If you are craving a meal that’s not only packed with flavor but also vibrant and nourishing, the Ground Turkey and Sweet Potato Skillet Recipe is a perfect choice. This dish brings together tender, juicy ground turkey and the natural sweetness of diced sweet potatoes, all cooked in a single skillet for an easy, wholesome dinner. With a delightful mix of textures and a touch of melty mozzarella cheese on top, this recipe is the kind of comforting meal you’ll want to make again and again – simple ingredients combining to create a truly satisfying experience.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting ready to make this skillet is wonderfully straightforward because each ingredient plays an essential role in flavor, texture, and color. The beauty of this recipe lies in how these simple staples work together to create a dish that’s balanced and full of life.
- Extra virgin olive oil: Provides a fragrant base and healthy fats perfect for sautéing.
- Free-range extra-lean ground turkey: Offers lean protein that cooks up moist and flavorful.
- Garlic clove (minced): Adds a punch of savory aroma that elevates every bite.
- Onions (diced): Bring sweetness and depth as they soften in the skillet.
- Yellow pepper (diced): Contributes a cheerful color and subtle crunch.
- Sweet potato (diced): The star ingredient giving natural sweetness and tender heartiness.
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper: Essential seasonings to highlight all the flavors.
- Red chili flakes (optional): For those who love a little kick to awaken the taste buds.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully for creamy richness (skip for Whole30 or Paleo).
- Fresh parsley (for garnishing, optional): Adds a fresh, herbal brightness as a finishing touch.
How to Make Ground Turkey and Sweet Potato Skillet Recipe
Step 1: Heat the Olive Oil and Brown the Turkey
Start by warming the olive oil in a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Once it’s shimmering, add the ground turkey along with the minced garlic. Use a wooden spoon to break the turkey apart, stirring occasionally to brown the meat evenly. This step builds the foundation by locking in savory goodness and creating delicious browned bits.
Step 2: Sauté the Onions and Yellow Peppers
Next, toss in your diced onions and yellow peppers. Cook everything together until the onions soften and become translucent. This melds all the flavors while adding a touch of natural sweetness and vibrant color that makes the dish visually inviting as well as tasty.
Step 3: Add Sweet Potatoes and Seasonings
Now it’s time to add the diced sweet potatoes alongside the pinch of red chili flakes, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Stir everything to combine, allowing the spicy, sweet, and savory notes to come together. These seasonings enhance the natural flavor of each ingredient perfectly.
Step 4: Cook Until the Sweet Potatoes are Tender
Cover the skillet and let the sweet potatoes cook through. Don’t forget to stir once in a while to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking. If the skillet seems dry or the sweet potatoes need a little help softening, add a splash of water or a drizzle more olive oil – that flexibility keeps the texture spot on every time.
Step 5: Melt the Mozzarella Cheese
While the sweet potatoes finish cooking, preheat your oven to 400ºF. When the potatoes are tender, sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top. Pop the skillet into the oven just long enough for the cheese to melt into a gooey, golden layer that brings a luscious, creamy contrast to the skillet.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Remove the skillet from the oven and finish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a pop of color and fresh herbal aroma. Your Ground Turkey and Sweet Potato Skillet Recipe is now ready to wow everyone at the table!
How to Serve Ground Turkey and Sweet Potato Skillet Recipe
Garnishes
A little parsley goes a long way in brightening this dish, and you can also experiment with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for added zing or a few red pepper flakes if you enjoy heat. These small touches make the meal feel vibrant and thoughtfully prepared.
Side Dishes
This skillet stands strong on its own but pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad or steamed greens like spinach or kale. For an extra dose of fiber and freshness, a side of roasted Brussels sprouts or a simple cucumber salad adds lovely texture contrast that balances the cozy flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this skillet family-style right from the pan for a rustic appeal or portion it into individual bowls topped with avocado slices or a dollop of sour cream for a creamy, cooling sensation. You could even scoop it onto warm corn tortillas for a quick taco twist that’s full of hearty, wholesome goodness.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Ground Turkey and Sweet Potato Skillet Recipe keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen as it rests, making the reheated meal just as comforting and tasty as the first go.
Freezing
You can freeze any leftovers in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge for best results and reheat gently to keep the sweet potatoes tender and the turkey juicy.
Reheating
Reheat your skillet either in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water or olive oil if needed to restore moisture. If you want that melty cheese feeling again, a quick zap in the oven or under the broiler works wonders.
FAQs
Can I substitute ground turkey with another protein?
Absolutely! While the Ground Turkey and Sweet Potato Skillet Recipe shines with turkey for its lean quality, you can swap in ground chicken, beef, or even plant-based crumbles to suit your preference without sacrificing flavor.
Are there alternatives to mozzarella cheese for melting?
Definitely! If you want to mix it up, try shredded cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a dairy-free cheese alternative to keep the creamy element. For Whole30 or Paleo diets, leaving out the cheese entirely still delivers a tasty result.
Can I make this recipe spicy?
Yes, adding red chili flakes is a simple way to introduce heat. You can also stir in some smoked paprika or cayenne pepper with the spices for a smoky, spicy kick that complements the sweetness of the potatoes.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, this entire recipe is naturally gluten-free, making it a safe and delicious choice for those with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease.
What’s the best way to dice sweet potatoes for this dish?
Try to cut the sweet potatoes into small, evenly sized cubes (around ½-inch). This helps them cook evenly and become tender along with the other ingredients in the skillet.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a fuss-free, flavorful, and colorful meal, you simply must give this Ground Turkey and Sweet Potato Skillet Recipe a try. It’s cozy, nutritious, and versatile – everything you want in a weeknight dinner. Once you taste that perfect harmony of sweet potatoes and savory turkey, you’ll understand why it’s become one of my favorite easy go-to recipes.
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Ground Turkey and Sweet Potato Skillet Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 17 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
A hearty and flavorful Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet combining lean ground turkey, sweet potatoes, and colorful veggies, topped with melted mozzarella cheese. This one-pan dish is perfect for a quick, nutritious, and satisfying meal that’s easy to prepare and full of vibrant flavors.
Ingredients
Meat & Protein
- 1 pound free-range extra-lean ground turkey (or substitute with grass-fed ground beef)
Vegetables
- 1½ cups sweet potato, diced
- ½ cup onions, diced
- ½ cup yellow pepper, diced
- 1 teaspoon garlic clove, minced
Others
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- A pinch of red chili flakes (optional)
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese (omit if following Whole30 or Paleo diet)
- Fresh parsley for garnishing (optional)
Instructions
- Heat the Skillet: In a cast iron skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil over medium-high heat to prepare for sautéing the ingredients.
- Cook the Ground Turkey and Garlic: Add 1 pound of ground turkey and 1 teaspoon minced garlic to the skillet. Use a wooden spoon to break up the meat, stirring occasionally, and cook for about 5 minutes until the turkey is browned and cooked through.
- Sauté Onions and Peppers: Add ½ cup diced onions and ½ cup diced yellow pepper to the skillet. Continue to cook until the onions become soft and fragrant.
- Add Sweet Potatoes and Seasoning: Stir in 1½ cups diced sweet potatoes, a pinch of red chili flakes (if using), salt, and freshly ground black pepper to taste, mixing everything evenly.
- Simmer with Cover: Cover the skillet and cook the mixture, stirring occasionally, until the sweet potatoes are tender. Add additional olive oil or a splash of water if needed to help cook the potatoes faster and prevent sticking.
- Preheat Oven: While the sweet potatoes cook, preheat your oven to 400ºF (200ºC) in preparation for melting the cheese.
- Add Cheese and Melt: Once the sweet potatoes are tender, sprinkle ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the mixture. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake until the cheese melts completely, about 5 minutes.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the skillet from the oven, garnish with fresh parsley if desired, and serve hot.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey with ground beef if preferred.
- For those following the Whole30 or Paleo diets, omit the mozzarella cheese topping.
- If the sweet potatoes take longer to cook, you can add a little water during the covered cooking step to help soften them faster.
- To add a spicy kick, adjust the amount of red chili flakes according to your taste.
- Using a cast iron skillet helps evenly distribute heat and adds a nice sear to the meat and vegetables.
