Hearty Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet Recipe

Sizzling Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet Recipe

Weeknight dinners demand quick, nutritious solutions like this ground turkey sweet potato skillet that delivers robust flavors and wholesome ingredients.

Packed with lean protein and vibrant vegetables, this one-pan marvel comes together effortlessly.

The combination of seasoned ground turkey and caramelized sweet potato cubes creates a delightful texture symphony.

Layers of warm spices dance through every bite, promising a satisfying meal that nourishes and delights.

Each forkful brings a perfect balance of savory and slightly sweet elements.

This skillet recipe offers a nutritious, no-fuss dinner that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Dive into this hearty dish and savor every delicious, comforting spoonful.

Quick Recipe Overview

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Calories: 350 kcal

Servings: 4

Gather Your Goods for Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet

For Main Components:
  • Ground Turkey: Lean protein that adds hearty flavor and keeps the dish filling and nutritious, choose fresh ground turkey with minimal fat content.
  • Sweet Potatoes: Provides natural sweetness and vibrant color, select firm potatoes with smooth skin and no soft spots for best texture.
  • Spinach or Kale: Adds nutrient-dense green element, pick crisp leaves without wilting for maximum freshness.
For Aromatics and Seasonings:
  • Onion, Garlic: Creates foundational flavor profile, choose firm onions and fresh garlic cloves for robust taste.
  • Bell Pepper: Offers crunch and subtle sweetness, select brightly colored peppers without blemishes.
  • Paprika, Cumin, Chili Powder: Delivers warm, complex spice notes, use fresh ground spices for most intense flavor.
  • Salt, Pepper: Enhances overall seasoning, opt for sea salt or kosher salt for better mineral depth.
For Cooking Elements:
  • Olive Oil: Provides healthy cooking fat and helps prevent sticking, choose extra virgin for richest flavor.
  • Chicken Broth: Adds moisture and deepens flavor complexity, low-sodium versions work best for controlling saltiness.
  • Fresh Parsley or Cilantro: Offers bright, fresh garnish, select vibrant green herbs with no wilting.

What to Grab for Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet

  • Large Skillet: Essential for cooking and combining all ingredients together.
  • Spatula: Perfect for breaking up ground turkey and stirring ingredients evenly.
  • Cutting Board: Needed for chopping sweet potatoes, onions, garlic, and bell peppers.
  • Sharp Knife: Critical for precise dicing and preparing vegetables.
  • Measuring Spoons: Helps accurately add spices like paprika, cumin, and chili powder.

Process Breakdown for Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet

Process Breakdown for Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet
  • Warm Up the Pan

Grab a large skillet and drizzle olive oil, heating it up to create a delicious cooking surface for your sweet potato and turkey adventure.

  • Soften Sweet Potato Chunks

Toss in diced sweet potatoes and let them dance around the pan, becoming tender and golden. If they need a moisture boost, splash some chicken broth and cover briefly.

  • Brown the Turkey

Slide those sweet potatoes to one side and introduce ground turkey to the hot pan. Break it apart and cook until it loses its pink color and develops a beautiful sear.

  • Mix in Flavor Boosters

Combine your turkey and sweet potatoes, then welcome chopped onions, minced garlic, and colorful bell peppers. Let them mingle and release their aromatic magic.

  • Spice It Up

Sprinkle a blend of paprika, cumin, and chili powder over the skillet. Stir everything to ensure each bite is packed with mouthwatering seasoning.

  • Add Leafy Greens

Gently fold in fresh spinach or kale, watching them wilt and integrate into the delicious mixture.

  • Serve and Enjoy

Remove from heat, maybe garnish with a handful of fresh herbs, and get ready to devour this amazing one-pan meal.

Twists and Techniques for Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet

  • Meal Prep Magic: Cook extra portions and refrigerate for up to 4 days, making weeknight dinners a breeze.
  • Low-Carb Twist: Replace sweet potatoes with cauliflower or zucchini for a lower-carbohydrate alternative that keeps the flavor intact.
  • Spice It Up: Experiment with different spice blends like za'atar, curry powder, or smoked paprika to create unique flavor profiles that transform the dish.
  • Protein Power Options: Swap ground turkey for lean ground chicken, plant-based crumbles, or grass-fed beef to suit different dietary preferences and nutritional needs.
  • One-Pan Wonder Tip: Use a cast-iron skillet to enhance heat distribution and develop deeper, richer flavors while minimizing cleanup time.

How to Serve It for Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet

  • Comfort Bowl Delight: Layer the skillet contents over warm quinoa or brown rice for a hearty, balanced meal that feels like a warm hug.
  • Fresh Topping Explosion: Sprinkle crumbled feta cheese, sliced avocado, or a dollop of Greek yogurt to add creamy richness and extra protein.
  • Wrap It Up: Stuff the turkey and sweet potato mixture into whole wheat tortillas or lettuce wraps for a portable, low-carb lunch option that's perfect for meal prep.
  • Brunch Twist: Top the skillet with a fried egg and serve alongside crispy toast for a protein-packed breakfast that will keep you energized all morning.

Storing Suggestions for Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet

  • Meal Planning & Storage Wisdom
  • Batch Cooking Magic: Whip up multiple servings in one go, storing extra portions in airtight containers for quick weeknight meals throughout the week.
  • Refrigerator Fresh Keeper: Store leftovers in sealed containers for up to 4 days, maintaining optimal flavor and texture when properly chilled.
  • Freezer-Friendly Option: Portion the skillet meal into individual freezer-safe containers, lasting up to 3 months for convenient future dinners.
  • Reheating Revival Trick: Warm refrigerated or thawed portions in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of chicken broth to restore moisture and prevent drying out.
Print
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Hearty Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet Recipe

Hearty Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet Recipe


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4.7 from 23 reviews

  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 5 1x

Description

Hearty ground turkey sweet potato skillet combines lean protein with nutrient-dense vegetables in a single-pan meal. Bold Mediterranean flavors and quick preparation make this dish perfect for weeknight dinners you can enjoy without complicated cooking techniques.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb (450 g) ground turkey
  • 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and diced into small cubes
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 1 red bell pepper, diced
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 cup fresh spinach or kale, chopped
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 0.5 tsp chili powder (optional for spice)
  • salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 0.25 cup chicken broth or water (optional for softening sweet potatoes)
  • fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped (optional for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Potato Preparation: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium temperature. Add diced sweet potatoes, cooking for 5-7 minutes until slightly softened. If potatoes appear dry, splash chicken broth and cover momentarily to generate steam and ensure uniform cooking.
  2. Meat Integration: Clear a section of the skillet and add ground turkey. Methodically break apart the meat using a spatula until it transforms from pink to a consistent brown coloration. Blend cooked turkey with sweet potatoes.
  3. Vegetable Sauté: Introduce finely chopped onion, minced garlic, and diced bell pepper to the skillet. Stir periodically to prevent adhering and promote caramelization, creating a harmonious flavor foundation.
  4. Seasoning Infusion: Sprinkle paprika, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper across the mixture. Thoroughly mix to guarantee each ingredient is evenly coated with robust spice profiles.
  5. Final Composition: Gently fold leafy greens into the hot skillet, allowing spinach or kale to wilt and become tender within 1-2 minutes. Remove from heat and optionally garnish with freshly chopped parsley or cilantro. Serve immediately while maintaining optimal temperature and aromatic qualities.

Notes

  • Potato Precision: Cut sweet potatoes into uniform, small cubes (about 1/2 inch) to ensure even and quick cooking, preventing some pieces from becoming mushy while others remain undercooked.
  • Moisture Management: Add chicken broth sparingly to prevent sticking and create steam, which helps soften sweet potatoes without making the dish watery or soggy.
  • Seasoning Strategy: Toast spices briefly in the skillet before mixing to enhance their flavor depth and release aromatic oils, creating a more complex taste profile.
  • Greens Handling: Add leafy greens at the very end and remove from heat quickly to maintain their vibrant color and prevent wilting into a mushy texture, preserving nutritional value and visual appeal.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 5
  • Calories: 350
  • Sugar: 5 g
  • Sodium: 400 mg
  • Fat: 14 g
  • Saturated Fat: 3.5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 35 g
  • Fiber: 6 g
  • Protein: 28 g
  • Cholesterol: 100 mg
Jenna Hartley

Jenna Hartley

Founder & Recipe Creator

Expertise

  • Recipe development with a focus on single-dish meals.
  • Fusion of traditional and modern Australian cuisines.
  • Food styling and photography for digital platforms.​

Education

Box Hill Institute, Melbourne

  • Degree: Advanced Diploma of Hospitality Management
  • Focus: Specialized in practical food and beverage service, responsible alcohol and hygiene compliance, legal risk management, and hands‑on experience in a simulated restaurant environment.

William Angliss Institute, Melbourne

  • Program: Certificate IV in Patisserie
  • Focus: Specialized in pastry and bakery techniques, cookery and specialty food preparation, recipe planning and costing, commercial kitchen operations, sustainable and inclusive work practices, food safety and hygiene compliance, and workplace health and safety.

Jenna is the heart of Picture Perfect Meals, turning simple ingredients into beautiful, easy‑to‑make dishes. 

Growing up around family meals in Melbourne, she trained at Box Hill Institute and then perfected her pastry skills at William Angliss Institute. She loves mixing classic Australian flavors with fresh ideas to keep cooking fun and stress‑free.

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