Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet – Quick, Healthy, and Delicious

🎉 Introduction

Looking for a one‑pan meal that’s easy, nutritious, and bursting with flavor? This Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet checks all the boxes. With lean turkey, hearty sweet potatoes, and crisp vegetables seasoned to perfection, it’s perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or a cozy family dinner.

This skillet is loaded with vitamins, fiber, and high-quality protein—all in under 30 minutes. Plus, it’s easily customizable: add greens, swap in different spices, or sprinkle with cheese. It’s wholesome, satisfying comfort food without the guilt.

🧰 Equipment Needed

• Large skillet or sauté pan (12-inch recommended)
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Cutting board
• Chef’s knife
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Mixing bowl (optional—if prepping ingredients separately)

🛒 Ingredients

Base Ingredients

• 1 lb lean ground turkey (93% or leaner)
• 2 medium sweet potatoes (about 1 lb total), peeled and diced (½‑inch cubes)
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp olive oil

Spices & Seasoning

• 1 tsp chili powder
• ½ tsp cumin
• ½ tsp smoked paprika
• ½ tsp dried oregano
• ½ tsp salt (adjust to taste)
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• Optional: pinch of red pepper flakes

Optional Mix‑Ins & Garnishes

• 2 cups baby spinach or chopped kale
• ½ cup canned black beans, drained and rinsed
• ½ cup corn kernels (fresh, canned, or frozen)
• ¼ cup crumbled feta or shredded cheddar
• 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro or parsley
• Lime wedges, for serving
• Hot sauce or Greek yogurt, optional for topping

👩‍🍳 Directions

Step 1. Prep Sweet Potatoes

• Peel and dice 2 medium sweet potatoes to ½‑inch cubes.
• Poke a few with a fork and microwave 2–3 min for speedier cooking (optional but helpful).

Step 2. Cook Turkey & Onions

• Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
• Add diced onion, sauté 3 min until soft.
• Add garlic; cook 30 seconds until fragrant.
• Add ground turkey, breaking it up and cooking 5–7 min until no longer pink.
• Season with chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, pepper (and optional red flakes).
• Stir well to coat turkey; cook 1 min more.

Step 3. Add Sweet Potatoes

• Add diced sweet potatoes (microwaved or raw).
• Stir to combine; reduce heat to medium.
• Cover and cook 8–10 min, stirring every 3 min to prevent sticking.
• If using raw and they look dry, add 2 tbsp water and continue cooking until tender.

Step 4. Add Bell Pepper (and Beans/Corn)

• Add diced bell pepper, black beans, and corn (if using).
• Stir and cook 4–5 min until peppers soften but remain bright.

Step 5. Stir in Greens & Finish

• Add spinach or kale; stir until wilted (2 min).
• Taste seasoning—adjust salt, pepper, or spices as needed.

Step 6. Top & Serve

• Remove skillet from heat.
• Sprinkle with feta or cheddar and chopped cilantro.
• Serve warm with lime wedges and a drizzle of hot sauce or Greek yogurt, if desired.

🍽️ Servings & Timing

• Servings: 4
• Prep time: 10 min
• Cook time: 20–25 min
• Total time: ~35 min

🧊 Storage & Reheating

• Fridge: Store in a sealed container for up to 4 days.
• Freeze: Cool completely, freeze in single‑serving portions (up to 2 months). Thaw overnight.
• Reheat: Microwave 1‑2 min or reheat in skillet (medium heat, add splash of water/cooked beans to restore moisture).

🥄 Variations

• Mexican Style: Add taco seasoning, black beans, avocado, and serve with tortillas.
• Italian Twist: Swap in Italian seasoning and top with mozzarella and basil.
• Mediterranean: Use ground lamb or chicken, add olives, tomato, spinach, finish with feta.
• Sweet & Spicy: Stir in chipotle in adobo sauce and top with roasted pepitas.
• Low Carb: Use riced cauliflower instead of potatoes and omit corn/beans.

❓ 10 FAQs

1. Can I use ground chicken or beef?
Yes—ground chicken and lean beef work well. Adjust cooking time accordingly.

2. Do the sweet potatoes need pre-cooking?
No—but microwaving or parboiling cuts down on skillet time and ensures tenderness.

3. Is this dairy-free?
Yes—as written. Add dairy-free cheese or omit cheese altogether.

4. Can I meal prep this?
Definitely. Make ahead, portion in containers, and reheat as needed.

5. Can I make this vegan?
Yes—swap turkey for crumbled tofu or tempeh and use vegan cheese or nutritional yeast.

6. How spicy is it?
Mild by default; add more chili powder, Mexican oregano, or cayenne for heat.

7. Can I cook this in advance?
Yes—reheat in oven at 350°F for 10 min or microwave single portions.

8. Why add beans or corn?
They boost fiber, flavor, and keep the dish filling without extra meat.

9. What can I serve alongside?
Pair with rice, quinoa, or tortillas, plus a side salad or avocado slices.

10. Can I make an easy skillet burrito bowl?
Absolutely—serve over rice or cauliflower rice with toppings like salsa, crema, and lime.

🏁 Conclusion

This Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet is the perfect weeknight solution—simple, healthy, and filled with vibrant flavors. It’s balanced, protein-packed, and endlessly adaptable. Whip it up quickly, customize to your taste, and enjoy both the cooking process and the delicious payoff!

Adam

Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet – Quick, Healthy, and Delicious

Looking for a one‑pan meal that’s easy, nutritious, and bursting with flavor? This Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet checks all the boxes. With lean turkey, hearty sweet potatoes, and crisp vegetables seasoned to perfection, it’s perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or a cozy family dinner. This skillet is loaded with vitamins, fiber, and high-quality protein—all in under 30 minutes. Plus, it’s easily customizable: add greens, swap in different spices, or sprinkle with cheese. It’s wholesome, satisfying comfort food without the guilt.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 35 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Base Ingredients

• 1 lb lean ground turkey 93% or leaner
• 2 medium sweet potatoes about 1 lb total, peeled and diced (½‑inch cubes)
• 1 medium onion diced
• 1 red bell pepper diced
• 2 cloves garlic minced
• 1 tbsp olive oil

Spices & Seasoning

• 1 tsp chili powder
• ½ tsp cumin
• ½ tsp smoked paprika
• ½ tsp dried oregano
• ½ tsp salt adjust to taste
• ¼ tsp black pepper

Optional: pinch of red pepper flakes

• Optional Mix‑Ins & Garnishes
• 2 cups baby spinach or chopped kale
• ½ cup canned black beans drained and rinsed
• ½ cup corn kernels fresh, canned, or frozen
• ¼ cup crumbled feta or shredded cheddar
• 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro or parsley
• Lime wedges for serving
• Hot sauce or Greek yogurt optional for topping

Equipment

• Large skillet or sauté pan (12-inch recommended)
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Cutting board
• Chef’s knife
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Mixing bowl (optional—if prepping ingredients separately)

Method

 

Step 1. Prep Sweet Potatoes

1. Peel and dice 2 medium sweet potatoes to ½‑inch cubes.
2. Poke a few with a fork and microwave 2–3 min for speedier cooking (optional but helpful).

Step 2. Cook Turkey & Onions

1. Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add diced onion, sauté 3 min until soft.
3. Add garlic; cook 30 seconds until fragrant.
4. Add ground turkey, breaking it up and cooking 5–7 min until no longer pink.
5. Season with chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, pepper (and optional red flakes).
6. Stir well to coat turkey; cook 1 min more.

Step 3. Add Sweet Potatoes

1. Add diced sweet potatoes (microwaved or raw).
2. Stir to combine; reduce heat to medium.
3. Cover and cook 8–10 min, stirring every 3 min to prevent sticking.
4. If using raw and they look dry, add 2 tbsp water and continue cooking until tender.

Step 4. Add Bell Pepper (and Beans/Corn)

1. Add diced bell pepper, black beans, and corn (if using).
2. Stir and cook 4–5 min until peppers soften but remain bright.

Step 5. Stir in Greens & Finish

1. Add spinach or kale; stir until wilted (2 min).
2. Taste seasoning—adjust salt, pepper, or spices as needed.

Step 6. Top & Serve

1. Remove skillet from heat.
2. Sprinkle with feta or cheddar and chopped cilantro.
3. Serve warm with lime wedges and a drizzle of hot sauce or Greek yogurt, if desired.

Notes

🧊 Storage & Reheating
Fridge: Store in a sealed container for up to 4 days.

Freeze: Cool completely, freeze in single‑serving portions (up to 2 months). Thaw overnight.

Reheat: Microwave 1‑2 min or reheat in skillet (medium heat, add splash of water/cooked beans to restore moisture).

🥄 Variations
Mexican Style: Add taco seasoning, black beans, avocado, and serve with tortillas.

Italian Twist: Swap in Italian seasoning and top with mozzarella and basil.

Mediterranean: Use ground lamb or chicken, add olives, tomato, spinach, finish with feta.

Sweet & Spicy: Stir in chipotle in adobo sauce and top with roasted pepitas.

Low Carb: Use riced cauliflower instead of potatoes and omit corn/beans.

❓ 10 FAQs
1. Can I use ground chicken or beef?
Yes—ground chicken and lean beef work well. Adjust cooking time accordingly.

2. Do the sweet potatoes need pre-cooking?
No—but microwaving or parboiling cuts down on skillet time and ensures tenderness.

3. Is this dairy-free?
Yes—as written. Add dairy-free cheese or omit cheese altogether.

4. Can I meal prep this?
Definitely. Make ahead, portion in containers, and reheat as needed.

5. Can I make this vegan?
Yes—swap turkey for crumbled tofu or tempeh and use vegan cheese or nutritional yeast.

6. How spicy is it?
Mild by default; add more chili powder, Mexican oregano, or cayenne for heat.

7. Can I cook this in advance?
Yes—reheat in oven at 350°F for 10 min or microwave single portions.

8. Why add beans or corn?
They boost fiber, flavor, and keep the dish filling without extra meat.

9. What can I serve alongside?
Pair with rice, quinoa, or tortillas, plus a side salad or avocado slices.

10. Can I make an easy skillet burrito bowl?
Absolutely—serve over rice or cauliflower rice with toppings like salsa, crema, and lime.

🏁 Conclusion
This Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet is the perfect weeknight solution—simple, healthy, and filled with vibrant flavors. It’s balanced, protein-packed, and endlessly adaptable. Whip it up quickly, customize to your taste, and enjoy both the cooking process and the delicious payoff!