Hearty, Simple, and Delicious

Imagine a weeknight meal that hits all the marks: tender, flavorful ground turkey paired with golden, crispy potatoes, all cooked in a single pan. This One-Pan Ground Turkey and Potatoes recipe is a perfect balance of simplicity, nutrition, and flavor. Each bite offers the savory richness of seasoned turkey alongside the satisfying texture of roasted potatoes, creating a comforting yet healthy dinner that the whole family will love.

Perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or even casual family dinners, this recipe minimizes cleanup while maximizing taste. In under 30 minutes, you can have a high-protein, nutrient-rich meal ready from scratch. The versatility allows you to customize it with your favorite vegetables or spice blends, so it never gets boring.

The combination of seared turkey and roasted potatoes creates layers of flavor without requiring complex techniques. By following a few strategic steps, including proper seasoning, prepped vegetables, and careful cooking order, you’ll achieve a dish that’s both hearty and wholesome. This one-pan wonder proves that healthy, satisfying dinners don’t need to be complicated or time-consuming.

Why One-Pan Meals Are a Game Changer

One-pan meals are a lifesaver for busy households. They save time by reducing prep and cooking steps, and cleanup is minimal—just one skillet to wash.

Cooking meat and vegetables together intensifies flavor. Searing ground turkey in the same pan as potatoes and vegetables allows natural juices to mingle, enhancing the overall taste. Additionally, one-pan meals are highly versatile: swap in seasonal vegetables, try different spice combinations, or add fresh herbs at the end for a flavor boost.

This approach is especially helpful for meal prep, as leftovers store beautifully and reheat well without losing texture or flavor. Whether you’re a busy professional, a parent juggling schedules, or someone who enjoys simple, satisfying dinners, one-pan meals like this are a practical and delicious solution.

Key Ingredients & Their Roles

Understanding your ingredients is key to achieving a flavorful, balanced dish:

Ground Turkey: A lean protein that absorbs spices well and cooks quickly. Season before cooking to maximize flavor.
Potatoes: Yukon gold or red potatoes provide a creamy interior and crispy edges when sautéed or roasted. Uniform size ensures even cooking.
Onions & Garlic: The aromatic foundation that adds depth and richness.
Spices: Paprika, cumin, chili powder, or Italian seasoning create layers of flavor. Adjust to taste for mild or bold profiles.
Olive Oil or Butter: Helps potatoes crisp and adds flavor to the turkey. Use sparingly to avoid greasiness.
Optional Add-ins: Bell peppers, zucchini, or carrots introduce color, nutrients, and texture.

Pro Tip: Parboiling potatoes for a few minutes before sautéing can give extra-crispy edges. A careful balance of seasoning and cooking order ensures that each component is cooked perfectly while harmonizing flavors.

Essential Equipment

Large Skillet or Sauté Pan: Ensures even cooking and allows space for potatoes to crisp.
Wooden Spoon or Spatula: For stirring without damaging the pan.
Cutting Board & Sharp Knife: For precise, uniform vegetable and potato cuts.
Measuring Spoons: For consistent seasoning.

Optional:

An ovenproof skillet allows finishing in the oven to achieve extra-crispy potatoes and even browning on the turkey.

Proper equipment ensures efficiency, even cooking, and optimal texture.

Prepping Ingredients for Maximum Flavor

Proper preparation is the foundation of a successful one-pan meal. Dice potatoes and vegetables into uniform pieces to ensure they cook evenly. Trim and season ground turkey with salt, pepper, and your chosen spices before adding it to the pan.

Pro Tip: Parboil potatoes for 3–5 minutes to jumpstart crisping and reduce final cook time. This step is especially useful for Yukon gold or red potatoes, which develop a golden, crunchy exterior while remaining tender inside.

Using the mise en place technique—prepping all ingredients ahead of time—minimizes stress while cooking. Have spices measured, vegetables chopped, and proteins seasoned before heating the pan. This ensures smooth workflow and prevents overcooking any ingredient.

Cooking the Ground Turkey

Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add olive oil or butter. Add seasoned ground turkey, breaking it apart gently with a spatula. Sear until lightly browned, about 4–5 minutes.

Add onions and garlic once the turkey is partially cooked to infuse flavor without burning. Sprinkle in your chosen spices—paprika, cumin, chili powder, or Italian seasoning—and stir to coat evenly. Allow spices to bloom in the hot pan, enhancing depth.

Pro Tip: Avoid overcooking turkey, which can dry it out. Deglaze the pan with a splash of broth, water, or wine if bits stick; this adds flavor and prevents burning. Cook until turkey is fully opaque but still moist, ready to combine with potatoes.

Cooking Potatoes & Combining Everything

In the same pan, sauté diced potatoes over medium heat until golden and crisp, stirring occasionally. Once potatoes are nearly tender, stir in the cooked turkey and any additional vegetables.

Optional: Transfer the skillet to a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 5–10 minutes for evenly roasted potatoes and fully melded flavors.

Tip: Finish with fresh herbs like parsley or thyme just before serving to add brightness and freshness to the hearty, savory dish. Serve hot for a balanced, satisfying meal that’s high in protein, easy to prepare, and minimal on cleanup.