Hearty Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet Recipe for Families

Weeknight dinners demand quick, nutritious meals that pack serious flavor, and this ground turkey sweet potato skillet delivers pure culinary magic.

Lean protein meets vibrant vegetables in a one-pan wonder that simplifies your cooking routine.

Packed with wholesome ingredients, the recipe brings together robust ground turkey and creamy sweet potatoes in a harmonious blend.

Each bite offers a delightful balance of savory and slightly sweet notes that dance across your palate.

Colorful, nutrient-dense, and incredibly satisfying, this skillet creates a complete meal in less than 30 minutes.

Spices add depth and warmth, transforming ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary dinner experience.

Prepare to savor a meal that proves healthy eating can be both delicious and effortless.

How to Store and Reheat Sweet Potato Skillet

• Transfer leftovers to an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, keeping the skillet contents sealed tightly to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
• Portion the cooled skillet meal into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Remove excess air, label with the date, and freeze for up to 2-3 months. Avoid freezing if cheese is already melted, as texture might change.
• Place individual portions on a microwave-safe plate. Cover with a damp paper towel to prevent drying out. Heat on medium power in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until thoroughly warmed to 165°F.
• Warm the leftovers in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add a splash of water or olive oil to prevent sticking and help restore moisture. Stir gently and frequently until heated evenly, which typically takes 5-7 minutes.

What Complements This Savory Skillet

• Pair with Zesty Citrus Mocktail: Craft a refreshing drink blending fresh orange juice, sparkling water, and a hint of mint to cut through the richness of the turkey and cheese, creating a balanced flavor profile.
• Complement with Crisp Green Salad: Toss together mixed greens, cucumber, and a light lemon vinaigrette to provide a cool, crunchy contrast to the warm, hearty skillet dish, adding brightness and freshness.
• Match with Tangy Yogurt Sauce: Whip up a quick dip using Greek yogurt, chopped dill, and a squeeze of lemon, offering a creamy, tangy element that enhances the sweet potato's natural sweetness and adds a cooling touch to the meal.
• Serve with Crusty Sourdough Bread: Select a rustic, slightly tangy sourdough to soak up the skillet's delicious juices, providing a perfect textural companion and additional depth to each bite.

Creative Skillet Mix-Ins

• Vegetarian Swap: Replace ground turkey with plant-based crumbles or diced firm tofu for a protein-packed meatless option that maintains the dish's hearty texture.
• Low-Carb Version: Substitute sweet potatoes with cauliflower or zucchini cubes to reduce carbohydrate content while keeping the skillet's vibrant flavor profile.
• Dairy-Free Alternative: Use nutritional yeast or dairy-free cheese shreds instead of mozzarella to accommodate lactose-intolerant or vegan dietary needs.
• Spicy Kick Variation: Increase red chili flakes or add diced jalapeños for those who love extra heat, transforming the skillet into a more intense flavor experience.

FAQs

• Is ground turkey a healthy protein choice?

Ground turkey is a lean protein packed with essential nutrients. It’s lower in fat compared to ground beef, making it an excellent option for those watching their calorie intake or seeking a healthier protein source.

• Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely! This ground turkey sweet potato skillet is naturally gluten-free. Just ensure all your individual ingredients, like cheese and spices, are certified gluten-free if you have strict dietary requirements.

• How do I prevent sweet potatoes from becoming mushy?

Cut sweet potatoes into uniform, bite-sized cubes to ensure even cooking. Stir occasionally and cover the skillet to help them cook evenly without turning into a soft mess. Adding a little water can help maintain moisture and prevent burning.

• What are some optional mix-ins to boost nutrition?

Consider adding spinach, kale, or diced bell peppers to increase vegetable content. You can also incorporate beans like black beans or chickpeas for extra protein and fiber, making the dish even more nutritionally balanced.

Sweet Potato Skillet with Ground Turkey Goodness

• This skillet recipe eliminates multiple dish washing, making cleanup a breeze and saving precious kitchen time for busy home cooks.
• Packed with lean ground turkey, sweet potatoes, and colorful vegetables, this dish delivers a balanced meal loaded with protein, vitamins, and flavor in every bite.
• Simple ingredients and straightforward steps make this recipe perfect for novice cooks, allowing even kitchen beginners to create a restaurant-worthy meal with minimal effort and maximum satisfaction.
• Easily adaptable with optional ingredients like red chili flakes and fresh parsley, this skillet lets home chefs personalize their dining experience and experiment with different taste profiles.

Ingredients for Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet

• Ground Turkey: A lean and flavorful meat that creates the hearty foundation of this skillet dish.

• Sweet Potato: The star ingredient that adds natural sweetness and nutritious texture to the skillet.
• Onion, Yellow Pepper: Aromatic vegetables that provide depth and complexity to the overall flavor profile.
• Garlic: A pungent ingredient that enhances the savory notes of the ground turkey.

• Salt, Black Pepper: Classic seasonings that balance and elevate the dish's taste.
• Red Chili Flakes: A spicy option for those who enjoy a little heat.
• Olive Oil: Used for cooking and adding a smooth, rich undertone to the skillet.
• Mozzarella Cheese: A melty, creamy topping that brings richness and indulgence to the dish.
• Fresh Parsley: A bright, fresh herb that adds a final decorative and flavor-enhancing touch.

How to Cook This Protein-Packed Skillet

Step 1: Prepare the Skillet

Heat a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat.

Drizzle olive oil into the pan, allowing it to warm up until it’s shimmering and ready for cooking.

Step 2: Cook the Turkey

Add ground turkey and minced garlic to the skillet.

Break up the turkey with a wooden spoon, stirring occasionally.

Cook until the meat browns and develops a rich color, releasing aromatic flavors.

Step 3: Add Colorful Vegetables

• Onions
• Yellow peppers

Sauté until the onions become translucent and soft, creating a flavorful base for the dish.

Step 4: Incorporate Sweet Potatoes

Toss sweet potato cubes into the skillet.

• Salt
• Black pepper
• Red chili flakes (optional)

Cover and cook, stirring periodically.

Add a splash of water or olive oil if the potatoes need moisture to become tender.

Step 5: Preheat the Oven

Set the oven to 400°F while the sweet potatoes continue cooking.

This prepares the skillet for its cheesy transformation.

Step 6: Melt the Cheese

Sprinkle shredded mozzarella over the skillet contents.

Transfer the entire skillet to the preheated oven and bake until the cheese melts completely and becomes irresistibly gooey.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Remove the skillet from the oven.

Optionally, scatter fresh parsley on top for a burst of color and freshness.

Serve hot and enjoy your delicious one-pan meal straight from the skillet.

Tips for Perfectly Cooked Skillet Dinners

• Replace ground turkey with chicken, beef, or plant-based alternatives to suit different dietary preferences and keep the dish exciting.
• Add a splash of chicken broth or water while cooking to maintain moisture and ensure tender, perfectly cooked sweet potato cubes.
• Experiment with additional spices like smoked paprika, cumin, or dried herbs to elevate the dish's overall taste profile and create a more complex flavor experience.
• Let the skillet rest for 2-3 minutes after removing from the oven to allow cheese to set slightly, making it easier to serve and preventing stringy, runny cheese.
• Prepare the skillet mixture in advance and refrigerate, then quickly reheat and add cheese just before serving to save time on busy weeknights.

Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet Recipe

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4.9 from 28 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Hearty ground turkey sweet potato skillet blends robust flavors from lean protein and caramelized root vegetables. Home cooks will discover a quick, nutritious meal packed with wholesome ingredients that satisfies hunger and delights taste buds.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 1 pound free-range extra lean ground turkey

Vegetables:

• 1.5 cups sweet potato diced
• 1/2 cup onions diced
• 1/2 cup yellow pepper diced
• 1 teaspoon garlic clove minced

Seasonings and Garnish:

• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 1 pinch of red chili flakes (optional)
• 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• Fresh parsley (optional, for garnishing)

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Instructions

1. Heat a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat, drizzling olive oil until it shimmers with a glossy sheen.
2. Introduce ground turkey and minced garlic to the hot skillet, methodically breaking the meat into small, uniform crumbles. Cook for approximately 5 minutes until the turkey develops a rich, golden-brown exterior.
3. Incorporate diced onions and yellow peppers, sautéing until the onions become translucent and softened, releasing their natural sweetness into the skillet.
4. Add sweet potatoes with salt, pepper, and red chili flakes. Cover and simmer, occasionally stirring, until potatoes reach a tender consistency. If the mixture appears dry, introduce a small amount of water or additional olive oil.
5. Simultaneously, prepare the oven by preheating to 400°F, ensuring it’s ready for the final stage of cooking.
6. Once sweet potatoes are perfectly cooked, generously distribute shredded mozzarella across the skillet’s surface.
7. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven, allowing the cheese to melt completely and become luxuriously bubbly, which typically takes 3-5 minutes.
8. Remove from oven and garnish with fresh parsley for a vibrant finishing touch. Serve immediately while the dish remains hot and cheese is delightfully gooey.

Notes

• Keep the skillet temperature at medium-high to ensure perfect caramelization of ground turkey without burning.
• Break ground turkey into small, uniform pieces during cooking to promote even browning and prevent clumping.
• Use wooden spoon or spatula to stir ingredients gently, maintaining texture and preventing vegetables from becoming mushy.
• Monitor sweet potato tenderness by checking with a fork; add water sparingly if they’re cooking too quickly or unevenly.
• For dairy-free version, substitute mozzarella with nutritional yeast or dairy-free cheese alternatives for similar melting effect.
• Enhance protein content by adding black beans or quinoa for vegetarian or more substantial meal variation.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 300 mg
• Fat: 14 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 28 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 24 g
• Cholesterol: 85 mg