If you’re craving a wholesome, flavorful meal that’s both nutritious and satisfying, this Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet Recipe is a total game-changer. It’s a vibrant one-pan wonder that brings together lean ground turkey, sweet potatoes, colorful veggies, and melty cheese for an unbeatable combination that your taste buds will adore.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Nutrient-Packed: Combines lean ground turkey and sweet potatoes for a protein and vitamin-rich meal.
- One-Skillet Wonder: Minimal clean-up with everything cooked in one pan, saving you time and hassle.
- Versatile & Flavorful: The sweet and savory balance, plus optional chili flakes, offers a delicious twist.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Ideal for quick weeknight dinners or meal prep that doesn’t compromise on taste.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet Recipe is in its simplicity; each ingredient plays a vital role, from the tender sweet potatoes that add a hearty sweetness to the lean turkey that keeps the dish light yet filling. The colorful peppers and onions not only brighten the skillet but also bring a fresh crunch and aroma that pull everything together.
- Extra virgin olive oil: A healthy fat that helps brown the turkey and soften the vegetables perfectly.
- Free-range extra-lean ground turkey: Lean protein that cooks up moist and tender without extra grease.
- Garlic clove (minced): Adds a fragrant, savory depth to the skillet.
- Onions (diced): Sweet and aromatic, they balance the dish beautifully.
- Yellow pepper (diced): For a pop of color and a gentle sweetness.
- Sweet potato (diced): The star ingredient—adds natural sweetness and creamy texture.
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance all the flavors.
- Red chili flakes (optional): Adds a little kick if you love some heat.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts into gooey goodness, but omit if you’re going Whole30 or Paleo.
- Fresh parsley (optional): A fresh herbaceous note and a lovely garnish.
Variations
One of the best things about this recipe is how easy it is to personalize! Whether you’re tailoring for dietary needs or simply want to shake things up, a few simple swaps can make it uniquely yours without losing that delicious comfort-food essence.
- Swap the protein: Instead of ground turkey, try grass-fed ground beef or even ground chicken for a different flavor profile.
- Boost the veggies: Throw in some chopped kale, spinach, or mushrooms to up the nutritional game and add earthy notes.
- Cheese-free version: Skip the mozzarella for Whole30 or Paleo compliant meals, and add avocado slices on top for creaminess instead.
- Spice it up: Add cayenne pepper or smoked paprika for a smoky, spicy twist that warms you up perfectly.
How to Make Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet Recipe
Step 1: Cook the ground turkey and garlic
Start by heating olive oil in a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the ground turkey along with the minced garlic, breaking it up gently with a wooden spoon as it cooks. Let it brown evenly for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally to avoid sticking and to develop rich flavor.
Step 2: Sauté onions and yellow pepper
Once your turkey looks mostly cooked, toss in the diced onions and yellow peppers. Sauté until the onions become soft and translucent, releasing a lovely aroma that hints at the deliciousness to come.
Step 3: Add sweet potatoes and seasonings
Stir in the diced sweet potatoes along with salt, pepper, and a pinch of chili flakes if you fancy some heat. Cover the skillet with a lid and let the sweet potatoes cook until tender—about 10 minutes—stirring occasionally. Add a touch more olive oil or a splash of water if things start sticking or to speed up cooking.
Step 4: Melt the cheese
While the sweet potatoes soften, preheat your oven to 400ºF. When the sweet potatoes are perfectly tender, sprinkle shredded mozzarella over the skillet and pop it into the oven just long enough to melt the cheese into gooey perfection. Keep an eye on it – this step is quick but oh-so worth it!
Step 5: Garnish and serve
Remove your skillet from the oven and sprinkle with fresh parsley if you like a bright, herbal finish. Grab your fork because this cozy, colorful skillet is ready to enjoy!
Pro Tips for Making Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet Recipe
- Pre-dice your sweet potatoes: Cutting them into uniform small cubes ensures they cook evenly and tenderize quickly.
- Use a cast iron skillet: It promotes even heat distribution and gives a beautiful sear on the turkey for deeper flavor.
- Don’t rush the onion and pepper sauté: Slowly softening them releases natural sugars that add complexity to the dish.
- Watch the cheese melt: Just melt it – overbaking dries out the cheese and can make the turkey tough, so keep an eye on it!
How to Serve Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley is the easiest and most delicious garnish for this skillet—its brightness cuts through the richness perfectly. You can also try a sprinkle of chopped green onions or even a dollop of Greek yogurt or sour cream to add creaminess and extra flavor dimension.
Side Dishes
This skillet stands well on its own, but if you want to round out the meal, a side salad with a light vinaigrette or steamed green beans complements it beautifully. For something heartier, try serving it with a crusty whole-grain bread or a simple quinoa pilaf.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this skillet right in the pan family-style for cozy dinners. For a fresh twist, spoon the mixture into butter lettuce cups for a low-carb taco-inspired meal. Alternatively, top cooked grains like brown rice or cauliflower rice with the skillet for a layered bowl that’s as pretty as it is tasty.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet Recipe stores beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. This makes for a convenient, grab-and-go lunch or a quick reheat dinner option that still tastes fresh.
Freezing
You can freeze this skillet meal in portion-sized containers for up to 2 months. Just be sure to cool it completely before sealing tightly to maintain the flavors and textures once thawed.
Reheating
Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat or microwave on medium power to avoid drying out the turkey. If it seems a little dry, add a splash of water or broth to bring back some moisture.
FAQs
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Can I use other types of ground meat in this recipe?
Absolutely! While ground turkey keeps the dish lean and light, you can swap in ground chicken, beef, or even pork depending on your preference. Just adjust cooking times slightly if needed.
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Is this recipe suitable for special diets like Whole30 or Paleo?
Yes! To keep it Whole30 or Paleo-compliant, simply omit the mozzarella cheese and enjoy it as is or with a compliant topping like avocado. The rest of the ingredients are naturally compliant.
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How can I make the sweet potatoes cook faster?
Cutting the sweet potatoes into small, evenly sized cubes helps them cook faster. Adding a bit of water and covering the skillet creates steam that speeds up the process too.
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Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
While this recipe highlights ground turkey, you could replace it with plant-based crumbles or cooked lentils for a vegetarian version, adjusting seasonings to your taste.
Final Thoughts
This Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet Recipe is such a delightful blend of comfort and nourishment. Whether you’re cooking for family, meal prepping, or just want something quick and delicious, it checks all the boxes. Give it a try and watch it become a staple in your kitchen – I promise, your taste buds will thank you!
PrintGround Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet Recipe
A flavorful and nutritious Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet that combines lean ground turkey, sweet potatoes, and colorful vegetables, topped with melted mozzarella cheese. This easy one-pan meal is perfect for a healthy weeknight dinner, offering a balanced mix of protein, carbs, and vegetables, with optional spice and fresh parsley garnish.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 17 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop and Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Ingredients
Protein and Vegetables
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 pound free-range extra-lean ground turkey (or grass-fed ground beef)
- 1 teaspoon garlic clove, minced
- 1/2 cup onions, diced
- 1/2 cup yellow pepper, diced
- 1 1/2 cups sweet potato, diced
Seasonings and Toppings
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- A pinch of red chili flakes (optional)
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (omit for Whole30 or Paleo diet)
- Fresh parsley for garnishing (optional)
Instructions
- Heat the skillet: In a cast iron skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat until shimmering to prepare for cooking.
- Cook the ground turkey and garlic: Add the ground turkey and minced garlic to the skillet. Use a wooden spoon to break up the meat as it cooks. Stir occasionally and cook for about 5 minutes until the turkey is browned evenly.
- Add onions and yellow peppers: Stir in the diced onions and yellow peppers. Continue cooking until the onions become soft and translucent, enhancing the flavor.
- Cook the sweet potatoes: Add the diced sweet potatoes along with red chili flakes (if using), salt, and black pepper. Cover the skillet with a lid and cook until the sweet potatoes are tender, stirring occasionally. If needed, add a little olive oil or water to prevent sticking and help the sweet potatoes cook faster.
- Preheat the oven: While the sweet potatoes are cooking, preheat your oven to 400ºF (204ºC) to prepare for melting the cheese.
- Finish with cheese and bake: Once the sweet potatoes are tender, sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the skillet. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake until the cheese is melted and bubbly, about 5 minutes.
- Garnish and serve: Remove the skillet from the oven, garnish with fresh parsley if desired, and serve hot for a delicious and balanced meal.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey with grass-fed ground beef if preferred.
- If following Whole30 or Paleo diets, omit the mozzarella cheese for compliance.
- Adding a pinch of red chili flakes gives a subtle spicy kick but can be omitted for milder flavor.
- Use a cast iron skillet for even heat distribution and to go directly from stovetop to oven safely.
- Adjust seasoning to taste and feel free to add other vegetables such as zucchini or spinach for variation.
