If you’re looking for a hearty, wholesome, and vibrant dish to brighten up your weeknight meals, the Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet Recipe is truly a winner. This colorful skillet brings together tender ground turkey, sweet and soft sweet potatoes, and a mix of spices that create a symphony of flavors in every bite. It’s not only a feast for your taste buds but also a nutritious, satisfying meal that comes together quickly, making it perfect for busy days without sacrificing deliciousness.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this recipe plays a crucial role, whether it’s building depth of flavor, adding texture, or enhancing the dish’s appealing color palette. These simple yet powerhouse ingredients come together seamlessly to create a balanced meal you will crave again and again.
- 1 lb ground turkey: A lean protein base that absorbs all the spices perfectly while keeping the skillet light and tasty.
- 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and diced: Adds natural sweetness and a soft, comforting texture that contrasts with the turkey’s savory notes.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: For sautéing and bringing a silky richness to the dish without overwhelming flavors.
- 1 small onion, chopped: Builds a fragrant foundation and gives a subtle sweetness when cooked down.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Adds a punch of aroma and depth that lifts the entire skillet.
- 1 red bell pepper, diced: Brings a pop of color and a slightly sweet, crisp bite.
- 1 teaspoon paprika: Boosts smoky, earthy warmth that ties the spices together.
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin: Offers a gentle, nutty undertone with a hint of spice.
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder: Introduces mild heat and complexity without overpowering.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the natural sweetness of the potatoes.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Adds subtle heat and a bite to round out the spices.
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional): For those who love a kick of extra spice.
- 1/2 cup chicken broth: Keeps everything moist and infuses gentle savory notes during cooking.
- 2 cups baby spinach: Adds freshness, vibrant green color, and a boost of nutrients near the end of cooking.
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped: Mixed in at the finish for a bright, herbal lift and gorgeous garnish.
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 step ensures the onion and garlic will sauté beautifully without sticking, creating the perfect flavorful base for your skillet.
Step 2: Sauté Onion and Garlic
Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook them gently for 2 to 3 minutes until the onion becomes translucent and both ingredients release their wonderful fragrances. This subtle caramelization adds a rich, savory undertone to the dish.
Step 3: Brown the Ground Turkey
Next, add the ground turkey, breaking it apart with your spoon or spatula as it cooks. Brown it evenly until there is no pink left. This is when the turkey really starts to soak up those aromatic onion and garlic flavors.
Step 4: Add Sweet Potatoes, Bell Pepper, and Spices
Stir in the diced sweet potatoes and red bell pepper followed by the paprika, cumin, chili powder, salt, black pepper, and optional red pepper flakes. Toss everything so the spices coat the ingredients, bringing out the warm, smoky, and slightly spicy notes in every morsel.
Step 5: Simmer with Chicken Broth
Pour in the chicken broth, then cover the skillet and let it simmer for 10 to 15 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and to help the sweet potatoes soften perfectly, absorbing all the savory broth and seasoning along the way.
Step 6: Wilt the Baby Spinach
Once the sweet potatoes are tender, stir in the baby spinach and cook for an additional 2 minutes until this leafy green wilts. This fresh addition balances the richness of the skillet and adds a lively pop of color.
How to Serve Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh parsley on top brings not only a burst of herbal brightness but also a lovely visual contrast against the warm hues of the skillet. Feel free to add a dollop of Greek yogurt or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to elevate the flavors even more.
Side Dishes
This skillet stands out on its own but also pairs beautifully with simple sides like a crisp green salad or warm crusty bread. For a low-carb option, serve alongside steamed vegetables or cauliflower rice to keep the focus on the vibrant skillet.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this dish family-style right from the skillet for a cozy, rustic feel. You can also dish it into warm bowls topped with avocado slices or a fried egg for an impressive brunch or dinner twist. The colorful ingredients make it a feast for the eyes as well as the palate.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have any leftovers from this Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet Recipe, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to 3 days, making for a convenient and quick reheat option for busy lunches or dinners.
Freezing
This recipe freezes beautifully! Transfer cooled leftovers to a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. Frozen portions can last up to 3 months, so you can enjoy your favorite skillet anytime by just thawing and reheating.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth if needed to keep everything moist. You can also microwave portions for a quick meal, covered loosely to prevent drying out. Either way, the flavors stay vibrant and delicious.
FAQs
Can I substitute ground turkey for another protein?
Absolutely! Ground chicken, beef, or even plant-based crumbles can work well in this recipe. Just adjust cooking times as necessary, especially if using beef, which may take a bit longer to brown.
Are the sweet potatoes necessary or can I use regular potatoes?
Sweet potatoes add a natural sweetness and great texture, but regular white or Yukon gold potatoes can be used if preferred. Keep in mind regular potatoes may take a little longer to cook through.
How spicy is this Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet Recipe?
The level of heat is moderate and customizable. The red pepper flakes are optional, so you can leave them out if you prefer mild dishes or add more for extra kick. The chili powder also adds warmth without overpowering the other flavors.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! This recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you use gluten-free chicken broth. It’s a perfect choice for anyone avoiding gluten.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prepping?
Definitely. Its balanced ingredients and easy storage make it ideal for preparing ahead. Just portion it out for quick lunches or dinners during the week, and enjoy a homemade meal with minimal daily effort.
Final Thoughts
This Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet Recipe is one of those comforting dishes that feels like a warm hug from the inside. It’s simple to make, packed with flavor, and healthy enough to feel great about. I wholeheartedly encourage you to give this recipe a try—you might just find your new go-to for busy nights when you want something delicious and nourishing on the table fast.
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Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
This Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet is a savory and nutritious one-pan meal featuring lean ground turkey and tender sweet potatoes, spiced with paprika, cumin, and chili powder, simmered to perfection with chicken broth and finished with fresh spinach and parsley for a hearty, healthy dinner in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Protein
- 1 lb ground turkey
Vegetables
- 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 & 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)
Liquids & Oils
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
Instructions
- Heat olive oil: Warm 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat to prepare for sautéing.
- Sauté onion and garlic: Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet, cooking for 2-3 minutes until fragrant and translucent.
- Cook ground turkey: Add 1 lb of ground turkey to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spatula, and cook until browned evenly.
- Add vegetables and spices: Stir in the diced sweet potatoes, red bell pepper, and season with paprika, cumin, chili powder, salt, black pepper, and optional red pepper flakes.
- Simmer with chicken broth: Pour in 1/2 cup of chicken broth, cover the skillet, and simmer for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sweet potatoes are tender.
- Wilt the spinach: Add 2 cups of baby spinach to the skillet, cooking for an additional 2 minutes until wilted.
- Finish with parsley and serve: Sprinkle 1/4 cup of fresh chopped parsley over the skillet, stir gently, and serve hot.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey with ground chicken or lean ground beef if preferred.
- Adjust red pepper flakes to increase or decrease spiciness.
- To save time, use pre-diced sweet potatoes or use a food processor.
- For a vegetarian version, replace ground turkey with cooked lentils or chickpeas and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
