If you’re looking for a wholesome, flavorful, and downright comforting meal to add to your weeknight dinner rotation, this Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet Recipe is an absolute winner. The perfect balance of savory ground turkey, naturally sweet and tender sweet potatoes, and a medley of aromatic spices creates a dish that’s both hearty and vibrant, all cooked together in one pan for an effortless cleanup. Every bite delivers warmth, robust flavor, and a satisfying blend of textures that will make this skillet your new favorite go-to meal.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic behind this delicious skillet lies in its simple, thoughtfully chosen ingredients. Each component plays a crucial role, whether it’s adding sweetness, earthiness, or a touch of spice, making this recipe straightforward yet full of character.
- 1 pound ground turkey: Lean and protein-packed, it forms the hearty base of the dish.
- 2 medium sweet potatoes (peeled and diced): Their natural sweetness and tender texture balance the savory turkey perfectly.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Adds richness and helps in sautéing ingredients evenly.
- 1 small onion (chopped): Provides a subtle sweetness and depth of flavor when cooked.
- 2 cloves garlic (minced): Infuses the dish with a warm, aromatic punch.
- 1 red bell pepper (chopped): Brings a pop of color and a mild, sweet crunch.
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika: Adds a smoky warmth that complements the turkey beautifully.
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano: Lends an earthy, herbaceous note to the skillet.
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin: Offers a subtle, nutty flavor that enhances the seasoning profile.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for bringing all the flavors into harmony.
- 2 cups fresh spinach or kale (optional): Boosts the nutritional value and adds a lovely green color.
- 1/4 cup shredded cheese (optional): Melts into the skillet for gooey, satisfying richness.
- Chopped parsley for garnish: Adds a fresh, vibrant finishing touch.
How to Make Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Sweet Potatoes
Begin by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Toss in the diced sweet potatoes and cook them for about 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. You’re looking for them to become tender with a lovely light browning that brings out their natural sweetness. This step is crucial because it ensures the sweet potatoes are perfectly cooked through by the time the entire dish is ready.
Step 2: Brown the Ground Turkey
Once the sweet potatoes are tender, push them to the side of your skillet to make room. Add the ground turkey and cook it for around 5 to 7 minutes, breaking it apart with your spatula as it browns. This process not only cooks the turkey but also lets it soak up the subtle flavors from the sweet potatoes and olive oil, creating a savory backbone for the skillet.
Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables
Next, it’s time to invite the onion, garlic, and red bell pepper into the mix. Sauté them with the turkey for about 3 to 4 minutes until softened and fragrant. This layer of vegetables adds sweetness, texture, and a slight crunch, making every forkful delightfully balanced.
Step 4: Season Everything to Perfection
Sprinkle in the smoked paprika, dried oregano, ground cumin, and add salt and pepper to taste. Then stir everything together until the spices are evenly distributed. These seasonings bring the dish to life, with smoky, herbal, and earthy notes that make this Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet Recipe truly unforgettable.
Step 5: Add Greens and Cheese (Optional)
If you’re including greens like spinach or kale, stir them in now and cook for an additional 1 to 2 minutes until wilted. Finally, sprinkle the shredded cheese on top if you want a melty, indulgent finish. Cover the skillet briefly to let the cheese melt, creating a glossy, irresistible topping.
How to Serve Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet Recipe
Garnishes
Garnishing with fresh chopped parsley instantly brightens up this dish both visually and in flavor. The parsley adds a hint of freshness and a pop of color that contrasts beautifully with the warm tones of the turkey and sweet potatoes. You can also sprinkle a few red pepper flakes if you’re craving a bit of heat, which complements the smoky paprika wonderfully.
Side Dishes
Though satisfying on its own, pairing this skillet with a crisp green salad or a simple quinoa bowl adds freshness and texture variety. Roasted Brussels sprouts or a side of steamed broccoli can make it feel more like a complete feast, while cornbread on the side could offer a comforting, crumbly contrast to the skillet’s tender ingredients.
Creative Ways to Present
This turkey sweet potato skillet is a great candidate for presenting as a layered bake in a casserole dish if you want to feed a crowd or meal prep. Alternatively, serve it in individual ramekins for a charming, portion-controlled option. Wrapping warmed tortillas around spoonfuls of the skillet also turns it into a spontaneous taco night sensation!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet Recipe stores beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors even deepen after a day or two, making for an excellent next-day lunch or quick weeknight dinner option.
Freezing
If you want to prep in advance, this skillet freezes well. Portion it into freezer-safe containers and keep for up to 3 months. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to preserve the vibrant flavors and textures.
Reheating
Reheat your leftovers gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to warm evenly without drying out the sweet potatoes or turkey. If using cheese, you can cover the pan briefly to help it melt again. This method keeps everything tasting fresh and delicious.
FAQs
Can I use ground chicken instead of ground turkey?
Absolutely! Ground chicken is a great substitute if you prefer a milder flavor or want to change things up. The cooking times remain essentially the same.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, this Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet Recipe is naturally gluten-free, perfect for those avoiding gluten. Just be sure any optional cheese or added spices don’t contain gluten additives.
How can I add more vegetables to this dish?
You can easily add extra veggies like zucchini, mushrooms, or even corn. Just chop them to a similar size as the pepper and onion and sauté along with those ingredients.
Can I make this recipe vegan or vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian or vegan version, swap the ground turkey for plant-based protein crumbles or cooked lentils, and omit the cheese or use a dairy-free alternative.
What’s the best way to add heat to this skillet?
For a spicy kick, add red pepper flakes, diced jalapeños, or a splash of hot sauce during the seasoning step. Adjust the heat level to your taste!
Final Thoughts
This Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet Recipe is such a joy to cook and even more enjoyable to eat. Its combination of flavors, textures, and wholesome ingredients makes it perfect for busy weeknights, cozy dinners, or meal prep success. I truly hope you give it a try and watch it become a regular favorite in your kitchen as it has in mine!
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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: Gluten Free
Description
A nutritious and flavorful Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet combining lean ground turkey, tender sweet potatoes, and vibrant vegetables. This one-pan dish is seasoned with smoked paprika, oregano, and cumin, making it a perfect healthy dinner option that’s quick to prepare and ideal for meal prepping.
Ingredients
Protein
- 1 pound ground turkey
Vegetables
- 2 medium sweet potatoes (peeled and diced)
- 1 small onion (chopped)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 red bell pepper (chopped)
- 2 cups fresh spinach or kale (optional)
Seasonings & Oils
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
Optional
- 1/4 cup shredded cheese (optional)
- Chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Cook Sweet Potatoes: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced sweet potatoes and cook for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are tender and lightly browned.
- Brown Turkey: Push the sweet potatoes to the side of the skillet. Add the ground turkey and cook until browned and fully cooked, breaking it apart with a spatula, about 5–7 minutes.
- Sauté Vegetables: Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, and red bell pepper to the skillet. Sauté everything for 3–4 minutes until the vegetables soften.
- Season the Skillet: Stir in smoked paprika, dried oregano, ground cumin, salt, and pepper. Mix all ingredients together well in the skillet.
- Add Greens: If using spinach or kale, stir them in and cook for another 1–2 minutes until wilted.
- Add Cheese and Garnish: Sprinkle shredded cheese over the skillet if desired. Cover the pan briefly (about a minute) to allow the cheese to melt. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
- For added heat, toss in some red pepper flakes or chopped jalapeños.
- This dish is great for meal prep and can be stored in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Swap ground turkey with ground chicken or beef if preferred.
- To make it dairy-free, omit the shredded cheese.
