Hearty Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet Recipe

Sizzling Ground Turkey & Sweet Potato Skillet Recipe

Weeknight dinners demand quick, nutritious meals that deliver maximum flavor with minimal effort.

This ground turkey sweet potato skillet recipe packs a serious punch of nutrients and satisfaction.

Lean protein from turkey combines beautifully with the earthy sweetness of roasted potatoes.

Seasoned with aromatic spices, each bite delivers a comforting blend of textures and tastes.

The one-pan approach means less cleanup and more time enjoying your meal.

Colorful vegetables add vibrancy and extra nutrition to this hearty dish.

You’ll love how effortlessly this skillet comes together for a delicious, wholesome dinner that everyone will devour.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Calories: 300 kcal

Servings: 3

Everything Needed For Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet

For Base Ingredients:
  • Ground Turkey: Lean protein packed with nutrients, choose fresh and organic for best flavor.
  • Sweet Potato: Provides hearty sweetness and complex carbohydrates, select firm potatoes without blemishes.
For Aromatic Vegetables:
  • Onion, Garlic: Create deep foundational flavor, opt for fresh bulbs with tight skin and no soft spots.
  • Bell Pepper: Adds vibrant color and crisp texture, choose peppers with smooth, glossy skin.
  • Spinach: Introduces fresh green nutrients, select bright leaves without wilting or yellowing.
For Spices and Seasonings:
  • Smoked Paprika, Cumin, Chili Powder: Develop robust and warm flavor profile, choose high-quality ground spices for intense taste.
  • Salt, Pepper: Enhance overall seasoning, use freshly ground black pepper for maximum flavor.
  • Parsley, Cilantro: Provide fresh herbal garnish, select bright green leaves with no signs of browning.
For Cooking Oils:
  • Olive Oil: Supports cooking process and adds subtle richness, choose extra virgin for best quality.

Tools Used For Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet

  • Large Skillet: Your main cooking vessel, perfect for creating this delicious one-pan meal.
  • Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Essential for stirring and breaking up ground turkey while cooking.
  • Cutting Board: Needed for chopping sweet potatoes, onions, bell peppers, and herbs.
  • Sharp Knife: Required for precise vegetable and herb preparation.
  • Measuring Spoons: Useful for accurately adding spices like paprika, cumin, and chili powder.

How To Make Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet

  • Potato Prep Magic

Warm up a skillet with a splash of olive oil. Toss in sweet potato chunks and let them dance around until they turn golden and soft. Scoop them out and set aside.

  • Turkey Transformation

In the same skillet, brown the ground turkey with diced onions and minced garlic. Break up the meat into tiny pieces while it sizzles and cooks through.

  • Veggie Party

Bring back the sweet potatoes and invite bell peppers to join the mix. Sprinkle in a blend of smoky spices that’ll make your taste buds tingle. Let everything mingle and heat together.

  • Green Touch

Gently fold in fresh spinach leaves, watching them wilt and turn vibrant green. The greens will add a burst of color and nutrition to your skillet.

  • Final Flourish

Pull the skillet off the heat and crown your creation with a shower of fresh herbs. Serve immediately while everything is warm and bursting with flavor.

Tips And Twists For Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet

  • Potato Perfection: Choose firm, evenly sized sweet potatoes for consistent cooking and golden-brown edges that add delightful texture to your skillet.
  • Low-Carb Swap: Replace sweet potatoes with cauliflower or zucchini cubes for a lower-carbohydrate version that keeps all the flavor and nutrition intact.
  • Protein Power Boost: Experiment with different lean proteins like ground chicken, lean beef, or plant-based crumbles to create exciting flavor variations while maintaining a healthy profile.
  • Spice Adventure: Kick up the heat by adding red pepper flakes, jalapeños, or a dash of hot sauce for those who love a spicy kick in their one-pan meal. Alternatively, create a Mediterranean twist by incorporating dried oregano and a sprinkle of feta cheese on top.

How To Serve Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet

  • Protein Power Plate: Pair this hearty skillet with a side of quinoa or brown rice to boost protein and create a complete meal that keeps you satisfied.
  • Breakfast Remix: Transform leftovers into a delicious morning scramble by adding a fried egg on top and serving with crispy toast for a quick breakfast option.
  • Fresh Topping Fiesta: Sprinkle crumbled feta cheese, sliced green onions, or a dollop of Greek yogurt to add extra creaminess and tangy flavor that complements the spices in the dish.
  • Wrap It Up: Use the skillet mixture as a filling for lettuce wraps or whole wheat tortillas, creating a portable and lunch-friendly version of this nutritious meal.

How To Store And Plan Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet

  • Meal Planning & Storage Wisdom
  • Batch Cooking Magic: Whip up this turkey skillet in large quantities for quick weekday meals. Store portions in airtight containers, perfect for grab-and-go lunches or dinner prep.
  • Refrigerator Revival: Keep leftovers fresh in sealed containers for 3-4 days. The flavors often intensify overnight, making next-day meals even more delicious.
  • Freezer-Friendly Option: Divide the skillet into individual servings, freeze up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently in a skillet or microwave to maintain texture.
  • Veggie Swap Strategy: Feel free to substitute spinach with kale or Swiss chard. Each green brings unique nutrients and slightly different flavor profiles to keep meals exciting and nutritionally diverse.
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Hearty Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet Recipe

Hearty Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet Recipe


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4.9 from 27 reviews

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 3 1x

Description

Hearty ground turkey sweet potato skillet blends lean proteins with comforting root vegetables for a satisfying meal. Robust spices and simple ingredients create a quick, nutritious dinner that delivers bold flavors and wholesome nutrition.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb (450 g) ground turkey
  • 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and diced into small cubes
  • 2 tbsps olive oil
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 bell pepper (red, yellow, or orange), diced
  • ½ tsp ground cumin
  • ½ tsp chili powder (optional, for spice)
  • 2 cups (60 g) fresh spinach
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • ¼ cup (15 g) chopped fresh parsley or cilantro (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Potato Preparation: Dice sweet potatoes into uniform cubes for consistent caramelization and cooking.
  2. Sweet Potato Roasting: Sauté potato cubes in olive oil over medium heat until golden and tender, approximately 8-10 minutes, then set aside.
  3. Turkey Base: Return skillet to heat, adding olive oil and introducing ground turkey, onions, and garlic, breaking meat into delicate crumbles until completely browned.
  4. Vegetable Integration: Add bell peppers and roasted sweet potato cubes, creating a colorful and textured mixture.
  5. Seasoning Layer: Sprinkle smoked paprika, cumin, and optional chili powder across the skillet, thoroughly blending spices with turkey and vegetables.
  6. Final Wilting: Gently fold in fresh spinach leaves, allowing them to wilt and meld with warm ingredients.
  7. Herbal Finish: Remove from heat, garnish with freshly chopped parsley or cilantro, providing a vibrant herb accent.
  8. Serving: Plate immediately, presenting a nutritious and flavorful ground turkey and sweet potato skillet celebration.

Notes

  • Perfectly Dice Sweet Potatoes: Cut cubes exactly same size (around 1/2 inch) to guarantee uniform cooking and beautiful caramelization without burning edges.
  • Manage Heat Carefully: Keep medium-low temperature while cooking turkey to prevent drying out meat and maintain juicy, tender texture throughout preparation.
  • Strategic Spinach Addition: Add spinach leaves last moment and quickly fold, ensuring leaves gently wilt without becoming mushy or losing vibrant green color.
  • Enhance Flavor Depth: Experiment with additional spices like smoked paprika, cayenne, or dried herbs to create personalized taste profile matching dietary preferences or regional cuisines.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Lunch
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 3
  • Calories: 300
  • Sugar: 4 g
  • Sodium: 150 mg
  • Fat: 14 g
  • Saturated Fat: 2 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 30 g
  • Fiber: 6 g
  • Protein: 24 g
  • Cholesterol: 80 mg
Liam O’Sullivan

Liam O’Sullivan

Founder & Culinary Content Creator

Expertise

Recipe Development​, Traditional Irish and European Cuisines, Food Styling and Photography, Culinary Education​

Education

Dublin Institute of Technology (DIT) – School of Culinary Arts and Food Technology

  • Degree: Bachelor of Arts in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Comprehensive training in classical and modern cooking techniques, kitchen management, and menu development.​

Ballymaloe Cookery School

  • Program: 12-Week Certificate Course
  • Focus: Intensive, hands-on experience emphasizing farm-to-table cooking and sustainable practices.​

Isabella brings a global spark to the Craft Meats table. Born in Florence and trained at the Apicius International School of Hospitality, she blends classic Italian flavor with modern writing that’s easy to follow and hard to forget. 

Her additional training at the Italian Chef Academy fueled her love for well-crafted dishes, especially ones that spotlight beautiful cuts of meat.

She’s a food writer with heart, and a deep love for storytelling through single recipes. Her goal? To help you cook with more confidence and a little more joy, no matter where you start.

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