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Looking for a quick and tasty meal? This Ground Turkey Potato Skillet is just what you need! Packed with flavor, it’s easy to make and perfect for busy weeknights. I’ll guide you through simple steps, share my favorite tips, and even offer fun variations. Whether cooking for one or feeding a family, you’ll find this dish satisfying and delicious. Let’s dive into this savory skillet recipe!
Why I Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This skillet dish comes together in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Flavor-Packed: The combination of spices like smoked paprika and cumin gives this dish a delightful kick.
- Nutritious and Filling: With lean ground turkey and hearty potatoes, it’s a nutritious meal that satisfies.
- Customizable: Easily swap in your favorite veggies or adjust the spice level to suit your taste.
Ingredients
List of Required Ingredients
For this tasty Ground Turkey Potato Skillet, you’ll need:
– 1 lb ground turkey
– 3 medium potatoes, diced (Russet or Yukon Gold)
– 1 small onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 bell pepper (red or yellow), diced
– 1 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
– 1 teaspoon cumin
– ½ teaspoon chili powder
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
– Avocado slices (for serving)
Optional Ingredients for Additional Flavor
You can add some fun extras to boost the flavor:
– Jalapeños for heat
– Zucchini, diced
– Black beans for more texture
– Cheese for creaminess
Suggested Seasonings and Herbs
Seasonings can transform your dish. Try these:
– Oregano for a herbal touch
– Thyme for earthiness
– A squeeze of lime for zest
– Fresh parsley for a bright finish
Each ingredient enhances the dish, making it more exciting. Use your favorite items to create a meal you love!

Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparing the Potatoes
First, grab your potatoes and dice them into small pieces. You can use Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced potatoes and sprinkle them with salt and pepper.
Cook the potatoes for about 10 to 12 minutes. Stir them occasionally to help them brown evenly. You want them to be golden and tender. Once done, take them out of the skillet and set them aside for later.
Cooking the Ground Turkey
Now, let’s cook the ground turkey. In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Once it heats up, toss in the finely chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté these for about 3 minutes. You want the onion to be soft and clear.
Next, add the ground turkey to the skillet. Use a spatula to break it apart. Cook until the turkey turns brown and is fully cooked, which takes about 5 to 7 minutes.
Combining Ingredients and Final Cooking
It’s time to mix everything together! Add the diced bell pepper, corn, smoked paprika, cumin, and chili powder to the turkey. Then, return the cooked potatoes to the skillet. Stir everything well to combine the flavors.
Let this cook for another 5 minutes. This will help the spices mix into the dish. Taste it and adjust the salt and pepper if needed. Once done, remove from the heat.
Sprinkle fresh cilantro on top and serve hot with slices of avocado. Enjoy your tasty meal!
Tips & Tricks
Best Cooking Techniques for Even Browning
To get nice, even browning on your ground turkey, use medium heat. If your skillet is too hot, the meat may burn. Break up the turkey with a spatula as it cooks. This helps it brown evenly. Stir it often to avoid sticking and to cook it through.
How to Ensure Potatoes are Tender
For tender potatoes, cut them into small, even pieces. This helps them cook faster and more evenly. Start cooking them in a hot skillet with some oil. Stir them often and let them sit for a bit to brown. It takes about 10-12 minutes for the potatoes to become golden and soft.
Recommended Cooking Tools for a Skillet
A large non-stick skillet works best for this dish. It allows for easy cooking and cleaning. Use a spatula to stir and break up the meat. A sharp knife and cutting board help you chop the veggies quickly. Keep a lid handy to cover the skillet while cooking, which helps steam the potatoes and turkey.
Pro Tips
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Opt for fresh bell peppers and corn for a vibrant taste that enhances the overall flavor of the dish.
- Spice it Up: Adjust the chili powder to your heat preference; you can add more for a spicier kick or reduce it for a milder flavor.
- Make it a Meal: Serve with a side of salad or tortilla chips for a complete meal experience that balances flavors and textures.
- Leftovers Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days, making for a quick lunch option.

Variations
Protein Alternatives (e.g., Chicken, Beef)
You can switch ground turkey for other proteins. Ground chicken works well. It has a light flavor and cooks fast. You can also use ground beef. Look for lean beef to keep it healthy. Both options pair great with the spices in this dish. Just ensure they are cooked through.
Vegetarian Adaptations
To make this dish vegetarian, swap the turkey for plant-based meat. There are many brands that taste great. You can also use cooked lentils or beans. They add protein and fiber. Just cook them until heated through. This keeps the dish hearty and filling.
Different Vegetable Additions
Feel free to add more veggies to your skillet. Zucchini, mushrooms, or spinach work well. They add color and nutrients. You can also try adding diced tomatoes. They bring a nice sweetness to the dish. Just cook them until tender.
Storage Info
How to Store Leftovers
To store leftovers, let the skillet cool down first. Then, put the food in an airtight container. Keep it in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing it instead.
Reheating Tips
To reheat, use a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of water or broth to keep it moist. Stir often and heat until hot. You can also use the microwave, but cover the dish to avoid drying out the food. Heat in short bursts, stirring in between.
Freezing Instructions and Best Practices
For freezing, let the dish cool fully before packing. Use freezer-safe containers or bags. This meal freezes well for up to three months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge. Reheat in a skillet for the best texture.
FAQs
Can I use sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes?
Yes, you can use sweet potatoes. They add a nice sweetness. Just peel and dice them like regular potatoes. Cook them the same way, but they may cook faster. Check for doneness after 8-10 minutes. This change gives you a healthier twist on the dish.
How do I make this recipe spicier?
To spice things up, add more chili powder. You can also include diced jalapeños or red pepper flakes. If you like heat, use a spicy salsa as a topping. These options will give the meal extra flavor and kick.
What can I substitute for ground turkey?
You can replace ground turkey with ground chicken or beef. For a vegetarian option, try black beans or lentils. These substitutes keep the meal hearty and tasty. Adjust cooking times as needed for the different proteins.
This blog post shared how to make a tasty dish with ground turkey and potatoes. We covered the main ingredients and some optional ones to boost flavor. You learned step-by-step methods for preparation and cooking, plus tips for an even cook. We discussed variations like using different proteins and vegetables. Lastly, we reviewed how to store and reheat your leftovers.
Now, you can enjoy a simple and delicious meal tailored to your tast
Turkey & Potato Fiesta Skillet
A delicious skillet dish featuring ground turkey, diced potatoes, and vibrant vegetables, perfect for a hearty meal.
Prep Time 10 minutes mins
Cook Time 20 minutes mins
Total Time 30 minutes mins
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 400 kcal
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 3 medium potatoes, diced (Russet or Yukon Gold)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bell pepper (red or yellow), diced
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- ½ teaspoon chili powder
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- to taste salt and pepper
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- to serve avocado slices
In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced potatoes and season with salt and pepper. Cook for about 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the potatoes are golden brown and tender. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Once heated, add the chopped onion and garlic, sautéing until the onion is translucent (about 3 minutes).
Add the ground turkey to the skillet. Cook, breaking it apart with a spatula, until browned and fully cooked (about 5-7 minutes).
Stir in the diced bell pepper, corn, smoked paprika, cumin, chili powder, and cooked potatoes. Cook for an additional 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
Remove from heat and sprinkle with fresh cilantro. Serve hot, topped with slices of avocado for a creamy touch.
Feel free to customize with your favorite vegetables.
Keyword easy dinner, potatoes, skillet, turkey
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