Ground Turkey Skillet with Potatoes and Peas

If you’re looking for a quick, hearty, and nutritious meal, this Ground Turkey Skillet with Potatoes and Peas is exactly what you need. Bursting with flavors from tender ground turkey, crispy golden potatoes, and sweet green peas, this skillet dish comes together fast, making it perfect for busy weeknights. It’s a one-pan wonder that balances protein, veggies, and comfort in every bite, delivering satisfying taste without the fuss.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: Everything cooks in one skillet, cutting down prep and cleanup time significantly.
• Healthy Balance: Combines lean ground turkey with nutrient-rich potatoes and peas for a wholesome meal.
• Flavor-Packed: Seasonings and a touch of butter bring out rich, comforting flavors everyone will enjoy.
• Family Friendly: Mild but tasty enough to please kids and adults alike, perfect for any dinner table.
• Adaptable: Easily customizable with herbs, spices, or extra veggies to suit your taste.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Ground Turkey Skillet with Potatoes and Peas recipe calls for simple ingredients that each add a layer of flavor, texture, or color, making the dish both delicious and eye-catching.

• Ground turkey: Choose lean turkey for a healthy protein base that stays juicy and tender.
• Potatoes: Yukon gold or red potatoes work best, providing a creamy texture once cooked.
• Frozen peas: Add a pop of green color and natural sweetness to balance the savory flavors.
• Onion: Diced onions add aromatic depth and slight sweetness when sautéed.
• Garlic: Minced garlic boosts the savory profile with its unmistakable zing.
• Olive oil or butter: For sautéing and adding richness to the dish.
• Chicken broth or water: Helps in cooking potatoes evenly while adding moisture.
• Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning and enhancing natural flavors.
• Fresh herbs (optional): Parsley or thyme can brighten the dish with fresh, herbaceous notes.

Variations for Ground Turkey Skillet with Potatoes and Peas

One of the best parts about this dish is how easy it is to tweak. Whether dietary restrictions, seasonal veggies, or personal flavor preferences, you can tailor this skillet recipe effortlessly.

• Swap the protein: Replace ground turkey with ground chicken, beef, or plant-based meat alternatives for variety.
• Veggie boost: Add diced carrots, bell peppers, or mushrooms to increase nutrients and color contrast.
• Spice it up: Toss in chili flakes, smoked paprika, or cumin for a more adventurous flavor profile.
• Dairy twist: Mix in shredded cheese near the end for a melty, creamy finish.
• Make it gluten-free: This recipe is naturally gluten-free, just double-check your broth ingredients.

How to Make Ground Turkey Skillet with Potatoes and Peas

Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients

Wash and dice your potatoes into bite-sized pieces, finely chop onions and garlic, and have your frozen peas ready to go. This ensures a smooth cooking process without any delays.

Step 2: Brown the Ground Turkey

Heat olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground turkey, breaking it apart with a spatula, and cook until it’s fully browned and no longer pink. Season lightly with salt and pepper as it cooks.

Step 3: Sauté Onions and Garlic

Push the cooked turkey to one side of the skillet. Add onions and garlic to the cleared space and sauté for about 2-3 minutes until fragrant and softened, blending their sweet aroma with the turkey.

Step 4: Cook the Potatoes

Stir in diced potatoes and pour in chicken broth or water until it just covers the potatoes. Cover the skillet with a lid and simmer for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the potatoes are tender and cooked through.

Step 5: Add Peas and Final Seasoning

Once potatoes are soft, stir in the frozen peas, cooking for another 3-4 minutes while the peas warm through. Adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, and herbs if using, then remove from heat.

Pro Tips for Making Ground Turkey Skillet with Potatoes and Peas

• Use even potato pieces: Cut potatoes uniformly to ensure even cooking and perfect texture.
• Don’t overcrowd the pan: Cook in batches if needed so the turkey browns nicely instead of steaming.
• Fresh herbs matter: Add fresh parsley or thyme at the end for a vibrant, fresh finish.
• Keep the lid on: Cover the skillet when cooking potatoes to steam and soften them quickly.
• Check seasoning at the end: Adjust salt and pepper after everything is combined for balanced taste.

How to Serve Ground Turkey Skillet with Potatoes and Peas

Garnishes

Top with freshly chopped parsley, a squeeze of lemon juice, or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan to add brightness and an extra layer of flavor.

Side Dishes

Serve alongside a simple green salad for freshness, steamed vegetables for extra fiber, or crusty bread to soak up any tasty juices left in the skillet.

Creative Ways to Present

Plate the skillet mixture over a bed of fluffy rice or quinoa for an alternative base, or stuff whole roasted bell peppers with the skillet ingredients for a fun presentation twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Allow the skillet to cool completely, then transfer leftovers into airtight containers. Refrigerate for up to 3 days, making it easy to enjoy quick meals later in the week.

Freezing

This dish freezes well; store in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. Adding a splash of broth or water helps prevent dryness during reheating.

FAQs

Can I use sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes?

Absolutely! Sweet potatoes add a natural sweetness and slightly different texture that pairs wonderfully with ground turkey and peas.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Yes, it’s perfect for meal prep since it stores and reheats well, providing balanced nutrition ready to grab and go.

Can I make this vegetarian?

You can swap out ground turkey for plant-based crumbles or extra veggies like mushrooms and lentils to keep it hearty and vegetarian-friendly.

What seasonings work best in this skillet?

Classic salt and pepper work well, but adding garlic powder, smoked paprika, or herbs like thyme and parsley elevate the flavor beautifully.

How do I keep potatoes from sticking to the pan?

Using enough oil or butter and stirring occasionally helps prevent sticking, plus keeping the heat medium to medium-low ensures gentle cooking.

Final Thoughts

Jumping into this Ground Turkey Skillet with Potatoes and Peas is like inviting comfort and ease straight to your dinner table. Whether you’re cooking on a busy weeknight or craving a simple but hearty meal, this recipe hits all the marks: flavor, speed, nutrition, and versatility. Try it tonight—you might just find your new favorite skillet dinner that’s as satisfying as it is effortless!

Related Posts

• Cheeseburger Casserole
• One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Mac & Cheese
• Garlic Parmesan Chicken Spaghetti

Print