If you ever crave comfort food that’s both hearty and wholesome, this Cheesy Turkey and Sweet Potato Skillet Recipe is about to become a fast favorite. Imagine tender bites of sweet potato, perfectly seasoned turkey, golden onions, and melty cheddar—all mingling together in one sizzling pan. It’s the kind of one-dish wonder that makes you feel like a kitchen hero, even on your busiest weeknights. Bursting with color, flavor, and nutrition, this recipe delivers big on taste without any fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Cheesy Turkey and Sweet Potato Skillet Recipe is its simplicity—every ingredient is there for a reason, creating layers of delicious flavor and irresistible texture. Gather these kitchen staples, and you’ll be amazed by what a big impact they make together!
- Ground turkey: Lean yet satisfying, it soaks up all the spices and has a mild flavor that lets everything else shine.
- Sweet potatoes: These beauties add a touch of natural sweetness and a gorgeous orange pop to the skillet.
- Onion: Chopped onion gives the dish a mellow, caramelized depth and perfectly balances the other savory notes.
- Garlic: A couple of cloves bring lovely aroma and bold taste—don’t skip it!
- Olive oil: Essential for getting those sweet potatoes perfectly golden and flavorful.
- Smoked paprika: This spice is the secret weapon, lending subtle smokiness and warmth.
- Dried thyme: Just the right earthy, herbal accent to compliment the turkey and veggies.
- Salt and black pepper: Let the natural flavors pop with a little seasoning.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: The star of the finale—rich, gooey, and totally irresistible when melted on top.
- Fresh parsley: Chopped and scattered over everything right before serving, it adds bright color and a refreshing finish.
How to Make Cheesy Turkey and Sweet Potato Skillet Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Sweet Potatoes
Start by heating that trusty skillet over medium heat with olive oil swirling around. Add the diced sweet potatoes and give them some love—stirring every few minutes, so they cook evenly without sticking. After 8 to 10 minutes, they’ll begin to soften and get some inviting golden-brown edges, filling your kitchen with delicious anticipation.
Step 2: Add the Turkey and Onion
Once the sweet potatoes are just starting to get tender, nudge them to the side of the skillet. Toss in your ground turkey and chopped onion. Break the turkey up as it cooks, mixing it with the onions, and sauté everything for 5 to 7 minutes. The turkey should lose all its pinkness, while the onions become soft and sweet.
Step 3: Season and Blend
Next, sprinkle in the minced garlic, the smoky paprika, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together so all the flavors can mingle and coat both the meat and sweet potatoes. The aroma at this point will have mouths watering!
Step 4: Get Cheesy
Turn the heat down low, scatter the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the skillet, and cover it. In just a couple of minutes, the cheese will melt into dreamy pockets of gooey, cheesy goodness—making this Cheesy Turkey and Sweet Potato Skillet Recipe truly irresistible.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Finish things off with a flourish of chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness. Serve hot, right from the skillet, and soak in the satisfaction of a meal that looks and tastes amazing.
How to Serve Cheesy Turkey and Sweet Potato Skillet Recipe
Garnishes
This dish shines with a simple sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley, but you can also add sliced green onions, a dollop of Greek yogurt, or even a handful of microgreens for a little flair. They add brightness and an extra layer of fresh flavor, elevating each bite of this Cheesy Turkey and Sweet Potato Skillet Recipe.
Side Dishes
While the skillet is a complete meal on its own, pairing it with a crisp green salad or a side of roasted broccoli makes for a vibrant, balanced dinner. If you’re after more coziness, serve with warm, crusty bread to soak up every cheesy bit on your plate.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this skillet family-style at the table for a casual, homey feel, or spoon portions into individual mini gratin dishes for an elevated touch. For meal prep kings and queens, pack leftovers in glass meal-prep containers for a lunch that’ll be the talk of the office.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Cheesy Turkey and Sweet Potato Skillet Recipe keeps beautifully in the fridge. Transfer cooled portions to an airtight container, pop it in the refrigerator, and enjoy within four days for maximum freshness and flavor.
Freezing
If you want to make this dish ahead, portion out cooled servings into freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to 2 months—just be sure to label them and lay the portions flat for easy stacking.
Reheating
Reheating is a breeze! For single servings, microwave in 30-second increments until warmed through, or reheat larger amounts gently on the stovetop over low heat. Add a splash of water if needed to keep everything moist and luscious.
FAQs
Can I use regular potatoes instead of sweet potatoes?
Absolutely! Regular potatoes will work, though you’ll miss out on that signature sweetness. Yukon Gold or red potatoes are both tasty alternatives—just adjust cook time as needed.
Is there a way to make this vegetarian?
Yes! Swap the ground turkey with plant-based ground alternative or crumbled firm tofu. You’ll still get that satisfying protein and all the melty, cheesy goodness that makes this skillet special.
Can I add more vegetables?
Definitely. Spinach, kale, or diced bell peppers are wonderful additions. Just stir them in for the last few minutes, and let them wilt down and blend in seamlessly.
What can I use instead of cheddar cheese?
Feel free to play! Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or even pepper jack bring their unique twist to the Cheesy Turkey and Sweet Potato Skillet Recipe. Choose your favorite for a personal touch.
How do I know when the turkey is fully cooked?
Watch for the turkey to turn from pink to opaque and white throughout. If you want to be extra sure, use a thermometer—ground turkey should reach 165°F (74°C).
Final Thoughts
This Cheesy Turkey and Sweet Potato Skillet Recipe has a way of bringing smiles and full bellies to the table every single time. Try it once, and it might just become your own go-to weeknight hero too!
Print
Cheesy Turkey and Sweet Potato Skillet Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Cheesy Turkey and Sweet Potato Skillet recipe is a delicious and nutritious one-pan meal that is easy to make and perfect for a weeknight dinner. Ground turkey, sweet potatoes, and savory spices are cooked together, topped with melted cheddar cheese, and garnished with fresh parsley for a comforting and satisfying dish.
Ingredients
Ground Turkey:
1 pound
Sweet Potatoes (peeled and diced):
2 medium
Onion (chopped):
1 small
Garlic cloves (minced):
2
Olive Oil:
1 tablespoon
Smoked Paprika:
1 teaspoon
Dried Thyme:
½ teaspoon
Salt:
½ teaspoon
Black Pepper:
¼ teaspoon
Shredded Cheddar Cheese:
1 cup
Fresh Parsley (for garnish):
2 tablespoons
Instructions
- Heat olive oil: In a large skillet over medium heat.
- Cook turkey and onion: Add the ground turkey and chopped onion. Cook for 5–7 minutes until fully cooked.
- Add spices: Garlic, smoked paprika, thyme, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
- Melt cheese: Sprinkle cheddar over the top, cover, and let melt for 2–3 minutes.
- Garnish and serve: Garnish with parsley and serve hot.
Add the diced sweet potatoes and cook for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they begin to soften and brown.
Notes
- This dish is great for meal prep and reheats well.
- Add spinach or kale in the last few minutes of cooking for an extra veggie boost.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 370
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
