Ground 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
Units
Scale
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.
