Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet Recipe
If you’re looking for a wholesome, fuss-free dinner that tastes like a celebration of color, flavor, and comfort, you need to try this Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet! It’s a one-pan wonder where lean ground turkey mingles with sweet, caramelized cubes of sweet potato, juicy red pepper, and fragrant spices—all finished with a handful of fresh spinach. Not only is it hearty and satisfying, but it’s a breeze to clean up. Weeknight heroes like this recipe are meant for busy kitchens, quick meal prep, and anyone who loves real food that feels as good as it tastes.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What makes this Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet so special is the lineup of fresh and pantry-friendly ingredients—each playing a unique role in building deep flavor and vibrant color. Get ready for a combination that’s as nourishing as it is easy to assemble!
- Olive oil: Gives a beautiful golden color and enhances the natural sweetness of the other ingredients.
- Ground turkey: Lean and packed with protein, ground turkey keeps this dish satisfying without being heavy.
- Onion: Provides a savory backbone and a touch of sweetness as it softens in the skillet.
- Garlic: Delivers that unmistakable savory aroma and depth of flavor to the whole dish.
- Sweet potatoes: Star players here—they add natural sweetness, beautiful color, and a creamy bite.
- Red bell pepper: This pop of color brightens things up and adds a gentle sweetness.
- Smoked paprika: Brings a warm, smoky flavor that makes everything taste a bit more special.
- Ground cumin: Adds earthy undertones that deepen the taste profile and highlight the turkey.
- Dried oregano: Offers a hint of herby flavor to balance the sweetness and spices.
- Salt: Essential for making all the flavors sing together.
- Black pepper: Gives a gentle spicy kick without overpowering the dish.
- Chicken broth or water: Adds moisture, helps the sweet potatoes cook evenly, and infuses everything with subtle savory notes.
- Fresh spinach: Wilts beautifully at the end for a nourishing, vibrant finish.
- Chopped fresh parsley (optional): For a burst of color and a fresh herbal touch right before serving.
How to Make Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet
Step 1: Brown the Turkey
Start by heating olive oil in your largest skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the ground turkey, gently breaking it apart with a spoon. Let it cook, undisturbed at first, to get that golden color, then continue to crumble and stir until fully browned. This step lays the foundation for a Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet with delicious depth and texture.
Step 2: Soften the Aromatics
When your turkey is beautifully golden, stir in the diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté for about two minutes, just until everything is fragrant and the onions lose their raw edge. Trust me, those aromas wafting in your kitchen are worth savoring!
Step 3: Build the Flavor Base
Next, add the diced sweet potatoes and red bell pepper right into the pan. Sprinkle in the smoked paprika, ground cumin, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Give everything a good stir to evenly coat the veggies and turkey in those stunning spices. This is where the magic truly starts for your Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet—flavor, color, and coziness in every bite.
Step 4: Steam and Soften
Pour the chicken broth (or water) over your skillet mixture. Cover the pan with a lid and let it simmer for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally. The steam will help soften the sweet potatoes to fork-tender perfection, while keeping the turkey juicy and the flavors mingling harmoniously.
Step 5: Finish with Spinach
Once the sweet potatoes are just right, remove the lid and add the roughly chopped spinach. Stir for a minute or two as the greens wilt and brighten up the skillet. Spinach melts down quickly, so you’ll be ready to serve in no time.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Take your Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet off the heat and, if you’d like, sprinkle with a handful of chopped fresh parsley. This small addition adds a lovely pop of freshness! Spoon it onto plates while piping hot and get ready for rave reviews.
How to Serve Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet
Garnishes
You can keep it simple with a sprinkle of chopped parsley, but feel free to get creative! A scattering of sliced green onions, a tiny dollop of Greek yogurt, or a few shavings of Parmesan can add new layers of flavor and visual appeal to your Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet.
Side Dishes
This skillet is fantastic on its own, but you can round out your meal with a crisp green salad, crusty slices of toasted bread, or a side of quinoa or brown rice for extra heartiness. The flavors play nicely with roasted Brussels sprouts or even a simple cucumber salad on the side.
Creative Ways to Present
For an elegant touch, try piling the skillet mixture into halved roasted bell peppers or serving in individual cast-iron skillets for a bistro feel. Another fun idea—add a fried or poached egg on top for a brunch-worthy twist to your Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet makes meal prep a breeze. Simply let leftovers cool, then store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. The flavors will deepen, and the texture stays fantastic—perfect for healthy, satisfying lunches all week.
Freezing
If you want to save your Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet for later, it freezes well! Portion it into freezer-safe containers, let it cool completely, and freeze for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to preserve the best texture.
Reheating
This dish reheats like a dream. For best results, warm it gently in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth if it seems dry. Microwave reheating also works—just cover and heat in bursts, stirring in between, until piping hot.
FAQs
Can I use ground chicken or beef instead of turkey?
Absolutely! Both ground chicken and beef work well in this recipe, though the flavor will shift a bit. Stick to lean varieties for a similar texture, and adjust the seasoning if needed to highlight your chosen protein.
Do I have to peel the sweet potatoes?
If you enjoy the added texture and nutrition, you can definitely leave the skins on—just be sure to scrub them well. Peeled sweet potatoes make the dish a bit more tender and kid-friendly, but it’s entirely up to your preference.
How do I make it spicier?
Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce with the other spices to bring some heat. A sprinkle of diced jalapeños on top after cooking can also add a bold kick to your Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet.
Is this recipe good for meal prep?
Yes, this skillet is a meal-prep superstar! It holds up well in the fridge, reheats beautifully, and tastes just as wonderful, making it ideal for lunches or quick dinners throughout the week.
What can I substitute for spinach?
If spinach isn’t your favorite, try chopped kale, Swiss chard, or even baby arugula—they’ll all wilt nicely and add their own unique flavor to the Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet.
Final Thoughts
This Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet has become a fixture in my kitchen for good reason—it’s comforting, colorful, and seriously delicious, no matter the time of year. Give it a try and let it brighten up your table; I have a feeling it might become a weeknight favorite in your home, too!
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Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet is a flavorful and nutritious one-pan meal that is easy to make and perfect for a quick dinner option. Ground turkey, sweet potatoes, and a variety of seasonings come together to create a delicious dish that is sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients
Ground Turkey Mixture:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Sweet Potato Mixture:
- 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and diced into 1/2-inch cubes
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup chicken broth or water
- 2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare Ground Turkey Mixture: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add ground turkey and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon, about 5–6 minutes.
- Cook Aromatics: Stir in onion and garlic and cook for 2 minutes until softened.
- Add Sweet Potato Mixture: Add sweet potatoes, bell pepper, smoked paprika, cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper, and stir to coat.
- Cook Sweet Potatoes: Pour in chicken broth, cover, and cook for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until sweet potatoes are tender.
- Finish Dish: Uncover, stir in spinach, and cook for 1–2 minutes until wilted. Remove from heat, garnish with parsley if desired, and serve hot.
Notes
- For extra flavor, sprinkle with shredded cheese before serving or add a dash of hot sauce.
- This dish works well for meal prep and reheats beautifully.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 440mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 23g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
