If you’re craving a meal that’s hearty, healthy, and bursting with vibrant flavors, this Ground Turkey & Sweet Potato Skillet Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. It brings together lean ground turkey and naturally sweet, tender sweet potatoes, perfectly seasoned and cooked in one simple skillet for a satisfying dinner that feels both cozy and exciting. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight or a casual weekend meal, this dish showcases how effortless, wholesome ingredients can come together to create a plate that’s full of warmth, texture, and nutrition.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity, with just a handful of ingredients that each play a key role in building amazing flavor and texture. Every component not only adds color and contrast on your plate but also contributes to a balanced and nourishing meal.
- 1 lb ground turkey: Provides a lean, protein-packed base that soaks up all the spices wonderfully.
- 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and diced: Adds natural sweetness and a tender bite that perfectly complements the turkey.
- 1 small red bell pepper, diced: Brings a pop of bright color and a mild, sweet crunch.
- 1 small onion, chopped: Adds depth and a savory backbone to the skillet.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses aromatic warmth and enhances every other flavor.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: For cooking everything with a silky finish and slight richness.
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika: Introduces a smoky note that lifts the whole dish.
- ½ teaspoon cumin: A subtle earthiness that blends beautifully with the sweet potatoes.
- ½ teaspoon chili powder: Gives just enough gentle heat without overpowering the flavors.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential for balancing and enhancing all the ingredients.
- Optional fresh parsley or cilantro for garnish: Adds a fresh, herbal brightness to finish.
- Twist option – 1 cup spinach or kale: For a nutritional boost and lovely green color if you want to add some greens.
- Spicy twist – red pepper flakes or hot sauce: Perfect for turning up the heat if you like a little kick.
How to Make Ground Turkey & Sweet Potato Skillet Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Sweet Potatoes
Start by heating olive oil over medium heat in a large skillet. Toss in the diced sweet potatoes and season lightly with salt and pepper. Stir occasionally as they cook for 10 to 12 minutes until they turn soft and develop a golden crust. Doing this first ensures that the sweet potatoes have a tender texture and a hint of caramelization, making them the perfect companion to the savory turkey.
Step 2: Sauté the Turkey & Veggies
Once the sweet potatoes are cooked, transfer them to a plate and set aside. In the same skillet, add the ground turkey along with the chopped onion and diced red bell pepper. Cook until the turkey is browned and cooked through, loosening any flavorful browned bits stuck to the pan. Next, stir in minced garlic, smoked paprika, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Let these spices toast gently in the heat for a minute or two so all those robust flavors can really come alive.
Step 3: Combine & Finish Cooking
Return the cooked sweet potatoes to the skillet and mix everything together. If you’re using spinach or kale, now is the time to stir it in and cook until just wilted. This final step weaves all the ingredients into one harmonious dish and allows you to tweak the seasoning before serving.
How to Serve Ground Turkey & Sweet Potato Skillet Recipe
Garnishes
A quick sprinkle of fresh parsley or cilantro is a wonderful way to add a hit of vibrant herbal freshness that beautifully contrasts with the warm spices and hearty textures. It’s also a lovely way to brighten up the dish on the plate.
Side Dishes
This skillet shines on its own but pairs beautifully with crisp green salads, steamed broccoli, or even a side of quinoa or brown rice for extra bulk. These sides complement the skillet’s hearty nature without overwhelming the balanced flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve this Ground Turkey & Sweet Potato Skillet Recipe stuffed inside warmed pita pockets or taco shells. Adding a dollop of Greek yogurt or a drizzle of hot sauce creates a delicious contrast while turning the meal into a handheld delight perfect for casual dinners or meal prepping lunches.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover skillet in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days and tastes great as a quick reheat for busy days when cooking time is limited.
Freezing
This Ground Turkey & Sweet Potato Skillet Recipe freezes beautifully. Portion it into freezer-safe containers and store for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for the best texture and flavor.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in a skillet over medium heat or microwave until warmed through. If it seems a little dry, splash in a bit of water or broth to bring back moisture and softness.
FAQs
Can I use ground chicken instead of turkey?
Absolutely! Ground chicken works well as a substitute and will give the dish a similar lean protein texture. Just be sure to cook it thoroughly until no longer pink.
What if I don’t have smoked paprika?
If you don’t have smoked paprika, regular paprika or a tiny pinch of chipotle powder can provide a nice smoky flavor. Or simply omit it for a milder version.
How can I make this recipe spicier?
Adding red pepper flakes or a splash of your favorite hot sauce during the cooking process boosts the heat level perfectly. You could also slice some fresh jalapeño or serrano peppers into the skillet for fresh spice.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Definitely! It holds up well for multiple days and reheats nicely, making it an excellent choice for prepping lunches or dinners ahead of time.
Can I add other veggies to the skillet?
Yes! Feel free to mix in mushrooms, zucchini, or even corn to tailor it to your tastes. Just add them in when you cook the turkey to ensure everything is perfectly tender.
Final Thoughts
This Ground Turkey & Sweet Potato Skillet Recipe is a shining example of how simple, wholesome ingredients can come together to create a flavorful, satisfying meal that’s both comforting and nutritious. I can’t recommend it enough for anyone looking to bring warmth and ease to their mealtime routine. Give it a try—you just might find your new favorite weeknight dinner!
Print
Ground Turkey & 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: Low Fat
Description
A wholesome and flavorful Ground Turkey & Sweet Potato Skillet dish that combines lean ground turkey with tender diced sweet potatoes and vibrant veggies, seasoned with smoky spices. Quick and easy to prepare, this one-pan meal is perfect for a nutritious weeknight dinner with optional twists for added greens or spiciness.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) ground turkey
- 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 small red bell pepper, diced
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Seasonings & Oil
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon cumin
- ½ teaspoon chili powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Optional
- Fresh parsley or cilantro for garnish
- 1 cup spinach or kale (for extra greens)
- Red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce (for spicy twist)
Instructions
- Cook the Sweet Potatoes: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced sweet potatoes, season lightly with salt and pepper, and cook for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they become soft and golden. Once cooked, transfer the sweet potatoes to a plate and set aside.
- Sauté the Turkey & Veggies: In the same skillet, add the ground turkey, chopped onion, and diced red bell pepper. Cook over medium heat, breaking up the turkey with a spatula, until the turkey is browned and cooked through. Then stir in the minced garlic along with smoked paprika, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper, cooking for an additional 1–2 minutes to let the flavors meld.
- Combine & Add Greens: Return the cooked sweet potatoes to the skillet and stir everything together. If using, add spinach or kale now, cooking just long enough for the greens to wilt. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Serve: Serve the skillet mixture hot, garnished with fresh parsley or cilantro and, if desired, a sprinkle of red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce for a spicy kick.
Notes
- You can swap ground turkey with ground chicken or lean ground beef if preferred.
- For extra nutrition, add leafy greens like spinach or kale towards the end of cooking.
- Adjust spice levels by adding or omitting chili powder and red pepper flakes.
- This dish reheats well and makes great leftovers for lunch the next day.
