Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet Recipe
If you’re searching for a cozy, flavor-packed, and truly fuss-free weeknight dinner, look no further than this Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet. This nourishing skillet stars lean ground turkey, hearty sweet potatoes, and a rainbow of fresh veggies, all sizzling together in a single pan for a meal that’s as easy as it is satisfying. With vibrant colors, savory spices, and a dash of wholesome comfort in every bite, it’s no wonder this recipe becomes a repeat in so many kitchens. Whether you’re cooking for your family, meal prepping lunches, or simply craving a feel-good stove-top meal, this one ticks all the boxes!
Ingredients You’ll Need
What makes this Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet shine is its simplicity: each ingredient adds a special touch to the final result. With just the right balance of protein, sweet and earthy notes, freshness, and irresistible seasoning, every component matters.
- Olive oil: A heart-healthy fat that gives the veggies and turkey a golden edge and keeps everything from sticking to the pan.
- Ground turkey: Lean and protein-rich, it absorbs all those wonderful spices and creates a hearty base.
- Sweet potatoes: Diced for quicker cooking, they infuse the dish with natural sweetness and vibrant color.
- Yellow onion: Brings savory depth and sweetness as it softens and caramelizes.
- Red bell pepper: Adds a juicy crunch and a pop of gorgeous red, brightening up every forkful.
- Garlic: Just a couple of cloves give the whole dish an irresistible savory aroma.
- Smoked paprika: Infuses the skillet with warmth and a subtle smokiness that pairs beautifully with the turkey.
- Ground cumin: Lends subtle earthiness and a layer of rich flavor in every bite.
- Salt: Essential for bringing out every other flavor—don’t skip it!
- Black pepper: Adds just enough heat to perk up the tastebuds without overpowering the other flavors.
- Water or low-sodium chicken broth: Helps steam the sweet potatoes to perfect tenderness while deglazing and enriching the pan.
- Fresh spinach or kale: Stirred in at the end for a pop of color, nutrition, and that final touch of green goodness.
- Optional toppings (shredded cheese, avocado, cilantro): Let everyone top their bowl for extra creaminess, freshness, or a sprinkle of herbs.
How to Make Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet
Step 1: Sauté the Sweet Potatoes
Set your favorite large skillet on the burner and give it a good swirl of olive oil. Once the oil shimmers, drop in the diced sweet potatoes—they’re the secret to a hearty, almost buttery texture. Let them cook for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring here and there. You want them to start softening and soaking up that delicious oil. Their natural sugars caramelize slightly, kicking off a flavor base that sets the tone for the whole skillet.
Step 2: Add Onion and Bell Pepper
Next up: toss in the diced yellow onion and red bell pepper. These veggies not only boost the nutrition but also bring a tender-crisp texture and a sweet, savory aroma that fills your kitchen. Sauté everything together for another 3 to 4 minutes, until the onions are just turning translucent and the bell pepper is softening. Together with the sweet potatoes, this trio creates a colorful, mouthwatering medley.
Step 3: Brown the Ground Turkey
Push the veggies to one side of the skillet to make room for your ground turkey. Drop it in and start breaking it up with your spoon or spatula. Brown the turkey for about 5 to 6 minutes until cooked through with no pink left. As the turkey browns, it mingles with the sweet potatoes, onions, and pepper, soaking up every bit of caramelized goodness left in the pan. Once browned, stir everything together so the flavors can get acquainted.
Step 4: Spice It Up and Steam
Time to take things up a notch! Sprinkle in the minced garlic, smoked paprika, ground cumin, salt, and black pepper. The aromatic mix will wake up the whole skillet, bringing warmth and richness. Pour in the water or chicken broth to deglaze the pan—scrape up any browned bits for an added burst of flavor. Cover and let everything steam for about 5 minutes, just until the sweet potatoes are fork-tender and the spices are fully infused.
Step 5: Stir in Greens and Finish
Last but absolutely not least, add your fresh spinach or kale. Stir gently until the greens wilt down in just 1 to 2 minutes, turning your skillet into a feast for the eyes as well as the tastebuds. Give the mixture a final taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. Now, scoop into bowls and pile on your favorite toppings!
How to Serve Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet
Garnishes
Pile your Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet high with your favorite finishing touches! Sprinkle plenty of shredded cheese while the skillet is hot for that irresistible melt, fan out creamy avocado slices, or scatter chopped fresh cilantro on top for vibrant color and a burst of herby flavor. Each garnish transforms a simple skillet into a dish that looks (and tastes) absolutely special.
Side Dishes
Though this skillet is hearty enough to stand on its own, it also pairs beautifully with sides. Try a crisp green salad, tangy yogurt, or a scoop of cooked quinoa for extra fiber. You can even spoon the mixture into warm tortillas or serve it with toasted bread for an easy, satisfying meal that stretches even further.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn your skillet supper into brunch by topping each serving with a fried or poached egg. For a party or potluck, serve the Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet in lettuce cups or small sweet pepper “boats” for fun, colorful bites. You can even layer it over a baked potato or sautéed greens for a hearty lunch bowl twist!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Transfer leftover Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet to an airtight container as soon as it cools. It keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to 4 days, making it perfect for grab-and-go lunches or easy dinners all week. The flavors almost improve after a night in the fridge as everything melds together!
Freezing
This recipe is freezer-friendly, too. For best results, cool the skillet completely, then portion individual servings into freezer containers. It’ll keep well for up to 3 months. Just know that spinach may lose a bit of its vibrant green color, but it’ll still taste delicious and reheat well.
Reheating
To reheat, simply microwave your portion until steaming hot, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating. Prefer stovetop? Warm leftovers in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of broth or water to keep everything moist and flavorful. Add your favorite toppings after reheating for that freshly-made taste.
FAQs
Can I use ground chicken or beef instead of turkey?
Yes, absolutely! Ground chicken or beef both work well in this Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet. Just keep in mind that beef will add a slightly richer flavor, and chicken will be even leaner. Adjust seasonings to taste, and enjoy the flexibility.
Can I use frozen spinach or kale?
Totally! If you don’t have fresh greens on hand, frozen spinach or kale are both excellent substitutes. Just add them in the final minutes of cooking—no need to thaw, as the heat will quickly wilt them into the dish.
How can I make this skillet dairy-free?
Skip the cheese topping or use your favorite plant-based shreds to keep this dish dairy-free. The rest of the recipe is already free of dairy and full of naturally delicious flavor.
Is this Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet paleo-friendly?
Yes, this dish is naturally paleo-friendly as long as you use water instead of chicken broth (unless your broth is paleo-compliant) and skip any cheese topping. The simple, whole-food ingredients fit nicely into a paleo meal plan.
Will it work for meal prep?
It’s a meal prep dream! Portion the cooked Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet into airtight containers, store in the fridge, and you’ll have a healthy, quick lunch or dinner ready to go all week. The skillet retains its flavor and texture beautifully after reheating.
Final Thoughts
There’s just something about a one-pan meal like Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet that feels both comforting and exciting every time you make it. With a rainbow of veggies, lean turkey, and a dash of creative spice, it’s a recipe that truly brightens the dinner table. Give it a try this week—your tastebuds (and your busy schedule) will thank you!
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Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet is a delicious and nutritious one-pan meal that is perfect for a quick and healthy dinner. Packed with lean ground turkey, sweet potatoes, and colorful veggies, this dish is flavorful and satisfying.
Ingredients
Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ cup water or low-sodium chicken broth
- 2 cups fresh spinach or kale
Optional Toppings:
- Shredded cheese
- Avocado slices
- Chopped cilantro
Instructions
- Heat olive oil: In a large skillet over medium heat, add the diced sweet potatoes and cook for 8–10 minutes until beginning to soften.
- Add onion and bell pepper: Sauté for another 3–4 minutes until slightly tender.
- Cook ground turkey: Brown and fully cook it for about 5–6 minutes.
- Season and steam: Add garlic, paprika, cumin, salt, pepper, water or broth to deglaze the pan and cook until sweet potatoes are tender.
- Wilt spinach: Stir in spinach and cook for 1–2 minutes until wilted.
- Adjust seasoning and serve: Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve hot, topped with optional toppings.
Notes
- This dish is great for meal prep and reheats well.
- You can substitute ground chicken or beef and use frozen spinach if needed.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 390
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
