Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet

If you’re looking for a quick, healthy, and satisfying one-pan meal, this Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet is the perfect recipe to add to your weeknight rotation. It’s packed with lean protein, naturally sweet and tender sweet potatoes, and colorful vegetables—all seasoned with warm spices to create a delicious, balanced dish you’ll want to make again and again.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
One-Skillet Simplicity – Everything cooks in one pan for easy cleanup.
Healthy & Hearty – High in protein, fiber, and complex carbs to keep you full.
Customizable – Add your favorite veggies or toppings to suit your taste.
Great for Meal Prep – Keeps well in the fridge and reheats beautifully.
Naturally Gluten-Free & Dairy-Free – Perfect for a variety of dietary needs.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Skillet:

• 1 lb ground turkey
• 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and diced into ½-inch cubes
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 green bell pepper, diced
• 1 small red onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• ½ tsp smoked paprika
• ½ tsp ground cumin
• ½ tsp dried oregano
• ¼ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• ¼ cup low-sodium chicken broth or water (for steaming the sweet potatoes)

Optional Garnishes:

• Fresh chopped parsley or cilantro
• Sliced avocado
• Lime wedges
• A sprinkle of shredded cheese

Tools You’ll Need

• Large non-stick or cast-iron skillet
• Spatula or wooden spoon
• Knife and cutting board
• Measuring spoons

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Ground Turkey
Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add the ground turkey and break it apart using a spatula.
Cook for 6–8 minutes until it’s no longer pink and slightly browned.
Season lightly with salt and pepper, then transfer the cooked turkey to a plate and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Sweet Potatoes
Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the skillet.
Add the diced sweet potatoes and cook for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the edges begin to brown.
Pour in the chicken broth or water, cover the skillet, and let steam for another 5–7 minutes, or until the sweet potatoes are fork-tender.

Step 3: Add Vegetables and Aromatics
Uncover the skillet and push the sweet potatoes to the side.
Add the diced bell peppers, red onion, and minced garlic.
Cook for 3–4 minutes, stirring frequently, until the veggies soften and become fragrant.

Step 4: Season Everything
Sprinkle smoked paprika, cumin, oregano, and crushed red pepper flakes over the skillet.
Stir everything together until all the vegetables and sweet potatoes are coated in the seasoning blend.

Step 5: Combine and Finish
Return the cooked ground turkey to the skillet.
Mix well to combine all the ingredients and let cook for an additional 2–3 minutes to allow the flavors to blend.
Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or spice if needed.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Remove from heat and sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley or cilantro.
Top with avocado slices, a squeeze of lime juice, or shredded cheese if you like.
Serve warm and enjoy!

Tips for the Best Skillet Meal
Cut Sweet Potatoes Evenly – This ensures they cook at the same rate.
Use a Lid – Covering the skillet while the sweet potatoes cook helps them soften faster.
Brown the Meat – Let the turkey brown slightly before removing it from the skillet for more flavor.
Don’t Skip the Spices – They bring warmth and depth to this simple dish.
Finish with Freshness – A pop of lime or fresh herbs at the end makes the dish sing.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with a simple green salad for a light and balanced dinner.
• Spoon into warm tortillas for quick and tasty wraps.
• Add a fried or poached egg on top for a delicious breakfast-for-dinner twist.
• Pair with quinoa or brown rice if you want a heartier meal.

How to Store & Reheat

Storing:
Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freeze: Cool completely and freeze in meal prep containers for up to 2 months.

Reheating:
Microwave: Heat on medium for 1–2 minutes, stirring halfway through.
Stovetop: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of broth or water.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use ground chicken instead of turkey?
   Yes! Ground chicken works just as well in this recipe.
2. Do I need to peel the sweet potatoes?
   Peeling is optional. The skin is nutritious, but make sure to scrub them well if you keep it on.
3. Is this recipe spicy?
   It’s mild, but you can increase the heat by adding more red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños.
4. Can I add beans?
   Definitely. Black beans or pinto beans are a great addition for extra fiber and protein.
5. What other veggies can I add?
   Zucchini, corn, spinach, or mushrooms all work great in this dish.

Final Thoughts
This Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet is everything you want in a weeknight dinner—quick, easy, nourishing, and full of bold flavor. It’s a versatile recipe you can adjust based on what you have in your fridge, and it’s sure to please the whole family. One bite and this skillet dish will earn a permanent spot in your meal rotation.

Make it tonight and let us know how it turned out! Don’t forget to share your photos and leave a review.

Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 25 minutes
Cuisine: American

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 345 | Protein: 26g | Carbohydrates: 23g | Fat: 17g | Fiber: 4g | Sodium: 430mg

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