Ground Turkey and Mashed Potatoes

There’s something incredibly comforting about a warm plate of mashed potatoes paired with a hearty, flavorful ground turkey. This combination hits all the right notes: creamy, savory, and just the right amount of heartiness to satisfy both weeknight appetites and weekend family dinners. Tonight, I want to share a recipe that takes this classic pairing up a notch without making your kitchen feel like a battlefield.

What I love about ground turkey is how versatile it is. You can turn it into so many different meals with just a few pantry staples and a handful of fresh ingredients. From simple skillet recipes to more elaborate dinners, ground turkey can shine in ways that sometimes surprise even seasoned cooks. I’ve tried countless recipes using ground turkey, and this one stands out because it balances flavor, comfort, and simplicity all in one pan.

In this dish, the ground turkey is lightly seasoned, seared to perfection, and served alongside buttery mashed potatoes that melt in your mouth. You can even sneak in some veggies to make it a full, balanced meal. Over the years, I’ve tested many ground turkey and veggie recipes, and combining them with creamy mashed potatoes is always a crowd-pleaser—whether it’s a busy weeknight or a cozy weekend dinner.

Plus, the beauty of this recipe is how adaptable it is. If you’re someone who enjoys trying the best ground turkey recipes, this one belongs on your rotation. It’s perfect as a simple weeknight dinner or as a foundation for meal prep, and it can be dressed up or down depending on what you have on hand. Think of it as your go-to comfort food that doesn’t require a lot of fuss but delivers on flavor every single time.

Why You’ll Love It

• Quick and fuss-free: This ground turkey and mashed potatoes meal comes together faster than you’d expect. Even on a busy weeknight, you can have a hearty dinner ready without sacrificing flavor.
• Comfort food with a healthy twist: Creamy mashed potatoes meet lean ground turkey, giving you that satisfying, cozy feeling while keeping it lighter than a traditional meat-and-potatoes dinner.
• Endless flavor possibilities: You can tweak the seasonings or add your favorite veggies, making it one of those simple ground turkey recipes that never gets boring.
• Family-friendly appeal: Whether you have picky eaters or adventurous food lovers, this dish is versatile enough to please everyone at the table.
• Perfect for meal prep: Make a big batch and enjoy leftovers that taste just as good the next day—ideal for lunches or quick dinners during a hectic week.

Ingredient List

For the Ground Turkey

• 1 pound ground turkey
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

For the Mashed Potatoes

• 2 pounds Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 4 tablespoons butter
• ½ cup milk (or cream for extra richness)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Optional Add-Ins

• 1 cup frozen peas or mixed veggies
• Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish

Ingredient Notes

• Ground turkey: I always use lean ground turkey—it keeps the dish healthy but still juicy. Avoid extra-lean; it can dry out too quickly.
• Onion and garlic: Don’t skip them! They give the turkey so much flavor and depth.
• Paprika & thyme: Small touches, big impact. I love adding smoked paprika—it adds a subtle warmth.
• Potatoes: Yukon Golds are my go-to for creamy, buttery mash. Russets work too, but Yukon Golds have that silky texture I adore.
• Butter & milk: These make mashed potatoes dreamy. I sometimes swap half the milk for cream cheese for extra richness—it’s a little indulgent but so worth it.
• Veggies: Frozen peas are a lifesaver for sneaking in greens without extra fuss.

Kitchen Equipment Needed

• Large skillet or sauté pan: Perfect for cooking the ground turkey evenly. I love my nonstick skillet—it makes cleanup so easy.
• Medium pot: For boiling the potatoes until tender. A heavy-bottomed pot works best to prevent sticking.
• Potato masher: Essential for creamy mashed potatoes. I swear by my stainless steel masher for smooth results.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: For stirring the turkey and veggies without scratching your pan.
• Colander: To drain the potatoes quickly and efficiently.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Accurate seasoning makes all the difference in simple ground turkey recipes.

Instructions

1. Prepare the Potatoes

• Peel and cube the potatoes into evenly sized pieces so they cook at the same rate.
• Place them in a medium pot and cover with cold water. Add a pinch of salt.
• Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce to a simmer. Cook for 15–20 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender.
  Pro tip: Start with cold water—this ensures the potatoes cook evenly from the inside out.

2. Cook the Ground Turkey

• While the potatoes are simmering, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
• Add the chopped onion and sauté for 2–3 minutes until translucent. Then add the minced garlic and cook for another minute.
• Add the ground turkey to the skillet. Break it apart with a spatula so it cooks evenly.
• Season with paprika, thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir occasionally until the turkey is fully cooked and lightly browned, about 8–10 minutes.
  Pro tip: Don’t overcrowd the pan; cooking in batches if needed helps the turkey brown better instead of steaming.

3. Mash the Potatoes

• Drain the cooked potatoes and return them to the pot.
• Add the butter and begin mashing. Slowly add milk, a little at a time, until you reach your desired creaminess.
• Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  Pro tip: For extra fluffy mashed potatoes, whip them with a hand mixer for 1–2 minutes after mashing.

4. Combine and Add Veggies (Optional)

• If you’re adding frozen peas or other quick-cooking veggies, stir them into the hot skillet with the turkey. Let them warm through for 2–3 minutes.
• Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

5. Plate and Serve

• Spoon a generous portion of mashed potatoes onto each plate.
• Top with the seasoned ground turkey and veggies.
• Garnish with chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness.

Pro tip: Serve immediately for the best texture, but leftovers store well in the fridge for 2–3 days. Reheat gently to keep the potatoes creamy.

Tips and Tricks for Success

• Cook the ground turkey over medium heat to prevent it from drying out—slow and steady wins here.
• Don’t skip seasoning the potatoes as you mash them; it makes a huge difference in flavor.
• Use a potato masher or hand mixer for the smoothest, creamiest texture.
• Add a splash of chicken broth to the turkey if you like a little extra moisture and flavor.
• Let the dish rest for a couple of minutes before serving; it helps the flavors meld together beautifully.

Ingredient Substitutions and Variations

• Ground turkey: You can swap in ground chicken or lean ground beef if preferred.
• Butter: Use olive oil or dairy-free margarine for a lighter or dairy-free version.
• Milk: Almond milk, oat milk, or other plant-based milk works well in mashed potatoes.
• Veggies: Swap peas for carrots, green beans, or bell peppers depending on what you have on hand.
• Seasonings: Experiment with Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, or even a touch of chili powder for a flavor twist.

Serving Suggestions

• I love serving this ground turkey and mashed potatoes with a side of roasted green beans—it adds a fresh, crisp contrast to the creamy potatoes.
• A simple garden salad with a light vinaigrette pairs beautifully, balancing the richness of the turkey and mash.
• For extra comfort, drizzle a little homemade gravy over the turkey and potatoes—it takes this meal to another level.
• Serve with warm dinner rolls or garlic bread for a cozy, family-style dinner that everyone will dig into.
• Leftovers make a great filling for wraps or even a shepherd’s pie-style casserole—perfect for reinventing the meal the next day.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freeze: Ground turkey and mashed potatoes freeze well for up to 2 months; separate portions for easy reheating.
• Reheat on stovetop: Gently warm in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of milk or broth to keep the potatoes creamy.
• Reheat in microwave: Cover loosely and heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between to ensure even warmth.
• Tip: Avoid overcooking when reheating—this keeps the turkey juicy and the potatoes soft.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use lean ground turkey for this recipe?

Absolutely! Just keep in mind that extra-lean turkey can dry out more easily, so cook it gently and consider adding a splash of broth or a little olive oil to keep it moist.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the turkey and mashed potatoes separately and store them in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently before serving for best results.

What veggies work best with this dish?

Frozen peas, carrots, green beans, or bell peppers all work beautifully. I usually stick with peas because they’re quick, sweet, and blend perfectly with the flavors.

Can I freeze leftovers?

Definitely! Portion the turkey and mashed potatoes into airtight containers and freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat slowly to maintain the creamy texture of the potatoes.

How can I make the mashed potatoes extra creamy?

Use Yukon Gold potatoes if you can, and mash them with butter and warm milk. For a little indulgence, add a spoonful of cream cheese or sour cream—it makes the mash silky smooth.

Can I add more seasoning to the turkey?

Of course! Feel free to experiment with smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, or even a pinch of chili powder to suit your taste.

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Did you try this ground turkey and mashed potatoes recipe? Let me know in the comments how it turned out—I’d love to hear your twists and tweaks!