If you’re craving a meal that’s packed with vibrant colors, satisfying textures, and a burst of wholesome flavors, this Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet Recipe will quickly become one of your go-to dinners. It combines lean ground turkey with naturally sweet, tender sweet potatoes, and a medley of fresh vegetables, all cooked in one pan for easy cleanup and maximum flavor infusion. The aromatic spices and fresh herbs lift the dish beautifully, delivering a comforting, healthy, and genuinely delicious skillet meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or anytime you want a fuss-free wholesome dinner.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward but essential, each playing a crucial role in bringing the Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet Recipe to life. From the hearty, lean turkey to the bright, nutrient-dense spinach, every element adds to the overall balance of taste, texture, and color on your plate.
- Ground turkey: Provides lean protein that cooks quickly and absorbs the spices well.
- Sweet potatoes: The natural sweetness and soft bite add comforting texture and a vibrant hue.
- Olive oil: Used for sautéing, it adds richness and helps carry the flavors.
- Onion: Adds a subtle sweetness and depth as it softens.
- Garlic: Infuses the skillet with aromatic punch, rounding out the flavor profile.
- Bell pepper: Contributes a crisp, slightly sweet contrast and bright color.
- Smoked paprika: Brings a warm, smoky layer that elevates the dish.
- Cumin: Adds earthiness and a touch of warmth to tie flavors together.
- Salt and pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance all other tastes.
- Spinach: Provides fresh greenery and subtle bitterness to balance sweetness.
- Fresh parsley: Adds a bright, herbaceous finish as a garnish.
How to Make Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Start by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, toss in the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté them gently for 2 to 3 minutes until the onions turn translucent and the garlic releases its fragrant aroma. This step builds a flavorful foundation for the entire dish.
Step 2: Cook the Sweet Potatoes
Add the diced sweet potatoes to the skillet. Stir occasionally as they cook for about 10 minutes. The goal here is to soften the sweet potatoes just enough so they are tender but still hold their shape, allowing them to blend seamlessly with the turkey and vegetables later on.
Step 3: Cook the Turkey
Now it’s time to add the ground turkey. Break it apart with your spatula as it cooks, mixing it well with the sweet potatoes and aromatics. Continue cooking for 5 to 7 minutes until the turkey is evenly browned and cooked through. This ensures juicy bites in every mouthful.
Step 4: Season the Skillet
Sprinkle the smoked paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper over the skillet. Give everything a good stir to coat the ingredients evenly. The spices bring warmth and depth to the dish, perfectly complementing the natural sweetness of the potatoes and mild flavor of the turkey.
Step 5: Add the Veggies
Stir in the chopped bell pepper and spinach. Cook for another 3 to 4 minutes until the spinach wilts nicely and the bell pepper softens slightly. These vibrant veggies add freshness, color, and an extra layer of texture to the skillet.
Step 6: Finish and Serve
Remove the skillet from heat and sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the top for a burst of herbaceous brightness. Serve warm, and enjoy the wonderful combination of flavors and textures in this simple yet satisfying Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet Recipe.
How to Serve Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley is the perfect classic garnish here, adding a pop of vibrant green and a subtle herbal note that balances the spices beautifully. For a little extra zing, you can also sprinkle crumbled feta or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to brighten the flavors.
Side Dishes
This skillet shines on its own, but if you want to round out the meal, consider a simple mixed greens salad or some crusty bread for mopping up any delicious juices. A side of roasted Brussels sprouts or steamed green beans also pairs wonderfully, adding extra crunch and freshness.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet Recipe over a bed of quinoa or brown rice to soak up all the savory goodness. You can also spoon it into hollowed-out bell peppers and bake briefly for an attractive presentation that’s as appetizing as it is colorful.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet keeps really well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making it just as delicious, if not more, the next day.
Freezing
This recipe freezes beautifully. Just cool the skillet completely, transfer to a freezer-safe container, and store for up to 2 months. When you’re ready for an easy meal, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the leftovers gently in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally to heat evenly. If needed, splash a little water or broth to loosen the mixture and keep it moist. Microwave reheating also works well for a quick fix.
FAQs
Can I use ground chicken instead of turkey?
Absolutely! Ground chicken works as a lean substitute with a slightly different flavor but similar texture that pairs well with the sweet potatoes and spices.
Are sweet potatoes the only potato option?
While sweet potatoes bring natural sweetness and vibrant color, you can use regular potatoes if preferred, though the flavor profile will shift to a more neutral taste.
Is this dish spicy?
No, this recipe has a warm and smoky flavor thanks to the smoked paprika and cumin, but it’s not spicy hot. You can always add chili flakes if you want more heat.
Can I prepare this recipe in advance?
Yes, you can prep all the veggies and measure spices ahead of time, which will make cooking quicker. Fully cooked leftovers are also great for meals later in the week.
How can I make this recipe vegetarian?
To make this vegetarian, swap the ground turkey for cooked lentils or a plant-based meat substitute; adjust seasonings as needed to keep the hearty flavor.
Final Thoughts
This Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet Recipe is a warm, comforting, and nutritious meal that’s perfect for busy days or anytime you’re craving a dish that feels homemade and satisfying. It’s simple to make, full of wholesome ingredients, and flexible enough to adapt to your tastes. I can’t wait for you to give it a try and make it a part of your regular meal rotation—it’s truly a one-pan wonder you’ll love coming back to.
Print
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 hearty and flavorful Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet combining lean ground turkey, nutrient-rich sweet potatoes, and fresh vegetables seasoned with smoked paprika and cumin. This quick and easy stovetop recipe is perfect for a wholesome weeknight dinner that comes together in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Protein and Vegetables
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and diced into 1/2-inch cubes
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- 2 cups spinach, chopped
Seasonings and Oils
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
Garnish
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Sauté the Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing for 2-3 minutes until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant.
- Cook the Sweet Potatoes: Add the diced sweet potatoes to the skillet. Cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, until the sweet potatoes begin to soften but still hold their shape.
- Cook the Turkey: Add the ground turkey to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spoon or spatula. Cook for 5-7 minutes until the meat is browned evenly and fully cooked through with no pink remaining.
- Season the Skillet: Sprinkle in the smoked paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine, allowing the spices to infuse the turkey and vegetables evenly.
- Add the Veggies: Incorporate the chopped bell pepper and spinach into the skillet. Cook for an additional 3-4 minutes until the spinach wilts and the bell pepper softens slightly, blending the flavors together.
- Finish and Serve: Remove the skillet from heat. Garnish with fresh parsley for a burst of color and freshness. Serve the dish warm as a nutritious and satisfying meal.
Notes
- To speed up softening of the sweet potatoes, partially microwave them before adding to the skillet.
- Ground turkey can be substituted with ground chicken or lean ground beef if preferred.
- Add a pinch of chili flakes for a spicy kick.
- This dish stores well and can be refrigerated for up to 3 days.
- Serve with a side of brown rice or quinoa for extra fiber and carbs.
