If you’re peeking into your fridge for something wholesome, colorful, and guaranteed to become a weekday favorite, look no further than this Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet. Packed with lean protein, tender sweet potatoes, and a punchy mix of veggies, this one-pan wonder brings comforting, vibrant flavor to the table in under 40 minutes. Every bite is deeply satisfying thanks to bold spices and just the right pop of fresh greens — and cleanup is gloriously easy! Whether you’re meal-prepping or serving up a last-minute family dinner, this skillet delivers a hearty, healthy meal that will quickly become a weeknight staple.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredient list for Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet is surprisingly short but incredibly intentional, allowing each element to really shine. These kitchen basics come together to create robust flavor, wonderful texture, and eye-catching color in every forkful.
- Ground turkey: Opt for lean ground turkey — it keeps things light and soaks up all the savory spices beautifully.
- Sweet potatoes: Their natural sweetness balances the smokiness of the seasonings and adds creaminess to every bite.
- Olive oil: A tablespoon helps everything brown nicely and lends a subtle richness.
- Onion: Diced onion brings a fragrant base and wonderful depth to the skillet.
- Garlic: Just two cloves are enough to perfume the whole dish with a savory kick.
- Red bell pepper: Adds a bright color and juicy crunch that complements the softer textures.
- Smoked paprika: Gives the skillet its irresistible smoky undertone — absolutely essential.
- Ground cumin: Delivers a warm, earthy flavor that ties all the spices together.
- Chili powder: Brings a subtle heat and that classic skillet personality.
- Salt: Heightens every flavor without overpowering the natural sweetness of veggies.
- Black pepper: A little goes a long way for gentle warmth and balance.
- Water or chicken broth: Adds moisture, helps the sweet potatoes steam, and layers in more flavor.
- Spinach: Wilts beautifully at the end, adding color and nutrient power without fuss.
- Parsley or green onions (optional garnish): For a burst of fresh, herby brightness just before serving.
How to Make Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet
Step 1: Sauté the Sweet Potatoes
Start by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Toss in your diced sweet potatoes and give them a good stir to coat. Let them cook for 6 to 8 minutes, stirring every so often. You want them starting to get tender and develop those tasty, caramelized edges — this forms the backbone of your Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet.
Step 2: Brown the Turkey and Soften the Onion
Once the sweet potatoes have softened a bit, push them to the side of your skillet to make room for the other superstars. Add the ground turkey and diced onion right in the pan. Cook, breaking up the turkey with a spatula, for about 5 to 7 minutes. The turkey should lose its pink color and the onions should turn translucent and lightly golden, giving off the most mouthwatering aroma.
Step 3: Build Flavor with Garlic, Peppers, and Spices
Now, stir in your minced garlic and diced red bell pepper, followed by smoked paprika, cumin, chili powder, salt, and black pepper. Let this flavorful mix cook together for another 2 minutes. The spices will toast, the garlic will mellow, and the whole skillet will burst with irresistible color and scent — this is where the magic of Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet truly begins!
Step 4: Simmer Everything Together
Pour in 1/4 cup of water or chicken broth to bring extra moisture and help the sweet potatoes finish cooking. Cover your skillet and let it all simmer for 5 to 7 minutes. This gentle heat will make the sweet potatoes perfectly tender without drying out the turkey or veggies.
Step 5: Wilt the Spinach and Finish
Uncover the skillet and stir in those fresh, chopped spinach leaves. Watch as they wilt down in just a minute or two, adding gorgeous green flecks and subtle flavor. Do a final taste to check seasoning, then get ready to serve up your vibrant, cozy Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet.
How to Serve Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet
Garnishes
For an extra boost of flavor and a pop of color, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or green onions over the top of your Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet just before serving. If you’re feeling adventurous, a dash of hot sauce or a squeeze of fresh lime juice lifts all the flavors to new heights.
Side Dishes
This skillet is truly a complete meal on its own, but it’s also fantastic paired with a simple green salad, some fluffy quinoa, or a slice of rustic bread to soak up any extra juices. If you’re serving a crowd, roasted broccoli or steamed green beans round out the meal beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
Try scooping the fragrant mixture into roasted sweet potato halves, or use it as a hearty filling for lettuce wraps. For a brunch twist, top your Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet with a runny fried egg — it’s absolute bliss!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Transfer any leftover Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet to an airtight container and pop it in the refrigerator. It stays fresh and delicious for up to four days, making it a dream for meal-preppers and busy weeknights alike.
Freezing
This skillet is freezer-friendly! Cool the leftovers completely, divide into meal prep containers, and freeze for up to three months. When you’re ready to eat, simply thaw in the fridge overnight for best results.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat. Add a splash of water or broth if it seems dry. You can also heat individual portions in the microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring between each so everything warms evenly.
FAQs
Can I use ground chicken instead of turkey?
Absolutely! Ground chicken works beautifully in this recipe and soaks up all those delicious spices just as well as turkey does. It’s a great option if you prefer a slightly different flavor or simply have it on hand.
Can I make this skillet spicy?
You bet! Feel free to add a pinch of red pepper flakes, a diced jalapeño, or a splash of your favorite hot sauce. The base recipe is mild, but heat lovers can absolutely kick things up a notch.
How can I meal prep Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet?
Just portion the finished dish into individual containers and refrigerate. It reheats evenly, holds up well, and tastes just as delicious after a few days, making it wonderful for grab-and-go lunches.
What’s the best way to make this dairy-free or gluten-free?
Great news: Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet is already both dairy-free and gluten-free without any substitutions! Just be sure to use certified gluten-free broth if you’re being extra cautious.
Can I add more vegetables?
Definitely! This skillet is endlessly flexible. Add mushrooms, zucchini, or swap in kale for the spinach — let what’s in your fridge inspire you. Aim to keep the proportions the same so everything cooks evenly.
Final Thoughts
If you love quick dinners that burst with flavor and color, you owe it to yourself to make this Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet. It’s as cozy and nourishing as it is simple, and it never fails to please a hungry crowd. Give it a try, and don’t be surprised if you end up adding it to your weekly rotation!
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Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet is a wholesome and flavorful one-pan meal that is easy to make and perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. Packed with lean protein, sweet potatoes, and veggies, it’s a satisfying and nutritious dish that the whole family will love.
Ingredients
Ground Turkey:
1 lb
Sweet Potatoes:
2 medium, peeled and diced
Olive Oil:
1 tablespoon
Onion:
1 small, diced
Garlic:
2 cloves, minced
Red Bell Pepper:
1, diced
Smoked Paprika:
1 teaspoon
Ground Cumin:
1/2 teaspoon
Chili Powder:
1/2 teaspoon
Salt:
1/2 teaspoon
Black Pepper:
1/4 teaspoon
Water or Chicken Broth:
1/4 cup
Fresh Spinach:
2 cups, chopped
Parsley or Green Onions:
for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced sweet potatoes and cook for 6–8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until starting to soften.
- Push the sweet potatoes to the side and add the ground turkey and onion. Cook for 5–7 minutes, breaking up the meat, until the turkey is browned and the onions are soft.
- Stir in garlic, bell pepper, paprika, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Cook for another 2 minutes, then add the water or broth. Cover and simmer for 5–7 minutes, or until sweet potatoes are tender.
- Stir in chopped spinach and cook for 1–2 minutes until wilted. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Garnish with fresh parsley or green onions and serve hot.
Notes
- For extra flavor, add a dash of hot sauce or a squeeze of lime before serving.
- This dish is great for meal prep and reheats well.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 330
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 360mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
