Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet Recipe

If you’re looking for a meal that’s quick, hearty, and packed with flavor, this Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet recipe might be just what you need. A perfect balance of protein and wholesome vegetables, it combines lean ground turkey with nutrient-rich sweet potatoes, creating a dish that’s both filling and satisfying. I came up with this recipe on a busy weeknight when I was craving something that was both delicious and easy to prepare. It turned out to be one of those meals that’s not only good for you but also full of flavor – a winning combination for any busy home cook.

This skillet is perfect for those nights when you need a meal that’s both healthy and delicious. Whether you’re looking to boost your protein intake, sneak in some veggies, or just enjoy a simple one-pan dish, this Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet has you covered. Read on to find out how to make it, why it’s a favorite in our kitchen, and the special ingredients that make it stand out.

Why I Love This Recipe

There are so many reasons why I love making this Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet. First, it’s incredibly easy to prepare. You don’t need to worry about multiple pots and pans – everything cooks in one skillet. And the best part? It’s made with ingredients that are not only good for you but also easily accessible. You can pick up everything you need at your local grocery store.

But what really sets this recipe apart is the combination of flavors. The sweet potatoes add a subtle sweetness that pairs perfectly with the savory, slightly spiced ground turkey. The mixture of herbs and spices gives the dish a bit of warmth and depth, while the addition of vegetables like onions and bell peppers adds both color and crunch. It’s a meal that satisfies your cravings, keeps you feeling full, and provides a perfect balance of nutrients.

What’s more, this dish is versatile. You can enjoy it on its own for a light meal, or you can serve it with a side salad or some steamed vegetables for a more substantial dinner. Plus, it’s quick enough to make on any weeknight and healthy enough to make for meal prepping.

Ingredients for Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet

To make this Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet, you’ll need just a handful of simple ingredients. You likely have most of them on hand already, which makes this a great recipe for busy nights when you don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen.

• Ground turkey – This is the main protein in the dish, and it’s lean and easy to cook. It absorbs the flavors of the spices and pairs wonderfully with the sweet potatoes.
• Sweet potatoes – The star of the dish, sweet potatoes provide a naturally sweet flavor and a rich texture. They also add nutrients like beta-carotene, fiber, and vitamins A and C.
• Olive oil – For sautéing the vegetables and turkey. Olive oil is heart-healthy and adds a lovely richness to the dish.
• Onion – Adds depth and sweetness to the skillet. You’ll want to sauté it until it’s softened and slightly caramelized.
• Bell peppers – Choose your favorite color! Bell peppers add crunch, sweetness, and a pop of color to the dish.
• Garlic – For an aromatic kick, garlic complements the savory ground turkey and adds a punch of flavor.
• Spices – I use a combination of cumin, paprika, chili powder, and oregano. These warm spices bring depth and a bit of heat to the dish without overpowering the natural sweetness of the potatoes.
• Salt and pepper – To taste. You’ll want to season the dish well to bring all the flavors together.
• Fresh cilantro – For garnish, adding a fresh, herby contrast to the richness of the dish.

With these ingredients, you’ll be able to make a hearty, flavorful, and nutritious meal in no time.

How Much Time Will You Need

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and quick prep time. From start to finish, you’ll need about 30 minutes to get this skillet on the table. This includes time for chopping vegetables, sautéing, and cooking the turkey and sweet potatoes through. If you’re doing meal prep, you could also cook this in bulk and store individual servings in the fridge for easy lunches or dinners throughout the week.

Here’s a breakdown of the time needed:

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes

It’s a perfect weeknight meal that won’t keep you in the kitchen for hours.

How to Make This Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet

Ready to make this flavorful dish? Here’s a step-by-step guide to cooking your Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet. Follow these steps, and you’ll have a delicious meal ready in no time.

Step 1: Prepare your ingredients.
Peel and cube your sweet potatoes into bite-sized pieces. Dice the onion and bell peppers. Mince the garlic. Measure out your spices. Having everything ready will make the cooking process smoother and quicker.

Step 2: Sauté the sweet potatoes.
Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced sweet potatoes and sauté them for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they’re golden and starting to soften. You don’t need to cook them through just yet, as they will continue to cook once the turkey is added. Remove the sweet potatoes from the skillet and set them aside.

Step 3: Cook the turkey.
In the same skillet, add a little more olive oil if necessary, and then add the ground turkey. Break it up with a spoon as it cooks, allowing it to brown and crumble. This will take about 5-7 minutes. Season the turkey with salt, pepper, cumin, paprika, chili powder, and oregano. Stir to ensure the spices coat the turkey evenly.

Step 4: Add the vegetables.
Add the diced onion, bell peppers, and minced garlic to the skillet with the turkey. Cook for another 3-4 minutes, until the vegetables are softened and fragrant.

Step 5: Combine everything.
Once the turkey and vegetables are cooked, return the sweet potatoes to the skillet. Stir everything together and cook for another 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sweet potatoes to finish cooking through.

Step 6: Garnish and serve.
Once everything is cooked and nicely combined, sprinkle some fresh cilantro on top for a pop of color and flavor. Serve hot and enjoy!

Substitutions

If you want to mix things up, there are plenty of substitutions you can make to fit your taste or dietary needs.

• Ground turkey – You can swap ground turkey for ground chicken, lean ground beef, or even ground pork. If you’re looking for a vegetarian version, use a plant-based meat substitute like lentils or quinoa.
• Sweet potatoes – If sweet potatoes aren’t your favorite, try using regular potatoes, butternut squash, or even cauliflower for a lower-carb option.
• Bell peppers – You can substitute bell peppers with zucchini, spinach, or kale if you prefer other vegetables.
• Spices – Experiment with your favorite spices! Add cayenne pepper for extra heat or Italian seasoning for a more Mediterranean flavor.

Best Side Dishes for Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet

While this skillet is a complete meal on its own, you might want to serve it with a side dish to round out the meal. Here are three options that pair wonderfully with this dish:

1. Crisp green salad – A simple salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a tangy vinaigrette will complement the rich flavors of the skillet.
2. Roasted broccoli – The crispy, slightly charred texture of roasted broccoli makes a perfect match for this skillet, adding crunch and freshness.
3. Quinoa – A light, fluffy grain like quinoa will add some extra texture and fiber to the meal, making it more filling.

Once you’ve completed this first part, let me know, and I’ll continue with the second half.

Serving and Presentation Tips

When it comes to serving your Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet, presentation can take your meal from ordinary to extraordinary. You don’t have to be a professional chef to make your dish look stunning. Here are a few tips on how to serve and present this meal beautifully:

• Choose the right dish: Since this recipe is colorful with the sweet potatoes, bell peppers, and cilantro, serve it in a large, shallow bowl or a cast-iron skillet for a rustic, hearty look.
• Add fresh herbs: Sprinkle a bit more fresh cilantro or even some green onions on top of the finished dish just before serving. This brightens up the presentation and adds a fresh, herby contrast to the savory flavors.
• Garnish with a squeeze of lime: A few spritzes of lime juice will not only enhance the flavors but also give the dish a vibrant pop of color and freshness.
• Serve family-style: If you’re entertaining or serving a crowd, you can present the skillet directly on the table, allowing everyone to scoop out their portion. This communal serving style makes the meal feel inviting and cozy.

Tips and Tricks to Make This Recipe Even Better

To elevate your Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet, here are some tips and tricks to make it even more flavorful and enjoyable:

• Caramelize the onions: For a deeper, sweeter flavor, try caramelizing the onions before adding them to the skillet. This adds a rich, savory undertone that complements the sweetness of the sweet potatoes.
• Add a touch of cheese: If you’re a cheese lover, sprinkle some shredded cheddar or crumbled feta on top of the dish just before serving. The cheese will melt into the warm ingredients, adding a creamy richness.
• Spice it up: If you like a bit of heat, add some diced jalapeño or a pinch of red pepper flakes when cooking the turkey. This will give the dish a spicy kick that balances the sweetness of the potatoes.
• Roast the sweet potatoes: For extra flavor and texture, you can roast the sweet potatoes in the oven before adding them to the skillet. This brings out their natural sweetness and creates a slightly crispy exterior.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

While this recipe is fairly simple, there are a few common mistakes you should avoid to ensure the best outcome:

• Overcrowding the skillet: When cooking the sweet potatoes, be sure not to overcrowd the pan. If the potatoes are too crowded, they’ll steam instead of crisping up, which can affect the texture. Cook them in batches if necessary.
• Not seasoning enough: Ground turkey is a lean meat with a mild flavor, so it’s important to season it well. Don’t be afraid to taste and adjust the seasoning as you go, especially with the spices and salt.
• Not cooking the sweet potatoes enough: Sweet potatoes take a little longer to cook than some other vegetables, so make sure they’re tender before adding them back to the skillet. If you don’t cook them long enough, they’ll be too firm in the final dish.
• Using low-quality ground turkey: Opt for lean ground turkey but avoid the very low-fat versions, which can be dry and flavorless. A moderate fat content (around 7% to 10% fat) helps keep the turkey moist and flavorful.

How to Store It

If you have leftovers, you’re in luck! This Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet stores wonderfully in the refrigerator, and it makes for a great meal prep option. Here’s how to store it:

• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Be sure to let the skillet cool to room temperature before storing.
• Reheating: When reheating, you can use the stove or microwave. If using the stove, reheat over medium heat in a skillet, adding a splash of water or broth to keep it moist. If using the microwave, heat in intervals, stirring occasionally.
• Freezing: You can also freeze this dish for up to 3 months. Store it in a freezer-safe container, and be sure to cool it completely before freezing. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and then reheat as you normally would.

FAQ

1. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, this recipe is perfect for meal prep! You can cook it in advance and store it in the refrigerator for a quick, reheatable meal throughout the week. You can also freeze portions for later use.

2. Can I use ground chicken instead of ground turkey?
Absolutely! Ground chicken will work just as well in this recipe. It has a similar texture and flavor profile to turkey, and it will absorb the spices beautifully.

3. Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, you can substitute the ground turkey with plant-based proteins such as lentils, quinoa, or a meat alternative like tempeh or tofu. Just make sure to adjust the seasoning to fit the new ingredients.

4. Can I use a different vegetable instead of sweet potatoes?
Definitely! While sweet potatoes add a natural sweetness, you can use regular potatoes, butternut squash, or even cauliflower for a different twist. Just adjust the cooking time depending on the vegetable you choose.

5. Can I make this recipe spicier?
Yes! If you like spice, add a diced jalapeño when cooking the onions or use a bit more chili powder or paprika. You can also top it with hot sauce or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for an extra kick.

Print