Soul-Warming Turkey & Sweet Potato Skillet Recipe for Comfort

Packed with flavor and nutrition, this hearty turkey sweet potato skillet delivers a delightful one-pan meal that satisfies hungry appetites.

The combination of lean ground turkey and vibrant sweet potatoes creates a wholesome dinner solution for busy weeknights.

Tender chunks of sweet potato mingle with seasoned turkey, offering a perfect balance of protein and complex carbohydrates.

Each bite brings a burst of comforting textures and rich, savory notes that will make you forget about mundane meal routines.

Colorful vegetables add depth and nutrition to this simple yet impressive skillet.

Spices like paprika and garlic enhance the natural flavors, turning a basic ingredient list into something extraordinary.

You’ll love how quickly this skillet comes together, making it an ideal choice for those seeking a nutritious meal without spending hours in the kitchen.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Calories: 400 kcal

Servings: 4

Ingredients for Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet

• Sweet Potato: Hearty root vegetable adds natural sweetness and creamy texture, choose firm potatoes with smooth skin and no soft spots.
• Ground Turkey: Lean protein source that creates a lightweight and nutritious foundation, select fresh meat with minimal fat content.
• Olive Oil: Healthy cooking fat that enhances flavor and prevents sticking, opt for extra virgin for richer taste.

• Onion: Provides depth and subtle sweetness, select firm bulbs without bruising or soft spots.
• Garlic: Adds robust flavor and medicinal benefits, choose plump cloves with tight, unbroken skin.
• Bell Pepper: Introduces vibrant color and crisp texture, pick peppers with glossy, firm exterior.

• Smoked Paprika: Delivers smoky, complex flavor profile, choose high-quality ground spice for intense taste.
• Cumin: Contributes earthy warmth and complexity, select whole seeds or ground spice from reputable source.
• Chili Powder: Optional ingredient offering gentle heat and complexity, adjust according to personal spice tolerance.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential flavor boosters, use freshly ground black pepper for maximum impact.
• Spinach: Provides nutritional boost and fresh green color, select crisp leaves without wilting.
• Parsley or Cilantro: Bright garnish that adds fresh herbaceous note, choose vibrant green leaves without yellowing.

Tools to Prepare a Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet

• Large Skillet: Essential for cooking all ingredients and creating one-pan meal.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Perfect for stirring and breaking up ground turkey while cooking.
• Cutting Board: Needed for chopping sweet potatoes, onions, bell peppers, and herbs.
• Sharp Knife: Crucial for precisely dicing vegetables and preparing ingredients.
• Measuring Spoons: Helps accurately add spices like paprika, cumin, and chili powder.

Steps to Cook Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet at Home

• Sizzle Sweet Potatoes

Heat a skillet with olive oil and toss in sweet potato cubes. Dance them around until they turn golden and soften, about 8-10 minutes. Scoop them out and set aside.

• Brown the Turkey

In the same sizzling pan, drop more olive oil and crumble ground turkey with onions and garlic. Break down the meat into tiny pieces while cooking until it’s fully done and looks crispy.

• Blend Colorful Vegetables

Tumble bell peppers back into the skillet with reserved sweet potatoes. Sprinkle a magical blend of smoked paprika, cumin, and chili powder. Stir everything together, letting flavors mingle and dance.

• Wilt Fresh Greens

Toss fresh spinach into the hot mixture, watching it transform and soften in just moments. The greens will curl and become tender, adding vibrant color and nutrition.

• Final Touch and Serve

Pull the skillet off the heat and shower with fresh herbs. Serve immediately while everything is steaming hot and bursting with flavor. Enjoy your quick and wholesome meal!

Flavor Tips for Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet Recipes

• Pat sweet potato cubes completely dry before cooking to ensure golden, crispy edges that add delightful texture and prevent steaming.
• This skillet can be prepared in advance and stored in airtight containers for up to 4 days, making it perfect for busy weeknight dinners or quick lunch options.
• Replace ground turkey with lean ground chicken, plant-based crumbles, or extra-firm tofu for versatile protein alternatives that suit different dietary preferences.
• Substitute sweet potatoes with cauliflower or zucchini cubes to reduce carbohydrate content while maintaining the recipe's delicious flavor profile and nutritional balance.
• Top the skillet with dairy-free alternatives like nutritional yeast, cashew cream, or dairy-free cheese shreds to create creamy, satisfying variations for those avoiding traditional dairy products.

Serving Ideas for Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet Meals

• Hearty Family Dinner Companion: Serve this skillet with warm, fluffy brown rice or quinoa for a complete meal that fills hungry bellies.
• Zesty Topping Adventure: Sprinkle crumbled feta cheese, sliced green onions, or a dollop of Greek yogurt to add creamy, tangy dimensions that elevate the dish's flavor profile.
• Quick Meal Prep Champion: Pack leftovers in meal prep containers for easy lunch options, as this skillet tastes amazing when reheated and maintains its delicious texture and nutrition.
• Protein Power Boost: Add a fried egg on top for extra protein and a luxurious runny yolk that blends perfectly with the seasoned turkey and sweet potatoes.

Storage Plan for Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet Leftovers

• Double the recipe and divide portions into individual containers for quick weekday lunches or dinners. This approach saves time and ensures healthy meals are always ready.
• Store leftovers in airtight containers within the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Keep the skillet ingredients separate from fresh garnishes to maintain optimal texture and flavor.
• Pack cooled skillet mixture into freezer-safe containers, removing excess air. These meals can be safely stored for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently in a skillet or microwave.
• Replace ground turkey with ground chicken or plant-based protein crumbles. Mix different vegetables like zucchini or cauliflower to keep meals interesting and adapt to seasonal availability.

Hearty Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet Recipe

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5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.9 from 17 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Comfort meets convenience in this hearty turkey sweet potato skillet, blending savory proteins with creamy root vegetables. Rustic flavors meld seamlessly, offering a nourishing one-pan meal you’ll crave on chilly evenings.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb (450 g) ground turkey
• 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and diced into small cubes
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 bell pepper (red, yellow, or orange), diced
• 2 cups fresh spinach
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• ½ tsp ground cumin
• ½ tsp chili powder (optional, for spice)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley or cilantro (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Potato Preparation: Warm olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium heat, then gently sauté sweet potato cubes until they develop a golden exterior and become tender, approximately 8-10 minutes. Transfer potatoes to a separate plate.
2. Turkey Transformation: Utilize the same skillet to brown ground turkey with diced onions and minced garlic, thoroughly crumbling the meat and ensuring complete cooking until no pink remains, around 5-7 minutes.
3. Vegetable Integration: Reintroduce sweet potatoes to the skillet, incorporating bell peppers and seasoning with smoked paprika, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Stir ingredients thoroughly and allow flavors to meld for 3-4 minutes.
4. Leafy Finale: Introduce fresh spinach to the skillet, gently wilting the leaves until they become soft and seamlessly blend with the existing mixture, which should take 1-2 minutes.
5. Serving Presentation: Remove skillet from heat, garnish with freshly chopped parsley or cilantro, and serve immediately while the dish remains piping hot.

Notes

• Cut sweet potatoes into uniform, bite-sized cubes to ensure even cooking and consistent texture throughout the dish.
• Break ground turkey into small, crumbly pieces while cooking to maximize flavor development and prevent large, tough chunks.
• Adjust spice blend according to personal heat preference, starting with smaller amounts and gradually increasing for customized flavor profile.
• Add spinach at the very end to maintain its vibrant color, crisp texture, and maximum nutritional value, preventing overcooking and wilting.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 300
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 450 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 6 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg