Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet Recipe
The Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet is a weeknight dinner dream come true! Imagine savory ground turkey mingling with sweet, caramelized sweet potatoes, all perfectly seasoned and topped with oozy cheddar cheese. It’s a one-pan wonder that’s hearty, colorful, and absolutely loaded with flavor. With a handful of wholesome ingredients and minimal prep, you’ll have a nutritious, crowd-pleasing meal on the table in just 30 minutes. Whether you’re feeding a busy family or looking for a meal-prep superstar, this skillet has your back—plus, it’s endlessly customizable with your favorite toppings!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet is in its simplicity—each ingredient brings its own special something, whether it’s flavor, texture, or a pop of color. Here’s what you’ll need, plus a few tips to make every bite shine.
- Olive oil: Adds rich flavor and helps brown both the turkey and the sweet potatoes to perfection.
- Lean ground turkey: The protein-packed star of the skillet, it keeps the dish hearty but light.
- Yellow onion: Brings sweetness and depth once sautéed, tying all the flavors together.
- Sweet potato: Diced small for even cooking, it adds natural sweetness and gorgeous color.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential for seasoning every layer—don’t forget to taste as you go!
- Taco seasoning (low sodium): Infuses the dish with bold, zesty flavor; use homemade for extra control.
- Cheddar cheese: Melts into the skillet for a gooey, comforting finish—use freshly shredded for the best melt.
- Romaine lettuce: Adds crisp, refreshing crunch when chopped and sprinkled on top.
- Greek yogurt: A creamy, protein-rich alternative to sour cream that balances the spices.
- Salsa: Brings a fresh, tangy kick—choose your favorite style or heat level.
- Guacamole or mashed avocado: Creamy, buttery, and the perfect cooling finish to round out every bite.
How to Make Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet
Step 1: Brown the Turkey
Start by heating half a tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground turkey, breaking it up with your spatula as it cooks. Let it sizzle away until it’s beautifully browned and cooked through, which should take about 5 to 7 minutes. Don’t forget to season with salt and black pepper—this is where you start building delicious flavor from the ground up!
Step 2: Sauté the Sweet Potato
While your turkey is working its magic, grab another pan and heat the remaining olive oil over medium heat. Toss in your diced sweet potatoes, spreading them out so they cook evenly. Let them get golden and tender, stirring occasionally, for about 8 to 10 minutes. Give them a sprinkle of salt and pepper so every bite pops with flavor.
Step 3: Combine and Season
Once the sweet potatoes are soft and slightly caramelized, add them to the skillet with the turkey. Stir in your diced onion and taco seasoning, combining everything thoroughly. Keep it all on the heat for another 3 to 4 minutes so the onion softens and the spices have time to infuse every piece with bold, zesty goodness.
Step 4: Add the Cheddar Cheese
Time for the gooey, cheesy finale! Sprinkle the shredded cheddar generously over the turkey and sweet potato mixture. Cover the skillet and let it cook for 2 to 3 minutes—just until the cheese melts into a glorious blanket. This step is what transforms your Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet into pure comfort food.
Step 5: Top and Serve
Ladle your skillet creation into bowls, then let everyone customize their serving with crisp romaine, a dollop of Greek yogurt, your favorite salsa, and a scoop of guacamole or mashed avocado. Every topping adds a fresh, creamy, or tangy contrast that makes each bite exciting!
How to Serve Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet
Garnishes
When it comes to garnishing your Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet, don’t hold back! Pile on chopped romaine lettuce for a crisp crunch, a swirl of Greek yogurt for creaminess, a spoonful of salsa for brightness, and creamy guacamole or avocado for that luscious finish. These toppings not only add vibrant color but also balance out the savory and spicy notes of the skillet.
Side Dishes
This skillet meal is hearty enough to stand on its own, but it pairs beautifully with simple sides if you’d like to round out your table. Think fluffy cilantro-lime rice, warm corn tortillas, or a tangy cabbage slaw. For a cozy touch, serve with a side of black beans or roasted veggies—these extras soak up all those delicious flavors!
Creative Ways to Present
Get playful with your presentation! Try serving the Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet in lettuce cups for a fresh, hand-held twist, or stuff it into baked bell peppers for a colorful, make-ahead meal. You can even scoop it onto nachos for an irresistible party platter, or serve it family-style straight from the skillet for a rustic, homey vibe.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers are a blessing with this recipe! Simply let your Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet cool to room temperature, then transfer it to airtight containers. It will keep happily in the fridge for up to 4 days, making it a perfect option for meal prep lunches or quick weeknight dinners.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, the Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet freezes like a champ. Portion it into freezer-safe containers or bags, and label with the date. Pop them in the freezer for up to 3 months. For best results, hold off on adding fresh toppings like lettuce or Greek yogurt until after reheating.
Reheating
To bring your skillet back to life, reheat leftovers in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. You can also use the microwave for convenience—just cover your serving and heat in 30-second bursts, stirring in between. Add a sprinkle of fresh cheese or your favorite toppings to make it feel brand new!
FAQs
Can I use ground chicken or beef instead of turkey?
Absolutely! While ground turkey keeps things light and lean, ground chicken or even beef work beautifully in this recipe. Just follow the same cooking steps and adjust seasoning to taste.
Is the Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet gluten-free?
Yes, as long as you use a gluten-free taco seasoning (store-bought or homemade), the dish is naturally gluten-free. Always double-check your ingredient labels if you’re cooking for someone with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity.
Can I add more veggies?
Definitely! Bell peppers, zucchini, spinach, or even corn are delicious additions to the Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet. Just chop them small and add them in with the onion so they cook evenly and meld with the other flavors.
How can I make this dish spicier?
If you love heat, stir in a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes, a diced jalapeño, or use a spicy salsa for serving. You can also choose a hot taco seasoning to really kick things up a notch!
What’s the best way to dice sweet potatoes quickly?
Peel the sweet potato, slice it into 1/2-inch rounds, then stack and cut into strips before dicing into small cubes. Smaller pieces cook more quickly and evenly, giving you perfectly tender sweet potatoes every time.
Final Thoughts
If you’re hunting for a go-to meal that’s nourishing, flavorful, and wildly versatile, give this Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet a try. It’s the kind of recipe that delivers comfort without any fuss and just might become a regular at your table. Gather your ingredients, fire up the skillet, and get ready to fall in love with every bite!
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Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet is a quick and delicious one-pan meal perfect for a nutritious weeknight dinner. Ground turkey is sautéed with diced sweet potatoes, onions, and flavorful taco seasoning, then topped with melted cheddar cheese and fresh toppings like romaine lettuce, Greek yogurt, salsa, and guacamole. It’s a well-balanced dish combining protein, veggies, and comfort flavors in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Protein and Vegetables
- 1 tablespoon olive oil, divided
- 1 lb lean ground turkey
- 1 yellow onion, diced
- 1 large sweet potato, diced small
Seasoning and Cheese
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 package low sodium taco seasoning (or homemade seasoning, ensure it’s gluten-free if needed)
- 1 1/2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded
Toppings
- Romaine lettuce, finely chopped
- Greek yogurt
- Salsa
- Guacamole or mashed avocado
Instructions
- Cook the Turkey: Heat 1/2 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground turkey and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spatula as it cooks, about 5–7 minutes. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Cook the Sweet Potato: While the turkey cooks, heat the remaining 1/2 tablespoon of olive oil in another pan over medium heat. Add the diced sweet potato and cook until tender and lightly browned, about 8–10 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
- Combine Ingredients: Add the cooked sweet potato to the skillet with the turkey. Stir in the diced onion and taco seasoning, cooking for another 3–4 minutes until the onion softens and everything is well combined.
- Add the Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the turkey and sweet potato mixture. Cover and cook for 2–3 minutes, or until the cheese melts.
- Serve: Serve the skillet meal topped with finely chopped romaine lettuce, a dollop of Greek yogurt, salsa, or guacamole as desired.
Notes
- You can substitute the ground turkey with ground chicken or lean ground beef if preferred.
- For a spicier dish, add chopped jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce when combining the ingredients.
- Make sure the taco seasoning is gluten-free if you need to accommodate gluten sensitivities.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- To keep it dairy-free, omit the cheddar cheese and replace Greek yogurt with a dairy-free alternative.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 400 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 25 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg
