If you’re looking for a nutritious, flavorful, and easy-to-make dish, this Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet is exactly what you need! Packed with lean protein, wholesome veggies, and natural sweetness from sweet potatoes, this dish is a winner for weeknight dinners. Plus, if you love a ground turkey sweet potato bake, this skillet version gives you all the flavors with half the effort!
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There are plenty of reasons to fall in love with this ground turkey sweet potato skillet:
✔️ Quick & Easy – This one-pan meal is ready in just 30 minutes.
✔️ Healthy & Nutritious – Loaded with lean ground turkey, fiber-rich sweet potatoes, and fresh veggies.
✔️ Naturally Gluten-Free & Paleo-Friendly – A perfect option for clean eating.
✔️ Bursting with Flavor – A mix of savory, slightly sweet, and perfectly seasoned ingredients.
✔️ Great for Meal Prep – Make a big batch and enjoy leftovers all week!
This skillet meal has all the heartwarming flavors of a ground turkey sweet potato bake, but with the added bonus of being fast and fuss-free.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s what you need to make this delicious one-pan meal:
- 1 lb ground turkey (lean or extra lean)
- 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bell pepper, chopped (red or yellow for sweetness)
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 cup baby spinach (optional but adds extra nutrients)
- 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1 – Preparation
Before you start cooking, here’s how to prep everything for a smooth process:
- Chop the sweet potatoes into small, evenly sized cubes to ensure they cook quickly and evenly.
- Dice the onions, garlic, and bell peppers for that perfect balance of flavors.
- Measure out your spices to make seasoning easy while cooking.
Step 2 – Cooking Process
Follow these simple steps to make your skillet meal perfectly seasoned and cooked:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion and sauté for 2 minutes until softened.
- Stir in the garlic and bell pepper and cook for another 2 minutes.
- Add the ground turkey to the pan, breaking it apart with a spoon. Cook until browned, about 5-6 minutes.
- Sprinkle in the smoked paprika, cumin, chili powder, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to coat the turkey evenly.
- Add the diced sweet potatoes and chicken broth, then cover and let it simmer for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sweet potatoes are tender.
- Remove the lid and stir in the baby spinach (if using), letting it wilt for about 1-2 minutes.
- Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
Step 3 – Final Touch & Serving
Once your skillet is ready, here’s how to serve it:
✔️ Garnish with fresh parsley for a bright, fresh touch.
✔️ Serve hot straight from the skillet.
✔️ Pair with quinoa, rice, or crusty bread for a heartier meal.
✔️ Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Expert Tips for the Perfect Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet
✅ Dice the sweet potatoes small so they cook faster and absorb flavors better.
✅ Use lean ground turkey to keep the dish light and healthy.
✅ Add a squeeze of fresh lime juice before serving for a bright, zesty finish.
✅ For a crispy texture, let the turkey brown properly before adding broth.
✅ Want a cheesy version? Sprinkle some shredded cheese on top and let it melt.
Recipe Variations & Substitutions
Love to customize? Here are some easy swaps:
🔹 Make it Spicier – Add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños.
🔹 Go Dairy-Free – Keep it simple or use dairy-free cheese alternatives.
🔹 Vegetarian Version – Swap turkey for black beans or lentils.
🔹 Add More Veggies – Mushrooms, zucchini, or corn work great in this dish.
🔹 Make it a Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Bake – Transfer to a baking dish, top with cheese, and bake at 375°F for 10 minutes.
Nutrition Facts
Here’s an approximate nutritional breakdown per serving (serves 4):
- Calories: 320
- Protein: 28g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fat: 8g
- Fiber: 6g
- Sugar: 7g
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I use ground chicken instead of ground turkey?
Yes! Ground chicken works just as well and has a similar texture and flavor profile.
2. How can I make this dish meal-prep friendly?
Simply divide into meal containers and store in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in a skillet or microwave.
3. Can I freeze this recipe?
Absolutely! Let it cool completely, store in freezer-safe containers, and freeze for up to 3 months.
4. What can I serve with this skillet meal?
It pairs well with rice, quinoa, or a simple side salad.
5. Can I make this recipe in the oven instead of a skillet?
Yes! Transfer everything to a baking dish and bake at 375°F for 20 minutes for a ground turkey sweet potato bake-style dish.