Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet Recipe
If you’re looking for a comforting, colorful dish that brings together wholesome ingredients and vibrant flavors, you’ve got to try this Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet Recipe. It’s a one-pan wonder that combines lean ground turkey with naturally sweet, tender sweet potatoes, bright bell peppers, and a medley of spices that make every bite exciting. This recipe is not only packed with nutrition but also comes together in about 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you want something delicious without the fuss. Trust me, once you make this skillet recipe, it’s going to earn a permanent spot in your meal rotation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet Recipe lies in its simple, fresh ingredients that each bring essential elements to the dish. From the hearty texture of ground turkey to the natural sweetness of the potatoes, every item plays a key role in building flavor, color, and satisfying texture.
- Ground turkey (1 lb): Lean and protein-packed, it forms the savory base of the skillet.
- Sweet potatoes (2 medium, peeled and diced): Adds natural sweetness and a vibrant orange color that brightens the dish.
- Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Perfect for sautéing and enhancing flavors without overpowering.
- Onion (1 small, chopped): Gives a subtle sweetness and depth from the very first step.
- Garlic (2 cloves, minced): Instantly lifts the flavor with a fragrant punch.
- Red bell pepper (1, diced): Contributes crunch and a splash of bright red for visual appeal.
- Paprika (1 teaspoon): Provides a smoky warmth that complements the turkey beautifully.
- Cumin (1/2 teaspoon): Adds an earthy, slightly nutty undercurrent.
- Chili powder (1/2 teaspoon): Brings a mild heat and complexity.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Balances all the flavors perfectly.
- Black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): For subtle spicy notes.
- Red pepper flakes (1/4 teaspoon, optional): Kick up the heat if you like things spicy.
- Chicken broth (1/2 cup): Helps soften the sweet potatoes while infusing the dish with savory richness.
- Baby spinach (2 cups): Last-minute addition that adds freshness and vibrant green color.
- Fresh parsley (1/4 cup, chopped): Finishes the dish with a bright herbal lift.
How to Make Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet Recipe
Step 1: Heat the Olive Oil
Begin by warming a tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. The olive oil is crucial because it creates a flavorful base and helps soften the aromatics that come next.
Step 2: Sauté Onion and Garlic
Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet and cook for about 2 to 3 minutes until you can smell their wonderful aroma filling the kitchen. This step builds a rich flavor foundation that pairs perfectly with the ground turkey.
Step 3: Brown the Ground Turkey
Next, crumble in the ground turkey. Cook it thoroughly while breaking it apart with your spatula so it browns evenly and gets that appetizing, slightly crispy edge that adds so much texture to the dish.
Step 4: Add Sweet Potatoes, Bell Pepper, and Spices
Once the turkey is browned, stir in the diced sweet potatoes and red bell pepper. Sprinkle in the paprika, cumin, chili powder, salt, black pepper, and optional red pepper flakes. These spices transform the skillet into a warming, aromatic feast that excites your taste buds.
Step 5: Simmer with Chicken Broth
Pour in the chicken broth, cover the skillet, and let everything simmer for 10 to 15 minutes. Stir occasionally, ensuring the sweet potatoes become tender and soak up the savory broth and spices—this is where the flavors really start to meld beautifully.
Step 6: Wilt the Baby Spinach
Finally, toss in the fresh baby spinach and cook for an additional 2 minutes until it wilts just right, adding a balance of freshness and slight earthiness that completes this comforting skillet meal perfectly.
How to Serve Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh parsley right before serving adds a burst of color and a fresh, herbaceous note that uplifts all the seasoned flavors in this Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet Recipe. For an extra touch, a squeeze of fresh lemon juice or a dollop of Greek yogurt offers delightful brightness and creaminess.
Side Dishes
This skillet shines on its own, but pairing it with a crisp green salad or warm, crusty bread makes it a fuller meal. You could also serve it alongside quinoa or brown rice for extra heartiness, though the sweet potatoes provide plenty of satisfying carbs already.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try scooping the skillet mixture into baked sweet potato skins or stuffing it into warm pita pockets for easy handheld meals. You can even top it with shredded cheese and pop it under the broiler for a quick melt, turning it into a cozy, bubbly casserole-like dish.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, transfer any leftovers to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet Recipe reheats wonderfully and makes for a quick, nutritious lunch or dinner the next day.
Freezing
If you want to keep this dish longer, freezing is an option. Freeze it in a suitable container or freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Just be aware that the texture of the sweet potatoes might soften a bit after freezing, but the flavor remains delicious.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over medium heat or in the microwave until warmed through. Adding a splash of water or broth can help keep the sweet potatoes from drying out during reheating.
FAQs
Can I use ground chicken instead of ground turkey?
Absolutely! Ground chicken can be substituted in a one-to-one ratio. It’s slightly milder in flavor but will work just as well with the sweet potatoes and spices in this recipe.
What can I substitute for sweet potatoes?
If you’re not a fan of sweet potatoes, diced butternut squash or regular russet potatoes can be great alternatives. Adjust cooking time accordingly as these vegetables may take a bit longer to become tender.
Is this recipe spicy?
By default, this Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet Recipe has a mild warmth thanks to the chili powder and optional red pepper flakes. You can easily dial up or down the spice level to suit your taste by adjusting the red pepper flakes.
Can I prepare this recipe in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the skillet a day ahead and store it in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, just reheat thoroughly on the stove or microwave. The flavors often deepen after resting overnight.
Is this skillet recipe healthy?
Definitely! It’s packed with lean protein from the turkey, fiber and vitamins from the sweet potatoes and veggies, and healthy fats from the olive oil. It’s a great balanced meal that feels both nourishing and satisfying.
Final Thoughts
This Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet Recipe is one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug on a plate—simple to make, packed with nutrition, and bursting with flavor. Whether you’re cooking for the family or meal prepping for the week, it’s a recipe that delivers on taste and convenience. Give it a try and I promise it will become quickly treasured in your kitchen, just like it is in mine.
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Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
This Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet is a wholesome and flavorful one-pan meal combining lean ground turkey, nutrient-rich sweet potatoes, vibrant bell peppers, and fresh spinach. Enhanced with a blend of smoky and mildly spicy seasonings, this hearty skillet dish is perfect for a quick, nutritious weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Protein and Vegetables
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 2 cups baby spinach
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
Spices and Liquids
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
Instructions
- Heat olive oil: Warm 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat to prepare for sautéing aromatics.
- Sauté onion and garlic: Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes until fragrant and softened, creating a flavorful base.
- Cook ground turkey: Add 1 pound of ground turkey to the skillet. Break it apart with a spoon and cook until browned and no longer pink, ensuring it is fully cooked.
- Add vegetables and spices: Stir in the diced sweet potatoes, red bell pepper, paprika, cumin, chili powder, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Mix everything together to evenly distribute the spices.
- Simmer with broth: Pour in 1/2 cup of chicken broth. Cover the skillet with a lid and reduce the heat to a simmer. Cook for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sweet potatoes are tender and cooked through.
- Add spinach: Stir in 2 cups of baby spinach and cook for an additional 2 minutes until the spinach is wilted and incorporated.
- Finish and serve: Remove from heat, sprinkle with 1/4 cup of fresh chopped parsley for brightness, and serve warm.
Notes
- For a vegetarian version, substitute ground turkey with plant-based meat alternatives or cooked lentils.
- Adjust red pepper flakes according to your desired spice level or omit for a milder dish.
- Sweet potatoes can be swapped with regular potatoes, but cooking time may vary.
- To make it gluten-free, ensure the chicken broth used contains no gluten additives.
- This dish reheats well and is great for meal prep; store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
