Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet is a hearty, wholesome, and flavorful one-pan meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights. This dish combines the natural sweetness of tender sweet potatoes with the savory goodness of ground turkey, all seasoned to perfection. Packed with protein, fiber, and vibrant veggies, it’s a nutritious meal that’s as delicious as it is easy to make.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- One-Pan Meal: Easy cleanup and convenient cooking.
- Healthy and Nutritious: High in protein, vitamins, and minerals.
- Quick to Prepare: Ready in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy days.
- Customizable: Adapt with your favorite vegetables and seasonings.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Ground turkey
- Sweet potatoes, diced
- Onion, diced
- Bell peppers, diced (any color)
- Garlic, minced
- Olive oil
- Paprika
- Chili powder
- Cumin
- Salt and pepper
- Spinach or kale (optional, for added greens)
- Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
Directions
- Cook the Sweet Potatoes: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced sweet potatoes and cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until tender. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté the Aromatics: In the same skillet, add a little more olive oil if needed. Sauté the onion, bell peppers, and garlic until fragrant and softened, about 3-4 minutes.
- Brown the Turkey: Add the ground turkey to the skillet and cook, breaking it apart with a spatula, until browned and fully cooked. Season with paprika, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper.
- Combine and Cook: Return the sweet potatoes to the skillet, stirring to combine. Add the spinach or kale if using, and cook for 2-3 minutes until wilted. Adjust seasoning to taste.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle with fresh parsley or cilantro before serving.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: Serves 4-6 people
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Variations
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes for extra heat.
- Cheesy Twist: Sprinkle shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese on top and let it melt before serving.
- Vegetarian Option: Substitute ground turkey with crumbled tofu or tempeh.
- Different Proteins: Swap ground turkey with ground chicken, beef, or sausage.
- More Veggies: Add zucchini, mushrooms, or cherry tomatoes for extra nutrition.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: Freeze in individual portions for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Reheating: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave until warmed through.
FAQs
1. Can I use ground beef instead of turkey?
Yes, ground beef, chicken, or even sausage are excellent alternatives.
2. How do I prevent the sweet potatoes from getting mushy?
Dice the sweet potatoes evenly and avoid overcooking them. They should be tender but not falling apart.
3. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! This dish reheats well and can be prepared in advance for meal prep.
4. What type of pan works best?
A large non-stick skillet or cast-iron pan works best for even cooking and easy cleanup.
5. Can I add beans to this dish?
Yes, black beans or kidney beans make a great addition for added protein and fiber.
6. How do I make this dish spicier?
Add diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce during cooking.
7. Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, all the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, but double-check any seasoning blends to ensure there’s no hidden gluten.
8. Can I use frozen sweet potatoes?
Yes, but you may need to adjust the cooking time slightly as frozen sweet potatoes may release more water.
9. What can I serve with this skillet meal?
It’s great on its own, but you can pair it with a side salad, crusty bread, or steamed rice.
10. How can I make this dish dairy-free?
This dish is naturally dairy-free unless you add cheese. Simply skip the cheese for a dairy-free option.
Conclusion
Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet is a delicious and versatile dish that’s perfect for any night of the week. With its savory flavors, wholesome ingredients, and quick prep time, it’s a recipe you’ll come back to again and again. Try it today for a meal that’s as easy as it is satisfying!
PrintGround Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet
This Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet is a wholesome, one-pan meal packed with lean protein, nutrient-rich sweet potatoes, and vibrant veggies. Perfect for busy weeknights, it’s quick, healthy, and incredibly flavorful!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner, One-Pan Meal
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450 g) ground turkey
- 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and diced into small cubes
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bell pepper (red, yellow, or orange), diced
- 2 cups (60 g) fresh spinach
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp ground cumin
- 1/2 tsp chili powder (optional, for spice)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/4 cup (15 g) chopped fresh parsley or cilantro (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the Sweet Potatoes:
- Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the sweet potato cubes and cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly tender and golden. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- Cook the Ground Turkey:
- In the same skillet, heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
- Add the ground turkey, onion, and garlic. Cook for 5-7 minutes, breaking the turkey into small pieces, until fully cooked and no longer pink.
- Add the Vegetables:
- Stir in the bell pepper and cooked sweet potatoes. Sprinkle with smoked paprika, cumin, chili powder (if using), salt, and pepper. Cook for another 3-4 minutes, stirring to combine.
- Add the Spinach:
- Add the fresh spinach to the skillet and cook for 1-2 minutes, just until wilted.
- Garnish and Serve:
- Remove the skillet from heat. Garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro before serving. Enjoy warm!
Notes
- For added flavor, sprinkle with crumbled feta or shredded cheese before serving.
- Swap spinach for kale or add extra veggies like zucchini or mushrooms.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.