Introduction
A quick and satisfying skillet meal, this Ground Turkey and Sweet Potato Skillet is loaded with protein, fiber, and flavor. Made with wholesome ingredients and ready in just 30 minutes, it’s a go-to for a stress-free dinner. Serve it as-is or pair it with rice, quinoa, or a crisp side salad for an extra filling meal!
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cups spinach, chopped
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion and garlic, sautéing for 2-3 minutes until the onion is translucent.
- Stir in the diced sweet potatoes and cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they start to soften.
- Add the ground turkey to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spatula. Cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes.
- Season the mixture with smoked paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine.
- Add the chopped bell pepper and spinach, cooking for an additional 3-4 minutes until the spinach is wilted and the bell pepper is tender.
- Remove from heat and garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
- For extra heat, add ½ teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
- Swap out the ground turkey for ground chicken, beef, or even plant-based crumbles for variety.
- Leftovers store well in the fridge for up to 4 days and reheat beautifully in a skillet or microwave.
Helpful Tips
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Dice the sweet potatoes evenly for even cooking – Cutting the sweet potatoes into uniform pieces ensures they cook at the same rate. If some pieces are too large, they may remain firm while others soften too quickly. Aim for about ½-inch cubes for the best texture.
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Brown the ground turkey properly – To get the most flavor out of the turkey, let it brown in the skillet without stirring too much. This helps develop a deeper, richer taste. Once it’s browned, break it up and mix it well with the other ingredients.
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Adjust the seasoning to your taste – While smoked paprika and cumin add great depth, feel free to experiment with extra spices like chili powder, garlic powder, or even a dash of cayenne for heat. If you prefer a more herby taste, try adding dried thyme or oregano.
Serving Suggestions
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Pair it with a side of rice or quinoa – For a heartier meal, serve this skillet dish over cooked rice or quinoa. Both options soak up the flavors beautifully and add extra texture. Brown rice works well for a wholesome, fiber-rich addition.
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Top with avocado or a dollop of Greek yogurt – Adding sliced avocado brings a creamy, buttery contrast to the dish, while Greek yogurt adds a tangy, protein-packed touch that complements the spices nicely.
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Serve with warm tortillas or pita bread – This skillet meal also works great as a filling for tacos or wraps. Simply spoon the mixture into a warm tortilla, top with cheese or fresh salsa, and enjoy a handheld version of this delicious dish.
Substitutions and Variations
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Swap out the protein for variety – If you don’t have ground turkey on hand, you can easily substitute it with ground chicken, lean ground beef, or even plant-based crumbles for a vegetarian-friendly version.
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Use different greens for a unique twist – While spinach adds a mild, fresh flavor, you can swap it with kale, Swiss chard, or arugula. Kale will take slightly longer to soften, so add it a few minutes earlier in the cooking process.
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Make it spicier or milder based on preference – If you love heat, add diced jalapeños, a pinch of red pepper flakes, or a drizzle of hot sauce. For a milder dish, reduce the smoked paprika and skip the extra spice, focusing on the natural sweetness of the potatoes.
Conservation and Storage
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Store leftovers in an airtight container – To keep your skillet meal fresh, transfer any leftovers into an airtight container before refrigerating. This prevents the sweet potatoes from drying out and helps the flavors stay intact. Properly stored, it will last for up to 4 days in the refrigerator.
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Reheat gently for the best texture – When reheating, use a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or broth to prevent dryness. If using a microwave, heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between to ensure even warming. Avoid overheating, as it can make the turkey tough and the sweet potatoes mushy.
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Freeze for longer storage – This dish freezes well for up to 2 months. Let it cool completely before transferring it into freezer-safe bags or containers. When ready to eat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in a skillet for the best results. For an easy meal prep option, portion it into single servings before freezing.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
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Overcrowding the skillet – If your pan is too full, the ingredients will steam instead of searing, resulting in a mushy texture. Use a large skillet or cook in batches to allow the turkey and sweet potatoes to brown properly.
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Not pre-cooking the sweet potatoes enough – Sweet potatoes take longer to cook than the other ingredients, so make sure they soften before adding the turkey. If they are still too firm when the dish is done, cover the skillet for a few extra minutes to trap steam and speed up the process.
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Adding the spinach too early – Spinach wilts quickly, so it should be added in the last few minutes of cooking. If added too soon, it will become overcooked and lose its bright green color and fresh taste. Stir it in just before removing the skillet from the heat.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes! You can make it ahead and store it in the fridge for up to 4 days. It’s perfect for meal prep since the flavors develop even more over time. Just reheat and enjoy! -
What can I serve this with for a complete meal?
This dish pairs well with quinoa, rice, or a side salad. You can also serve it in tacos or wraps for a fun variation. -
Can I use ground beef instead of ground turkey?
Absolutely! Ground beef works great in this recipe. Just be mindful of the fat content—lean ground beef (90/10) is best to keep it from becoming too greasy. -
How do I make this dish vegetarian?
To make it vegetarian, substitute the ground turkey with plant-based crumbles, lentils, or chickpeas. You’ll still get a protein-packed, delicious meal with the same great flavors.
Conclusion
This Easy Ground Turkey and Sweet Potato Skillet is a perfect balance of flavor, nutrition, and convenience a meal that’s both wholesome and satisfying. With its tender sweet potatoes, lean ground turkey, and vibrant spinach, every bite is packed with goodness.
Whether you’re meal prepping for the week, looking for a quick dinner option, or trying to keep things healthy, this dish fits right in. Plus, with all the variations and serving ideas, you can make it your own every time.
Print
Easy Ground Turkey and Sweet Potato Skillet
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A quick and satisfying skillet meal, this Ground Turkey and Sweet Potato Skillet is loaded with protein, fiber, and flavor. Made with wholesome ingredients and ready in just 30 minutes, it’s a go-to for a stress-free dinner. Serve it as-is or pair it with rice, quinoa, or a crisp side salad for an extra filling meal!
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cups spinach, chopped
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion and garlic, sautéing for 2-3 minutes until the onion is translucent.
- Stir in the diced sweet potatoes and cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they start to soften.
- Add the ground turkey to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spatula. Cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes.
- Season the mixture with smoked paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine.
- Add the chopped bell pepper and spinach, cooking for an additional 3-4 minutes until the spinach is wilted and the bell pepper is tender.
- Remove from heat and garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
- For extra heat, add ½ teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
- Swap out the ground turkey for ground chicken, beef, or even plant-based crumbles for variety.
- Leftovers store well in the fridge for up to 4 days and reheat beautifully in a skillet or microwave.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
Keywords: Ground turkey skillet, Sweet potato turkey skillet, Healthy turkey recipe, One-pan turkey dinner