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Cheesy Ground Turkey and Potato Skillet Bake

cheesy ground turkey and potato skillet bake - featured image

This easy one-pan dinner features savory ground turkey, golden potatoes, and a gooey blend of cheeses, all baked together for a comforting, crowd-pleasing meal. Perfect for busy weeknights, it comes together quickly and is customizable for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound ground turkey (93% lean preferred)
  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 bell pepper, diced (any color)
  • 1 cup frozen peas or mixed vegetables (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 3 medium Yukon gold potatoes, thinly sliced (about 1/8-inch thick)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Salt and black pepper (for potatoes)
  • 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

Instructions

  1. Wash and dry the potatoes, then thinly slice them (about 1/8-inch thick). Dice the onion and bell pepper. Mince the garlic. Shred the cheese if needed.
  2. Place a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add a drizzle of oil if using extra-lean turkey. Add ground turkey and cook, breaking it up, until browned and cooked through. Drain excess liquid if needed.
  3. Add diced onion, bell pepper, and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté until veggies are softened and onions are translucent. Stir in smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
  4. Stir in frozen peas or mixed vegetables (if using). Add 1/2 cup cheddar and 1/4 cup mozzarella cheese to the turkey mixture. Mix well until cheese starts to melt.
  5. Remove skillet from heat. Arrange potato slices in slightly overlapping circles over the turkey mixture, covering it fully. Brush or drizzle potatoes with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper.
  6. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Place skillet in oven and bake uncovered for 15 minutes.
  7. After 15 minutes, sprinkle remaining cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese over the potatoes. Bake for an additional 8-10 minutes, until cheese is bubbly and golden and potatoes are fork-tender.
  8. Remove skillet from oven and let rest for 5 minutes. Sprinkle with chopped parsley before serving.

Notes

For best results, slice potatoes evenly and use freshly shredded cheese for optimal melt. If cheese browns too quickly, cover loosely with foil. Let the bake rest 5 minutes before serving for clean slices. Easily adaptable for vegetarian, dairy-free, or low-carb diets. Leftovers store well and taste even better the next day.

Nutrition

Keywords: ground turkey, potato skillet, cheesy bake, one pan dinner, casserole, comfort food, easy dinner, weeknight meal, gluten-free, family recipe