Let me introduce you to my favorite weeknight dinner that has totally transformed my busy evenings: Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet. This dish came about as I was cleaning out my fridge one night, and I’m so glad it did. It has quickly become my go-to healthy comfort meal. The sweet potatoes cook up perfectly tender, while the ground turkey stays juicy, and the fresh veggies bring vibrant color and loads of nutrition to the plate.
Why You’ll Love This Dish
What makes this recipe so great is how it fills you up without making you feel weighed down. The lean turkey provides a protein boost, while the sweet potatoes give you just the right amount of healthy carbs. The best part? My kids love it, and they don’t even realize they’re eating something so nutritious!
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Ground Turkey: 1 pound, lean, fresh or thawed, crumbled evenly.
- Sweet Potatoes: 2 medium, peeled and diced into 1/2-inch cubes for even cooking.
- Olive Oil: 1 tablespoon for sautéing.
- Onion: 1 medium, finely chopped for flavor.
- Garlic: 2 cloves, minced for added taste.
- Bell Pepper: 1, chopped (any color for crunch and sweetness).
- Smoked Paprika: 1 teaspoon for a smoky depth of flavor.
- Cumin: 1 teaspoon for warmth and earthiness.
- Salt and Pepper: To taste for seasoning.
- Spinach: 2 cups, chopped, fresh for added nutrition.
- Fresh Parsley: Chopped for garnish.
How to Make Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet
- Prepare the Skillet:
Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. A wide, sturdy pan works best for even cooking. - Sauté Aromatics:
Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pan. Sauté for about 2-3 minutes until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant. - Cook Sweet Potatoes:
Stir in the diced sweet potatoes. Cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they start to soften. Keep the heat moderate to avoid burning. - Brown the Turkey:
Add the ground turkey to the skillet. Break it apart with a spatula and cook for 5-7 minutes until browned and fully cooked. - Season and Combine:
Sprinkle in 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika, 1 teaspoon of cumin, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine and infuse the flavors. - Add Veggies:
Incorporate the chopped bell pepper and spinach. Cook for another 3-4 minutes until the bell pepper softens and the spinach wilts. - Garnish and Serve:
Remove from heat and garnish with freshly chopped parsley. Serve hot for the best flavor and presentation.
Flexibility in the Kitchen
One of the things I love most about this recipe is its flexibility. Sometimes, I swap in ground chicken when it’s on sale, or I use plant-based crumbles for my vegetarian friends. Last week, I threw in some mushrooms and zucchini that I needed to use up, and it was a hit! This recipe is truly versatile—feel free to experiment with whatever you have on hand.
Tips for the Best Skillet
- Cut Sweet Potatoes Evenly: Cutting your sweet potatoes into uniform pieces ensures they cook evenly and thoroughly.
- Avoid Overcrowding the Pan: To get that perfect caramelization, avoid overcrowding the skillet. If needed, cook in batches for the best result.
- Meal Prep-Friendly: I often prep the veggies the night before to save time on busy nights.
Make It a Meal
This skillet is great on its own, but we love serving it over brown rice or quinoa for an extra fiber boost. Sometimes, I top it with half an avocado or a dollop of Greek yogurt for added creaminess. When I’m feeling fancy, I warm up some tortillas and turn it into a taco night! The possibilities are endless.
Common Questions Answered
- Can I use different meat?
Yes, ground chicken or beef work great as substitutes for turkey. - How long do leftovers last?
Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days. It reheats beautifully for meal prep. - Can I add more vegetables?
Absolutely! Zucchini, mushrooms, or even cauliflower can be great additions to this dish. - Is this freezer-friendly?
Yes! Cool the skillet completely, then freeze in an airtight container for up to 3 months. - What can I serve it with?
It’s delicious on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.
Conclusion
This Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet has been a lifesaver in my busy weeknight routine. It’s healthy, filling, and everyone in my family actually enjoys eating it. Plus, cleanup is a breeze since it’s all made in one pan. Once you try it, I’m sure it’ll become your go-to recipe too.
Recipe at a Glance
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Dietary Info: Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 2 medium sweet potatoes, diced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cups spinach, chopped
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sauté onion and garlic for 2-3 minutes until translucent.
- Add sweet potatoes and cook for 10 minutes until softening.
- Add turkey, break it apart, and cook for 5-7 minutes until browned.
- Stir in smoked paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper.
- Add bell pepper and spinach, cooking for 3-4 minutes until tender.
- Garnish with parsley and serve warm.