Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet Recipe
If you’re craving a hearty, healthy meal that comes together in just one pan, you have to try this Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet. Juicy ground turkey paired with the natural sweetness of sweet potatoes, a colorful array of veggies, and a smoky spice blend makes for a dish that’s both nourishing and deeply comforting. It’s a weeknight winner that tastes like a Sunday supper — plus, the clean-up is a breeze! Say goodbye to bland, boring dinners and hello to a crowd-pleasing skillet that’s practically designed for sharing around the table.

Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe relies on simple, fresh ingredients that work in harmony to build bold flavor and vibrant color. Each element is chosen for both convenience and impact, ensuring the Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet is as satisfying as it is quick to make.
- Olive oil: A heart-healthy fat that helps everything sizzle and locks in flavor right from the start.
- Ground turkey: Lean and protein-packed, turkey is the perfect blank canvas for soaking up spices and aromatics.
- Onion: Diced onion adds sweetness and depth, creating a delicious base for the skillet.
- Garlic: Freshly minced garlic brings irresistible aroma and a punch of savory warmth.
- Sweet potatoes: Their natural sweetness and creamy texture perfectly balance the savory turkey and spices.
- Red bell pepper: Adds a pop of color and crunch, plus an extra touch of sweetness.
- Smoked paprika: Gives the skillet its signature smoky flavor that makes every bite special.
- Ground cumin: Delivers earthy, slightly citrusy undertones that enhance the dish’s depth.
- Dried oregano: Lends herby, aromatic notes that complement both the turkey and the veggies.
- Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning and balancing all the flavors in the skillet.
- Low-sodium chicken broth (or water): Adds moisture, helping the veggies cook evenly and infusing the skillet with extra richness.
- Baby spinach (optional): Toss in a handful at the end for a burst of greens and extra nutrients.
- Chopped fresh parsley: The perfect fresh finishing touch for both color and herby brightness.
How to Make Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet
Step 1: Brown the Turkey
Start by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground turkey and break it up with your spatula as it cooks. Let it sizzle until there’s no pink left, about 5–6 minutes. You’ll notice some lovely golden bits developing — that’s where the flavor really starts to build, so give it a chance to brown nicely.
Step 2: Add Onion and Garlic
Next, toss the diced onion and minced garlic into the skillet. Stir and cook for another 2–3 minutes until the onions soften and everything smells incredible. This is the moment your kitchen fills with warmth and anticipation!
Step 3: Stir in Vegetables and Spices
Fold in the diced sweet potatoes, red bell pepper, smoked paprika, cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper. The spices will bloom in the hot skillet, releasing their smoky, earthy aromas and coating every bite. Make sure the sweet potato cubes are well mixed so they cook evenly.
Step 4: Simmer with Broth
Pour in the chicken broth (or water), then cover your skillet and reduce the heat to medium-low. Let it simmer for 12–15 minutes, stirring now and then, until the sweet potatoes are melt-in-your-mouth tender and the flavors have melded beautifully.
Step 5: Wilt the Spinach and Finish
If you like an extra punch of greens, mix in baby spinach at the very end, stirring gently just until it wilts. Give the skillet a final taste — a pinch more salt or a crack of pepper might be all it needs before you turn off the heat. Top with chopped parsley for a hit of freshness and get ready to dig in!
How to Serve Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet

Garnishes
Finish your Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet with a generous sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley. If you love a little heat, add some chili flakes for a spicy kick or a handful of shredded cheese for gooey comfort. A dollop of Greek yogurt or sour cream is also a fantastic way to add creaminess and cool things down.
Side Dishes
This skillet is a complete meal on its own, but you can round it out with a crispy side salad, some warm crusty bread, or even a scoop of fluffy quinoa or brown rice. The subtle flavors in the Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet pair well with just about anything fresh and simple.
Creative Ways to Present
Spoon the skillet into individual bowls for a cozy, rustic feel or pile it onto a platter and let everyone serve themselves family-style. For meal prep, portion it into containers for easy, grab-and-go lunches. Try stuffing leftovers into whole-grain tortillas for inventive wraps — the colors and textures make every presentation inviting!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet keeps beautifully. Store any extras in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. The flavors deepen over time, making your lunch or dinner the next day even more delicious.
Freezing
This skillet is meal prep magic! Once cooled, transfer portions to freezer-safe containers or bags. Freeze for up to 2 months. Just be sure to cool it completely before freezing to preserve the best texture and flavor.
Reheating
To reheat, simply pop your portion into the microwave for a few minutes until steaming hot, stirring halfway through. Alternatively, warm it gently on the stovetop over medium heat with a splash of broth or water to bring back the original skillet freshness.
FAQs
Can I use ground chicken or beef instead of turkey?
Absolutely! Both ground chicken and beef work well as substitutes. Beef offers a richer flavor, while chicken is just as lean and light as turkey. Choose what you love or have on hand — the rest of the recipe stays the same.
Is the Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet spicy?
This dish is flavorful rather than spicy. Smoked paprika and cumin create earthy, smoky notes without adding much heat. For extra spice, toss in some chili flakes or hot sauce at the end.
Can I make the Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet vegetarian?
Yes, you can! Swap the ground turkey for a plant-based ground alternative or even canned lentils or black beans. Use veggie broth instead of chicken broth, and enjoy a delicious, vegetarian one-pan meal.
How can I meal prep Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet?
Double the recipe and portion the cooled skillet into meal prep containers. It reheats beautifully and keeps well for several days, making it perfect for grab-and-go lunches or quick dinners all week long.
What’s the best way to dice sweet potatoes quickly?
Peel sweet potatoes first, then slice them into rounds. Stack and cut the rounds into sticks, then dice those into tidy cubes. A sharp chef’s knife and a stable cutting board make the task easy and safe.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a go-to dinner that’s wholesome, comforting, and never boring, give this Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet a spot in your rotation. It’s colorful, packed with good-for-you ingredients, and guaranteed to disappear fast! I hope you love sharing this one-pan wonder with your family as much as I do.
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Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet is a delicious and nutritious one-pan meal that is easy to make and perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. Packed with ground turkey, sweet potatoes, and flavorful spices, this dish is sure to become a family favorite!
Ingredients
Ground Turkey:
1 pound
Onion (diced):
1 medium
Garlic (minced):
2 cloves
Sweet Potatoes (peeled and diced into ½-inch cubes):
2 medium
Red Bell Pepper (diced):
1
Smoked Paprika:
1 teaspoon
Ground Cumin:
½ teaspoon
Dried Oregano:
½ teaspoon
Salt:
to taste
Pepper:
to taste
Low-Sodium Chicken Broth or Water:
½ cup
Baby Spinach (optional):
2 cups
Chopped Fresh Parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground turkey and cook until no longer pink.
- Add the onion and garlic and cook until softened and fragrant.
- Stir in sweet potatoes, bell pepper, spices, salt, and pepper.
- Pour in chicken broth, cover, and simmer until sweet potatoes are tender.
- Uncover, add spinach, cook until wilted, adjust seasoning, garnish with parsley, and serve hot.
Notes
- For extra flavor, add chili flakes or shredded cheese.
- This dish is great for meal prep and can be refrigerated for up to 4 days.
- Substitute ground chicken or beef if desired.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 340
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 280mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 26g
- Cholesterol: 80mg