Busy evenings just got a whole lot easier with this Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet! I discovered this recipe when I was trying to clean out my fridge one night, and it quickly became my go-to for a healthy, comforting meal. The sweet potatoes cook to a perfect tenderness, while the ground turkey stays juicy, and the fresh veggies add a burst of color and nutrition. This dish has changed the way I approach weeknight dinners, and I know it’ll become a staple in your house too.
Healthy, Delicious, and Filling
What makes this skillet meal stand out is how it fills you up without making you feel sluggish. The lean turkey provides a protein boost, while the sweet potatoes offer healthy carbs. Even my kids don’t realize they’re getting a nutritious meal—they just know it tastes amazing!
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- Ground Turkey – 1 pound, lean and 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.
- Garlic – 2 cloves, minced.
- Bell Pepper – 1, chopped, any color for sweetness and crunch.
- Smoked Paprika – 1 teaspoon, for smoky depth of flavor.
- Cumin – 1 teaspoon, for warmth and earthiness.
- Salt and Pepper – To taste, for seasoning.
- Spinach – 2 cups, chopped, fresh for a nutrient boost.
- Fresh Parsley – Chopped, for garnish.
How to Make It:
- Prepare the Skillet: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Opt for a wide, sturdy pan to ensure even cooking.
- Sauté the Aromatics: Add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant.
- Cook the Sweet Potatoes: Stir in the diced sweet potatoes. Cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they begin 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 cooked through.
- Season and Combine: Sprinkle in the smoked paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine and infuse the turkey and potatoes with the flavors.
- Add the Veggies: Toss in the chopped bell pepper and spinach. Cook for another 3-4 minutes until the pepper softens and the spinach wilts.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the skillet from the heat and garnish with freshly chopped parsley. Serve warm for the best taste and presentation.
Customization Tips:
- Swap the Meat: Ground chicken, pork, or even plant-based crumbles work well in this dish.
- Add More Veggies: I love adding mushrooms, zucchini, or even carrots when I have extra veggies in the fridge. Get creative!
- Meal Prep-Friendly: This dish makes for great meal prep. Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days, and it reheats beautifully.
My Secret Tips:
- Cut the sweet potatoes into uniform pieces so they cook evenly.
- Avoid overcrowding the pan to ensure the veggies caramelize properly instead of steaming.
- If the pan feels too full, cook in batches for better results.
How to Make It a Meal:
This Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet is fantastic on its own, but you can serve it over brown rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice for an even heartier meal. Sometimes I top it with half an avocado or a dollop of Greek yogurt for added creaminess. For a fun twist, warm up some tortillas and turn it into a taco night!
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I use different meat? Yes! Ground chicken, beef, or pork work well in this recipe.
- How long do leftovers last? You can store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days. It’s great for meal prep!
- Can I add more vegetables? Absolutely! Mushrooms, zucchini, and even carrots are great additions.
- Is this meal freezer-friendly? Yes, once the dish has cooled, you can freeze it for up to 3 months in an airtight container.
- What can I serve with it? This dish is fantastic on its own, but it pairs well with rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice.
Why You’ll Love This:
This Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet has been a lifesaver for me on busy nights. It’s healthy, filling, and the whole family loves it—plus, it’s made in just one pan, making cleanup a breeze. Once you try it, it will surely become your go-to weeknight dinner too.
Recipe Summary:
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Dietary: 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 skillet. Sauté onion and garlic for 2-3 minutes.
- Add sweet potatoes and cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add turkey, breaking it apart. Cook for 5-7 minutes until browned.
- Stir in smoked paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper.
- Add bell pepper and spinach. Cook for 3-4 minutes until tender.
- Garnish with parsley and serve warm.
Notes:
- Feel free to substitute other ground meats.
- Great for meal prep and leftover storage.
- Can add extra vegetables to boost nutrition.
Tools You’ll Need:
- Large skillet
This is the perfect recipe to keep on hand for hectic weeknights, offering a nutritious, easy-to-make dinner everyone will enjoy!