If you’re looking for a hearty, nutritious, and colorful meal that comes together in just one pan, the Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet is a standout choice. This dish marries the lean, savory goodness of ground turkey with the natural sweetness and warmth of diced sweet potatoes, all brought to life by fragrant spices and fresh vegetables. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want something both satisfying and fuss-free, without compromising on flavor or health. Trust me, once you try this skillet, it will quickly become a weeknight favorite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of the Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet lies in its simplicity — a handful of wholesome ingredients that work together to create a perfect harmony of taste, texture, and color. Each component plays an essential role, whether it’s the tender turkey adding protein, sweet potatoes providing a vibrant base, or the fresh vegetables and spices adding brightness and depth.
- 1 pound ground turkey: Choose lean turkey to keep the dish light yet protein-packed.
- 2 medium sweet potatoes, diced: Offer natural sweetness and a tender bite, balancing the savory flavors.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Helps sauté the vegetables and adds a subtle richness to the dish.
- 1 onion, chopped: Brings a mild sweetness and aroma when cooked.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Adds an irresistible depth and warmth of flavor.
- 1 bell pepper, chopped: Introduces a pop of color and crunchy sweetness.
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika: Imparts a smoky, slightly spicy note that elevates the turkey.
- 1 teaspoon cumin: Adds earthy warmth and complexity.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning and balancing all flavors.
- 2 cups spinach, chopped: Brings fresh, vibrant greens for both nutrition and color.
- Fresh parsley for garnish: Adds a fresh herbal finish that brightens the whole skillet.
How to Make Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, stirring occasionally. Allow them to cook for about 2 to 3 minutes until the onion is translucent and fragrant. This step builds a flavorful foundation for the dish, releasing natural sweetness and aroma.
Step 2: Cook the Sweet Potatoes
Next, toss in the diced sweet potatoes. Let them cook gently for around 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they begin to soften but still hold their shape. This timing ensures they become tender without turning mushy, giving you that perfect bite.
Step 3: Brown the Ground Turkey
Add the ground turkey to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spatula. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes until it’s fully browned and cooked through. The turkey should develop a lightly golden crust while staying juicy inside, providing protein-rich substance to the skillet.
Step 4: Season the Skillet
Now it’s time to bring those smoky, earthy flavors to life. Sprinkle in the smoked paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper. Stir everything thoroughly so the spices coat the meat and veggies evenly. This seasoning step transforms simple ingredients into a flavor-packed dish.
Step 5: Add the Vegetables
Finally, mix in the chopped bell pepper and spinach. Cook for an additional 3 to 4 minutes until the peppers soften a bit and the spinach wilts down beautifully. This adds freshness and extra nutrition to the skillet.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Remove the skillet from heat and sprinkle fresh parsley over the top for a bright, herbal lift. Your Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet is now ready to enjoy!
How to Serve Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh parsley is perfect, but you might also love adding a dollop of Greek yogurt or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to brighten up each bite. These little touches add creaminess and zing, balancing the smoky and sweet flavors beautifully.
Side Dishes
Though this skillet is a satisfying one-pan meal, pairing it with simple sides can elevate your dinner. Think a crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette or some warm, crusty gluten-free bread to scoop up every last bit. Roasted Brussels sprouts or steamed green beans also complement the dish’s colors and flavors perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re serving this for a gathering, consider plating it in individual cast-iron skillets or rustic bowls to showcase the vibrant colors and textures. You can also turn it into a stuffed pepper by filling hollowed-out bell peppers with the turkey and sweet potato mixture, then baking until tender for a fun twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This makes it a fantastic option for meal prepping and quick lunches or dinners throughout the week.
Freezing
You can freeze the skillet in portioned containers for up to 2 months. Just be sure to cool it completely before freezing to maintain the best texture when thawed.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, or use the microwave. Adding a splash of water or broth can help refresh the moisture and keep the sweet potatoes tender.
FAQs
Can I use other ground meats instead of turkey?
Absolutely! Ground chicken, beef, or even pork can substitute well in this recipe. Be mindful of their fat content and adjust cooking times as needed to ensure thorough cooking.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, the Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet is completely gluten-free as long as you use gluten-free spices and oil. It’s a great option for those avoiding gluten without sacrificing flavor.
Can I add more vegetables?
Definitely! This skillet is versatile. Feel free to toss in zucchini, mushrooms, or even kale to increase the veggie content and add different textures.
How spicy is the dish?
This recipe has a mild smoky flavor due to the smoked paprika and cumin. If you like a little heat, adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or some chopped jalapeños works perfectly.
Is this recipe good for meal prep?
Yes, it’s excellent for meal prep. It reheats well and provides a nutritious, balanced meal that’s quick to serve during busy days.
Final Thoughts
The Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet is one of those gems that brings comfort and nutrition together effortlessly. It’s simple to prepare, packed with flavor, and so versatile that you can make it your own every time. I encourage you to give it a try—you might just find your new favorite weeknight dinner that satisfies both your taste buds and your schedule.
PrintTurkey Sweet Potato Skillet
This Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet is a wholesome, one-pan meal that combines lean ground turkey with nutrient-rich sweet potatoes, fresh vegetables, and smoky spices. It’s quickly prepared and perfect for busy weeknights, offering a delicious and satisfying dish that is both gluten-free and dairy-free.
- Prep Time: 10 Minutes
- Cook Time: 20 Minutes
- Total Time: 30 Minutes
- Yield: 4 Servings 1x
- Category: Hearty Main Dishes
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
Protein & Vegetables
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 2 medium sweet potatoes, diced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- 2 cups spinach, chopped
Seasonings & Garnish
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Heat oil and cook aromatics: In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking for 2-3 minutes until they become translucent and fragrant.
- Add sweet potatoes: Stir in the diced sweet potatoes and continue cooking for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sweet potatoes start to soften but are not fully cooked through.
- Cook the turkey: Add the ground turkey to the skillet. Break it apart with a spatula and cook for 5-7 minutes until the turkey is thoroughly browned and cooked through.
- Season the skillet: Sprinkle the smoked paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper evenly over the mixture. Stir well to coat all ingredients in the spices.
- Add remaining vegetables and finish cooking: Mix in the chopped bell pepper and spinach. Cook for an additional 3-4 minutes until the spinach is wilted and the bell peppers are tender but still have a slight crunch.
- Garnish and serve: Remove from heat, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve hot. This dish is perfect on its own or paired with a side salad for a complete meal.
Notes
- Can substitute ground turkey with other ground meats such as chicken or beef.
- Excellent for meal prep; flavors improve when stored overnight.
- Additional vegetables like zucchini or mushrooms can be added for variety.
- Use a large skillet to ensure even cooking and ease of stirring.