Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet

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Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet

Dinner Ideas

Need a quick, hearty, and healthy one-pan dinner? This Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet is the ultimate comfort food made nutritious. It’s packed with lean ground turkey, tender sweet potatoes, and vibrant veggies, all seasoned perfectly and cooked together for a flavorful meal with minimal cleanup.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
One-Pan Wonder – Easy cooking and even easier cleanup.
Nutritious & Filling – Packed with protein, fiber, and vitamins.
Balanced Flavors – Sweet, savory, and a little spice.
Quick & Easy – Ready in just 30 minutes.
Meal Prep Friendly – Stores and reheats beautifully.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Skillet:

  • 1 lb ground turkey
  • 2 tbsp olive oil (divided)
  • 2 medium sweet potatoes (peeled and diced into small cubes)
  • 1 small red bell pepper (chopped)
  • 1 small green bell pepper (chopped)
  • 1 small red onion (diced)
  • 2 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • ½ tsp ground cumin
  • ½ tsp chili powder (optional for a kick)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 2 tbsp water (to help soften potatoes if needed)

Optional Add-Ins:

  • ½ cup baby spinach or kale (added at the end)
  • ½ cup black beans (drained and rinsed)
  • ¼ cup shredded cheese for topping (cheddar or Monterey jack)

For Garnish & Serving:

  • Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped
  • Sliced avocado
  • Lime wedges
  • Hot sauce or salsa (optional)

Tools You’ll Need

  • Large non-stick or cast iron skillet
  • Cutting board and knife
  • Spatula or wooden spoon
  • Measuring spoons

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Sweet Potatoes

  1. Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
  2. Add diced sweet potatoes, season lightly with salt, and cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally until they begin to soften and brown.
  3. If needed, add 1-2 tbsp of water and cover with a lid to steam and soften. Remove and set aside.

Step 2: Brown the Ground Turkey

  1. In the same skillet, heat the remaining 1 tbsp olive oil.
  2. Add the ground turkey and cook for 5-7 minutes, breaking it up with a spatula until browned and cooked through.
  3. Season with smoked paprika, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well.

Step 3: Add the Veggies

  1. Stir in the red and green bell peppers, onion, and garlic.
  2. Cook for 4-5 minutes until veggies are tender and fragrant.

Step 4: Combine and Finish

  1. Return the sweet potatoes to the skillet and stir everything together.
  2. If adding greens, stir them in now and cook for another 1-2 minutes until wilted.
  3. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

Step 5: Serve and Garnish

  1. Remove from heat and sprinkle with fresh parsley or cilantro.
  2. Serve warm with sliced avocado, lime wedges, or a dash of hot sauce.
Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet
Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet

Tips for Success
Cut Potatoes Evenly – This ensures they cook at the same rate.
Use a Large Skillet – A roomy pan helps ingredients cook evenly.
Customize It – Add beans, greens, or cheese to suit your taste.
Don’t Overcrowd – Cook in batches if necessary to avoid steaming instead of browning.
Make It Spicy – Add jalapeños or extra chili powder for heat lovers.

Serving Suggestions

  • Rice or Quinoa – Serve over a grain for an even heartier meal.
  • Tortilla Wraps – Use as a filling for burritos or tacos.
  • Eggs on Top – Add a fried egg for a protein boost and a breakfast-for-dinner vibe.
  • Simple Salad – A light green salad makes a refreshing side.

How to Store & Reheat

Storing:

  • Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
  • Freeze: Place in freezer-safe containers or bags and freeze for up to 2 months.

Reheating:

  • Stovetop: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through.
  • Microwave: Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between, until hot.

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. Can I use ground chicken or beef?
    Yes, both make great substitutes with slightly different flavor profiles.
  2. Are sweet potatoes good for meal prep?
    Absolutely—they reheat well and maintain a good texture.
  3. Is this dish spicy?
    It has a mild kick from chili powder, but you can adjust heat to your liking.
  4. Can I skip the cheese?
    Yes! It’s optional and the dish is still flavorful without it.
  5. How do I make it vegan?
    Substitute ground turkey with plant-based crumbles or lentils.

Final Thoughts
This Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet is everything you want in a weeknight dinner—quick, wholesome, flavorful, and satisfying. It’s a balanced meal full of protein, fiber, and vibrant veggies, all made in one pan. Plus, it’s flexible enough to fit any diet or flavor preference.

Try it out and let me know what you think! Don’t forget to leave a review below and share your photos on Pinterest! I can’t wait to see how your skillet turns out.

Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Cuisine: American

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 380 | Protein: 28g | Carbohydrates: 28g | Fat: 18g | Fiber: 5g | Sodium: 430mg

Print
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Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet

Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet


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  • Author: Jessica
  • Total Time: 30 minutes

Description

Need a quick, hearty, and healthy one-pan dinner? This Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet is the ultimate comfort food made nutritious. It’s packed with lean ground turkey, tender sweet potatoes, and vibrant veggies, all seasoned perfectly and cooked together for a flavorful meal with minimal cleanup.

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Ingredients

Scale

For the Skillet:

  • 1 lb ground turkey

  • 2 tbsp olive oil (divided)

  • 2 medium sweet potatoes (peeled and diced into small cubes)

  • 1 small red bell pepper (chopped)

  • 1 small green bell pepper (chopped)

  • 1 small red onion (diced)

  • 2 cloves garlic (minced)

  • 1 tsp smoked paprika

  • ½ tsp ground cumin

  • ½ tsp chili powder (optional for a kick)

  • Salt and black pepper to taste

  • 2 tbsp water (to help soften potatoes if needed)

Optional Add-Ins:

  • ½ cup baby spinach or kale (added at the end)

  • ½ cup black beans (drained and rinsed)

  • ¼ cup shredded cheese for topping (cheddar or Monterey jack)

For Garnish & Serving:

  • Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped

  • Sliced avocado

  • Lime wedges

  • Hot sauce or salsa (optional)


Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Sweet Potatoes

  1. Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

  2. Add diced sweet potatoes, season lightly with salt, and cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally until they begin to soften and brown.

  3. If needed, add 1-2 tbsp of water and cover with a lid to steam and soften. Remove and set aside.

Step 2: Brown the Ground Turkey

  1. In the same skillet, heat the remaining 1 tbsp olive oil.

  2. Add the ground turkey and cook for 5-7 minutes, breaking it up with a spatula until browned and cooked through.

  3. Season with smoked paprika, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well.

Step 3: Add the Veggies

  1. Stir in the red and green bell peppers, onion, and garlic.

  2. Cook for 4-5 minutes until veggies are tender and fragrant.

Step 4: Combine and Finish

  1. Return the sweet potatoes to the skillet and stir everything together.

  2. If adding greens, stir them in now and cook for another 1-2 minutes until wilted.

  3. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

Step 5: Serve and Garnish

 

  1. Remove from heat and sprinkle with fresh parsley or cilantro.

  2. Serve warm with sliced avocado, lime wedges, or a dash of hot sauce.

Notes

Cut Potatoes Evenly – This ensures they cook at the same rate.
Use a Large Skillet – A roomy pan helps ingredients cook evenly.
Customize It – Add beans, greens, or cheese to suit your taste.
Don’t Overcrowd – Cook in batches if necessary to avoid steaming instead of browning.
Make It Spicy – Add jalapeños or extra chili powder for heat lovers.

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Cuisine: American

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