Ground Turkey And Sweet Potato Skillet Delight Recipe

Quick Ground Turkey And Sweet Potato Skillet Delight Recipe

Rustic ground turkey and sweet potato skillet dishes can spark unexpected culinary magic in your kitchen.

Comfort meets creativity with this hearty one-pan meal that promises rich flavors and minimal cleanup.

Robust spices mingle with tender meat and caramelized vegetables, creating a symphony of textures.

Weeknight dinners demand simple yet satisfying solutions, and this skillet delivers precisely that.

Home cooks searching for nutritious meals will appreciate the balanced protein and complex carbohydrates.

Nutrient-dense ingredients combine effortlessly, promising a delightful experience from first bite to last.

Sweet Potato Skillet With Turkey That Feels Cozy And Balanced

  • Quick Weeknight Warrior: Whip up this delicious skillet meal in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy families rushing between work, school, and activities.
  • Nutritional Powerhouse: Packed with lean ground turkey, nutrient-rich sweet potatoes, and optional spinach, this dish delivers a balanced meal that supports healthy eating without sacrificing flavor.
  • One-Pan Wonder: Minimize kitchen cleanup with this single-skillet recipe that saves time on cooking and washing dishes, ideal for home cooks who want maximum taste with minimal effort.
  • Customization Champion: Easily adapt the recipe by swapping ingredients, adding cheese, or including different vegetables to suit individual tastes and dietary preferences, making it a versatile dinner solution.

Ground Turkey and Sweet Potato Skillet Ingredients

Main Protein and Vegetables:
  • Ground Turkey: Lean protein that provides a hearty base for the skillet meal, choose fresh and low-fat for healthier option.
  • Sweet Potatoes: Adds natural sweetness and nutritious texture, select firm potatoes with smooth skin.
  • Onion: Provides aromatic flavor and depth to the dish, yellow or white varieties work best.
  • Garlic: Enhances overall taste profile with robust flavor, fresh cloves recommended.
  • Spinach: Optional green vegetable that adds nutrients and color, fresh leaves preferred.
Seasonings and Spices:
  • Cumin: Earthy spice that brings warmth to the dish, ground version works perfectly.
  • Paprika: Adds mild pepper flavor and beautiful color, sweet or smoked varieties suitable.
  • Cinnamon: Provides subtle sweet undertone, ground cinnamon recommended.
  • Salt and Pepper: Essential seasoning for balancing overall taste.
Cooking and Finishing Ingredients:
  • Olive Oil: Creates base for cooking and prevents sticking, extra virgin preferred.
  • Chicken Broth: Adds moisture and deepens flavor, low-sodium version suggested.
  • Shredded Cheese: Optional topping for extra richness, cheddar or Mexican blend work well.
  • Fresh Cilantro: Bright garnish that adds fresh herbs flavor, optional but recommended.

Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet Steps for a Hearty Meal

Step 1: Sizzle Sweet Potatoes

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

Toss in diced sweet potatoes and cook while stirring occasionally.

Let the potatoes soften and develop golden edges for 5-7 minutes.

Step 2: Brown the Turkey

Add ground turkey to the skillet, breaking it into crumbly pieces with a wooden spoon.

Cook until the meat turns completely brown and loses its pink color, about 7-10 minutes.

Step 3: Boost Flavor with Aromatics

Introduce aromatic ingredients into the skillet:
  • Diced onions
  • Minced garlic

Sauté for 2-3 minutes until the onions become translucent and fragrant.

Step 4: Spice It Up

Sprinkle in a blend of warming spices:
  • Cumin
  • Paprika
  • Cinnamon
  • Salt
  • Black pepper

Stir thoroughly to coat the turkey and sweet potatoes with the spice mixture.

Step 5: Create a Saucy Simmer

Pour chicken broth into the skillet and bring to a gentle simmer.

Cover and let the ingredients meld together for 10-15 minutes.

The liquid should reduce, and sweet potatoes should become fork-tender.

Step 6: Add Fresh Greens

Fold in fresh spinach and cook for an additional 2 minutes until the leaves wilt and integrate with the dish.

Step 7: Optional Cheesy Finish

Sprinkle shredded cheese over the top and allow it to melt completely.

Step 8: Serve with Flair

Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves.

Serve hot and enjoy your skillet feast immediately.

Weeknight Prep Tips for Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet

  • Dice them uniformly to ensure even cooking and consistent texture throughout the skillet.
  • Use a paper towel to pat ground turkey dry before cooking to prevent excess liquid and achieve better browning.
  • Toast spices briefly in the skillet before adding other ingredients to enhance their aromatic qualities and release more intense flavors.
  • Swap ground turkey with plant-based crumbles for a vegetarian version or use chicken for variety.
  • Add spinach at the end of cooking to preserve its vibrant color and prevent nutrient loss from overcooking.

Keep Turkey and Sweet Potato Skillet Fresh

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Properly sealed, the skillet meal will stay fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
  • Transfer to freezer-safe containers or zip-lock bags. Freeze for up to 3 months. Label with the date to track freshness.
  • Warm in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add a splash of chicken broth to prevent drying out. Stir occasionally until heated through, about 5-7 minutes.
  • Place in a microwave-safe dish, cover with a damp paper towel. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until temperature reaches 165°F for food safety.

What Complements Turkey and Sweet Potato Skillet

  • Pair with Crisp White Wine: A chilled Sauvignon Blanc cuts through the richness of ground turkey and complements the sweet potato's earthy sweetness, creating a balanced flavor profile.
  • Serve with Zesty Cucumber Salad: Fresh cucumber, mint, and lime juice provide a cool, refreshing contrast to the warm, spiced skillet, adding brightness and lightness to the meal.
  • Match with Sparkling Water Mocktail: A citrus-infused sparkling water with a splash of fresh orange juice enhances the dish's spices and provides a hydrating, palate-cleansing accompaniment.
  • Add Toasted Quinoa Side: Lightly toasted quinoa with a sprinkle of sea salt offers a nutty, protein-rich complement that adds textural contrast and nutritional balance to the skillet.

Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet Reworks

  • Low-Carb Cauliflower Swap: Replace sweet potatoes with riced cauliflower for a lower-carb version that maintains the same hearty texture and flavor profile.
  • Vegetarian Bean Transformation: Substitute ground turkey with black beans or lentils, keeping the spice blend and cooking method identical for a plant-based alternative.
  • Keto-Friendly Adaptation: Remove sweet potatoes entirely, increase the amount of ground turkey, and add extra non-starchy vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers to create a keto-compliant meal.
  • Dairy-Free Option: Skip the cheese garnish and use nutritional yeast or dairy-free cheese alternative for those avoiding dairy products while maintaining the skillet's rich taste.

FAQs

  • Is ground turkey a healthy protein choice?

Ground turkey is a lean protein with lower fat content compared to ground beef, making it a healthier alternative that’s rich in protein and supports muscle health.

  • Can I make this skillet dish gluten-free?

Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free. Just ensure all your spices and broth are certified gluten-free to avoid cross-contamination.

  • What are the nutritional benefits of sweet potatoes in this recipe?

Sweet potatoes are packed with vitamin A, fiber, and antioxidants. They provide complex carbohydrates for sustained energy and support immune function while adding a naturally sweet flavor to the dish.

  • How can I enhance the protein content of this skillet?

You can add additional protein by incorporating black beans, chickpeas, or increasing the amount of ground turkey. Topping with a fried egg is another great protein-boosting option.

Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Ground Turkey And Sweet Potato Skillet Delight Recipe

Ground Turkey And Sweet Potato Skillet Delight Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.5 from 9 reviews

  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Hearty Ground Turkey and Sweet Potato Skillet Delight brings rustic comfort to dinner tables with its perfect balance of lean protein and caramelized vegetables. Rich Mediterranean-inspired seasonings and quick one-pan preparation make this meal irresistible for anyone craving delicious, nutritious dinner.


Ingredients

Scale

Protein:

  • 1 lb (454 g) ground turkey

Vegetables and Base:

  • 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
  • 1/2 medium onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 cup chopped fresh spinach (optional)

Seasonings and Liquids:

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth (or water)

Garnish and Optional Toppings:

  • 1/4 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, optional)
  • Fresh cilantro, for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare a spacious skillet and warm olive oil over medium temperature, creating a smooth cooking surface.
  2. Introduce diced sweet potatoes to the skillet, gently sautéing for 5-7 minutes while stirring periodically to ensure even caramelization and prevent scorching.
  3. Incorporate ground turkey into the skillet, methodically breaking the meat into small fragments and cooking thoroughly until a rich, golden-brown color develops.
  4. Introduce finely chopped onions and minced garlic, allowing them to soften and release their aromatic essence for 2-3 minutes.
  5. Sprinkle a harmonious blend of cumin, paprika, cinnamon, salt, and pepper across the skillet, thoroughly coating the turkey and sweet potatoes to infuse deep, complex flavors.
  6. Pour chicken broth into the mixture, creating a gentle simmer that will help tenderize the sweet potatoes and meld the seasonings.
  7. Cover the skillet and allow contents to simmer for 10-15 minutes, monitoring until sweet potatoes reach optimal tenderness and liquid reduces significantly.
  8. Fold in fresh spinach leaves, allowing them to wilt and integrate seamlessly with the existing ingredients.
  9. Optional: Scatter shredded cheese across the top, permitting it to melt and create a luxurious, creamy finish.
  10. Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro and serve immediately for maximum flavor and temperature preservation.

Notes

  • Customize seasoning intensity by adjusting spice amounts to match personal taste preferences.
  • Swap ground turkey with plant-based crumbles for a vegetarian version that maintains protein content.
  • Use sweet potato alternatives like butternut squash or diced carrots for diverse nutrient profiles and flavor variations.
  • Ensure turkey reaches internal temperature of 165°F for safe consumption and optimal texture.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 350
  • Sugar: 5 g
  • Sodium: 300 mg
  • Fat: 12 g
  • Saturated Fat: 3 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 40 g
  • Fiber: 6 g
  • Protein: 25 g
  • Cholesterol: 85 mg
James Walker

James Walker

Lead Recipe Developer & Culinary Educator

Expertise

Southern Cuisine & Farm-to-Table Cooking, Recipe Development & Testing, Culinary Education & Instruction​

Education

School: Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts

Program: Diploma in Culinary Arts and Operations

Focus: Comprehensive training in classical and modern culinary techniques, kitchen operations, and farm-to-table practices. ​


James didn’t learn cooking from a TV show, he learned it from busy kitchens, family gatherings, and long afternoons spent testing recipes the hard way.
After training at the Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts, he brought his love for real, down-to-earth food to every dish he makes.
At Dining At Home, James loves building recipes that feel familiar but still have something special, like adding a twist to a classic or making a slow Sunday dinner feel brand new.
When he’s not in the kitchen, you’ll probably find him swapping garden tips at the farmers’ market or teaching his daughter how to flip pancakes without a mess (almost).

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star