The Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet is one of those magical weeknight meals that somehow manages to be quick, comforting, and bursting with color all at once. Imagine vibrant cubes of sweet potato mingling with juicy ground turkey, ribbons of spinach, and the smoky aroma of cumin and paprika filling your kitchen. Every bite delivers a hearty dose of nutrients and satisfaction, and the best part? It all happens in just one pan! This healthy skillet dinner is proof that wholesome, family-friendly meals don’t have to be complicated or boring.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of the Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet is that its ingredients are simple staples, but every single one brings something important to the table. From the earthy sweetness of sweet potatoes to the punchy flavor of spices, these pantry heroes work together for a seriously crave-worthy skillet.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: The classic start for sautéing, lending a rich base to the flavors.
- 1 pound ground turkey: Lean protein that’s satisfying and perfect for soaking up all those spices.
- 1 medium onion (diced): Sweet and savory, giving the dish aromatic depth.
- 2 cloves garlic (minced): Adds bold, fragrant notes that complement the turkey and vegetables.
- 2 medium sweet potatoes (peeled and diced into 1/2-inch cubes): The star ingredient for creamy, naturally sweet bites.
- 1 red bell pepper (chopped): Pops of color and crunch with a hint of sweetness.
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika: Smoky and slightly spicy, this spice gives the dish character.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin: Earthy warmth that rounds out the flavor profile.
- 1/4 teaspoon chili powder: A gentle, flavorful heat to balance the sweet potatoes.
- Salt and black pepper to taste: Simple essentials that make all the flavors sing.
- 1/4 cup water or chicken broth: Helps soften the sweet potatoes and create a bit of sauciness.
- 2 cups fresh spinach (optional): Wilts down beautifully, adding color and an extra boost of greens.
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish: A fresh, herby finish that makes your skillet feel special.
How to Make Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet
Step 1: Brown the Turkey
Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once shimmering, add your ground turkey. Use a spatula to break it up and let it cook—no rushing this part! Browning the turkey for 5 to 7 minutes brings out its savoriness and gets those little crispy bits that are pure cooking gold.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
Once the turkey is nicely browned, toss in the diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté them together for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring often. The onion will soften and turn translucent, and the garlic will release its irresistible aroma, creating a deeply flavorful base.
Step 3: Add Veggies and Spices
Now’s when the kitchen really starts to smell amazing! Stir in the diced sweet potatoes and chopped red bell pepper, then sprinkle in smoked paprika, cumin, chili powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Give everything a good toss so the veggies and turkey are coated in that beautiful spice mix.
Step 4: Simmer Until Tender
Pour in the water or chicken broth, then cover your skillet. Reduce the heat to medium-low and let the Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet cook for about 12 to 15 minutes. Stir occasionally, and watch as the sweet potatoes become tender and everything melds together into skillet harmony.
Step 5: Wilt the Spinach
Ready for some greens? Remove the skillet lid and stir in the fresh spinach, if you’re using it. Cook for another 2 to 3 minutes—just enough for the spinach to wilt into the dish. At this point, taste and adjust your seasonings as needed.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Finish off your Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet with a generous sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley. Serve it while it’s piping hot, and get ready to dig into those vibrant, delicious flavors!
How to Serve Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh parsley livens up the skillet and adds a burst of herby freshness. For even more flavor, a squeeze of lime, a dollop of Greek yogurt, or a scattering of sliced green onions can take your Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet to the next level. Don’t shy away from a little extra cracked black pepper on top!
Side Dishes
This skillet is hearty enough to stand on its own, but it’s also happy to share the stage. Serve it with a crisp green salad, a simple side of brown rice, or some fluffy quinoa. Warm, crusty bread is always a hit for sopping up those juicy bits in the pan.
Creative Ways to Present
The Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet is as versatile as it is delicious. Spoon it into individual bowls for easy weeknight comfort food, or pile it high on a platter for a family-style feast. For brunch vibes, try topping each portion with a fried or poached egg! You can even stuff leftovers into whole grain tortillas for a next-day wrap.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers of this skillet are a dream for busy weeks! After cooling completely, store your Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet in an airtight container in the fridge. It will keep its flavor and texture for up to 4 days, making it perfect for meal prep or easy grab-and-go lunches.
Freezing
You can absolutely freeze this dish for later. Simply portion cooled Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet into freezer-safe bags or containers, squeeze out extra air, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
For best results, reheat the skillet gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, adding a splash of broth if it looks too dry. The microwave also works—just cover and heat in 30-second bursts, giving it a stir in between to warm everything evenly.
FAQs
Can I substitute ground chicken or beef instead of turkey?
Absolutely! Ground chicken or even lean ground beef work beautifully in this recipe. Just keep in mind that the flavor will change slightly—beef will bring a deeper, richer taste, while chicken keeps things extra lean and light.
Do I have to peel the sweet potatoes?
Peeling them isn’t strictly necessary, especially if you’re short on time. The skin is full of fiber and nutrients—just give the sweet potatoes a good scrub before dicing. The choice comes down to personal preference and texture!
What spices can I add for more heat?
If you like things spicier, try adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or tossing in a chopped fresh jalapeño with the other veggies. For smoky heat, chipotle powder works wonders in your Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet.
Is this Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet gluten-free?
Yes, the recipe is naturally gluten-free and dairy-free. As always, double-check any store-bought broth to ensure it’s gluten-free if you’re highly sensitive.
Can I add other vegetables?
Definitely! This is a flexible skillet meal—feel free to toss in zucchini, mushrooms, or a handful of corn. Just be mindful of cooking times so everything is tender and flavorful when you serve it.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve been looking to add something vibrant, nutritious, and downright delicious to your dinner routine, the Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet is that trusty dish you’ll turn to again and again. I hope you give it a try—you might just find it becomes one of your family’s favorites, too!
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Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet is a healthy and flavorful one-pan meal that is easy to make and perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. Ground turkey, sweet potatoes, and a mix of spices come together to create a delicious and satisfying dish.
Ingredients
For the Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 1 medium onion (diced)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 2 medium sweet potatoes (peeled and diced into 1/2-inch cubes)
- 1 red bell pepper (chopped)
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon chili powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup water or chicken broth
- 2 cups fresh spinach (optional)
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Heat olive oil: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Cook turkey: Add the ground turkey and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spatula as it cooks, about 5–7 minutes.
- Add onion and garlic: Add the diced onion and garlic and sauté for 2–3 minutes until softened.
- Add sweet potatoes and spices: Stir in the diced sweet potatoes, red bell pepper, smoked paprika, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper.
- Cook: Pour in the water or broth, cover the skillet, and reduce heat to medium-low. Cook for 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sweet potatoes are tender.
- Add spinach: Remove the lid and stir in the spinach if using, cooking for another 2–3 minutes until wilted.
- Adjust seasoning and garnish: Adjust seasoning if needed and garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
- This dish can be made ahead and reheated throughout the week.
- For a spicier version, add a pinch of cayenne or a chopped jalapeño.
- Swap spinach with kale or omit for a simpler version.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/4 cups
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 280mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 23g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 23g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
