Ground Turkey and Potatoes Skillet
Ground turkey and potatoes make a simple, filling dinner when cooked together in one pan. Start the potatoes first since they take longer, then add seasoned ground turkey to create a hearty skillet meal that feeds a family without much fuss. The key is getting the potatoes tender and golden while keeping the turkey moist and flavorful.
What goes in.
- 2 poundspotatoes
- 2 tablespoonsoil
- 1 poundground turkey
- saltsalt
- pepperpepper
- garlic powdergarlic powder
The method.
Dice 2 pounds of potatoes into half-inch pieces
Smaller pieces cook faster and get more surface area for browning. Keep them uniform so they finish cooking at the same time.
Heat 2 tablespoons oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat
Cast iron or stainless steel work best here. You need a pan big enough that the potatoes aren't crowded or they'll steam instead of brown.
Add potatoes and cook for 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally
Let them sit undisturbed for 3-4 minutes between stirs to develop that golden crust. Season with salt and pepper halfway through.
Push potatoes to one side and add 1 pound ground turkey to the empty side
Don't mix them yet. The turkey needs direct contact with the hot pan to brown properly instead of steaming in the potato moisture.
Season turkey with salt, pepper, and garlic powder, then brown for 5-6 minutes
Break it up with a spatula as it cooks. You want some larger chunks mixed with smaller pieces for better texture.
Mix everything together and cook 3-4 minutes more
Now the flavors combine and the potatoes finish cooking through. Add chopped onions or bell peppers here if you want them.
Other turns to take.
Southwest Style
Add cumin, chili powder, and paprika to the turkey. Finish with diced tomatoes, corn, and fresh cilantro. Serve with hot sauce on the side.
Italian Herb
Season turkey with dried oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes. Add diced tomatoes and finish with fresh parsley and grated parmesan cheese.
Breakfast Hash
Use sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes. Add crumbled turkey sausage instead of plain ground turkey. Top with fried eggs and serve any time of day.
When it doesn't go to plan.
Pat the ground turkey dry before cooking to prevent excess moisture that makes everything soggy
Use waxy potatoes like red or Yukon Gold - they hold their shape better than russets in a skillet
Don't move the food around too much while it's browning or you'll never get that golden crust
Keep the heat at medium-high throughout - too low and everything steams, too high and the outside burns before the inside cooks
Let the skillet rest for 2-3 minutes after cooking so the bottom doesn't stick when you serve it
The ones that keep coming up.
How do I know when the potatoes are done?
Pierce them with a fork - they should give easily but not fall apart. The edges will be golden brown and crispy when they're perfect.
Can I use frozen ground turkey?
Thaw it completely first and drain any excess water. Frozen turkey releases too much moisture and makes the whole dish watery.
What if my skillet isn't big enough for everything?
Cook the potatoes first and set them aside, then cook the turkey and combine them at the end. Or use two smaller pans and divide everything between them.