Name: Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 pound ground turkey; 1 small yellow onion, diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and diced; 1 red bell pepper, diced; 1 teaspoon smoked paprika; ½ teaspoon ground cumin; ½ teaspoon chili powder; ½ teaspoon salt; ¼ teaspoon black pepper; ¼ cup water or chicken broth; 2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped; Fresh parsley or cilantro (optional)

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

This Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet is the ultimate one-pan wonder, brimming with vibrant colors, warm spices, and melt-in-your-mouth comfort. Each bite balances juicy ground turkey with tender sweet potatoes, sautéed veggies, and the smoky aroma of paprika. Whether you’re seeking a quick weeknight meal or a nourishing dish that fits various diets, this skillet is always a hit. Plus, cleanup is a breeze, making it one of my absolute favorite go-tos and a surefire family pleaser!

Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet is in its simplicity. These fresh, wholesome ingredients each bring delicious flavor and texture to the table, making every bite as satisfying as it is colorful!

Olive oil: This heart-healthy fat helps brown the turkey and soften veggies for a luscious, silky skillet base.
Ground turkey: Lean, protein-packed, and quick-cooking, turkey is the perfect foundation for this dish.
Yellow onion: Adds sweetness and depth—the aromatic start to any great meal!
Garlic: Infuses the dish with a fragrant, savory kick; mince it fresh for best flavor.
Sweet potatoes: Naturally sweet, creamy, and filling—diced small, they cook up beautifully alongside the turkey.
Red bell pepper: Offers pops of color and a gentle crunch for visual and textural appeal.
Smoked paprika: Brings warmth and a hint of smokiness that makes the whole skillet extra cozy.
Ground cumin: Lends earthy, aromatic flavor that pairs perfectly with turkey and sweet potatoes.
Chili powder: Adds mild heat and layers of spice without overpowering the other flavors.
Salt: Essential for waking up all the flavors in the skillet.
Black pepper: Provides subtle heat and balances the dish.
Water or chicken broth: Helps the potatoes soften and enhances moisture—use broth for even more savory depth.
Fresh spinach: Wilts down and adds a pop of green, boosting nutrients with barely any effort.
Fresh parsley or cilantro (optional): A vibrant topping for freshness and a lovely finish to the skillet.

How to Make Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet

Step 1: Brown the Turkey

Begin by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once shimmering, add the ground turkey. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes, using a spatula to break it up as it browns. The turkey should be fully cooked and no longer pink. This base will soak up every bit of spice and flavor you add later, so don’t rush the process.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

Add the diced onion and minced garlic straight into the skillet. Sauté everything for about 2 to 3 minutes—watch as the onion softens and the sweet, savory aroma fills your kitchen. This step lays down a flavor foundation, turning simple ingredients into a full-bodied, comforting meal.

Step 3: Add Veggies and Spices

Stir in the diced sweet potatoes and red bell pepper, then sprinkle in the smoked paprika, ground cumin, chili powder, salt, and black pepper. Toss everything together until each piece is beautifully coated with spice. The secret to the bold, rounded flavor in this Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet is letting the veggies and seasoning mingle in the pan.

Step 4: Steam and Soften

Pour in the water or chicken broth, give everything a good stir, and cover the skillet with a lid. Lower the heat slightly and let the mixture cook for 12 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. The steam will help soften the sweet potatoes until they’re fork-tender, while locking in all those incredible flavors.

Step 5: Wilt the Spinach and Finish

Remove the lid and gently fold in the chopped spinach. Let it cook for 2 to 3 minutes, just until wilted. Taste and adjust salt or other seasonings if needed. Your skillet should be bursting with color and aroma—time to serve it up with your favorite garnish!

How to Serve Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet

Garnishes

Top your Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet with fresh parsley or cilantro for a burst of brightness. For extra pizzazz, a squeeze of lime over each serving can really make the flavors pop. Sliced avocado or a sprinkle of shredded cheese transforms your skillet into something even more hearty and irresistible.

Side Dishes

This skillet is filling enough to shine as a standalone meal, but it also plays well with others. Pair it with a crisp side salad, roasted green beans, or warm, crusty bread for soaking up every last bit. For a low-carb side, try lightly sautéed zucchini or simple roasted broccoli.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve your Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet straight from the pan for a homey, rustic feel, or spoon it into colorful bowls for easy meal prep lunches. Want to jazz it up? Pile it into lettuce wraps for hand-held fun or stuff it into roasted bell peppers for an elegant twist at your next dinner party.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers keep beautifully! Let your Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet cool, then transfer it to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors meld even more as it sits, making it just as tasty (or even better) the next day.

Freezing

If you want to stash some away for later, allow the skillet to cool completely, then portion it into freezer-safe containers. It will keep for up to three months. When ready to enjoy, simply thaw in the fridge overnight for the best texture and flavor.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers in the microwave for a quick lunch, or toss them back into a skillet over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until hot. If things look a bit dry, add a splash of water or broth to revive all the savory juiciness.

FAQs

Can I substitute ground chicken or beef for turkey?

Absolutely! Ground chicken works just as well for a similar lean texture and flavor, while beef will create a heartier, richer version. Feel free to use what you have on hand—this recipe is deliciously flexible.

Are there other veggies I can add to this skillet?

Yes! Try tossing in zucchini, mushrooms, or kale for extra nutrition. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time as needed for more delicate vegetables.

Is this Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet suitable for meal prep?

It’s ideal for meal prep because it stores and reheats beautifully. Portion out servings into containers, and you’ll have a week’s worth of delicious, balanced lunches or dinners ready to go!

Can I make it spicier?

If you like a little extra heat, stir in a chopped jalapeño with the onion and garlic, or add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the spice mix. Taste as you go to dial up (or down) the spice to your liking.

Is Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet gluten-free and dairy-free?

Yes, this skillet is naturally both gluten-free and dairy-free (as long as your broth is gluten-free and you skip the optional cheese topping). It’s a wholesome fit for a variety of dietary needs!

Final Thoughts

Don’t wait another day to make this Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet—it’s hearty, healthy, and packed with flavor that will have you coming back for seconds. I can’t wait to hear about how you made it your own, so gather your ingredients and enjoy every savory bite!

Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 10 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

This Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet is a hearty and flavorful one-pan meal that is perfect for a quick and easy weeknight dinner. Packed with ground turkey, sweet potatoes, and vibrant spices, this dish is gluten-free, dairy-free, and paleo-friendly.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Skillet:

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 pound ground turkey
1 small yellow onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
1 red bell pepper, diced
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
½ teaspoon ground cumin
½ teaspoon chili powder
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
¼ cup water or chicken broth
2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped

For Garnish:

Fresh parsley or cilantro (optional)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Heat olive oil in a large skillet: Over medium heat, cook ground turkey until browned.
Add onion and garlic: Sauté until softened.
Stir in sweet potatoes, bell pepper, and spices: Cover and cook until sweet potatoes are tender.
Add spinach: Cook until wilted.
Adjust seasoning: Garnish with parsley or cilantro before serving.