If you’re on the hunt for a hearty, wholesome meal that feels like a warm hug in a bowl, the Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet Recipe is an absolute winner. Packed with lean protein, vibrant veggies, and the natural sweetness of tender sweet potatoes, this dish comes together in about 30 minutes and delivers comforting flavors with every bite. It’s the perfect weeknight meal when you want something nourishing, colorful, and downright delicious without spending hours in the kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the right ingredients is key to making this Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet Recipe sing. Each component is simple but essential, bringing in layers of flavor, texture, and color that make the dish so satisfying and visually inviting.
- Ground turkey: Provides lean protein and takes on spices beautifully for a rich, meaty base.
- Sweet potatoes: Adds natural sweetness and a tender bite that balances the savory elements perfectly.
- Olive oil: The healthy fat that helps cook the veggies and turkey evenly while adding subtle richness.
- Onion: Infuses the dish with aroma and sweetness as it softens during cooking.
- Garlic: Brings a punch of flavor that elevates the entire skillet.
- Red bell pepper: Adds a pop of color and a mild, fruity crispness to the mix.
- Paprika: Gives a smoky warmth that rounds out the spices.
- Cumin: Adds an earthy depth perfect for grounding the dish’s flavor profile.
- Chili powder: For a gentle kick of heat and complexity.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential seasonings to balance all the flavors.
- Red pepper flakes (optional): A little extra heat for those who like it spicy.
- Chicken broth: Keeps everything moist and helps tenderize the sweet potatoes during cooking.
- Baby spinach: A burst of leafy green freshness that wilts perfectly into the skillet.
- Fresh parsley: A bright herbaceous finish that ties the whole dish together beautifully.
How to Make Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet Recipe
Step 1: Heat the Olive Oil
Start by warming the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. This gentle warmth creates the perfect environment for your aromatics to release their flavors and ensures even cooking throughout the dish.
Step 2: Sauté Onion and Garlic
Add the chopped onions and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook them for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they become soft and fragrant. This step builds the flavorful base that will enhance every other ingredient in the recipe.
Step 3: Cook the Ground Turkey
Next, add the ground turkey. Break it up with your spatula or spoon as it cooks, making sure it browns evenly without clumping. This creates nicely textured, savory bits that bring the protein element to life.
Step 4: Add Sweet Potatoes, Red Bell Pepper, and Spices
Stir in the diced sweet potatoes, red bell pepper, and all your spices – paprika, cumin, chili powder, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if you’re using them. Toss everything together so that the sweet potatoes are coated in those vibrant spices, setting the stage for wonderful flavor contrasts.
Step 5: Add Chicken Broth and Simmer
Pour the chicken broth over the mixture and cover the skillet. Reduce the heat slightly to let it simmer for 10 to 15 minutes. Check and stir every now and then until the sweet potatoes become tender but not mushy, soaking up all that savory-spiced goodness.
Step 6: Toss in Baby Spinach
Finally, stir in the baby spinach and cook for an additional 2 minutes just until it wilts. This adds a fresh, leafy texture and boosts the nutritional value of your dinner without overpowering the flavors.
How to Serve Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet Recipe
Garnishes
Freshly chopped parsley is the perfect finishing touch. Its citrusy brightness cuts through the richness and offers a lively pop of green that’s as delicious as it is beautiful. You could also sprinkle a little extra red pepper flakes if you love a bit of heat on top.
Side Dishes
This skillet dish is wonderfully complete on its own, but if you want a bit of crunch or more variety, consider serving it alongside a crisp green salad or warm crusty bread. These additions complement the meal without taking away from the skillet’s hearty flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet Recipe in individual shallow bowls topped with a dollop of Greek yogurt or avocado slices. These creamy additions add delightful texture contrasts and a touch of cooling smoothness that works beautifully with the spices.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet Recipe will stay fresh and flavorful for up to 3 days, making it a fantastic option for quick lunches or dinners later in the week.
Freezing
You can freeze the skillet in portion-sized containers if you want to keep it longer. Just make sure to cool it completely before sealing and freezing. It will maintain great taste and texture for up to 2 months in the freezer.
Reheating
Reheat gently in a skillet on low heat, stirring occasionally to warm evenly. If it thickens too much, add a splash of water or broth to bring it back to the perfect saucy consistency. Alternatively, using a microwave works well—just cover and heat in bursts, stirring in between.
FAQs
Can I use ground chicken instead of ground turkey?
Absolutely! Ground chicken is a great substitute and will keep the recipe light and lean while still soaking up all the wonderful spices.
What can I do if I don’t have chicken broth?
Vegetable broth or even water with a pinch of salt can work in a pinch. The broth adds flavor and moisture, but these alternatives will still help cook the sweet potatoes perfectly.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, this Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet Recipe is naturally gluten-free, making it a fantastic choice if you’re avoiding gluten or cooking for someone with sensitivities.
Can I add other vegetables to this dish?
Definitely! Feel free to toss in chopped zucchini, mushrooms, or even cauliflower florets. Just keep the cooking time in mind so everything stays tender and delicious.
How spicy is this dish?
The recipe has a mild warmth from the chili powder and optional red pepper flakes. You can easily adjust the heat level by reducing or omitting the red pepper flakes or adding more if you love a spicier kick.
Final Thoughts
This Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet Recipe is truly one of those dishes you’ll want to keep in your rotation. It’s easy to prepare, packed with flavors that comfort and delight, and brings together wholesome ingredients that make every bite feel like a gift. Give it a try—you’ll soon see why it’s become a beloved favorite for busy nights and cozy dinners alike.
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
This Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet is a hearty and healthy one-pan meal, combining lean ground turkey with nutrient-rich sweet potatoes, vibrant bell pepper, and fresh spinach, all seasoned with warm spices and simmered to perfection. Ready in 30 minutes, it makes a perfect weeknight dinner packed with flavor and wholesome ingredients.
Ingredients
Protein and Vegetables
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 2 cups baby spinach
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
Spices and Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Other Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
Instructions
- Heat olive oil: In a large skillet over medium heat, warm the olive oil to prepare for sautéing.
- Sauté onion and garlic: Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes until they become fragrant and soft.
- Cook ground turkey: Add the ground turkey to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spoon, and cook until browned evenly, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add vegetables and spices: Stir in the diced sweet potatoes, red bell pepper, paprika, cumin, chili powder, salt, black pepper, and optional red pepper flakes, mixing everything well to combine the flavors.
- Simmer with chicken broth: Pour in the chicken broth, cover the skillet, and let it simmer for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sweet potatoes are tender and cooked through.
- Add spinach: Finally, add the baby spinach to the skillet and cook for an additional 2 minutes until the spinach wilts.
- Finish and serve: Remove from heat, sprinkle with fresh parsley, and serve warm.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey with ground chicken or lean ground beef if preferred.
- Adjust the red pepper flakes to control the spice level.
- For a vegetarian option, replace ground turkey with cubed tofu or tempeh and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
- This dish can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice at the end for a bright, fresh finish if desired.
