This easy, one pot Ground Turkey and Potato Skillet is a healthy, high-protein dinner made with simple ingredients and minimal cleanup. With 40 grams of protein and 13 grams of fiber per serving, it’s flavorful comfort food you can feel good about eating.
Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Ground Turkey Skillet
- Family-friendly – Delicious flavor without any spice that both kids and adults can enjoy.
- Great for meal prep – Reheats really well, so it’s great to make ahead and enjoy throughout the week.
- Healthy and filling – This ground turkey recipe is packed with protein and fiber from the ground turkey, beans, potatoes and other vegetables. It’s not only nutritious but it keeps you fuller for longer.
- One pan meal – Everything cooks in a single skillet for easy cleanup. It makes this the perfect recipe for busy weeknights when you don’t have time to spend on lots of dishes. For more easy, one pot ground turkey dinners, check out my list of Easy Ground Turkey Pasta Recipes that our family loves.
- Customizable – Easy to adjust seasonings, veggies, or cheese based on what you have on hand.
Ingredient Notes & Substitutions
- Ground turkey – Lean ground turkey is the main protein source in this recipe. You can also swap it out for ground beef if you prefer. Just be sure to use 90% or higher and drain any fat before moving on to the next step when cooking.
- Potatoes – Yukon gold or russet potatoes both work well in this skillet. Dice the potatoes into small, even pieces so they cook evenly.
- Veggies – Bell peppers, onion and corn add fiber and other nutrients to this dish.
- Black beans – Be sure to drain and rinse the black beans before adding them to the skillet. They give this ground turkey and potato skillet extra protein and fiber, making it a more filling meal.
- Garlic – I like to use jarred minced garlic, since it’s easier to work with, but you can also finely dice a few garlic cloves if you don’t have minced garlic on hand.
- Tomato paste – Tomato paste adds rich flavor and helps thicken the sauce. You’ll usually find it in small cans or squeeze tubes near the canned tomatoes. The squeeze tubes are great if you only need a tablespoon or two and want to avoid waste. An 8 ounce can of tomato sauce can also be used as a replacement, if you happen to have that on hand instead.
- Chicken broth – I like chicken broth but beef or vegetable broth work as easy substitutes. Broth helps the potatoes cook evenly and keeps the skillet from drying out.
Tips for the Best Cheesy Ground Turkey and Potatoes
- Potatoes – Cut them small and evenly so they cook through at the same time and don’t stay firm in the center.
- Beans and corn – Add these near the end since they’re already cooked and just need to be warmed through.
- Melt the cheese – Put the cover back on briefly after sprinkling the cheese on top of the finished skillet to help it melt evenly without overcooking the dish.
- Adjust seasoning – Once everything is done cooking, taste and adjust seasoning to your taste, especially salt, since broth and beans can vary in sodium.
How to Store and Reheat
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
For quick reheating, microwave in 30–45 second intervals, stirring between each, until warmed through.
This recipe does not freeze well due to the potatoes, which can become grainy once thawed.
FAQ’s
Can I make this one pot ground turkey skillet ahead of time?
Yes. This recipe can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors develop even more as it sits, making it great for meal prep. Reheat gently with a splash of broth to prevent it from drying out.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes. Simply omit the cheese or use a dairy-free shredded cheese alternative. The skillet is still flavorful and satisfying without dairy.
Can I use ground chicken instead of ground turkey?
Yes. Ground chicken works well as a substitute. Use ground chicken with a similar fat content and cook it the same way as the turkey, adding a little extra oil if needed to prevent sticking.
Is this ground turkey skillet spicy?
No. This recipe is mild and family-friendly as written. You can easily make it spicier by adding more chili powder, red pepper flakes, or hot sauce to taste.
Are there any substitutes for the tomato paste?
Yes. If you don’t have tomato paste, you can use an 8 ounce can of tomato sauce instead.
One Pot Ground Turkey and Potato Skillet
A healthy, one pot Ground Turkey and Potato Skillet with black beans, corn, and bell peppers. It's packed with protein, fiber and flavor. Easy to make, family-friendly, and perfect for busy weeknights.
Servings 5
Calories 483kcal
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 lb lean ground turkey
- 2 medium potatoes (roughly 2½-3 cups) diced small
- 2 bell peppers diced
- ½ onion diced
- 1 tbsp minced garlic or 3 cloves, finely chopped
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1½ cups chicken broth
- 1 cup canned corn drained
- 1 (15 oz) can black beans drained and rinsed
- 1 cup shredded cheese, like cheddar or mozzarella
Seasonings:
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1½ tsp smoked paprika (regular paprika works fine too)
- ½ tsp chipotle chili pepper seasoning
- 1 tsp oregano
- 1 tsp salt
Optional Toppings:
- fresh squeezed lime juice
- sour cream
- fresh chopped cilantro
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add ground turkey, breaking it up as it cooks. Season lightly with salt and pepper. Cook until mostly browned.
- Stir in the diced bell pepper, onion and garlic. Cook for 3–4 minutes, until slightly soft.
- Add the tomato paste and all the seasonings (cumin, smoked paprika, chipotle chili pepper seasoning, oregano and salt). Stir until most of the tomato paste coats the ground turkey and veggies. Cook for just 1-2 minutes.
- Add the broth and potatoes. Stir, bring to a gentle boil and then reduce heat to medium-low.
- Cover and cook for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the potatoes are soft when poked with a fork.
- Stir in corn and black beans and simmer uncovered for another 2-3 minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning, if needed. Turn heat off, sprinkle with cheese and wait a few minutes for it to melt. Serve as is, or top with some fresh squeezed lime, sour cream or fresh chopped cilantro.
- If you make this and have a quick second to give it a rating, it would help my little website so much! Just scroll to the bottom of the page until you see a row of stars. Thank you so much!
Nutrition
Serving: 5g | Calories: 483kcal | Carbohydrates: 57g | Protein: 40g | Fat: 13g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 5g | Cholesterol: 73mg | Sodium: 973mg | Potassium: 1445mg | Fiber: 13g | Sugar: 7g | Vitamin A: 2532IU | Vitamin C: 106mg | Calcium: 217mg | Iron: 5mg
Loved this meal! So easy to make and great macros. I meal prepped for the week with this. Thank you!
I’m so glad you like it! I love this one for meal prep too. Enjoy it! And thank you so much for taking a minute to rate the recipe. I really appreciate it!