If you’re looking for a wholesome and vibrant weeknight dinner that brings together bold flavors with wholesome ingredients, this Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet Recipe is an absolute winner. It combines lean ground turkey and naturally sweet, tender sweet potatoes in a colorful skillet loaded with spices and fresh veggies. Not only is it quick and easy to whip up in about 30 minutes, but it also packs a nutritious punch, making it a go-to meal for busy nights when you want something comforting and nourishing all at once.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this recipe is simple yet essential, contributing just the right balance of flavor, texture, and color to create a skillet dish you won’t forget. Get ready to gather these kitchen staples that make the magic happen.
- 1 lb ground turkey: Provides lean protein with a mild flavor that absorbs spices beautifully.
- 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and diced: Adds a natural sweetness and a hearty, creamy texture.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: For sautéing and bringing all ingredients together with a silky finish.
- 1 small onion, chopped: Brings savory depth and a hint of sweetness once caramelized.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Adds aromatic warmth and layers of flavor.
- 1 red bell pepper, diced: Offers a crisp texture and vibrant color.
- 1 teaspoon paprika: Introduces a subtle smoky note to the dish.
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin: Gives earthiness and complexity.
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder: Adds a mild, comforting heat.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: A touch of spice to balance sweetness.
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional): For those who love an extra kick.
- 1/2 cup chicken broth: Helps cook the sweet potatoes while keeping everything juicy and tender.
- 2 cups baby spinach: Adds freshness, color, and a tender leafy texture at the end.
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped: Brightens and adds herbal aroma just before serving.
How to Make Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet Recipe
Step 1: Heat the Olive Oil
Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. This creates the perfect base to gently sauté your vegetables and build flavor right from the first sizzle.
Step 2: Sauté Onion and Garlic
Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until they become soft and fragrant. This step is crucial as it releases those wonderful aromas that make the whole kitchen smell inviting.
Step 3: Brown the Ground Turkey
Next, add the ground turkey to the skillet. Use your spatula to break it apart and cook it evenly, allowing it to brown nicely. This enhances the meat’s flavor and creates a great texture for your skillet meal.
Step 4: Add Sweet Potatoes, Bell Pepper, and Spices
Now, stir in the diced sweet potatoes, red bell pepper, and the blend of paprika, cumin, chili powder, salt, black pepper, and optional red pepper flakes. These spices bring warmth and a touch of heat that perfectly complements the sweetness of the potatoes.
Step 5: Simmer with Chicken Broth
Pour in chicken broth to keep everything moist, cover your skillet, and let it gently simmer for 10 to 15 minutes. Stir occasionally while the sweet potatoes soften to a tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Step 6: Add Baby Spinach and Finish Cooking
Once the sweet potatoes are tender, add the baby spinach to the skillet and cook it just until wilted, about 2 minutes. This final addition boosts the freshness and provides a lovely contrast to the rich, cooked flavors.
How to Serve Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your skillet, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley right before serving. It adds a pop of color and bright, herbal notes that lift the dish beautifully without overpowering it.
Side Dishes
This Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet Recipe stands well on its own, but if you want to round out the meal, simple side dishes like a crisp green salad or warm crusty bread are fantastic partners to soak up all those juices.
Creative Ways to Present
Consider serving this skillet straight from the pan for a rustic, cozy vibe, or portion it into bowls for an inviting, family-style feel. For a bit of flair, top with a dollop of Greek yogurt or a sprinkle of crumbled feta to add creaminess and tang.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers from this Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet Recipe store wonderfully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors even deepen, making it tasty to enjoy the next day.
Freezing
If you want to prep ahead, freeze the cooled skillet in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Just thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating for a quick, no-fuss meal.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in a skillet over medium-low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or broth if needed to keep everything moist and delicious.
FAQs
Can I substitute ground turkey with another protein?
Absolutely! Ground chicken, beef, or even turkey sausage can be used, though adjustments in cooking time and seasoning may be needed to suit the protein’s characteristics.
Are sweet potatoes necessary or can I use regular potatoes?
Sweet potatoes give this skillet its signature sweet-savory flavor and creamy texture, but regular potatoes can be swapped in for a more traditional taste and firmer bite.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! All the ingredients here are naturally gluten-free, making this a fantastic option for anyone avoiding gluten.
Can I make this recipe vegan or vegetarian?
To make it vegetarian or vegan, replace the ground turkey with hearty plant-based crumbles and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. The spices and veggies will keep it flavorful and satisfying.
How spicy is this skillet?
The spice level is mild thanks to balanced chili powder and paprika with optional red pepper flakes for heat. You can adjust these to your personal preference to make it as mild or spicy as you like.
Final Thoughts
This Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet Recipe is genuinely one of those dishes you’ll want in your regular rotation. It’s fast, flavorful, wholesome, and adaptable — everything you need on busy nights when you crave both comfort and nutrition. Give it a try, and I promise it will become a family favorite in no time!
Print
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 hearty and flavorful one-pan meal combining lean ground turkey with nutrient-packed sweet potatoes, vibrant vegetables, and aromatic spices. Quick to prepare and perfect for weeknight dinners, it offers a balanced dish full of protein, fiber, and savory warmth, all cooked together in a skillet for easy cleanup.
Ingredients
Meat 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 Seasonings
- 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)
Other Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
Instructions
- Heat olive oil: Place a large skillet over medium heat and add the olive oil, warming it until it is shimmering.
- Sauté onion and garlic: Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until fragrant and translucent.
- Cook ground turkey: Add the ground turkey to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spatula or spoon, and cook until it is fully browned and no longer pink.
- Add vegetables and spices: Stir in the diced sweet potatoes, red bell pepper, and all the spices — paprika, cumin, chili powder, salt, black pepper, and optional red pepper flakes — ensuring everything is well combined.
- Simmer with chicken broth: Pour in the chicken broth, cover the skillet with a lid, and let it simmer for 10-15 minutes. Stir occasionally and cook until the sweet potatoes are tender and cooked through.
- Cook spinach: Remove the lid and add the baby spinach. Stir and cook for another 2 minutes until the spinach is wilted.
- Finish with parsley and serve: Sprinkle the chopped fresh parsley over the skillet and gently mix before serving hot.
Notes
- For added heat, increase the amount of red pepper flakes.
- Sweet potatoes can be swapped with regular potatoes or butternut squash for variety.
- Use ground chicken or lean beef as alternatives to ground turkey.
- To make this dish gluten free, ensure the chicken broth is certified gluten free.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat nicely in a skillet or microwave.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
