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Ground Turkey with Potatoes and Spring Peas Recipe

I absolutely love this Ground Turkey with Potatoes and Spring Peas Recipe because it brings together simple, wholesome ingredients into one warm, comforting dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights. The tender potatoes soak up all those lovely savory flavors from the ground turkey and fragrant cumin, while the fresh spring peas add a pop of vibrant color and sweetness. It’s one of those recipes that feels like a hug on a plate and is ready in just about half an hour—what’s not to love?

When I first tried this recipe, I appreciated how easy it was to pull everything together with just pantry staples and a few fresh veggies. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or a family, you’ll find that this Ground Turkey with Potatoes and Spring Peas Recipe is not only filling but also a balanced meal that feels satisfying without being heavy. Plus, it’s super adaptable, so you can make it your own in no time.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Quick and Easy: Ready in just 30 minutes, perfect for busy evenings.
  • Healthy and Balanced: Lean protein, fresh veggies, and comforting potatoes make a well-rounded meal.
  • Flavorful Harmony: Cumin, fresh cilantro, and tomato create a tasty, aromatic base.
  • Versatile and Adaptable: Easy to customize based on what you have in your kitchen.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this Ground Turkey with Potatoes and Spring Peas Recipe plays an important role, balancing flavors and textures. When shopping, look for fresh spring peas and lean ground turkey to keep it light and healthy, and don’t overlook fresh herbs—they really make a difference.

  • Medium Tomato: Provides freshness and slight acidity, chopped finely for the best texture.
  • Garlic Cloves: Adds aromatic depth; fresh is best for that punchy flavor.
  • Fresh Cilantro: Used both in the sauce and as garnish, it brightens the whole dish.
  • Ground Turkey (93% lean): Lean but juicy, a healthier alternative to beef that absorbs spices well.
  • Scallions: Add subtle onion flavor and freshness when stirred in near the end.
  • Fresh Peas: Bring sweetness and vibrant color – you can substitute frozen if fresh aren’t available.
  • Large Potato: Peeled and diced evenly so they cook through with the turkey.
  • Tomato Sauce (8 oz can): A rich base that ties everything together.
  • Water: Helps simmer the ingredients perfectly without drying out the dish.
  • Cumin: Earthy spice that I like to adjust to my family’s taste preference.
  • Kosher Salt: Season well and taste as you go to balance flavors.
  • Bay Leaf: Adds subtle herbal notes during simmering – don’t forget to remove before serving!
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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I love making this Ground Turkey with Potatoes and Spring Peas Recipe my own by swapping out ingredients or adding extras depending on the season or what’s in my fridge. You’ll find that this dish is a fantastic canvas for your creativity.

  • Add spices like smoked paprika or chili flakes: For a smoky or slightly spicy flavor, I sometimes add these and it really kicks up the dish.
  • Substitute peas with green beans or asparagus: When fresh peas aren’t available, I reach for whatever green seasonal vegetable I have.
  • Use sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes: Gives a lovely sweetness and vibrant color, plus a different nutrition profile.
  • Make it vegan: Replace turkey with plant-based crumbles and swap chicken broth or water for vegetable broth for extra flavor.

How to Make Ground Turkey with Potatoes and Spring Peas Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Fresh Mixture

Start by finely chopping the tomato, garlic, and fresh cilantro. I use a mini food processor because it’s quick and creates a nice consistency, but chopping by hand works perfectly fine if you don’t have one. Just aim for small, uniform pieces so they blend well with the turkey and vegetables later on.

Step 2: Brown the Ground Turkey

Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add your ground turkey. Season it right away with kosher salt and cumin—this builds the foundation of flavor early on. Cook the turkey until it’s nicely browned and cooked through, about 6 to 8 minutes, breaking it up as you go to get small crumbles. You want it fully cooked but juicy, so don’t rush or crowd the pan.

Step 3: Add Veggies and Simmer

Once your turkey looks golden, stir in the chopped scallions and the tomato-garlic-cilantro mixture. Next, add the fresh peas, diced potatoes, tomato sauce, water, cumin, salt, and the bay leaf. Give everything a good stir so the flavors meld. Cover the skillet, reduce heat to medium-low, and let it simmer gently for about 25 minutes. This slow simmer softens the potatoes perfectly and lets the flavors marry beautifully. Don’t forget to stir occasionally and add a splash of water if it looks dry.

Step 4: Finish and Serve

When the potatoes are tender and the peas are bright green, you’re ready to remove the bay leaf and give the dish a final taste. Adjust salt and seasoning if needed. I love serving this over a bowl of fluffy rice or some crusty bread to soak up every last bit of sauce. It’s simple, satisfying, and always a crowd-pleaser at my table.

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Pro Tips for Making Ground Turkey with Potatoes and Spring Peas Recipe

  • Use lean turkey with a bit of fat: I learned that turkey with a tiny bit of fat (like 93%) keeps the dish juicy without excess grease.
  • Don’t rush the simmer: Slow cooking the potatoes with the meat really brings out flavor and ensures they’re tender but not mushy.
  • Adjust water carefully: Rather than dumping in too much at once, add water gradually to maintain the perfect saucy consistency.
  • Always remove the bay leaf: Forgetting this is a common mistake — it’s bitter if eaten whole but fantastic for flavor while cooking.

How to Serve Ground Turkey with Potatoes and Spring Peas Recipe

A large silver pot filled with cooked ground meat mixed with small diced yellow potatoes and bright green peas, all coated in a light reddish sauce. A single bay leaf sits nestled among the meat and vegetables. A wooden spoon is partially in the pot, resting on the right side with its handle pointing outward. The pot is placed on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

I like to sprinkle fresh chopped cilantro and a little extra scallion on top right before serving. It adds brightness and a fresh herbal kick that contrasts beautifully with the warm, spiced dish. A squeeze of fresh lemon juice can also lift the flavors wonderfully.

Side Dishes

This recipe pairs really well with simple steamed rice or garlic naan bread to scoop it up. Sometimes, I serve a crisp green salad on the side to add a refreshing crunch and balance the warm, comforting main dish.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve served this Ground Turkey with Potatoes and Spring Peas Recipe in individual mini cast iron skillets — it adds a rustic charm to the table. Layering it over a bed of creamy mashed cauliflower instead of rice also transforms it into a low-carb, elegant dish that always impresses guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I like to store leftover Ground Turkey with Potatoes and Spring Peas in an airtight container in the fridge, where it keeps nicely for up to 3 days. Just make sure it’s cooled down before sealing to avoid sogginess.

Freezing

If you want to make this ahead and freeze it, it freezes really well. I portion it into freezer-safe containers and keep it for up to 2 months. When you thaw it, the texture stays great and the flavors have even deepened.

Reheating

I reheat leftovers gently in a skillet over low heat with a splash of water to loosen the sauce and keep everything moist. Stir often and avoid high heat, which can dry the dish out.

FAQs

  1. Can I use frozen peas in the Ground Turkey with Potatoes and Spring Peas Recipe?

    Absolutely! Frozen peas work just fine and are actually a great convenient option if fresh peas aren’t in season. Just add them during the simmer time so they thaw and cook gently without becoming mushy.

  2. What can I substitute if I don’t have ground turkey?

    You can swap ground turkey for ground chicken, lean ground beef, or even plant-based crumbles in this recipe. Just adjust cooking time accordingly and season to your taste.

  3. Is this Ground Turkey with Potatoes and Spring Peas Recipe gluten-free?

    Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free as it uses whole ingredients and no wheat products. Just be sure your tomato sauce doesn’t contain additives with gluten.

  4. Can I make this recipe vegan?

    Definitely! Use plant-based ground meat alternatives and veggie broth or water instead of chicken broth to keep the flavors vibrant. You might want to add a pinch more cumin and garlic to boost the taste.

  5. What’s the best way to serve leftovers?

    Leftovers reheat beautifully in a skillet with a splash of water or broth. You can also toss them with cooked pasta or turn it into a filling for wraps or quesadillas for a quick lunch.

Final Thoughts

This Ground Turkey with Potatoes and Spring Peas Recipe has become a staple in my meal rotation because it’s trustworthy, easy, and just plain delicious. It’s the kind of dish I recommend to friends when they want a no-fuss dinner that still feels homemade and nourishing. I hope when you try it, you’ll enjoy the cozy blend of flavors and the ease of making it as much as I do. Don’t hesitate to play around with the ingredients—it’s all about making a recipe that feels like your own kitchen’s cozy classic.

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Ground Turkey with Potatoes and Spring Peas Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.6 from 58 reviews
  • Author: Jaden
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 5 servings
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Low Fat

Description

A hearty and comforting dish featuring lean ground turkey simmered with potatoes, fresh spring peas, and a flavorful blend of tomato, garlic, and cilantro. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, this ground turkey recipe is seasoned with cumin and includes a touch of tomato sauce for a rich, savory finish.


Ingredients

Vegetables and Fresh Herbs

  • 1 medium tomato
  • 3 cloves garlic
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro
  • 4 medium scallions, chopped
  • 1 cup fresh peas
  • 1 large potato, peeled and diced into 1/2 inch cubes

Protein

  • 20 oz 93% lean ground turkey

Pantry Items

  • 8 oz can tomato sauce
  • 3/4 cup water (plus more if needed)
  • 1 tsp cumin (or to taste)
  • 1 tsp kosher salt (plus more to taste)
  • 1 bay leaf


Instructions

  1. Prepare the tomato mixture: Finely chop the tomato, garlic, and cilantro using a mini food processor or chop by hand to create a fresh aromatic base for the dish.
  2. Brown the turkey: In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground turkey. Season with cumin and kosher salt to taste, cooking until the meat is fully cooked and no longer pink.
  3. Combine ingredients: Add the chopped scallions, tomato mixture, fresh peas, diced potatoes, tomato sauce, water, additional cumin, salt, and the bay leaf to the skillet with the turkey. Stir everything to combine well.
  4. Simmer the dish: Cover the skillet and let the mixture simmer over medium-low heat for about 25 minutes or until the potatoes are tender and cooked through. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and add more water if needed to maintain moisture.
  5. Finish and serve: Remove the bay leaf before serving. Optionally, serve the dish over cooked rice for a complete meal.

Notes

  • Spring peas, ground turkey, cumin, cilantro, and potatoes come together to create this quick, comforting weeknight dish.
  • Adjust cumin and salt to your taste preferences for more or less spice and seasoning.
  • If you prefer a thicker stew, reduce the amount of water slightly or simmer uncovered for a few minutes at the end.
  • This dish pairs well with steamed rice, quinoa, or crusty bread to soak up the flavorful sauce.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cup
  • Calories: 209
  • Sugar: 1.5 g
  • Sodium: 331.5 mg
  • Fat: 7 g
  • Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 17 g
  • Fiber: 3.5 g
  • Protein: 21 g
  • Cholesterol: 65 mg

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