling with soft, perfectly cooked potatoes, all swimming in a savory broth that picks up every hint of paprika, oregano, and thyme. As a passionate home cook, I fondly recall the first time I tried this recipe after a long day at work—I pulled open the lid to find steam swirling up, carrying the promise of something both hearty and light. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or just treating yourself, this beginner-friendly dish (Preparation Time: 15 minutes, Cooking Time: 30 minutes, Rest Time: 5 minutes) delivers on flavor and ease. At around 450 calories per serving, it’s a balanced choice for lunch or dinner, pairing effortlessly with a crisp green salad or steamed veggies. You’ll be amazed at how a few humble ingredients can transform into a standout meal that’s as nutritious as it is delicious.
KEY INGREDIENTS IN ONE-PAN GROUND TURKEY & POTATOES
Before diving into the cooking process, let’s take a closer look at the star players that make this recipe such a standout. Each ingredient has a crucial role, from adding texture and flavor to building a comforting, cohesive dish that’s both satisfying and simple. Here’s what you need:
- Ground turkey
A lean protein base that cooks quickly and takes on all the seasonings beautifully. It ensures a healthy, satisfying texture without the heaviness of red meat.
- Potatoes
Diced into bite-sized pieces, these starchy cubes add a creamy, tender contrast to the turkey. They soak up the broth and spices, creating little pockets of flavor in every forkful.
- Onion
Finely chopped to melt into the background, onions bring natural sweetness and depth. They soften in the pan, forming the flavor foundation for the entire dish.
- Garlic
Minced to release its pungent aroma, garlic adds a fragrant punch. Just a minute of sautéing unlocks its savory magic before other ingredients join the party.
- Olive oil
A drizzle of golden olive oil provides the perfect fat to sauté onions and garlic. It helps prevent sticking, coats the turkey evenly, and imparts a fruity undertone.
- Paprika
This vibrant spice delivers warmth, subtle sweetness, and a gorgeous color. It transforms the mix into a visually appealing dish with gentle smoky notes.
- Dried oregano & dried thyme
These classic herbs bring Mediterranean flair. Oregano adds earthy, peppery hints, while thyme contributes a delicate, woody aroma.
- Salt and pepper
Simple seasonings that highlight all other flavors. Adjust to your liking for perfect balance in every mouthful.
- Chicken or vegetable broth
The flavorful liquid that braises the potatoes and glues everything together. It ensures a moist, saucy finish without the need for heavy cream.
- Fresh parsley (optional)
Chopped as a garnish, parsley adds a burst of green freshness and a mild herbal finish, rounding out the dish with visual flair and bright flavor.
HOW TO MAKE ONE-PAN GROUND TURKEY & POTATOES
Getting this one-pan wonder on the table is a breeze. With just a few essential steps, you’ll layer flavors, cook proteins and starches in tandem, and end up with a satisfying meal that’s as fun to make as it is to eat. Here’s how to bring it all together:
1. In a large pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and cook until translucent, about 3–4 minutes, stirring occasionally so they soften without browning too quickly.
2. Add the minced garlic to the pan and sauté for an additional minute until fragrant, making sure the garlic doesn’t burn—this releases its full flavor.
3. Increase the heat to medium-high and add the ground turkey. Cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon as you go, approximately 5–6 minutes. Ensure even cooking and no pink bits remain.
4. Once the turkey is browned, add the diced potatoes, paprika, dried oregano, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir thoroughly to combine all ingredients, making sure the spices coat every bit of potato and turkey.
5. Pour the chicken or vegetable broth into the pan, ensuring that the potatoes are mostly submerged. Bring the mixture to a simmer, letting the flavors meld.
6. Cover the pan with a lid, reduce the heat to medium-low, and let it cook for 15–20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and cooked through.
7. Uncover the pan and let it cook for another 2–3 minutes, allowing any excess liquid to evaporate and the sauce to thicken slightly.
8. Once cooked, remove the pan from the heat. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed, adding more salt, pepper, or herbs to suit your palate.
9. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving, adding a pop of color and a fresh herbal note.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS FOR ONE-PAN GROUND TURKEY & POTATOES
Turning this cozy skillet into a memorable meal is all about the perfect finishing touches. From refreshing sides to texture-boosting toppings, here are four suggestions to elevate your dish and make every bite unforgettable:
- Pair with a crisp green salad
A simple mix of leafy greens, cucumber, and cherry tomatoes dressed in a lemon vinaigrette adds a bright, refreshing counterpoint to the savory skillet. The acidity cuts through the richness, bringing harmony to the plate.
- Top with creamy avocado slices
Drape velvety avocado over each serving to introduce a silky texture and subtle nutty flavor. A light sprinkle of sea salt and a drizzle of olive oil ties it all together, offering a modern twist.
- Serve alongside crusty bread
Warm, toasted baguette slices or rustic sourdough are perfect for sopping up leftover pan juices. The contrast of crunchy exterior and soft interior bread makes every scoop that much more satisfying.
- Add a dollop of Greek yogurt or sour cream
A cool, tangy dollop on top brings a delightful creaminess that complements the paprika-spiced turkey. For extra zing, stir in a pinch of smoked paprika before scooping.
HOW TO STORE ONE-PAN GROUND TURKEY & POTATOES
Knowing how to store this dish properly ensures you’ll enjoy that same fresh flavor long after dinner’s over. Whether you’re packing leftovers for tomorrow’s lunch or stashing portions for a future cozy night in, these tips will keep your skillet creation tasting its best:
- Refrigerate promptly
Transfer any cooled leftovers into an airtight container within two hours of cooking. Proper refrigeration slows bacterial growth and preserves flavor. Stored this way, the dish lasts up to 3–4 days in the fridge.
- Freeze for longer storage
Portion the cooled mixture into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty zip-top bags. Label with the date, and it will stay delicious for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Portion for meal prep
Divide into individual meal-prep containers for easy grab-and-go lunches. Pair each portion with steamed greens or grains for a balanced meal. When reheating, add a splash of broth to keep everything moist.
- Reheat gently
Whether using a microwave or stovetop, reheat slowly over low to medium heat. If needed, stir in a little broth or water to loosen the sauce. Cover the dish while warming to lock in moisture.
CONCLUSION
Bringing everything together, this One-Pan Ground Turkey & Potatoes recipe perfectly marries convenience and comfort. In just about 50 minutes, including prep and cooking time, you can transform humble ingredients—lean ground turkey, tender potatoes, fragrant herbs, and pantry staples—into a wholesome, satisfying dish that’s ideal for beginner cooks and seasoned chefs alike. With only one skillet, minimal cleanup, and an accessible technique that highlights sautéing, browning, and simmering, you’ll find yourself reaching for this recipe on busy weeknights, lazy weekends, or whenever you crave an effortless, hearty meal. The balanced flavors of paprika, oregano, and thyme shine through, while the chicken or vegetable broth keeps everything tender and saucy. Whether you’re serving it as a quick lunch or a comforting dinner, this dish proves that simple ingredients can yield impressive results.
Feel free to print and save this article for your recipe binder, kitchen bulletin board, or digital folder—having a favorite go-to like this can save precious time and frustration during hectic evenings. You’ll also find a FAQ section below that answers common questions about substitutions, spice variations, and advanced tips for customizing the recipe to suit your tastes. If you give this recipe a try, please drop a comment, share your tweaks, or ask any questions you might have. I love hearing about your kitchen adventures, troubleshooting any hiccups, and celebrating those moments when a new recipe becomes a tried-and-true favorite. Happy cooking!
One-Pan Ground Turkey & Potatoes
Description
This flavorful one-pan meal combines ground turkey, tender potatoes, and aromatic herbs for a satisfying dish that’s easy to make and even easier to enjoy!
Ingredients
Instructions
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In a large pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and cook until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
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Add the minced garlic to the pan and sauté for an additional minute until fragrant.
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Increase the heat to medium-high and add the ground turkey to the pan. Cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon, approximately 5-6 minutes.
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Once the turkey is browned, add the diced potatoes, paprika, dried oregano, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine well.
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Pour the chicken or vegetable broth into the pan, ensuring that the potatoes are mostly submerged. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
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Cover the pan with a lid, reduce the heat to medium-low, and let it cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and cooked through.
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Uncover the pan and let it cook for another 2-3 minutes, allowing any excess liquid to evaporate.
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Once cooked, remove the pan from the heat. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.
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Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.
Note
- For an extra layer of flavor, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or a splash of hot sauce.
- This dish pairs well with a side of green salad or steamed vegetables.
- You can substitute ground turkey with ground chicken or beef if preferred.
- Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers or peas for added nutrition and color.
