Hearty Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet Recipe for Cozy Nights

Transforming ground turkey into a mouthwatering sweet potato skillet that sparks excitement at the dinner table.

Comfort meets nutrition in this one-pan wonder packed with vibrant flavors and wholesome ingredients.

Each bite tells a story of culinary creativity and balance.

Weeknight cooking just got more interesting with this simple yet satisfying meal.

The combination of lean protein and hearty vegetables creates a delightful harmony on your plate.

Minimal cleanup and maximum flavor make this recipe a total game-changer for busy home cooks.

You’ll want to bookmark this skillet sensation and make it a regular in your meal rotation.

FAQs For Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet Lovers

• Why use sweet potatoes in this recipe?

Sweet potatoes add incredible nutrition and natural sweetness to the dish. They’re packed with vitamins, fiber, and provide a delicious contrast to the savory ground turkey.

• Can I make this recipe spicy?

Absolutely! Increase the chili powder or add red pepper flakes for extra heat. You can also include diced jalapeños or hot sauce to kick up the spice level according to your preference.

• Is this recipe good for meal prep?

Yes! This skillet meal is perfect for meal prep. It stores well in the refrigerator for 3-4 days and reheats easily, making it a convenient option for busy weeknights or lunch planning.

• What if I don't have ground turkey?

No problem! You can easily substitute ground turkey with ground chicken, lean ground beef, or even plant-based ground meat alternatives. The recipe’s seasonings will work great with different protein options.

Why Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet Is So Wholesome And Good

• Boost Nutrition in One Skillet: Packed with lean ground turkey, nutrient-dense sweet potatoes, and vibrant spinach, this recipe delivers a powerhouse of protein, vitamins, and minerals in a single delicious meal.
• Quick and Easy Weeknight Wonder: Requiring just one skillet and less than 30 minutes, this recipe is perfect for busy families craving a hassle-free, home-cooked dinner without complicated techniques or endless cleanup.
• Flavor-Packed Spice Adventure: The combination of smoked paprika, cumin, and optional chili powder creates a bold, southwestern-inspired taste profile that transforms simple ingredients into an exciting culinary experience.
• Customize and Personalize: Easily adaptable for different dietary preferences, this skillet allows you to swap ingredients, adjust spice levels, or add extra vegetables, making it a versatile go-to recipe for any palate.

What To Include In Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet

• Ground Turkey: Lean protein source that adds a hearty base to the skillet, choose fresh and low-fat for healthier option.

• Sweet Potato, Bell Pepper: Colorful and nutritious vegetables that provide natural sweetness and crunch, select firm and bright-colored produce.
• Onion, Garlic: Aromatic ingredients that enhance overall flavor profile, pick fresh and firm bulbs.
• Spinach: Tender green that adds nutrients and freshness, choose crisp and vibrant leaves.
• Parsley or Cilantro: Fresh herb for garnishing that brings brightness to the dish.

• Smoked Paprika, Cumin, Chili Powder: Warm spices that create depth and complexity, opt for high-quality ground spices.
• Salt, Pepper: Basic seasonings for balanced flavor, use freshly ground black pepper for best taste.

• Olive Oil: Healthy cooking oil that helps prevent sticking and adds subtle flavor, choose extra virgin for best quality.

Simple Steps To Cook Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet

Step 1: Sizzle the Sweet Potatoes

Warm a large skillet over medium heat. Drizzle olive oil and add sweet potato cubes. Dance the cubes around the pan for 8-10 minutes, letting them turn golden and soften. Once they reach a tender texture, transfer them to a waiting plate.

Step 2: Brown the Ground Turkey

• Ground turkey
• Diced onions
• Minced garlic

Break the turkey into tiny crumbles while cooking. Stir and sauté for 5-7 minutes until the meat transforms from pink to a rich, appetizing brown.

Step 3: Create Flavor Layers

• Chopped bell peppers
• Cooked sweet potato cubes

• Smoked paprika
• Cumin
• Chili powder
• Salt
• Black pepper

Stir everything together, letting the spices mingle and dance for 3-4 minutes.

Step 4: Add Fresh Greens

Gently fold fresh spinach into the skillet. Let the leaves wilt and embrace the warm mixture for 1-2 minutes.

Step 5: Final Flourish

Remove the skillet from heat. Shower the dish with freshly chopped parsley or cilantro. Serve immediately while the skillet is steaming and aromatic.

Enjoy your protein-packed, veggie-loaded meal that bursts with flavor and nutrition!

Smart Tips For Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet

• Prep Sweet Potatoes Perfectly: Dice sweet potatoes into uniform, bite-sized cubes to ensure even cooking and golden-brown edges that add delicious texture to the skillet.
• Boost Flavor with Spices: Experiment with different spice combinations like smoked paprika, cumin, and chili powder to create a rich, depth of flavor that elevates the entire dish.
• Choose Lean Ground Turkey: Select 93% lean ground turkey for a healthier protein option that remains moist and tender while reducing overall fat content.
• Maximize Nutrient Retention: Avoid overcooking vegetables, especially spinach, to preserve their vibrant color, crisp texture, and maximum nutritional value.
• Quick Meal Prep Hack: Make this skillet recipe in advance and store in refrigerator for up to 3 days, allowing flavors to meld and creating an easy make-ahead meal option.

Store And Reheat Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet The Smart Way

• Refrigerate Leftovers: Transfer remaining skillet contents to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator within 2 hours of cooking. Properly sealed, the ground turkey sweet potato skillet will stay fresh for 3-4 days.
• Microwave Reheating: Place a single serving in a microwave-safe dish, add a splash of water to prevent dryness, and heat on high for 1-2 minutes. Stir halfway through to ensure even warming.
• Stovetop Refreshing: Warm leftovers in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a little olive oil to prevent sticking. Gently stir and heat for 3-4 minutes until thoroughly warmed.
• Freezer Storage: Freeze individual portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to maintain optimal texture and flavor.

Pairing Ideas For Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet

• Craft a Zesty Wine Companion: Pair this hearty skillet with a crisp, medium-bodied red wine like Pinot Noir, which complements the turkey's richness and cuts through the sweet potato's earthiness with its bright acidity.
• Brew a Refreshing Beer Match: Select a light amber ale or wheat beer that balances the dish's spices and provides a smooth, malty backdrop to the ground turkey's savory profile.
• Create a Citrus Mocktail Sidekick: Whip up a sparkling lime and mint mocktail that offers a tangy, refreshing contrast to the skillet's warm spices and adds a bright, clean finish to each bite.
• Design a Cooling Yogurt Sauce: Mix Greek yogurt with fresh herbs like dill or mint, a squeeze of lemon, and a pinch of salt to create a creamy, cooling accompaniment that tames the dish's spiciness and adds a luxurious texture.

New Ways To Flavor Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet

• Spicy Southwest Skillet: Replace smoked paprika with chipotle powder, add diced jalapeños, and top with pepper jack cheese for a fiery kick.
• Mediterranean Turkey Bowl: Swap sweet potatoes for roasted eggplant, incorporate oregano and mint, and finish with crumbled feta cheese and kalamata olives.
• Asian-Inspired Turkey Hash: Use sesame oil instead of olive oil, mix in ginger and soy sauce, sprinkle with green onions, and drizzle with sriracha for extra heat.
• Breakfast Scramble Edition: Crack two eggs directly into the skillet after cooking, mix gently, and serve with crispy bacon bits for a morning protein-packed meal.

Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet Recipe

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4.6 from 31 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Spicy and hearty ground turkey sweet potato skillet brings Mexican-inspired comfort to weeknight dinners. Packed with bold flavors and nutritious ingredients, you’ll savor this one-pan meal that delivers both satisfaction and quick preparation.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 lb (450 g) ground turkey

Vegetables:

• 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and diced into small cubes
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 bell pepper (red, yellow, or orange), diced
• 2 cups (60 g) fresh spinach

Seasonings and Garnish:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon ground cumin
• ½ teaspoon chili powder (optional, for spice)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• ¼ cup (15 g) chopped fresh parsley or cilantro (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Prep the sweet potatoes by dicing them into uniform cubes, ensuring even cooking and quick caramelization in the skillet.
2. Warm olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium heat, gently sautéing the sweet potato cubes until they develop a golden exterior and tender interior, approximately 8-10 minutes.
3. Transfer the roasted sweet potatoes to a separate plate, preserving their caramelized texture for later incorporation.
4. Return the skillet to the heat, adding another drizzle of olive oil to create a flavorful base for the ground turkey.
5. Introduce ground turkey, finely chopped onions, and minced garlic into the hot skillet, breaking the meat into delicate crumbles.
6. Sauté the mixture, stirring frequently, until the turkey transforms from pink to a rich, uniform brown color, indicating complete cooking.
7. Incorporate diced bell peppers into the skillet, blending them with the seasoned turkey and creating a vibrant, colorful medley.
8. Reintroduce the roasted sweet potato cubes, reviving their caramelized essence within the skillet’s aromatic environment.
9. Sprinkle a harmonious blend of smoked paprika, cumin, and optional chili powder over the mixture, infusing depth and complexity.
10. Gently fold the ingredients, ensuring an even distribution of spices and maintaining the integrity of each component.
11. Tenderly layer fresh spinach leaves across the skillet, allowing them to wilt gracefully and integrate with the warm ingredients.
12. Remove the skillet from heat, creating a final moment of culinary anticipation.
13. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or cilantro, adding a burst of herbaceous freshness to the dish.
14. Serve immediately, presenting a vibrant, nutritious skillet that celebrates the harmony of ground turkey and sweet potatoes.

Notes

• Prep sweet potatoes ahead of time by cutting into uniform cubes to ensure even cooking and golden crispy edges.
• Drain excess turkey fat after cooking to reduce greasiness and create a cleaner, lighter dish.
• Choose lean ground turkey (93/7 or 99% fat-free) for a healthier protein option that keeps the skillet light and nutritious.
• Swap spinach with kale or Swiss chard for additional nutrient variety and slightly different texture profile if desired.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 200 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 6 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 100 mg