If you’re on the lookout for a vibrant, nutritious, and downright satisfying one-pan meal, the Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet Recipe will quickly become your go-to. This dish marries the lean, tender goodness of ground turkey with the natural sweetness of tender sweet potatoes, all infused with warming spices and brightened by fresh spinach and parsley. Every bite bursts with contrasting textures and deep flavors that make it feel both wholesome and indulgent, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend family meal.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The best part about this recipe is how straightforward the ingredients are, each playing a crucial role in building that beautiful balance between hearty and fresh. From the savory richness of ground turkey to the subtle sweetness and vibrant color of sweet potatoes, plus the aromatic spices and crisp veggies, this list is simple yet packed with flavor and nutrition.
- 1 lb ground turkey: A lean protein base that cooks quickly and soaks up all those wonderful spices.
- 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and diced: These add a burst of natural sweetness and a lovely orange color that’s as inviting as it is delicious.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Essential for sautéing and bringing everything together with a silky texture.
- 1 small onion, chopped: Adds a subtle sweetness and depth once softened and caramelized.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: A little punch of flavor that wakes up the entire skillet.
- 1 red bell pepper, diced: Provides a fresh crunch and vibrant red hue to brighten the dish.
- 1 teaspoon paprika: Offers a smoky warmth that complements the turkey beautifully.
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin: Brings earthy, slightly nutty undertones.
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder: Adds gentle heat and complexity.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors without overpowering.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: A subtle sharpness that balances the spices.
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional): For those who like a little extra kick.
- 1/2 cup chicken broth: Helps tenderize the sweet potatoes and meld the flavors together.
- 2 cups baby spinach: Adds a fresh, slightly earthy note and vibrant green contrast.
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped: A final fresh burst that lifts the entire dish.
How to Make Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet Recipe
Step 1: Heat the Olive Oil
Start by warming the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. This step is key because it creates the perfect environment for your aromatics and turkey to develop their flavor and texture.
Step 2: Sauté the Onion and Garlic
Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Let them cook for about 2 to 3 minutes until they become fragrant and translucent. This simple step lays the aromatic foundation that makes the whole dish sing.
Step 3: Brown the Ground Turkey
Next, add your ground turkey to the skillet. Break it up with a spatula as it cooks, letting it brown evenly on all sides. This process locks in moisture and delivers that satisfying savory punch.
Step 4: Stir in Sweet Potatoes, Bell Pepper, and Spices
Now it’s time for the sweet potatoes and red bell pepper to join the party. Sprinkle the paprika, cumin, chili powder, salt, black pepper, and optional red pepper flakes over everything. Stir thoroughly to coat all the ingredients in that wonderful spice blend.
Step 5: Simmer with Chicken Broth
Pour in the chicken broth, then cover the skillet with a lid. Allow everything to simmer gently for 10 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. The broth will help soften the sweet potatoes until they’re tender, soaking up all that flavor along the way.
Step 6: Add Spinach and Finish Cooking
When the sweet potatoes are just tender, stir in the baby spinach. Cook for an additional 2 minutes, just enough to wilt the greens and lock in their fresh color and nutrients.
How to Serve Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley scattered on top adds a vibrant pop of color and a herbal brightness that beautifully balances the warm spices. If you want an extra creamy touch, a dollop of Greek yogurt or a sprinkle of crumbled feta makes a perfect pairing.
Side Dishes
This skillet stands well on its own for a hearty meal, but if you want to round it out, consider serving it alongside a crisp green salad or crusty whole-grain bread to soak up every flavorful bite.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the skillet mixture inside warm whole wheat tortillas for a rustic taco night, or spoon it over steamed quinoa or brown rice to add a wholesome base. You could even make individual portions in oven-safe ramekins, topped with shredded cheese, then broiled until gooey and golden.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, transfer any leftovers into an airtight container and refrigerate. The dish will stay fresh for up to 3 days, making it an ideal option for meal prepping or busy weeknight dinners.
Freezing
This Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet Recipe freezes beautifully. Portion it into freezer-safe containers and keep for up to 2 months. Be sure to label with the date so you can enjoy it at its best later on.
Reheating
To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight if frozen, then warm gently in a skillet over medium heat or microwave until heated through. Adding a splash of chicken broth when reheating can help keep the sweet potatoes nice and moist.
FAQs
Can I substitute ground turkey with another protein?
Absolutely! Ground chicken or lean ground beef work well as alternatives. Just adjust cooking times as needed to ensure your protein is cooked thoroughly but remains juicy.
What if I don’t have chicken broth?
No worries! You can use vegetable broth or even water. The flavor might be slightly less rich but the spices and aromatics will still shine through beautifully.
Is this recipe spicy?
This skillet has a gentle warmth thanks to chili powder and optional red pepper flakes. You can always adjust the spice levels to your liking by using more or less of those ingredients.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, swap the ground turkey for cooked lentils or crumbled firm tofu. Just be sure to season well to maintain the robust flavor profile.
How do I know when the sweet potatoes are done?
Sweet potatoes are tender when they’re easily pierced with a fork but still hold their shape without falling apart. This usually takes about 10 to 15 minutes of simmering, depending on the size of your dice.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly comforting about gathering around a skillet brimming with vibrant, healthy ingredients that taste this good. The Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet Recipe is more than just a quick meal; it’s a celebration of flavor, texture, and ease that you’ll want to make time and time again. Give it a try and watch it quickly become one of your favorite go-to dishes!
Print
Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
This Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet is a flavorful and nutritious one-pan meal combining lean ground turkey with tender sweet potatoes, vibrant bell peppers, and fresh spinach. Seasoned with a blend of paprika, cumin, and chili powder, this dish is easy to prepare and perfect for a wholesome weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Protein and Vegetables
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 2 cups baby spinach
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
Spices and Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Other Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
Instructions
- Heat olive oil: Warm the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat to prepare for sautéing the aromatics.
- Sauté onion and garlic: Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes until they become fragrant and slightly translucent.
- Cook ground turkey: Add the ground turkey to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spatula, and cook until it is fully browned and no longer pink.
- Add vegetables and spices: Stir in the diced sweet potatoes, red bell pepper, paprika, cumin, chili powder, salt, black pepper, and optional red pepper flakes, mixing everything thoroughly.
- Simmer with broth: Pour in the chicken broth, cover the skillet with a lid, and let the mixture simmer for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Cook until the sweet potatoes are tender.
- Wilt spinach: Add the baby spinach to the skillet and cook for an additional 2 minutes until the spinach has wilted.
- Garnish and serve: Remove from heat, sprinkle the chopped fresh parsley over the dish, and serve warm.
Notes
- To reduce sodium, use low-sodium chicken broth and adjust salt accordingly.
- You can substitute ground turkey with ground chicken or lean ground beef if preferred.
- For a spicier version, increase the red pepper flakes or chili powder.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated on the stovetop or microwave.
- Adding a squeeze of fresh lemon juice before serving can brighten the flavors.
