Savory Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet Recipe for Dinner

Crafting a hearty ground turkey sweet potato skillet can revolutionize your weeknight dinner routine.

Wholesome ingredients mingle in a single pan, creating magic with minimal cleanup.

Lean protein and vibrant vegetables dance together, promising a nutritious meal that satisfies deeply.

Busy home cooks appreciate simple yet flavorful dishes that come together quickly.

Comfort meets nutrition in this one-pan wonder that delivers remarkable taste without complicated techniques.

Spices and seasonings whisper excitement into every delectable bite.

You’ll want to savor each forkful of this delightful, nourishing creation.

Your Ground Turkey Skillet Questions Answered

• Is ground turkey a healthy protein choice?

Ground turkey is lean and packed with protein, containing less fat compared to ground beef. It’s an excellent option for those seeking a nutritious, lower-calorie protein source that supports muscle health and weight management.

• Can I use frozen sweet potatoes for this recipe?

Fresh sweet potatoes are recommended for the best texture and flavor. Frozen sweet potatoes might become mushy and release excess water, potentially affecting the skillet’s overall consistency and taste.

• What if I don't have all the spices mentioned?

You can substitute spices based on what you have. Smoked paprika, garlic powder, or dried herbs can work as alternatives. The key is maintaining a balance of flavors that complement the ground turkey and sweet potatoes.

• How can I make this recipe more budget-friendly?

Choose seasonal vegetables, buy ground turkey when it’s on sale, and use common pantry spices. Buying ingredients in bulk and planning meals can help reduce overall cooking costs while enjoying a nutritious dish.

What Makes Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet Good

• One-pan cooking means minimal cleanup, with straightforward steps that even novice cooks can master without stress.
• Packed with lean protein from ground turkey, fiber-rich sweet potatoes, and nutrient-dense greens, this dish delivers a balanced meal that supports healthy eating goals.
• Easily adapt the spices and vegetables to suit personal tastes or use whatever ingredients you have on hand, making it a versatile go-to recipe for any night of the week.

Ingredients Breakdown for This Skillet

• Ground Turkey: Lean protein that cooks quickly and adds hearty flavor to the dish.
• Sweet Potatoes: Nutrient-rich base that provides natural sweetness and soft texture.
• Spinach or Kale: Leafy greens that boost nutritional value and add a fresh touch.
• Bell Pepper: Colorful vegetable that brings crunch and mild sweetness.
• Onion: Aromatic base that deepens the overall flavor profile.

• Paprika: Adds warm, slightly smoky undertone to the dish.
• Cumin: Earthy spice that complements the turkey and vegetables.
• Chili Powder: Optional ingredient for those who enjoy a spicy kick.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings for balancing and enhancing flavors.

• Olive Oil: Healthy fat for cooking and preventing ingredients from sticking.
• Chicken Broth: Optional liquid for steaming and adding moisture to sweet potatoes.

• Fresh Parsley or Cilantro: Bright, fresh herb for visual appeal and added flavor.
• Garlic: Aromatic ingredient that provides depth to the overall taste.

How to Make Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet Fast

Step 1: Prep Sweet Potato Base

Grab a large skillet and warm olive oil over medium heat. Toss in diced sweet potatoes and let them dance around the pan for 5-7 minutes. They should start getting soft and slightly golden. If things look dry, splash some chicken broth and cover the skillet for 2-3 minutes to help them steam and become tender.

Step 2: Brown the Turkey

Scoot those sweet potatoes to one side of the skillet. Drop ground turkey into the empty space and break it apart with your spatula. Cook until the meat turns from pink to a nice brown color, which takes about 5-6 minutes.

Step 3: Build Flavor Layers

• Chopped onion
• Minced garlic
• Diced bell pepper

Stir and cook for 3-4 minutes until onions become translucent and glassy.

Step 4: Spice It Up

• Paprika
• Cumin
• Chili powder
• Salt
• Black pepper

Stir everything to distribute the spices evenly.

Step 5: Add Fresh Greens

Toss in spinach or kale and watch it wilt into the skillet, which takes just 1-2 minutes.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Pull the skillet off the heat. If you want, garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro. Serve hot and savor your delicious meal!

Tips That Help Balance Sweet and Savory

• Master Sweet Potato Cooking: Steam with Broth for Softness: Add chicken broth when sweet potatoes need extra moisture, helping them become tender without burning.
• Prevent Turkey Clumping: Break ground turkey into small, even pieces while cooking to ensure uniform texture and thorough browning.
• Maximize Vegetable Nutrition: Chop bell peppers and onions uniformly for even cooking and to distribute flavors throughout the skillet.
• Layer Spices for Depth: Add spices like paprika and cumin directly onto meat and vegetables to enhance their aromatic qualities and create a more complex taste profile.
• Quick Greens Wilting Technique: Add spinach or kale at the end of cooking and stir briefly to maintain vibrant color and prevent overcooking, preserving maximum nutritional value.

Best Way to Store This One-Pan Meal

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Properly sealed, the skillet meal stays fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Transfer portions to freezer-safe containers or bags. Freeze for up to 2 months, ensuring you remove excess air to prevent freezer burn.
• Warm the skillet meal in a pan over medium heat, adding a splash of chicken broth to prevent drying. Stir occasionally until heated through, about 5-7 minutes.
• Place serving in a microwave-safe dish, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to distribute heat evenly.

What to Pair with Sweet Potato Skillet

• Select a light-bodied Pinot Noir or Grenache that complements the earthy sweet potatoes and lean ground turkey, creating a balanced taste experience without overpowering the dish's delicate spices.
• Craft a zesty citrus-infused iced tea with hints of ginger, which cuts through the skillet's richness and provides a cooling contrast to the warm spices like paprika and cumin.
• Prepare a crisp arugula salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette and toasted pumpkin seeds, adding bright acidity and complementary crunch that enhances the skillet's texture and flavor profile.
• Sprinkle fresh chopped cilantro or parsley just before serving to introduce a vibrant, fresh layer that lifts the entire dish's aromatic complexity and brings a garden-fresh brightness to each bite.

Ways to Make This Skillet Your Own

• Low-Carb Cauliflower Swap: Replace sweet potatoes with riced cauliflower for a lower-carb version that maintains the same cooking technique and flavor profile.
• Mediterranean Turkey Bowl: Add crumbled feta cheese, kalamata olives, and swap chili powder for oregano to create a Mediterranean-inspired dish with Greek flavors.
• Vegetarian Protein Alternative: Substitute ground turkey with plant-based crumbles or firm tofu, keeping the vegetable and spice blend identical for a meatless option.
• Whole30 Compliant Version: Eliminate bell peppers, use ghee instead of olive oil, and ensure all spices are compliant with Whole30 guidelines for a strict paleo-friendly meal.

Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet Recipe

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4.7 from 29 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Hearty Mediterranean-inspired ground turkey sweet potato skillet delivers robust flavors dancing across your plate with Mediterranean herbs and spices. Nutritious one-pan meal invites home cooks to savor delightful textures and wholesome ingredients that make dinner both simple and satisfying.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 1 lb (450 g) ground turkey

Vegetables:

• 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and diced into small cubes
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 cup fresh spinach or kale, chopped

Seasonings and Liquids:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 0.5 teaspoon chili powder (optional for spice)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 0.25 cup chicken broth or water (optional for softening sweet potatoes)
• Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped (optional for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Prepare a large skillet and warm olive oil over medium heat, introducing diced sweet potatoes and cooking for 5-7 minutes until they soften slightly. If the potatoes seem dry, splash in chicken broth and cover briefly to create steam, ensuring even cooking.
2. Create space in the skillet and deposit ground turkey on the cleared section, methodically breaking it apart with a spatula until the meat loses its pink hue and develops a uniform brown color.
3. Integrate the cooked turkey with sweet potatoes, then incorporate finely chopped onion, minced garlic, and diced bell pepper. Sauté the mixture, stirring periodically to prevent sticking and promote even caramelization.
4. Elevate the dish’s flavor profile by sprinkling paprika, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper across the skillet. Thoroughly mix the seasonings to ensure each component is evenly coated and infused with robust spices.
5. Introduce fresh leafy greens like spinach or kale, gently folding them into the hot mixture until they wilt and become tender, which typically takes 1-2 minutes.
6. Remove the skillet from heat, optionally garnishing with freshly chopped parsley or cilantro for a vibrant finishing touch. Serve immediately while the skillet contents remain piping hot and aromatic.

Notes

• Maximize sweet potato tenderness by cutting into uniform, small cubes for even cooking and faster softening.
• Steam vegetables briefly with chicken broth to enhance moisture and prevent drying out during cooking.
• Use a non-stick skillet to reduce oil and ensure easy cleanup after preparing this one-pan meal.
• Swap ground turkey with plant-based crumbles for a vegetarian version without compromising protein content.
• Boost nutrition by adding extra greens like Swiss chard or adding a handful of chopped kale for additional vitamins.
• Control spice levels by adjusting chili powder or using smoked paprika for a milder, deeper flavor profile.
• Prep ingredients beforehand to create a quick 20-minute weeknight dinner that’s both nutritious and satisfying.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 400 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 3.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 6 g
• Protein: 28 g
• Cholesterol: 100 mg