Ground Turkey with Potatoes and Spring Peas Recipe

If you’re looking for a cozy, wholesome dinner that’s as satisfying as it is simple, this Ground Turkey with Potatoes and Spring Peas Recipe is right up your alley. I absolutely love how the tender ground turkey blends with the earthiness of potatoes and the fresh pop of spring peas—it’s comfort food that feels just a bit light and fresh at the same time. Perfect for busy weeknights when you want something nourishing without a lot of fuss.

When I first tried this recipe, I was amazed at how the flavors melded together, especially the cumin and fresh cilantro giving it a subtle warmth and brightness. You’ll find that it comes together in about 30 minutes, making it a go-to meal that doesn’t compromise on taste or nutrition. I promise, once you make Ground Turkey with Potatoes and Spring Peas Recipe, it might just become one of your family’s favorites too!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are simple and mostly pantry staples, yet together they create a dish with vibrant flavor and great texture. Freshness matters here, especially for the spring peas and cilantro to keep the dish lively.

• Tomato: I prefer a medium ripe tomato for juiciness and natural sweetness.
• Garlic cloves: Fresh garlic adds a deep savory note that’s essential here.
• Fresh cilantro: It brightens the whole dish with a fresh, herbal kick—don’t skip it!
• Ground turkey (93% lean): Lean yet juicy, it’s a great protein that soaks up the spices beautifully.
• Scallions: Adds mild onion flavor and a pop of color.
• Fresh peas: Use fresh or thawed peas—their subtle sweetness complements the turkey perfectly.
• Large potato: Peeled and diced to ½ inch cubes; Yukon Golds work great for their creamy texture.
• Canned tomato sauce: Provides a rich base and melds all the flavors.
• Water: Helps simmer and soften the potatoes perfectly.
• Cumin: A teaspoon adds warm earthiness that’s the backbone of this dish’s flavor.
• Kosher salt: Essential to bring out and balance the flavors.
• Bay leaf: Don’t forget this little flavor booster—it adds subtle depth during simmering.

Variations

I love tweaking this Ground Turkey with Potatoes and Spring Peas Recipe depending on what’s in season or what my family is craving. You can easily swap ingredients or add extras to make it your own cozy staple.

• Swap the peas for green beans or asparagus: I tried this once in spring—it was delicious and just as fresh.
• Add a pinch of chili flakes: Gives a nice gentle heat that wakes up the flavors if you like a little spice.
• Use ground chicken or lean beef: If turkey isn’t your thing, these substitutes work well and keep the meal satisfying.
• Make it vegan: Replace turkey with chickpeas or lentils and use vegetable broth instead of water for simmering.

How to Make Ground Turkey with Potatoes and Spring Peas Recipe

Step 1: Prep a Bright Flavor Base

Start by finely chopping the tomato, garlic, and fresh cilantro. If you have a mini food processor, it speeds things up and gives you a lovely, consistent mixture. This blend infuses the dish with freshness and a little zing that makes all the difference.

Step 2: Brown the Ground Turkey

Heat your skillet over medium-high and add the ground turkey. Season with kosher salt and cumin while it cooks. I like to break the meat apart with a spatula for even cooking. When it’s cooked through and nicely browned (no more pink!), you know it’s time for the next step. Don’t rush this part; the browning builds flavor.

Step 3: Combine Everything and Simmer

Now add the chopped scallions, your tomato-garlic-cilantro mix, peas, diced potato, tomato sauce, water, cumin, extra salt if needed, and the bay leaf. Stir to combine, then cover the skillet. Let it simmer over medium-low heat for about 25 minutes or until the potatoes are fork-tender. Stir occasionally and watch the liquid level—add a splash more water if it looks too dry. This gentle simmer melds the flavors beautifully.

Step 4: Finish and Serve

Remove the bay leaf—it’s done its job. I love serving this over fluffy white or brown rice, but it’s just as comforting on its own. A squeeze of fresh lemon juice or a sprinkle of extra cilantro on top is a perfect finishing touch if you have it on hand.

How to Serve Ground Turkey with Potatoes and Spring Peas Recipe

Garnishes

I love finishing this dish with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro and a light drizzle of extra virgin olive oil for a glossy finish. Sometimes I’ll add thin slices of scallion greens or a squeeze of lemon to brighten things up even more. These little touches make it feel special without much extra effort.

Side Dishes

This recipe is hearty enough on its own but pairs wonderfully with a simple side salad or steamed greens like kale or spinach. If I’m feeling indulgent, some crusty bread on the side is fantastic for soaking up the tomato sauce. Roasted root vegetables also complement the flavors, especially in cooler months.

Creative Ways to Present

For a family dinner or casual entertaining, I sometimes serve this dish in individual bowls garnished with fresh herbs and a wedge of lemon. Another fun twist is scooping it into warm pita pockets with some yogurt sauce for a handheld meal everyone enjoys. It’s also lovely plated with a side of saffron-infused rice when I want to dress it up a bit.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually stash leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and it keeps beautifully for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen overnight, and the potatoes stay tender without getting mushy. Just be sure to cool it before refrigerating to keep the textures spot-on.

Freezing

This is actually a great freezer-friendly meal. I portion it into freezer-safe containers right after cooking and freeze for up to 2 months. When I’m ready for a quick dinner, I just thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently.

Reheating

I prefer reheating on the stovetop over medium-low heat with a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce and keep the potatoes from drying out. Reheating in the microwave works too, but stir halfway through to keep it from heating unevenly.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I’ve found that this Ground Turkey with Potatoes and Spring Peas Recipe is a wonderful balance of easy, nourishing, and flavorful—everything you want on a weekday night. It’s helped me get dinner on the table quickly without sacrificing variety or satisfaction. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do and that it becomes one of your trusty recipes to turn to when you want something comforting yet fresh. Give it a try, and I’d love to hear how you make it your own!

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