Looking for a healthy, delicious, and easy-to-make dinner that the whole family will love? This Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet is the perfect solution! Packed with protein, fiber, and essential nutrients, this one-pan meal is both satisfying and nutritious. The combination of savory ground turkey, sweet potatoes, and flavorful spices creates a balanced dish that’s perfect for meal prep or a quick weeknight dinner.
In this article, we’ll cover:
- Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Key Ingredients & Substitutions
- Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
- Tips for the Best Results
- Serving Suggestions & Variations
- Nutritional Benefits
- Meal Prep & Storage Tips
Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet
✅ One-Pan Wonder – Easy to make and even easier to clean up!
✅ Nutrient-Packed – High in protein, fiber, and vitamins.
✅ Meal Prep Friendly – Stores well for quick lunches or dinners.
✅ Family-Approved – A crowd-pleaser for both kids and adults.
✅ Versatile – Customize with your favorite veggies and spices.
This dish is perfect for anyone looking for a balanced, gluten-free, and dairy-free meal that doesn’t sacrifice flavor.
Ingredients & Substitutions
Main Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground turkey (or chicken, beef, or plant-based crumbles)
- 2 medium sweet potatoes, diced (about 3 cups)
- 1 bell pepper, diced (any color)
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp olive oil (or avocado oil)
Seasonings:
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp paprika
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp salt (or to taste)
- ¼ tsp black pepper
Optional Add-Ins:
- 1 cup spinach or kale (for extra greens)
- ½ cup black beans (for more fiber)
- 1 diced zucchini or mushrooms (for extra veggies)
- Fresh cilantro or parsley (for garnish)
- Avocado or shredded cheese (for topping)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Sauté the Vegetables
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add onion and bell pepper, sautéing for 3-4 minutes until softened.
- Stir in garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
2. Cook the Ground Turkey
- Add the ground turkey, breaking it apart with a spatula.
- Cook until no longer pink (about 5-6 minutes).
- Drain excess fat if needed.
3. Add Sweet Potatoes & Seasonings
- Stir in the diced sweet potatoes and all spices.
- Mix well to coat everything evenly.
4. Simmer Until Sweet Potatoes Are Tender
- Cover the skillet and let it cook for 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sweet potatoes are fork-tender.
- If needed, add 2-3 tbsp of water or broth to prevent sticking.
5. Optional Add-Ins
- Stir in spinach or black beans in the last 2 minutes of cooking.
6. Serve & Enjoy!
- Garnish with fresh herbs, avocado, or cheese if desired.
Tips for the Best Results
🔹 Cut sweet potatoes evenly – This ensures they cook at the same rate.
🔹 Use lean ground turkey – 93% lean works best to avoid excess grease.
🔹 Adjust spices to taste – Add cayenne for heat or more cumin for smokiness.
🔹 Don’t overcook the turkey – It can dry out if cooked too long.
Serving Suggestions & Variations
Ways to Serve:
- Bowl Style: Over quinoa, rice, or cauliflower rice.
- Taco Style: Serve in tortillas or lettuce wraps.
- Eggs for Breakfast: Top with a fried egg for a hearty breakfast skillet.
Variations:
- Paleo/Whole30: Skip beans and dairy.
- Spicy Version: Add jalapeños or hot sauce.
- Cheesy Skillet: Sprinkle with cheddar or feta before serving.
Nutritional Benefits
This dish is a balanced meal with:
✔ High Protein (from turkey) – Supports muscle health.
✔ Fiber-Rich (from sweet potatoes & veggies) – Aids digestion.
✔ Vitamins A & C – Boosts immunity and skin health.
✔ Low Glycemic – Sweet potatoes provide steady energy.
Approximate Nutrition per Serving (1/4 of recipe):
- Calories: ~300
- Protein: 22g
- Carbs: 25g
- Fiber: 5g
- Fat: 12g
Meal Prep & Storage Tips
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container for 3-4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze for up to 2 months (reheat with a splash of broth).
- Reheat: Microwave or warm on the stove with a little oil or water.
Final Thoughts
This Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet is a simple, healthy, and delicious meal that checks all the boxes. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or need a quick dinner, this recipe is a winner. Plus, it’s easily customizable based on what you have on hand!