There is something truly comforting and vibrant about this Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet Recipe that makes it an instant favorite for busy weeknights and cozy dinners alike. It combines lean ground turkey with sweet, tender cubes of sweet potato, all brought together with aromatic onions, garlic, and a mix of warm spices that spark the senses. The fresh spinach and bell pepper add a delightful splash of color and nutrition, making every bite both wholesome and incredibly satisfying. This dish is simple to prepare yet rich in flavor, embodying the perfect balance between hearty and healthy in one colorful skillet.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is the first step toward making this dish shine. Each component plays a crucial role, whether it’s the sweetness of the potatoes, the earthiness of the turkey, or the vivid freshness of the veggies, all coming together in a beautiful harmony of taste and texture.
- Ground turkey (1 pound): Choose lean for a healthy, protein-packed base that cooks quickly and soaks up all the spices.
- Sweet potatoes (2 medium): Peeled and diced to 1/2-inch cubes, these bring a natural sweetness and a tender bite after cooking.
- Olive oil (1 tablespoon): For sautéing the aromatics and adding a gentle richness that carries the flavors.
- Onion (1, chopped): Adds a subtle sweetness and depth when softened in the pan.
- Garlic (2 cloves, minced): Brings warmth and an irresistible aroma that forms the backbone of the flavor.
- Bell pepper (1, chopped): Brightens the dish with freshness and a slight crunch that contrasts nicely with the softer ingredients.
- Smoked paprika (1 teaspoon): Imparts a smoky nuance that complements the turkey perfectly.
- Cumin (1 teaspoon): Adds earthiness and a gentle spice that makes the dish stand out.
- Salt and pepper (to taste): Essential for balancing and enhancing all the flavors.
- Spinach (2 cups, chopped): Introduces vibrant green color and a nutrient boost while wilting delicately.
- Fresh parsley (for garnish): A final touch of herbaceous brightness that lifts the whole skillet.
How to Make Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Start by heating your olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once warm, toss in the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté for 2 to 3 minutes until the onion turns translucent and soft, releasing their sweet and savory fragrances—the very foundation of this Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet Recipe.
Step 2: Cook the Sweet Potatoes
Add the diced sweet potatoes to the skillet next. Let them cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. You want the potatoes to start softening but not turning mushy—this texture is key to balancing with the ground turkey’s tenderness later.
Step 3: Cook the Turkey
Now, crumble in the ground turkey. Using a spatula, break it apart as it browns and cooks through, which takes roughly 5 to 7 minutes. Watching the turkey brown and absorb all the lovely aromas in the skillet is a joy—a simple step that packs the dish with hearty, satisfying protein.
Step 4: Season the Skillet
Sprinkle in the smoked paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper. Stir everything thoroughly to make sure the spices coat all the ingredients evenly. This step is where the dish really transforms, layering warmth and depth into every bite of your Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet Recipe.
Step 5: Add the Veggies
Stir in the chopped bell pepper and spinach. Cook for another 3 to 4 minutes until the spinach wilts and the bell pepper softens just enough to offer a gentle crunch. These vegetables brighten both the flavor and the appearance, rounding out the skillet perfectly.
Step 6: Finish and Serve
Remove the skillet from heat, and sprinkle fresh parsley over the top. The herb adds a burst of color and a fresh hint that complements the spices beautifully. Serve it warm, straight from the pan, and get ready to enjoy a wholesome, flavorful meal.
How to Serve Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like parsley or even cilantro make excellent garnishes, adding a fresh and herby lift. A sprinkle of crumbled feta or a dollop of plain Greek yogurt can also bring creaminess and a cool contrast to the warm, spiced skillet.
Side Dishes
This skillet pairs wonderfully with simple sides like a crisp green salad or warm whole-grain bread to soak up the juices. For a more substantial meal, try serving it alongside quinoa or brown rice for a satisfying and nutritious combination.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the turkey sweet potato mixture inside baked sweet potato halves or stuff it into warm whole wheat pita pockets. You can even turn it into a hearty taco filling topped with avocado slices and a squeeze of lime for a vibrant fusion of flavors.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet Recipe keeps really well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually meld and deepen after resting, making your next meal even more delicious.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, this dish freezes beautifully. Cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 2 months, perfect for prepping meals in advance and simply reheating when time is tight.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave until warmed through. Adding a splash of water or broth during reheating can help keep the sweet potatoes tender and the turkey moist.
FAQs
Can I use ground chicken instead of turkey?
Absolutely! Ground chicken works just as well and brings a similar mild flavor that pairs beautifully with the sweet potatoes and spices.
Are there good vegetarian alternatives for this recipe?
You can swap the ground turkey for plant-based crumbles or cooked lentils to create a satisfying vegetarian version of this skillet.
How can I make this recipe spicier?
Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some chopped fresh chili when you add the spices to give the skillet an extra kick.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, this Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet Recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as no gluten-containing ingredients are added on the side.
Can I prepare this recipe ahead and reheat for meal prep?
Definitely! It’s excellent for meal prep because it reheats well and stays flavorful, making weekday lunches or dinners a breeze.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a flavorful, nutritious, and downright satisfying meal, I can’t recommend this Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet Recipe enough. It’s easy to make, packed with wholesome ingredients, and features a lovely balance of textures and spices that will keep you coming back for more. Give it a try and make it your new go-to weeknight favorite—you won’t regret it!
Print
Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
This Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet is a flavorful and nutritious one-pan meal featuring ground turkey, tender sweet potatoes, and fresh vegetables seasoned with smoked paprika and cumin. Perfect for a quick and wholesome dinner, this recipe combines sautéing and skillet cooking to deliver a hearty dish packed with protein and fiber.
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 olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking for 2-3 minutes until they become translucent and fragrant.
- Cook the Sweet Potatoes: Add the diced sweet potatoes to the skillet. Cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sweet potatoes begin to soften and develop a slight golden color.
- Cook the Turkey: Add the ground turkey to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spatula as it cooks. Continue cooking for 5-7 minutes until the turkey is browned and fully cooked through with no pink remaining.
- Season the Skillet: Sprinkle the smoked paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper over the contents. Stir thoroughly to combine the spices and enhance the overall flavor.
- Add the Veggies: Incorporate the chopped bell pepper and spinach into the skillet. Cook for an additional 3-4 minutes until the spinach wilts and the bell pepper softens but still retains some texture.
- Finish and Serve: Remove the skillet from heat. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve the dish warm, enjoying a wholesome and satisfying meal.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey with ground chicken or lean ground beef if preferred.
- For extra heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or diced jalapeño along with the spices.
- Make sure to dice sweet potatoes evenly for uniform cooking.
- This dish reheats well and can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Serve with a side of quinoa or brown rice for a more filling meal.
