Ground Turkey and Sweet Potato Skillet Delight Recipe
If you’re searching for a new weeknight superstar, look no further than Ground Turkey and Sweet Potato Skillet Delight. This colorful, one-pan meal brings together hearty ground turkey, naturally sweet chunks of potato, and fresh veggies for a dish that’s as vibrant on the plate as it is nourishing. It’s the kind of all-in-one comfort food that satisfies every craving, cooks up in under 30 minutes, and still manages to keep things wholesome and lively. With a gentle kick of smoky spices and a rainbow of textures, this recipe is about to become your new go-to for feel-good, fuss-free dinners.
Ingredients You’ll Need
I love how the ingredients for Ground Turkey and Sweet Potato Skillet Delight are simple pantry and fridge staples, but their combination makes each component sing. Every ingredient is thoughtfully chosen to add either flavor, color, or a satisfying bite to this family favorite.
- Olive Oil: Adds a rich, fruity base for cooking the turkey and vegetables, ensuring nothing sticks to the pan.
- Ground Turkey: Lean, protein-packed, and absorbs the spices beautifully, making every bite juicy.
- Onion: Brings aromatic sweetness and depth to the skillet as it softens and melds with the other flavors.
- Garlic: Infuses everything with that irresistible, mouthwatering scent and classic savory flavor.
- Sweet Potatoes: Their natural sweetness balances the savory turkey and spices, plus they add lovely color.
- Red Bell Pepper: Contributes crunch, brightness, and a mellow sweetness that complements the sweet potatoes.
- Smoked Paprika: Adds warmth and just a whisper of smokiness, deepening the flavor profile.
- Cumin: Earthy and subtle, cumin grounds the dish with its gentle spice.
- Chili Powder: Gives a modest kick and boosts the skillet’s complexity without overwhelming heat.
- Salt: Enhances and unifies all the flavors — don’t skip it!
- Black Pepper: Lends a mild, sneaky bit of heat and brings together all the seasoning.
- Low-Sodium Chicken Broth or Water: Provides moisture to cook the sweet potatoes perfectly and build a little sauce.
- Baby Spinach (optional): Wilts beautifully in the hot pan and adds loads of fresh green nutrients.
- Chopped Fresh Parsley: This is your finishing touch for color and a refreshing, herbal note that brightens every serving.
How to Make Ground Turkey and Sweet Potato Skillet Delight
Step 1: Brown the Ground Turkey
Start by heating the olive oil in a large, sturdy skillet over medium heat. Once it shimmers, add the ground turkey and break it up with a spoon as it cooks. Let it go for 4 to 5 minutes, until it’s browned all over and there’s no pink left—this will be the flavor base of your Ground Turkey and Sweet Potato Skillet Delight. If any liquid accumulates, let it evaporate for a moment to keep things from getting soggy.
Step 2: Sauté Onion and Garlic
Next, toss in the diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté these for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring often. As they soften, they’ll infuse the turkey with sweet and savory aromas—your kitchen will smell incredible at this point, so get ready!
Step 3: Add Veggies and Spices
Stir in the diced sweet potatoes and red bell pepper, then sprinkle over the smoked paprika, cumin, chili powder, salt, and black pepper. This is where the real magic of Ground Turkey and Sweet Potato Skillet Delight happens. The vegetables will soak up all those heady spices, turning vibrant and fragrant as you mix everything together.
Step 4: Simmer Until Tender
Pour in the chicken broth or water (use whichever you have on hand), giving the pan a thorough stir. Cover the skillet with a tight-fitting lid and let everything simmer for about 10 to 12 minutes. The sweet potatoes will gently steam until fork-tender, their flavors melding into glorious harmony.
Step 5: Add Greens and Finish
Once the sweet potatoes are soft, remove the lid. Toss in the baby spinach if you’re using it, and stir until the leaves are just wilted and glossy. This step adds beautiful color and a boost of nutrition to your Ground Turkey and Sweet Potato Skillet Delight. Finally, shower the skillet with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of freshness before serving.
How to Serve Ground Turkey and Sweet Potato Skillet Delight
Garnishes
For a finishing touch, sprinkle heaps of chopped parsley over your skillet, or try sliced green onions, a squeeze of zesty lime, or creamy diced avocado for an extra layer of flavor and color. The contrast between warm, spiced turkey and vibrant, fresh garnishes is always a hit.
Side Dishes
This dish is wonderfully balanced on its own, but you can serve it alongside fluffy quinoa, steamed rice, or thick slices of crusty bread to round out the meal. A simple green salad or a dollop of Greek yogurt also pair beautifully to keep things light and fresh.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re feeling playful, try scooping Ground Turkey and Sweet Potato Skillet Delight into roasted bell pepper halves or serve it over a bed of baby greens for a warm salad. Small servings in ramekins make it perfect as an appetizer for parties, or tuck leftovers into a whole wheat wrap for a quick lunch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Ground Turkey and Sweet Potato Skillet Delight stores wonderfully in the fridge. Simply transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to four days—making it perfect for meal prep or quick next-day lunches.
Freezing
This skillet is also freezer-friendly! Once cooled, pack portions into resealable bags or containers, and freeze for up to three months. Be sure to squeeze out as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn and to preserve all those delicious flavors.
Reheating
For best results, reheat individual portions gently in the microwave or in a saucepan on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen things up if needed. Stir well and heat until everything is piping hot and the sweet potatoes are tender again.
FAQs
Can I use ground chicken instead of turkey?
Absolutely! Ground chicken works just as well in this recipe, offering similar leanness and a mild flavor that pairs deliciously with the spices and sweet potatoes.
Is there a vegetarian option for this recipe?
You can easily make this dish vegetarian by swapping the ground turkey for plant-based crumbles, cooked lentils, or even extra veggies like mushrooms and zucchini. Use vegetable broth for a fully meat-free version.
How do I make Ground Turkey and Sweet Potato Skillet Delight spicier?
If you like a little more heat, sprinkle in a pinch of cayenne pepper or some red pepper flakes when you add the other spices. You can also use hot smoked paprika for an extra kick.
Can I prep the veggies ahead of time?
Definitely! Dice the onion, garlic, sweet potatoes, and bell pepper a day in advance and store them in the fridge. This makes whipping up Ground Turkey and Sweet Potato Skillet Delight on a busy weeknight even quicker.
What is the best way to meal prep this recipe?
Cook the skillet as directed, portion it into meal-prep containers, and refrigerate. It keeps beautifully, and you can enjoy hearty, homemade lunches or dinners for several days with no extra fuss.
Final Thoughts
So there you have it—Ground Turkey and Sweet Potato Skillet Delight is a cheerful, healthy, and deeply satisfying meal that proves simple ingredients can make magic. If you’re ready for something comforting and colorful that the whole family will love, give this skillet a try. Your taste buds (and your weeknight routine) will thank you!
Print
Ground Turkey and Sweet Potato Skillet Delight Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Ground Turkey and Sweet Potato Skillet Delight is a wholesome and flavorful one-pan meal that is perfect for a quick and satisfying dinner. Packed with lean ground turkey, sweet potatoes, and colorful veggies, this dish is seasoned with aromatic spices for a delicious and nutritious meal.
Ingredients
Ground Turkey:
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lb ground turkey
Vegetables:
- 1 medium onion (diced)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 2 medium sweet potatoes (peeled and diced into ½-inch cubes)
- 1 red bell pepper (diced)
- 2 cups baby spinach (optional)
Seasonings:
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp cumin
- ½ tsp chili powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
Liquid:
- ¼ cup low-sodium chicken broth or water
Garnish:
- Chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Heat the Skillet: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Cook Turkey: Add ground turkey and cook until browned.
- Sauté Aromatics: Add onion and garlic, sauté until softened.
- Add Veggies and Seasonings: Stir in sweet potatoes, bell pepper, spices, and seasonings.
- Cook with Liquid: Pour in broth, cover, and cook until sweet potatoes are tender.
- Finish: Add spinach, wilt, and garnish with parsley before serving.
Notes
- For a spicier kick, add cayenne or red pepper flakes.
- This dish is great for meal prep and stays fresh in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Enhance flavors with avocado slices or a squeeze of lime.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 340
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 390mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
