If you’ve been craving a nutritious, vibrant, and downright delicious weeknight meal, this Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet Recipe is your new best friend. It brings together lean ground turkey, tender sweet potatoes, hearty greens, and a perfect blend of spices to create a dish that’s tasty, wholesome, and incredibly satisfying. Whether you’re cooking for the family or meal prepping for the week, this skillet is simple to make but packs bold flavors and vibrant colors that brighten any dinner plate.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet Recipe shines because of its straightforward and wholesome ingredients. Each component plays an essential part in building layers of flavor, texture, and color, resulting in a balanced and hearty meal.
- 1 pound ground turkey: The lean protein base keeps this dish light yet filling and soaks up the spices beautifully.
- 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and diced: Their natural sweetness contrasts perfectly with the savory turkey and adds a lovely soft texture.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Used for sautéing, it delivers richness and helps caramelize the aromatics.
- 1 onion, chopped: Adds a subtle sweetness and depth when sautéed.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Aromatic and pungent, garlic infuses the whole skillet with fragrant warmth.
- 1 bell pepper, chopped: Brightens the dish visually and adds a bit of crunch and sweetness.
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika: Provides a smoky, earthy note that makes this skillet uniquely flavorful.
- 1 teaspoon cumin: Adds a warm, nutty undertone that complements the sweet potatoes beautifully.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for balancing and enhancing all the flavors.
- 2 cups spinach, chopped: Folds in a fresh, tender green component that wilts quickly and adds nutrients.
- Fresh parsley for garnish: Offers a burst of herbal brightness and a pop of color right at the end.
How to Make Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing them for 2 to 3 minutes until they become soft and transparent. This step builds the foundation of savory flavor that permeates the entire dish, releasing enticing aromas that will get you excited for what’s next.
Step 2: Cook the Sweet Potatoes
Next, toss in the diced sweet potatoes. Cook them for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally so they don’t stick or burn. You’re aiming for tender cubes that still hold their shape—a perfect balance of softness and firmness that adds color and heartiness to the skillet.
Step 3: Cook the Turkey
Add the ground turkey to the skillet with the partially cooked sweet potatoes. Break the meat apart as you cook it for 5 to 7 minutes until it’s fully browned and no longer pink. This step ensures even cooking and integrates the turkey nicely with the vegetables.
Step 4: Season the Skillet
Now it’s time to bring the dish to life with spices: sprinkle in the smoked paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper. Stir everything thoroughly to combine, allowing those warm, smoky flavors to coat the meat and vegetables beautifully. This seasoning step is what elevates this Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet Recipe from simple to sensational.
Step 5: Add the Veggies
Add the chopped bell pepper and spinach to the skillet. Cook another 3 to 4 minutes until the spinach wilts and the bell pepper softens just enough to retain a little crunch. These fresh vegetables add a delightful mix of textures and keep the dish light yet satisfying.
Step 6: Finish and Serve
Turn off the heat and sprinkle fresh parsley over the skillet for a burst of brightness and that final touch of color. Serve the Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet warm, and prepare for a comforting, nutritious meal that feels like a warm hug in every bite.
How to Serve Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley is a simple but perfect garnish for this recipe, offering a slightly peppery freshness and eye-pleasing green color. Alternatively, a dollop of Greek yogurt or a sprinkle of crumbled feta cheese can add a creamy tang that pairs wonderfully with the spices and sweet potatoes.
Side Dishes
This skillet is quite filling on its own but goes well with a few side options. Serve with a crisp green salad for added crunch and freshness or some crusty whole-grain bread to soak up any juices. For a heartier meal, try pairing with quinoa or brown rice to round things out.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet Recipe in individual cast iron skillets to keep the dish warm and visually striking straight to the table. You could also layer it over baked sweet potato halves for a beautiful presentation and an extra boost of flavor and texture contrast.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftover Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet Recipe can be stored in an airtight container and refrigerated for up to 3 days. This makes it a perfect option for meal prep or quick lunches during the week. Just be sure to cool it before sealing the container to maintain freshness.
Freezing
To freeze, place cooled leftovers in a freezer-safe bag or container. It should keep well for up to 2 months. When you want to enjoy it later, allow the skillet to thaw overnight in the fridge for best texture and flavor retention.
Reheating
Reheat leftover skillet in a microwave or on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. Adding a splash of water or broth helps keep the sweet potatoes moist and prevents the turkey from drying out during reheating.
FAQs
Can I use ground chicken instead of turkey?
Absolutely! Ground chicken will work just as well and provide a similar mild flavor that picks up the spices and veggies nicely. Just keep an eye on cooking times as it can cook slightly faster.
What if I can’t find smoked paprika?
If you don’t have smoked paprika, regular paprika or a pinch of chipotle powder can be a good substitute to keep that smoky warmth. The dish will still taste fantastic either way!
Can I add other vegetables to this recipe?
Definitely! Feel free to add diced zucchini, mushrooms, or even corn to give the skillet an extra boost of color and flavor. Just adjust cooking time accordingly so everything is tender.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, this Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet Recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as your seasonings and any additional sides are gluten-free as well. It’s perfect for those with gluten sensitivities!
How spicy is this skillet?
This recipe has a gentle warmth from the cumin and smoked paprika but isn’t spicy-hot. If you prefer a kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some chopped jalapeños during cooking.
Final Thoughts
There’s something special about a one-pan meal that’s easy to throw together, packed with nutritious ingredients, and bursting with flavor. This Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet Recipe ticks all those boxes and is sure to become a staple in your cooking rotation. So grab your skillet and give it a try—you’ll be delighted by how quickly it comes together and how wonderfully satisfying it tastes.
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Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
This Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet is a quick and nutritious one-pan meal featuring lean ground turkey, tender sweet potatoes, and vibrant vegetables, all seasoned with smoky paprika and cumin for a flavorful, wholesome dish perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and diced into 1/2-inch cubes
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- 2 cups spinach, chopped
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Spices and Seasoning
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Sauté the Aromatics: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat to prepare for cooking the vegetables and meat.
- Cook Onion and Garlic: Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet, sautéing for 2-3 minutes until the onions become translucent and fragrant.
- Cook the Sweet Potatoes: Add the diced sweet potatoes to the skillet and cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they start to soften but still hold their shape.
- Cook the Turkey: Incorporate the ground turkey into the skillet, breaking it apart with a spatula or spoon. Cook for 5-7 minutes until the turkey is browned and fully cooked through.
- Season the Skillet: Sprinkle the smoked paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper over the skillet contents. Stir well to ensure that the spices evenly coat the ingredients and infuse flavor throughout.
- Add the Veggies: Toss in the chopped bell pepper and spinach. Continue cooking for another 3-4 minutes until the spinach wilts and the bell pepper softens, blending all the flavors together.
- Finish and Serve: Remove the skillet from heat and garnish with fresh parsley. Serve the dish warm for a delicious, satisfying meal.
Notes
- You can substitute kale or Swiss chard for spinach if preferred.
- For extra heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes when seasoning.
- If you want a creamier texture, stir in a splash of low-fat coconut milk or broth at the end.
- This dish stores well in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheats nicely in a skillet or microwave.
- For a gluten-free meal, ensure your spices are certified gluten-free.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
