Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet

Looking for a wholesome, satisfying dinner that comes together in just one pan? This Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet is about to become your new weeknight favorite! As a busy mom of three, I’m always on the hunt for nutritious meals that don’t require hours in the kitchen or a sink full of dishes. This colorful, protein-packed skillet checks all the boxes – it’s budget-friendly, loaded with nutrients, and absolutely delicious.

The combination of lean ground turkey and tender sweet potatoes creates a perfect balance of protein and complex carbohydrates, while a blend of warm spices adds incredible depth of flavor. Best of all? It’s ready in just 30 minutes!

If you love my popular Pineapple Chicken and Rice Dinner, you’ll definitely want to add this skillet recipe to your rotation. It uses similar flavors but transforms them into a cozy, one-pan meal that’s perfect for meal prep or busy weeknight dinners.

What is Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet?

This hearty one-pan wonder combines lean ground turkey with chunks of sweet potato, creating a perfect marriage of lean protein and complex carbs. The sweet potatoes are diced and cooked until tender, while the ground turkey is seasoned with a warming blend of spices that complement the natural sweetness of the potatoes. Ever wonder why this combination works so well? It’s all about balance – the lean turkey provides protein without excess fat, while the sweet potatoes offer sustained energy and a wealth of vitamins and minerals.

As the saying goes, “The best meals are made with love and a few simple ingredients!” This skillet proves that you don’t need complicated techniques or fancy ingredients to create a memorable meal that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Why You’ll Love This Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet

Perfect Balance of Flavors and Textures

The star of this dish is the interplay between the savory ground turkey and the naturally sweet potatoes. Each bite offers a delightful contrast of textures – tender sweet potato chunks, perfectly seasoned ground turkey, and just the right amount of char from the skillet. The addition of fresh herbs and garlic creates layers of flavor that make this simple dish taste like it came from a restaurant kitchen.

Budget-Friendly and Nutritious

Ground turkey is one of the most economical protein options available, and sweet potatoes are typically inexpensive year-round. This dish costs a fraction of what you’d pay for takeout, and you’re getting so much more nutritional value. One serving provides lean protein, complex carbohydrates, fiber, and essential vitamins like A and C. It’s the perfect example of how eating healthy doesn’t have to break the bank.

Endless Customization Options

This recipe is incredibly versatile and adaptable to your taste preferences. Add some heat with a dash of cayenne pepper, throw in some baby spinach for extra nutrients, or top it with a fried egg for a protein-packed breakfast variation. You can even swap the sweet potatoes for butternut squash in the fall or add different vegetables based on what’s in season.

How to Make Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet

Quick Overview

This one-pan meal comes together in about 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights. It’s an intermediate-level recipe that even beginners can master with a few simple tips. The result is a satisfying, flavorful dish with a wonderful balance of sweet and savory notes.

Key Ingredients

• 1 pound lean ground turkey
• 2 medium sweet potatoes, diced into ½-inch cubes
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• ½ teaspoon dried thyme
• ¼ teaspoon chili powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional garnishes: fresh parsley, green onions, avocado

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add diced sweet potatoes to the skillet. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they begin to soften.
3. Add diced onion to the skillet and cook for another 3-4 minutes until onions become translucent.
4. Push the vegetables to one side of the skillet and add the ground turkey to the other side.
5. Break up the turkey with a wooden spoon and cook until no pink remains, about 5-7 minutes.
6. Add minced garlic and all seasonings. Stir to combine everything well.
7. Cover the skillet and reduce heat to medium-low. Cook for an additional 5-7 minutes until sweet potatoes are tender.
8. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
9. Garnish with fresh herbs and serve hot.

What to Serve with Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet

This versatile dish pairs beautifully with a variety of sides to create a complete meal. Here are some perfect pairings:

A simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette adds a peppery freshness that cuts through the richness of the dish. For extra vegetables, roasted Brussels sprouts or steamed broccoli make excellent accompaniments – their slight bitterness complements the sweet potatoes perfectly. If you’re looking to add some healthy fats, a sliced avocado on top provides creamy richness and makes the meal even more satisfying.

Top Tips for Perfecting Your Skillet

To achieve the best results with this recipe, keep these important tips in mind:

• Cut sweet potatoes into uniform sizes to ensure even cooking
• Don’t overcrowd the pan – give ingredients space to brown properly
• Use a large enough skillet (12-inch minimum) to avoid steaming instead of browning
• Season in layers – add some seasoning to the sweet potatoes and more when adding the turkey

Storing and Reheating Tips

This dish is perfect for meal prep and actually tastes even better the next day! Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. When reheating, add a splash of chicken broth or water to prevent the dish from drying out. For best results, reheat in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through, or microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! This dish reheats beautifully and is perfect for meal prep. Store in airtight containers and reheat when ready to serve.

Can I use ground chicken instead of turkey?
Absolutely! Ground chicken works as a perfect substitute. You can also use lean ground beef if preferred.

How can I make this recipe Whole30 compliant?
This recipe is naturally Whole30 compliant if you ensure your ground turkey doesn’t contain any added sugars or prohibited ingredients.

Can I add other vegetables to this skillet?
Yes! Bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach make great additions. Add harder vegetables with the sweet potatoes and leafy greens at the end of cooking.

Ready to Try This Healthy Skillet Dinner?

There you have it – a nutritious, delicious, and easy one-pan meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep! This Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet is proof that healthy eating doesn’t have to be complicated or boring. The combination of lean protein, complex carbs, and warming spices creates a satisfying meal that will please the whole family.

Have you tried this recipe? I’d love to hear your variations and see how you made it your own! Drop a comment below with your experience or tag us in your social media posts. Don’t forget to save this recipe for later – it’s one you’ll want to make again and again!

More Amazing Sweet Potato Recipes

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• Sweet potatoes in air fryer
• Twice Baked Sweet Potatoes
• Okinawan Sweet Potatoes