If there’s one dish that’s been stealing hearts (and weeknight dinners) lately, it’s this Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet Recipe. Think of it as your weeknight BFF—quick, hearty, and ridiculously flavorful. It’s the kind of meal you throw together when you’re short on time but still crave something that tastes like you tried. The combo of sweet potatoes and savory ground turkey gives it that perfect balance of comfort and nutrition, while a splash of Mediterranean-inspired herbs and spices makes every bite sing. Whether you’re feeding picky eaters or just need a one-pan miracle after work, this skillet’s got your back.
Table of Contents
What is Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet Recipe?
The Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet Recipe is a one-pan wonder that combines lean ground turkey, tender sweet potatoes, and colorful veggies into a wholesome, filling meal. What makes it shine? The simplicity. You sauté everything in one skillet—less cleanup, more time to relax. It’s slightly smoky from paprika and cumin, lightly sweet from the potatoes, and has a subtle kick (if you dare to toss in that chili powder). Inspired by Mediterranean flavors, this recipe isn’t just about taste—it’s about nourishment. With every forkful, you get protein, fiber, and vitamins packed neatly into a cozy, home-cooked dish that feels as good as it tastes.
Reasons to Try Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet Recipe
Here’s why this Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet Recipe deserves a spot in your meal rotation:
- It’s fast. From chopping to serving, dinner’s on the table in 35 minutes—no stress, no mess.
- It’s healthy. Lean protein meets complex carbs, giving you balanced nutrition without feeling “diet-y.”
- It’s flexible. Swap spinach for kale, add chickpeas, or throw in whatever veggies you’ve got lurking in the fridge.
- It’s family-friendly. Even the little ones will love the natural sweetness of the potatoes and the mild turkey flavor.
- It’s perfect for meal prep. Make it Sunday night, portion it out, and you’re lunch-ready all week.
For another cozy, nutrient-packed idea, check out our Healthy Turkey Chili Recipe—a reader favorite for cool evenings.
Ingredients Needed to Make Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet Recipe
Main Protein:
- 1 lb (450 g) ground turkey
Vegetables:
- 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 cup spinach or kale, chopped
Seasonings and Liquids:
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- ½ tsp chili powder (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- ¼ cup chicken broth or water
- Fresh parsley or cilantro for garnish
Instructions to Make Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet Recipe
This Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet Recipe step by step guide walks you through the process from prepping your veggies to that final satisfying bite. It’s simple, flavorful, and perfect for busy weeknights when you want something healthy without spending hours in the kitchen. Grab your skillet—let’s cook!
Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients Like a Pro
Before you turn on the stove, take a few minutes to prep everything. Peel and dice your sweet potatoes into small, even cubes—this helps them cook faster and stay tender. Dice the onion, mince the garlic, and chop your red bell pepper and greens.
If you’re new to prepping efficiently, check out our Healthy Cooking Prep Tips for easy ways to save time in the kitchen. Having everything ready before you start cooking makes the process smoother and more enjoyable.
Step 2: Sauté the Sweet Potatoes (Your Flavor Foundation)
In a large skillet, heat one tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil shimmers, toss in your diced sweet potatoes. Stir them occasionally to prevent sticking and to get that slightly golden, caramelized surface.
Cook for about 5–7 minutes until the potatoes start to soften. If they seem dry or are cooking too slowly, splash in a bit of chicken broth or water and cover the skillet for a couple of minutes—this little trick helps steam them gently and keep them moist.
For more ways to make your veggies shine, see our Vegetable Detox Soup—a perfect example of how to balance flavor and nutrition in one pot.
Step 3: Brown the Ground Turkey (Build That Savory Base)
Now, use your spatula to push the sweet potatoes to one side of the skillet. Add your ground turkey to the open space and begin breaking it apart with your spatula.
Cook it for 6–8 minutes, stirring often, until it’s no longer pink and starts to brown slightly. This step adds depth and a hearty texture to your dish. As the turkey cooks, it will release a bit of moisture, which will blend beautifully with the sweet potatoes.
Want to compare how turkey works in other comforting dishes? Try our Turkey Chili Recipe—it’s another family favorite that brings big flavor with lean protein.
Step 4: Add the Veggies (Color, Crunch, and Flavor)
Once your turkey is cooked through, combine it with the sweet potatoes and toss in the diced onion, minced garlic, and bell pepper. Stir everything together and let the mixture cook for about 3–4 minutes.
You’ll notice the aroma deepen as the garlic sizzles and the veggies soften, creating a rich, layered flavor base. Keep stirring to prevent anything from sticking to the pan’s bottom—this is where your meal truly starts to come together.
Step 5: Season Generously (The Mediterranean Twist)
Now, sprinkle in paprika, cumin, chili powder, and a pinch of salt and black pepper. Stir everything well so that every bite carries those warm, earthy spices.
This step gives the Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet Recipe its signature flavor—smoky, slightly sweet, and perfectly balanced. Taste and adjust as needed; if you love a bit of heat, add an extra dash of chili powder.
For more Mediterranean-inspired comfort meals, you’ll love our Tuscan Chicken Soup with Spinach.
Step 6: Add the Greens (A Burst of Freshness)
Once everything is seasoned, toss in your chopped spinach or kale. Stir gently until the greens wilt and blend seamlessly with the rest of the skillet.
This not only adds color and nutrients but also brings a light freshness to balance the dish’s heartiness. It usually takes just a minute or two—don’t overcook or you’ll lose that bright, vibrant look.
Step 7: Finish and Serve (The Best Part)
Remove your skillet from the heat and sprinkle fresh parsley or cilantro on top for a pop of color and flavor. Serve immediately while everything is still hot and aromatic.
This meal pairs wonderfully with a side of brown rice or a light salad. If you want something cozier, try it alongside our Creamy Leftover Turkey Wild Rice Soup for a soul-warming combination.
Step 8: Clean-Up and Store (Bonus Step for Busy Cooks)
The beauty of this Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet Recipe step by step process is that it’s all done in one pan—fewer dishes, more relaxation. Store any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Reheat in the skillet with a splash of broth or olive oil to bring back that fresh-cooked taste. For meal prep enthusiasts, portion it out in advance—it reheats beautifully for quick weekday lunches.
Pro Tip:
If you love this one-pan method, you might enjoy experimenting with similar dishes like our Ground Beef and Potato Soup. It’s another hearty, flavorful, and low-effort dinner that keeps cleanup easy and stress-free.
Final Takeaway
This Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet Recipe step by step method proves that wholesome cooking doesn’t have to be complicated. Each step builds layers of flavor, texture, and nutrition—all with minimal effort and maximum payoff. It’s a go-to recipe for busy weeknights, lazy Sundays, or anytime you crave something satisfying and clean.
What to Serve with Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet Recipe
This dish is a complete meal on its own, but if you’re feeling fancy, pair it with a light side salad or roasted veggies. Craving comfort? Serve it over quinoa, rice, or even cauliflower rice for a low-carb twist. If you want something to sip alongside, a simple green smoothie or Anti-Inflammatory Golden Detox Soup complements the meal beautifully.
Key Tips for Making Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet Recipe
- Dice evenly. Small, uniform cubes cook faster and more evenly.
- Steam smart. Add a touch of broth to soften the sweet potatoes if they’re stubborn.
- Spice balance. Love heat? Double the chili powder. Prefer mild? Skip it.
- Greens last. Add spinach or kale near the end to keep them fresh and bright.
- Non-stick saves time. A good skillet means less oil and easier cleanup.
- Meal prep tip: Store in glass containers and reheat for a quick weekday lunch.
Storage and Reheating Tips for Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet Recipe
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in a skillet over low heat or microwave in 30-second bursts. Add a drizzle of olive oil or a splash of broth to keep it moist. Want to freeze it? Absolutely—just let it cool first, then store it for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge and warm it up.
FAQs
Q: Can I use ground chicken instead of turkey?
A: Totally! Ground chicken works just as well in this recipe.
Q: How can I make this vegetarian?
A: Substitute the turkey with plant-based crumbles or lentils.
Q: Can I prep this ahead of time?
A: Yep! Chop all your veggies in advance and refrigerate them until cooking time.
Q: What if I don’t have sweet potatoes?
A: Try butternut squash or regular potatoes for a twist.
Final Thoughts
The Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet Recipe is everything a busy home cook dreams of—fast, flavorful, and nourishing. It’s proof that healthy eating doesn’t have to mean bland or boring. Whether you’re feeding a family or just yourself after a long day, this skillet brings comfort and color to your table. For more cozy, feel-good recipes, check out Slow Cooker Turkey and Rice Soup next.
Follow us on Pinterest for weekly slow cooker inspiration, or join the conversation over on our Facebook page where fellow food lovers share their favorite comfort meal.
Print
Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet Recipe: Quick & Delicious Dinner
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
Description
Hearty Mediterranean-inspired ground turkey sweet potato skillet delivers robust flavors with nutritious ingredients, all made in one pan for a simple and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450 g) ground turkey
- 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and diced into small cubes
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 cup fresh spinach or kale, chopped
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 0.5 teaspoon chili powder (optional)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 0.25 cup chicken broth or water (optional)
- Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped (optional for garnish)
Instructions
1. Prepare a large skillet and warm olive oil over medium heat. Add diced sweet potatoes and cook for 5–7 minutes until they soften slightly. If dry, splash in chicken broth and cover briefly to steam.
2. Create space in the skillet and add ground turkey. Break it apart with a spatula and cook until no longer pink and browned evenly.
3. Stir the cooked turkey together with the sweet potatoes. Add diced onion, minced garlic, and bell pepper. Sauté while stirring to prevent sticking.
4. Sprinkle in paprika, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly to evenly coat the ingredients.
5. Add spinach or kale and gently fold into the hot mixture. Cook for 1–2 minutes until greens are wilted and tender.
6. Remove from heat and garnish with chopped parsley or cilantro if desired. Serve hot.
Notes
Cut sweet potatoes into small, uniform cubes to ensure quick and even cooking.
Add a splash of broth to steam the sweet potatoes and keep the skillet moist.
Use a non-stick skillet for easier cleanup and less oil use.
For a vegetarian version, swap ground turkey with plant-based crumbles.
Add extra leafy greens like Swiss chard for more nutrients.
Adjust spice level to taste by modifying the amount of chili powder.
Prep your ingredients ahead of time to make this a fast and convenient weeknight dinner.
