When you’re craving something hearty, wholesome, and full of vibrant color, this Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet checks all the boxes. Imagine the satisfying comfort of perfectly browned sweet potatoes mingling with savory ground turkey, tender vegetables, and a hint of smoky spice — all brought together in one pan. This dish delivers major flavor with minimal fuss, making it a go-to for busy weeknights and meal prep alike. Whether you’re aiming for healthy eating or just love a cozy skillet dinner, this recipe will quickly find a spot in your regular rotation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The secret to a truly delightful Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet lies in a handful of straightforward yet essential ingredients. Each one brings something special to the table, from earthy sweetness to savory depth and pops of color. Let’s look at what you’ll need and why each item matters.
- Ground turkey: Lean, protein-packed, and a milder alternative to beef, it soaks up every bit of spice and flavor.
- Sweet potatoes: These beauties add a natural, caramelized sweetness and a tender bite, balancing the savory turkey perfectly.
- Yellow onion: Diced onion forms the aromatic base, infusing every bite with classic home-cooked flavor.
- Red bell pepper: Dice one for bursts of color and crisp-tender sweetness throughout the skillet.
- Garlic: Just two cloves bring big-time flavor; don’t skip this aromatic addition!
- Olive oil: A heart-healthy choice for sautéing every ingredient and developing that golden, irresistible finish.
- Smoked paprika: This spice delivers a subtle smoky warmth that transforms the whole dish.
- Chili powder: Just a bit adds an enticing kick to wake up your taste buds.
- Ground cumin: Earthy, savory, and essential for a grounded, balanced flavor.
- Salt: Enhances all the other flavors without overpowering.
- Black pepper: A touch sharpens every bite and complements the warmth of the other spices.
- Baby spinach (optional): Toss in a handful for a boost of greens and gentle earthy notes.
- Fresh parsley: Chopped for a bright, herbaceous garnish that brings the whole skillet to life.
How to Make Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet
Step 1: Cook the Sweet Potatoes
Start by heating one tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add your peeled, diced sweet potatoes and sauté for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring every so often. You want them tender inside and slightly caramelized on the edges. Once they’re fork-tender and golden, transfer them to a plate and set aside — don’t worry, they’ll be back soon!
Step 2: Sauté Aromatics and Vegetables
Return your skillet to the heat and pour in the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Toss in the diced onion and red bell pepper, cooking for 3 to 4 minutes until they soften and their colors get even brighter. Then add your minced garlic and let it bloom for 30 seconds. The aroma should be absolutely irresistible.
Step 3: Brown the Ground Turkey
Add the ground turkey straight into the skillet, using your spoon to break it up as it cooks. Watch as it goes from pink to golden brown, soaking up all that garlicky, peppery flavor from the pan. This is where the Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet starts to earn its name!
Step 4: Spice and Combine
Sprinkle in your smoked paprika, chili powder, ground cumin, salt, and black pepper. Give everything a thorough mix so the turkey is evenly seasoned. Once the spices are fragrant (and you’re officially hungry), return the cooked sweet potatoes to the skillet and toss everything together. The aroma should fill your kitchen with warmth.
Step 5: Add Greens (Optional) and Finish
If you’re including baby spinach, stir it in now. Cook for just 1 to 2 minutes — you’ll see it wilt and mix beautifully with the rest of the skillet. Finally, taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. You’re ready to sprinkle over that vibrant fresh parsley and dig in!
How to Serve Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet
Garnishes
Take your skillet to the next level with just a handful of garnishes. Freshly chopped parsley adds a burst of flavor and color, and if you love a melty finish, a sprinkle of shredded cheese will do just the trick. Bright green onions or a touch of avocado are also fun and delicious toppers.
Side Dishes
Since the Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet is so hearty and well-rounded, you can keep sides simple. A fresh green salad with citrus vinaigrette complements it perfectly, or roasted broccoli brings another layer of health and color to your plate. Warm crusty bread is the ideal partner for soaking up every last bit.
Creative Ways to Present
Try piling the skillet mixture into roasted sweet potato halves for a fun twist, or use as a filling in hearty wraps or pita bread. You can even serve it over rice or quinoa for a delicious grain bowl. However you plate it, this dish looks and tastes impressive!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Let leftovers cool to room temperature before transferring to airtight containers. The Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet keeps beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, making it a fantastic make-ahead lunch option.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, pack individual portions into freezer-safe containers. You can freeze the Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet for up to three months. Just be sure to thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating for the freshest taste and best texture.
Reheating
To reheat, simply microwave a portion until warmed through, or toss it back into a skillet with a splash of water to keep everything moist. The flavors deepen over time, so you might find it tastes even better the next day!
FAQs
Can I use ground chicken instead of ground turkey?
Absolutely! Ground chicken is a wonderful substitute in this skillet, absorbing all the same spices and flavors. Just be mindful to watch for doneness, as chicken cooks a touch faster.
Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?
Yes — you can swap the ground turkey for cooked lentils, black beans, or even chickpeas. The dish will still be protein-rich and satisfying, and the spices will pair beautifully with plant-based proteins.
Do I need to peel the sweet potatoes?
While peeling creates a smoother texture and look, you can certainly leave the skins on for extra fiber and nutrients. Just give them a good scrub first to remove any dirt.
What can I use instead of spinach?
If you’re out of spinach, baby kale, chopped chard, or even diced zucchini work well. Toss them in at the end just like the spinach, until gently wilted and well incorporated.
Is the Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet spicy?
It has a very gentle warmth from the chili powder and smoked paprika, but it isn’t spicy-hot. If you want more heat, feel free to add chopped jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the mix!
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a dinner that checks all the boxes — quick, flavorful, and nourishing — you can’t go wrong with the Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet. It’s colorful, cozy, and simple enough to become one of your weeknight heroes. Grab a skillet, gather your ingredients, and make this satisfying dish a staple in your kitchen. You’ll love every bite!
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Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet is a delicious one-pan meal that is easy to make and packed with flavor. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, this dish combines lean ground turkey with sweet potatoes, bell peppers, and a blend of spices for a satisfying and wholesome meal.
Ingredients
Ground Turkey:
- 1 lb ground turkey
Sweet Potatoes:
- 2 medium sweet potatoes (peeled and diced)
Vegetables:
- 1 small yellow onion (diced)
- 1 red bell pepper (diced)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 2 cups baby spinach (optional)
Seasonings:
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp chili powder
- 1/2 tsp ground cumin
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Garnish:
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare Sweet Potatoes: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced sweet potatoes and cook for 8–10 minutes until tender and lightly browned. Remove and set aside.
- Cook Vegetables: In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil and cook the diced onion and bell pepper for 3–4 minutes until softened. Add garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds.
- Cook Ground Turkey: Stir in the ground turkey and cook until fully browned. Season with paprika, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper.
- Combine Ingredients: Return the sweet potatoes to the skillet and stir to combine. Add spinach if using and cook for another 1–2 minutes until wilted.
- Serve: Garnish with parsley and serve warm.
Notes
- Add a sprinkle of shredded cheese on top for extra flavor.
- This recipe is great for meal prep and reheats well.
- Substitute kale or zucchini for added variety.
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