Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet

Name: Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 pound ground turkey; 2 medium sweet potatoes, diced; 1 red bell pepper, diced; 1 green bell pepper, diced; 1 onion, chopped; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 2 teaspoons paprika; 1 teaspoon cumin; Salt and pepper to taste; Olive oil for cooking; Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Highlighted under: Everyday Cozy Meals

I love making this Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet because it’s a delightful blend of flavors and textures. Ground turkey offers a lean yet satisfying protein, while sweet potatoes provide a comforting sweetness and a nutritionally rich base. The crunch of bell peppers adds a vibrant touch, and the spices create a warm, inviting aroma that fills my kitchen. Fast to prepare and cook, this dish is perfect for a busy weeknight meal that is delicious and nutritious.

Created by

Charity Bowen

Last updated on 2026-02-24T04:45:36.569Z

When I first decided to whip up this Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet, I was searching for something hearty yet healthy. The combination of ground turkey with sweet potatoes turned out to be a fantastic choice. I simmered everything with my favorite spices, and the result was a dish bursting with flavor, all while being super easy to clean up.

I discovered that cooking the sweet potatoes a bit before adding the turkey made all the difference, allowing them to soften and soak up the savory seasonings. It’s a simple technique that elevates this meal, making it my go-to on busy weeknights!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Healthy comfort food that's easy to prepare
Flavorful and satisfying one-pan meal
Packed with nutrients from sweet potatoes and veggies

Ingredient Insights

Ground turkey is a fantastic choice for this skillet dish as it provides a lean source of protein that keeps the meal light yet satisfying. It's important to opt for ground turkey with some fat content, ideally around 93% lean, to ensure the meat stays juicy during cooking. If you prefer, you can substitute ground chicken or even plant-based crumbles for a vegetarian option, while still keeping the dish hearty and delicious.

Sweet potatoes not only offer a delightful natural sweetness but are also packed with vitamins and minerals, making them a nutritional powerhouse in this recipe. Look for firm, smooth-skinned sweet potatoes, avoiding any with blemishes or soft spots. You can peel them for a smoother texture, but leaving the skin on adds fiber and enhances the dish's rustic appeal.

Cooking Technique Tips

When cooking the sweet potatoes, ensure they are cut into even-sized pieces for consistent cooking. For a quicker approach, consider steaming the diced sweet potatoes in the microwave for about 5 minutes before adding them to the skillet. This technique reduces overall cooking time and ensures that they are tender without overcooking the other ingredients when combined.

Sautéing the onions and bell peppers until the onions are translucent not only enhances their flavor but also adds a lovely sweetness to the dish. Make sure to keep the heat at medium to avoid burning the garlic, as burnt garlic can impart a bitter taste. A gentle sauté will allow the flavors to meld beautifully before introducing the ground turkey.

Ingredients

Ingredients for Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet

1 pound ground turkey
2 medium sweet potatoes, diced
1 red bell pepper, diced
1 green bell pepper, diced
1 onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 teaspoons paprika
1 teaspoon cumin
Salt and pepper to taste
Olive oil for cooking
Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Make sure everything is prepped and ready to go for an easy cooking experience!

Instructions

Prepare the Sweet Potatoes

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced sweet potatoes and cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally until they are just tender.

Add Vegetables and Turkey

Stir in the chopped onion, bell peppers, and garlic. Cook until the onion becomes translucent. Then, add the ground turkey, cooking until browned.

Season and Serve

Sprinkle in the paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper. Mix well and cook for an additional 5 minutes until everything is combined and heated through. Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired.

Enjoy your delicious skillet meal!

Pro Tips

For added flavor, you can include black beans or corn in the skillet. It also makes a great meal prep option that can be reheated throughout the week.

Make-Ahead and Storage

This Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet is perfect for meal prep. You can cook it in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. The flavors will deepen as they sit, making each subsequent meal even more enjoyable. To reheat, simply warm it on the stovetop over medium heat until heated through, adding a splash of water or broth if it appears dry.

For longer storage, consider freezing the dish. Once cooled, transfer portions to freezer-safe containers, where it can be stored for up to three months. When you're ready to eat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stove, ensuring it’s warmed all the way through.

Serving Suggestions

This skillet can be enjoyed as a standalone meal, but if you want to enhance it, consider serving it over a bed of cooked quinoa or brown rice for a heartier dish. A dollop of Greek yogurt or a sprinkle of feta cheese on top can also elevate the flavors, adding creaminess and a tangy contrast to the sweetness of the sweet potatoes.

For a refreshing side, a simple salad with arugula, cherry tomatoes, and a lemon vinaigrette pairs wonderfully with the savory skillet. The peppery taste of arugula complements the dish's richness, creating a well-rounded meal that’s not only delicious but also visually appealing.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use ground chicken instead of turkey?

Yes, ground chicken works well and will yield a similar texture and flavor.

→ How can I make this dish spicier?

Add some diced jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper to increase the heat.

→ Can I substitute the sweet potatoes?

Absolutely! Regular potatoes or even zucchini can be used for different flavors and textures.

→ Is this dish gluten-free?

Yes, all the ingredients used in this recipe are gluten-free, making it suitable for those with gluten intolerance.