30-Minute Ground Turkey with Potatoes – Easy & Delicious

Name: 30-Minute Ground Turkey with Potatoes - Easy & Delicious
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb ground turkey; 2 medium potatoes, diced; 1 onion, chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tbsp olive oil; 1 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp black pepper; 1 tsp paprika; 1/2 tsp dried thyme

Author: Carry

Published: September 16, 2025

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Oh, ground turkey with potatoes – my go-to when I need something hearty, healthy, and on the table fast! This dish has saved me on countless busy weeknights when the kids are hungry and I’m staring into the fridge wondering what to make. It’s one of those magical recipes that turns basic ingredients into something truly comforting. The potatoes soak up all those delicious flavors from the turkey and spices, while keeping everything light and nutritious. I’ve been making this for years, tweaking it here and there until it became our family’s perfect weeknight dinner. Simple, satisfying, and always a hit – that’s what this ground turkey and potatoes recipe is all about.

Ground Turkey with Potatoes - detail 1

Why You’ll Love This Ground Turkey with Potatoes Recipe

Trust me, this dish is a game-changer for busy nights! Here’s why it’s become my family’s favorite:

Quick & easy: From fridge to table in 30 minutes flat – perfect when you’re starving and short on time
Healthy comfort food: Lean turkey and potatoes give you protein and carbs without the guilt
Flavor bomb: That paprika-thyme combo makes every bite taste like you spent hours cooking
One-pan wonder: Less cleanup means more time to relax after dinner
Kid-approved: Even my picky eater asks for seconds (shocking, I know!)

It’s the kind of meal that makes you feel like you’ve got this whole “adulting” thing figured out.

Ingredients for Ground Turkey with Potatoes

Here’s everything you’ll need to make this simple, satisfying dish (and trust me, you probably have most of this already in your kitchen!):

1 lb ground turkey (I like 93% lean for the best flavor)
2 medium potatoes, diced into ½-inch cubes (russets or Yukon golds work great)
1 onion, chopped (yellow or white – whatever’s in your pantry)
2 cloves garlic, minced (or ½ tsp garlic powder in a pinch)
1 tbsp olive oil (for that perfect sauté)
1 tsp salt (plus more to taste)
½ tsp black pepper (freshly ground if you’ve got it)
1 tsp paprika (smoked paprika adds amazing depth!)
½ tsp dried thyme (rub it between your fingers to wake up the flavor)

See? Nothing fancy – just good, honest ingredients that come together beautifully.

How to Make Ground Turkey with Potatoes

Alright, let’s get cooking! This recipe comes together so easily – just follow these simple steps and you’ll have a delicious meal in no time. I’ve made this enough times that I could probably do it in my sleep (and some nights, it feels like I do!). Here’s exactly how I make it:

Step 1: Sauté Onions and Garlic

First, heat that olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat – you want it warm but not smoking. Toss in your chopped onions and minced garlic, stirring occasionally until they soften and smell amazing (about 3-4 minutes). This is where all the flavor starts!

Step 2: Brown the Ground Turkey

Next, add your ground turkey, breaking it up with a wooden spoon as it cooks. Keep stirring until there’s no pink left – usually about 5-6 minutes. Don’t rush this step – proper browning means better flavor!

Step 3: Add Potatoes and Seasonings

Now for the good stuff! Stir in those diced potatoes along with all your seasonings – salt, pepper, paprika, and thyme. Give everything a good mix so those potatoes get coated in all the delicious flavors. Then pop the lid on – this helps the potatoes cook evenly.

Ground Turkey with Potatoes - detail 2

Step 4: Cook Until Potatoes Are Tender

Let everything simmer covered for about 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally so nothing sticks. You’ll know it’s done when you can easily pierce a potato cube with a fork. If things look dry, add a splash of water or broth. And that’s it – dinner’s ready!

Tips for Perfect Ground Turkey with Potatoes

After making this dish more times than I can count, I’ve picked up some tricks that make all the difference:

Dice potatoes evenly – about ½-inch cubes ensures they cook at the same rate (no mushy or crunchy surprises!)
Don’t crowd the pan – if your skillet’s small, cook in batches so everything browns properly
Adjust heat as needed – lower it if things start sticking, but keep it hot enough for gentle sizzling
Test potatoes early – poke one at 15 minutes since sizes vary (better safe than crunchy!)
Let it rest 5 minutes – flavors meld beautifully when it sits off heat before serving

These little touches turn good into “wow, can we have this again tomorrow?” good!

Variations for Ground Turkey with Potatoes

One of my favorite things about this recipe is how easily you can switch it up! Here are some tasty twists I’ve tried over the years:

Veggie boost: Toss in diced carrots or bell peppers when adding the potatoes
Cheesy goodness: Sprinkle shredded cheddar on top just before serving
Spice lover’s dream: Add a pinch of cayenne or red pepper flakes
Fresh herb finish: Stir in chopped parsley or green onions at the end

The basic recipe is perfect as-is, but playing with flavors keeps it exciting week after week!

Serving Suggestions for Ground Turkey with Potatoes

This dish really shines when paired with simple sides – my family loves it with a crisp green salad or some warm crusty bread to soak up all those delicious flavors. For a heartier meal, I’ll sometimes add steamed green beans or roasted carrots. It’s also fantastic topped with a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt – trust me, that creamy tang works magic with the savory turkey and potatoes!

Storage and Reheating Instructions

This ground turkey with potatoes keeps beautifully for quick leftovers! I always store it in an airtight container in the fridge – it’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days. When reheating, I splash in a tablespoon of water or broth to keep it moist, then warm it gently in the microwave or on the stovetop. Just stir occasionally until heated through – easy as pie!

Nutritional Information for Ground Turkey with Potatoes

Here’s the scoop on what you’re getting in each serving (but remember – exact numbers can vary based on your specific ingredients and portion sizes!): A hearty bowl of this ground turkey with potatoes packs about 280 calories, with 25g of protein to keep you full and just 10g of fat. You’re also getting 3g of fiber from those potatoes – not too shabby for such a comforting meal!

Frequently Asked Questions About Ground Turkey with Potatoes

I’ve gotten so many questions about this recipe over the years – here are the ones that pop up most often!

Can I use sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes?
Absolutely! Sweet potatoes work beautifully here – just cut them slightly smaller since they cook faster. The natural sweetness pairs amazingly with the savory turkey.

What if I don’t have fresh garlic?
No worries! I’ve used garlic powder (about ½ teaspoon) countless times when I’m out of fresh cloves. It still gives that wonderful garlicky depth we all love.

How can I tell when the potatoes are done?
The fork test never fails me – if a cube pierces easily with no resistance, you’re good to go! Undercooked potatoes will feel firm in the center.

Can I freeze leftovers?
You bet! This dish freezes surprisingly well for up to 2 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently on the stove.

What’s the best way to reheat this?
I always add a splash of water or broth when reheating – keeps everything moist and delicious. Medium heat on the stove works best, stirring occasionally!

Share Your Thoughts

I’d love to hear how your ground turkey with potatoes turns out! Drop a comment below with your favorite variations or tips – and don’t forget to rate the recipe if you loved it as much as we do! You can also find more delicious recipes on our Pinterest page.