Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet Recipe

When you’re looking for a healthy, satisfying, and easy-to-make dinner, a Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet can be the perfect choice. This recipe combines lean ground turkey, nutritious sweet potatoes, and a variety of vegetables, creating a balanced meal that’s not only delicious but also packed with nutrients. Whether you’re looking to prepare a family meal, meal prep for the week, or need a quick weeknight dinner, this skillet recipe is versatile, customizable, and full of flavor.

Preparation Steps

The process for making this Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet is simple and quick. The total cooking time is about 30-40 minutes, making it a great option for busy evenings when you need a wholesome meal in no time.

Step 1: Prepare the Sweet Potatoes

1. Peel and dice the sweet potatoes into 1/2-inch cubes. Make sure they’re roughly the same size so they cook evenly.
2. Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Once the oil is heated, add the diced sweet potatoes to the skillet.
3. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper, and cook the sweet potatoes for about 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are fork-tender and lightly browned. You may need to cover the skillet for a few minutes to help them cook through faster. Remove them from the skillet and set aside.

Step 2: Cook the Ground Turkey

1. In the same skillet, add a little more olive oil (if necessary) and add the ground turkey. Use a wooden spoon to break it up into small crumbles.
2. Cook the turkey for about 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it’s browned and fully cooked through. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper, and add the cumin, paprika, chili powder, and turmeric. Stir well to evenly coat the turkey with the spices. Allow the turkey to continue cooking for another 2 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.

Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables

1. Add the onion and garlic to the skillet with the turkey. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until the onion softens and becomes translucent.
2. Add the bell pepper and zucchini to the skillet. Cook for an additional 3-4 minutes, until the vegetables are tender but still slightly crisp. You can add a pinch of salt here to help them release their moisture.
3. Optionally, if you’re using spinach or kale, stir it in now and cook for another 1-2 minutes until wilted.

Step 4: Combine the Ingredients

1. Once the vegetables are cooked to your liking, return the cooked sweet potatoes to the skillet.
2. Add the corn kernels if using. Stir everything together, making sure the turkey and vegetables are well combined. Taste and adjust seasoning, adding more salt, pepper, or spices as needed.
3. For extra brightness, squeeze lime juice over the mixture and stir again. This will add a burst of freshness that pairs well with the richness of the sweet potatoes and turkey.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Once everything is heated through and well combined, remove the skillet from the heat. If desired, garnish with freshly chopped cilantro, avocado slices, or a sprinkle of cheese (feta, shredded cheddar, or even a dollop of sour cream).

Serve hot, and enjoy a delicious, one-pan meal packed with protein, fiber, and healthy carbs. You can also serve this skillet with a side of brown rice, quinoa, or tortilla chips for added texture and flavor.

Tips for Customizing Your Skillet

1. Protein Substitution: If you’re not a fan of ground turkey, you can easily substitute it with other proteins such as ground chicken, lean ground beef, or even plant-based options like tempeh or tofu for a vegetarian alternative.

2. Spice Level: Adjust the level of heat by adding more or less chili powder, paprika, or even a chopped fresh chili pepper. You could also experiment with adding a bit of sriracha or hot sauce for an extra kick.

3. Extra Veggies: Feel free to add any other vegetables you have on hand, such as mushrooms, broccoli, or carrots. This is a great way to clean out your fridge and add more nutrients to the dish.

4. Meal Prep: This skillet is perfect for meal prep. After cooking, allow it to cool completely before dividing it into individual portions. Store in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days. You can reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop.

5. Make it Gluten-Free: This recipe is naturally gluten-free, but if you serve it with tortillas, make sure they’re gluten-free or choose another gluten-free side, like rice or quinoa.

6. Cheese Options: If you want to make this dish even more decadent, you can add some shredded cheese on top. Cheddar, mozzarella, or even a little bit of Parmesan will complement the sweet potatoes and turkey beautifully.

7. Dairy-Free: For a dairy-free version, skip the cheese and sour cream garnishes. You can replace them with guacamole or avocado slices for that creamy texture.

Conclusion

This Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet is an incredibly versatile, nutritious, and delicious meal that can be made in one pan. With lean protein from the turkey, complex carbs from the sweet potatoes, and plenty of veggies, it’s a balanced and satisfying dish perfect for any time of the day. Whether you’re cooking for a family, meal prepping for the week, or just craving a healthy, quick dinner, this skillet recipe is sure to become a favorite. The ability to customize the recipe with different spices, proteins, and veggies makes it adaptable to your taste preferences and dietary needs, so feel free to get creative!

Yield: 4

Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet Recipe

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When you’re looking for a healthy, satisfying, and easy-to-make dinner, a Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet can be the perfect choice. This recipe combines lean ground turkey, nutritious sweet potatoes, and a variety of vegetables, creating a balanced meal that’s not only delicious but also packed with nutrients. Whether you're looking to prepare a family meal, meal prep for the week, or need a quick weeknight dinner, this skillet recipe is versatile, customizable, and full of flavor.

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 25 minutes

Total Time 35 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground turkey
• 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and diced into small cubes
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1/2 tsp chili powder (optional for heat)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 tbsp olive oil (or your preferred cooking oil)
• 1/4 cup chicken broth or water (for moisture)
• Fresh cilantro or parsley, for garnish (optional)

Instructions

1. Cook the sweet potatoes: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced sweet potatoes and cook, stirring occasionally for about 7-10 minutes, until they start to soften.
2. Add the turkey and vegetables: Add the ground turkey to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spatula. Stir in the chopped onion, bell pepper, and garlic. Cook for 5-7 minutes, until the turkey is browned and the vegetables are tender.
3. Season: Add cumin, paprika, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together, then add the chicken broth or water to help everything cook evenly. Let it simmer for 5-7 more minutes, until the sweet potatoes are tender.
4. Serve: Once everything is cooked through, taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Garnish with fresh cilantro or parsley if desired.

Notes

Sweet potatoes: If you want to save time, you can microwave or pre-roast the sweet potatoes before adding them to the skillet.

Substitutions: You can swap ground turkey with ground chicken or lean beef for a different protein.

Add-ins: For extra flavor, you could add a squeeze of lime juice, a handful of spinach, or top with a fried egg.