Ground Turkey with Potatoes and Spring Peas Recipe

Oh, I absolutely love this Ground Turkey with Potatoes and Spring Peas Recipe because it’s one of those miraculous weeknight dishes that somehow feels cozy and wholesome but comes together in under 30 minutes. The bright sweetness of fresh spring peas pairs beautifully with tender potatoes and the subtle warmth of cumin, making this recipe an all-around winner for any day you want comfort food without fuss. Plus, ground turkey keeps it lean but still packed with protein—perfect if you’re looking to eat a little lighter without sacrificing flavor.

When I first tried this recipe, I was amazed at how effortlessly it balanced simple, fresh ingredients with robust, homey flavors. Whether you’re cooking for your family on a busy weeknight or meal prepping for the week, this Ground Turkey with Potatoes and Spring Peas Recipe brings together pantry staples and vibrant veggies in a way that always feels special. You’ll find that it’s flexible too—making it a go-to in my kitchen year-round.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

This Ground Turkey with Potatoes and Spring Peas Recipe uses ingredients you can easily find at most grocery stores, and they come together to build layers of flavor that feel fresh and comforting. Don’t worry if you can’t find fresh peas—in a pinch, frozen peas work just fine too!

• Medium tomato: I like to finely chop it for a nice juicy, fresh base that perks up the dish.
• Garlic cloves: Fresh garlic is key here to add that savory depth you just can’t skip.
• Fresh cilantro: Adds a bright, herbaceous note—if you’re not a cilantro fan, fresh parsley works, too.
• Ground turkey (93% lean): This lean protein keeps things light but hearty—just keep it from drying out by not overcooking.
• Scallions: Chopped scallions contribute a mild onion flavor and a pop of green color.
• Fresh peas: They bring sweetness and that signature spring vibe to the dish.
• Large potato: Peel and dice into ½ inch cubes for even cooking and that creamy bite.
• Tomato sauce (canned): Adds richness and helps create a lovely saucy base.
• Water: To help simmer everything tender without drying it out.
• Cumin: A little warm spice that brings everything together beautifully.
• Kosher salt: Season to enhance flavor—start with the suggested amount and adjust to taste.
• Bay leaf: Adds subtle earthiness, just remember to remove before serving.

Variations

I love how flexible this Ground Turkey with Potatoes and Spring Peas Recipe is—once you have the basics down, you can customize it to your tastes or pantry. Here are some of the tweaks I often try myself to keep it fresh and exciting.

• Spice it up: Sometimes I add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of chili powder to give this dish a little kick, perfect if you like a bit of heat.
• Different greens: When spring peas aren’t available, I swap in fresh green beans or even baby spinach for an alternative green veggie.
• Whole grain base: Serve it over quinoa or farro instead of white rice to amp up fiber and nutrients.
• Make it vegan: I’ve replaced ground turkey with crumbled firm tofu or cooked lentils, seasoning them with the same spices—just as tasty!

How to Make Ground Turkey with Potatoes and Spring Peas Recipe

Step 1: Chop Your Fresh Ingredients

Start by finely chopping the tomato, garlic, and fresh cilantro. I like to pop them in a mini food processor for quick and even chopping—it helps build that fresh, herby base that really wakes up the dish. If you don’t have a processor, just chop by hand as finely as you can; it works great either way.

Step 2: Brown the Ground Turkey

Heat your skillet over medium-high heat and add the ground turkey. Season it with kosher salt and cumin as it cooks. Keep an eye on the heat so it browns nicely without drying out. This step is crucial—browning adds so much extra flavor. Use a wooden spoon to break up the meat into small pieces as it cooks through, about 6-8 minutes.

Step 3: Add Veggies and Simmer

Once the turkey is nicely browned and cooked through, stir in the chopped scallions, your chopped tomato mixture, fresh peas, diced potatoes, tomato sauce, water, an extra pinch of cumin, salt, and the bay leaf. Give everything a good stir, cover the skillet, and reduce the heat to medium-low. Let it simmer gently for about 25 minutes, stirring occasionally. You’ll know it’s done when the potatoes are tender when poked with a fork. If it starts to stick or looks too dry, just add a splash more water—it’s better to keep things moist than risk burning.

Step 4: Final Touches and Serve

Remove the bay leaf, give a final taste test, and adjust salt or cumin if needed. You can serve this right from the skillet over your favorite rice, or try it with warm flatbreads or quinoa for a nutritious meal. I love how this dish reheats well, too, which is great for lunches!

How to Serve Ground Turkey with Potatoes and Spring Peas Recipe

Garnishes

I usually sprinkle a handful of fresh chopped cilantro over the top—fresh herbs add that pop of color and flavor that make the dish feel vibrant and just pulled together. A little squeeze of lemon juice right before serving can also brighten everything up. If you like a touch of heat, sliced fresh chili or a drizzle of hot sauce works wonders.

Side Dishes

This recipe shines served over fluffy white or brown rice, but I’ve also paired it with warm naan bread or soft couscous for a change of pace. A simple side salad with a lemony vinaigrette or steamed greens rounds out the meal perfectly without overwhelming the flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

For dinner parties or special occasions, I like to serve this dish in beautiful shallow bowls, topped with edible flowers or microgreens for that extra wow factor. You can also spoon it into hollowed-out roasted bell peppers or tomatoes for an elegant presentation that doubles as a vegetable side.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually transfer leftovers to an airtight container and keep them in the fridge for up to 3 days. This dish holds up wonderfully without losing texture or flavor, making it a perfect next-day lunch or quick dinner option.

Freezing

I’ve had great success freezing this Ground Turkey with Potatoes and Spring Peas Recipe in portioned containers. Just make sure it cools completely before freezing. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, I gently warm the leftovers on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally and adding a splash of water if it looks dry. Microwaving works too—just cover to trap steam and keep everything moist. Either way, it tastes almost as good as freshly made.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

Honestly, this Ground Turkey with Potatoes and Spring Peas Recipe has become one of those comforting staples I turn to whenever I want a nourishing meal that’s fuss-free but feels like a warm hug on a plate. I hope you’ll enjoy making it as much as I do—it’s the perfect blend of fresh, hearty, and satisfying. Once you try it, I bet it’ll become one of your kitchen favorites too!

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