Ground Turkey with Potatoes and Spring Peas Recipe

I absolutely love sharing this Ground Turkey with Potatoes and Spring Peas Recipe because it feels like a warm hug on a plate, especially after a busy day. It comes together quickly, but the comfort and fresh flavors linger long after you’ve eaten. It’s one of those dishes where simple ingredients—like tender spring peas, hearty potatoes, and lean ground turkey—combine to make something really satisfying, healthy, and totally delicious.

When I first tried this recipe, I didn’t expect it to be both so easy and so packed with flavor, but it just works beautifully. You’ll find that the cumin and fresh cilantro add that perfect touch of herbal warmth, while the tomato sauce keeps everything nice and moist. It’s a great recipe for weeknights when you want something nourishing but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. Trust me—you’ll want this on your regular rotation!

this …

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients come together perfectly to bring out fresh, comforting flavors. Keep an eye out for firm potatoes and sweet spring peas—they really elevate this dish to something special.

• Medium tomato: Adds a fresh, juicy brightness—don’t skip it!
• Garlic cloves: Fresh garlic amps up the savory base of the dish.
• Fresh cilantro: Brings a lively herbal note that brightens everything.
• 93% lean ground turkey: Lean but flavorful protein; browns nicely without too much fat.
• Scallions: Adds a subtle onion flavor that’s milder than regular onions.
• Fresh peas: Sweet spring peas add pops of freshness and texture.
• Large potato: Peeled and diced for hearty, creamy bites throughout.
• Tomato sauce (canned): Keeps everything saucy and tender, but not watery.
• Water: Needed to help simmer and cook potatoes perfectly.
• Cumin: This warm spice is key for that earthy, cozy flavor.
• Kosher salt: Essential for seasoning; adjust to your taste.
• Bay leaf: Adds subtle depth—you’ll remove it before serving.

Variations

I love how flexible this Ground Turkey with Potatoes and Spring Peas Recipe is—don’t hesitate to personalize it based on what you have or your dietary needs. Here are a few ways I’ve mixed it up over time.

• Use ground chicken or turkey sausage: I’ve swapped in ground chicken when turkey wasn’t available, and it still tastes amazing and moist.
• Add spice: For a bit of heat, I toss in some red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne—it wake things up beautifully.
• Seasonal veggies: Swap spring peas for green beans or asparagus in other seasons—I’ve done this with great success for variety.
• Make it vegetarian: Replace ground turkey with extra mushrooms and lentils to keep the protein and texture.

How to Make Ground Turkey with Potatoes and Spring Peas Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Fresh Tomato Mixture

Start by finely chopping your tomato, garlic, and cilantro. I like to use a mini food processor for this—it’s much quicker and gives a nice fine texture that melds perfectly into the dish. If you don’t have one, chopping by hand works just fine; just try to keep everything evenly minced so the flavors distribute evenly.

Step 2: Brown the Ground Turkey

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the lean ground turkey. Season with about a teaspoon of kosher salt and cumin. I like to stir and break it up frequently, so it browns nicely and cooks evenly. Make sure it’s fully cooked through but not dry—this step develops the base flavor, so don’t rush it.

Step 3: Build the Dish

Once the turkey is browned, add the chopped scallions, your tomato-garlic-cilantro mixture, fresh peas, diced potatoes, tomato sauce, water, an extra pinch of cumin, salt to taste, and the bay leaf. Give it a good stir to combine everything well. Cover the skillet and reduce heat to medium-low—you’ll want to let it simmer gently.

Step 4: Simmer Until Potatoes are Tender

This is where the magic happens. Let everything simmer for about 25 minutes, stirring occasionally. The potatoes soak up that savory tomato sauce and seasonings while the peas stay pleasantly tender. If you notice the sauce getting too thick or sticking, add a splash more water. Once the potatoes are soft when poked with a fork, you’re done. Just remember to fish out the bay leaf before serving!

How to Serve Ground Turkey with Potatoes and Spring Peas Recipe

Garnishes

I usually sprinkle freshly chopped cilantro on top before serving, which gives it a fresh herbal punch every time. Sometimes, I like to add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice or a dollop of plain yogurt to add creaminess and a little tang, which balances the spices beautifully.

Side Dishes

This recipe pairs wonderfully with steamed jasmine rice or even fluffy couscous, which soaks up the flavorful sauce perfectly. For an extra veggie boost, a simple side of sautéed greens or a crisp salad keeps the meal balanced and light.

Creative Ways to Present

For special dinners, I’ve served this in individual shallow bowls garnished with microgreens and a drizzle of good olive oil. It also makes a fantastic filling for warm flatbreads or wraps when you want something a little more casual—it’s a hit every time!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I let leftovers cool completely before transferring to an airtight container, then store them in the fridge. It keeps well for about 3-4 days and tastes even better once the flavors have melded overnight.

Freezing

This recipe freezes beautifully. I portion it out into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 3 months. When you thaw it, the texture of the potatoes stays tender, and the flavor remains just as vibrant.

Reheating

To reheat, I prefer warming it gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat with a splash of water to loosen the sauce. Microwave works too—just cover and heat in short bursts to avoid drying out the turkey.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Ground Turkey with Potatoes and Spring Peas Recipe is truly one of those keepers in my kitchen. It’s wholesome, comforting, and incredibly versatile—perfect for busy nights or whenever you want something that feels homemade without fuss. I hope you enjoy making and sharing it as much as I do—it’s one of those recipes that feels like a warm, familiar friend sitting right beside you.

Print