If you’re craving a meal that’s hearty yet wholesome, packed with flavor, and absolutely irresistible on a busy weeknight, look no further than this Cheesy Turkey and Sweet Potato Skillet. Every bite is a cozy embrace: savory seasoned ground turkey, sweet pops of potato, a golden crown of silky cheddar, and a sprinkle of fresh parsley to seal the deal. With just one pan and a half-hour investment, you’ll be amazed at how easily this keyphrase recipe transforms simple ingredients into a comforting, satisfying dinner the whole family will request again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of the Cheesy Turkey and Sweet Potato Skillet is in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a starring role in building layers of flavor, color, and texture—no fancy extras required. Make sure you have everything prepped and ready for a smooth kitchen experience.
- Olive oil: Gives the veggies and turkey a head start with delicious richness and helps crisp the sweet potatoes nicely.
- Ground turkey: Light, lean, and full of protein, it absorbs all the wonderful spices and keeps this skillet meal satisfying.
- Yellow onion: Adds a touch of sweetness and depth; don’t skip it, as it helps balance the savory and sweet.
- Garlic: Just two cloves go a long way—this aromatic essential wakes up the whole dish.
- Sweet potatoes: The secret ingredient! They offer vibrant color, earthy sweetness, and create the perfect bite-sized texture.
- Smoked paprika: Brings subtle smoky undertones that elevate every forkful and complement the cheese beautifully.
- Ground cumin: Adds warmth and a savory background note that pairs so well with turkey and sweet potatoes.
- Dried oregano: A pinch brings a gentle herbiness that ties all the flavors together without overpowering.
- Salt & black pepper: Just enough to make everything pop; adjust to your own taste for perfect seasoning.
- Chicken broth or water: A little liquid helps steam the sweet potatoes, keeping them tender and moist as they soak up all the flavor.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: This is the golden, melty crown—sharp cheddar is classic, but mild works too if you prefer.
- Chopped fresh parsley (optional): A fresh finishing touch for brightness, color, and a little garden flair.
How to Make Cheesy Turkey and Sweet Potato Skillet
Step 1: Brown the Turkey
Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground turkey and use a spatula to break it up as it cooks, ensuring you get nice, even browning. This step is key—the more color you give the turkey, the richer the flavor foundation for your Cheesy Turkey and Sweet Potato Skillet.
Step 2: Sauté Onion and Garlic
Once the turkey is browned, toss in the diced onion and minced garlic. Stir these around for two to three minutes until the onion turns translucent and gloriously fragrant. This aromatic duo creates a base that makes the whole dish sing with flavor.
Step 3: Add Sweet Potatoes and Spices
Time to amp things up! Sprinkle in your sweet potato cubes along with the smoked paprika, cumin, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to coat everything with those amazing spices—the sweet potatoes will start soaking up all that goodness and the colors will really pop.
Step 4: Steam Until Tender
Pour in the chicken broth or water to help steam those sweet potatoes into tender perfection. Pop a lid on your skillet and let it all simmer gently for 12 to 15 minutes, giving it a good stir every now and then. When the sweet potatoes yield easily to a fork, you’re almost home!
Step 5: Add the Cheesy Finishing Touch
Take off the lid and shower the top with shredded cheddar cheese. Put the lid back on for a minute or two, just until the cheese has melted into a glorious, gooey blanket. Finish your Cheesy Turkey and Sweet Potato Skillet with chopped parsley if you fancy, then scoop onto plates while it’s still bubbling and beautiful.
How to Serve Cheesy Turkey and Sweet Potato Skillet
Garnishes
This skillet is especially delicious with fresh parsley scattered over the top for a burst of color and freshness. You could also try thinly sliced green onions, a sprinkle of smoked paprika, or—for a little tang—a dollop of Greek yogurt or sour cream. These finishing touches take Cheesy Turkey and Sweet Potato Skillet to new heights of flavor and visual appeal.
Side Dishes
Pair your Cheesy Turkey and Sweet Potato Skillet with a crisp green salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette, or roasted broccoli for a bit more crunch. If you’re feeding a crowd, a side of fluffy quinoa, steamed rice, or garlic bread will stretch the meal and absorb every last bit of deliciousness from your plate.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to put a twist on serving, spoon your skillet mixture into roasted bell pepper halves for a “stuffed pepper” vibe, or serve it atop baked potatoes for double the comfort. You can even tuck leftovers into tortillas for easy wraps, making lunch the next day a Cheesy Turkey and Sweet Potato Skillet treat you’ll look forward to.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Got extra Cheesy Turkey and Sweet Potato Skillet? Let it cool before transferring to an airtight container. It’ll keep in the refrigerator for up to four days, making it the perfect lunch to pop in the microwave for a quick, satisfying bite.
Freezing
This skillet is freezer-friendly! Spoon cooled portions into freezer-safe containers, label with the date, and store for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating—no flavor lost, and dinner is halfway done.
Reheating
For best results, reheat Cheesy Turkey and Sweet Potato Skillet on the stovetop over gentle heat, adding a splash of broth or water to bring back its original creaminess. The microwave works too, just cover loosely and heat in one-minute bursts, stirring in between until piping hot.
FAQs
Can I use ground chicken or beef instead of turkey?
Absolutely! Ground chicken makes for a lighter variation, while beef adds a touch more richness. Just make sure to drain any excess fat if you’re using beef to keep the dish balanced.
What type Main Course
Sharp cheddar packs the biggest punch of flavor, melding beautifully with the sweet potatoes and turkey. If you prefer a milder taste or want a creamier melt, mild or medium cheddar works just as well.
How can I make this dish spicier?
For a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or diced jalapeño along with the onion and garlic. A dash of hot sauce at the table also lets everyone customize their own portion of Cheesy Turkey and Sweet Potato Skillet.
Is this skillet meal gluten-free?
Yes, it’s naturally gluten-free, as all the ingredients are typically free from gluten. Just double-check your chicken broth and cheese if you have sensitivities or allergies, as brands can vary.
Can I meal prep Cheesy Turkey and Sweet Potato Skillet?
Definitely! Make the skillet ahead, cool, and portion into containers for easy grab-and-go lunches or ready-made dinners. The flavors meld even more overnight, so leftovers are extra tasty.
Final Thoughts
This Cheesy Turkey and Sweet Potato Skillet is one of those magical dishes that proves comfort food can be wholesome, quick, and totally crave-worthy. Whether you’re feeding your family or just yourself, give it a try—after the first forkful, you’ll understand why it’s become a go-to favorite in so many homes!
Print
Cheesy Turkey and Sweet Potato Skillet Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Cheesy Turkey and Sweet Potato Skillet is a delicious one-pan meal that is perfect for a quick and easy weeknight dinner. Packed with flavors and nutrients, this gluten-free dish is sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and diced into ½-inch cubes
Seasonings:
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Others:
- ¼ cup chicken broth or water
- 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Heat the Skillet: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Cook Turkey: Add ground turkey and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spatula.
- Add Ingredients: Add onion, garlic, sweet potatoes, seasonings. Pour in chicken broth, cover, and cook until sweet potatoes are tender.
- Melt Cheese: Remove lid, sprinkle cheddar cheese over the top, cover until melted.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish with parsley if desired and serve warm.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey with ground chicken or beef.
- For extra flavor, add red pepper flakes or a dollop of sour cream on top.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 390
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
