Why You’ll Love This Recipe
It’s wholesome, protein-rich, naturally gluten-free, packed with vegetables, quick to prepare, endlessly adaptable, and perfect for meal prep or cozy weeknight dinners.
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Ground Turkey and Sweet Potato Skillet Delight: A Wholesome, Flavor-Packed One-Pan Meal
- Total Time: 30 mins
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
A wholesome and flavorful one-pan skillet made with seasoned ground turkey, tender sweet potatoes, and vibrant vegetables—nutritious, hearty, and perfect for an easy weeknight meal.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp cumin
- 1/2 tsp chili powder
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1/3 cup chicken broth or water
- 1 cup spinach or kale, chopped
- 1/4 cup shredded cheese (optional)
- Fresh parsley or cilantro, for garnish
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced sweet potatoes and cook 8–10 minutes until they begin to soften.
- Add onion and bell pepper; sauté until softened.
- Stir in garlic and cook 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add ground turkey, breaking it apart as it cooks. Season with smoked paprika, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper.
- Pour in chicken broth or water, cover, and simmer 5–7 minutes until sweet potatoes are tender and turkey is cooked through.
- Stir in spinach or kale until wilted.
- Top with shredded cheese if using, cover until melted.
- Garnish with parsley or cilantro and serve warm.
Notes
- Add black beans for extra protein and fiber.
- Swap sweet potatoes for butternut squash.
- Use turkey sausage for added flavor.
- Meal-prep friendly—keeps well for 3–4 days.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 20 mins
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Ground turkey
Acts as the lean, flavorful protein base that absorbs seasonings beautifully.
Sweet potatoes
Provide natural sweetness, color, and heartiness while keeping the dish nourishing.
Onion
Adds depth and savory aroma as it softens into the skillet.
Garlic
Infuses the entire dish with rich, aromatic flavor.
Bell peppers
Introduce color, crunch, and a touch of sweetness that pairs well with the turkey.
Olive oil
Used to sauté the vegetables and help the sweet potatoes caramelize.
Paprika
Adds warmth and color, balancing the sweetness of the potatoes.
Ground cumin
Gives earthy depth and enhances the savory elements.
Chili powder or smoked paprika (optional)
Adds gentle heat or smokiness, depending on your preference.
Salt and black pepper
Season the skillet and bring all flavors together.
Fresh parsley or cilantro
Provides refreshing brightness and contrast.
Directions
Begin by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced sweet potatoes and cook until they begin to soften and develop golden edges. Remove from the skillet and set aside. Add a bit more oil if needed, then sauté the diced onion and bell peppers until tender. Stir in minced garlic and cook briefly until fragrant.
Add the ground turkey to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spatula as it browns. Season with paprika, cumin, chili powder (if using), salt, and black pepper. Once the turkey is fully cooked, return the sweet potatoes to the skillet and stir everything together. Reduce heat, cover, and let the mixture simmer until the potatoes are fully tender and the flavors meld. Adjust seasoning as needed and finish with chopped herbs before serving.
Essential Equipment
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
9×13-inch baking dish – Ideal size to fit your rolled cabbage leaves snugly and prevent them from unraveling.
knife – A sharp, durable kitchen knife perfect for slicing, chopping, and dicing with ease.
Servings and timing
Serves 4
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 20–25 minutes
Total time: about 35 minutes
Storage/reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave. This dish also freezes well; store in portions and thaw overnight before reheating. Add a splash of broth or water if the mixture dries out slightly.
Variations and Customizations
Southwest Skillet
Add black beans, corn, and a squeeze of lime, then top with cilantro.
Italian Herb Version
Swap spices for oregano, basil, garlic powder, and a sprinkle of Parmesan.
Spicy Chipotle Twist
Stir in chopped chipotle peppers in adobo for heat and smokiness.
Breakfast Skillet
Top with fried or poached eggs for a hearty morning meal.
Veggie-Loaded Version
Add zucchini, spinach, or mushrooms for extra nutrients.
Thai-Inspired Skillet
Use curry powder and finish with coconut milk and lime zest.
Mediterranean Style
Add cherry tomatoes, olives, and finish with feta.
Ground Chicken or Beef Swap
Replace turkey with your preferred protein.
Low-Carb Option
Swap sweet potatoes for diced cauliflower or rutabaga.
Cheesy Comfort Version
Sprinkle shredded cheddar or pepper jack over the top and let melt.
FAQs
Do I need to peel the sweet potatoes?
Peeling is optional; the skin adds nutrients and texture.
Can I make this dish spicy?
Yes—add chili flakes, jalapeños, or hot sauce.
What type of ground turkey is best?
Either 93% lean or 85% lean works well for moisture and flavor.
Can I cook the sweet potatoes faster?
Microwave them for a couple of minutes before sautéing.
Can I use pre-cooked turkey?
Yes, simply add it after the vegetables and season accordingly.
How do I prevent sticking?
Use enough oil and keep the heat moderate.
Can I add greens?
Spinach and kale cook down beautifully.
Does this freeze well?
Yes, it reheats nicely with minimal texture change.
Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely—use an extra-large skillet or cook in batches.
Can I serve it with rice?
Yes, rice, quinoa, or even tortillas pair wonderfully.
Conclusion
Ground Turkey and Sweet Potato Skillet Delight offers warmth, balanced nutrition, and rich flavor in a single pan. With tender sweet potatoes, seasoned turkey, and colorful vegetables, it’s a dish that brings comfort without heaviness. Perfect for meal prep, weeknight dinners, or flexible customization, this skillet will quickly earn its place in your recipe rotation.
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