If you’re searching for a dinner that’s as nourishing as it is comforting, look no further than this Ground Turkey and Sweet Potato Skillet Delight. It’s a vibrant medley of lean protein, naturally sweet root veggies, and colorful, flavorful additions all cooked in one pan and ready in a mere 30 minutes. This dish is perfect for those busy weeknights when you crave a hearty meal without the fuss, and believe me when I say it will quickly become a beloved staple at your table!
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe shines with its simplicity; every ingredient has its own special job, whether it’s building robust flavor, adding pops of color, or bringing that meltingly tender texture. Gather your favorites and let’s get ready for a Ground Turkey and Sweet Potato Skillet Delight that checks all the boxes.
- Ground Turkey (1 lb): Lean and packed with protein, ground turkey makes the perfect healthy base for our skillet.
- Sweet Potato (1 large, peeled and diced): Adds gentle sweetness and heartiness, turning the meal into a true delight.
- Olive Oil (1 tablespoon): Helps soften and coax out the best in every veggie, plus provides a silky finish.
- Yellow Onion (1 small, diced): Brings savory depth and a touch of sweetness as it cooks.
- Garlic (2 cloves, minced): Gives that irresistible aromatic punch—you know it wouldn’t be the same without it.
- Red Bell Pepper (1, chopped): Offers both color and a gentle crunch for great contrast.
- Zucchini (1, diced): Keeps things light and tender, soaking up all those spices beautifully.
- Smoked Paprika (1 teaspoon): A sprinkle brings subtle smoky warmth to the whole dish.
- Ground Cumin (1/2 teaspoon): Adds a gentle earthiness that ties things together.
- Dried Oregano (1/2 teaspoon): Lends a herby, Mediterranean vibe you’ll absolutely love.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Enhances all the natural flavors in the pan.
- Black Pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Just enough for a little background heat.
- Crushed Red Pepper Flakes (1/4 teaspoon, optional): Add if you fancy a subtle kick.
- Low-Sodium Chicken Broth or Water (1/4 cup): Helps all the ingredients come together into a savory, tender mix.
- Fresh Parsley or Cilantro (chopped, for garnish): The finishing touch for freshness and a pop of color!
How to Make Ground Turkey and Sweet Potato Skillet Delight
Step 1: Soften the Sweet Potatoes
Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add your diced sweet potatoes and let them cook for about 5 to 7 minutes, stirring now and then. You’ll see them begin to turn golden and start softening up, which creates the perfect foundation for this Ground Turkey and Sweet Potato Skillet Delight.
Step 2: Brown the Turkey
Next, tumble in the ground turkey and break it up with your spoon as it cooks. Sauté until it’s no longer pink and beginning to brown in spots—browning brings extra flavor and locks in moisture.
Step 3: Add More Veggies
Once your turkey is just cooked through, stir in the diced onion, garlic, and red bell pepper. Let everything mingle over the heat for 3 to 4 minutes, just until the veggies soften and their colors brighten.
Step 4: Spice & Zucchini Time
In go the diced zucchini and all your spices—the smoked paprika, cumin, oregano, salt, pepper, and (if you like it spicy) red pepper flakes. Toss well, so every bite of your Ground Turkey and Sweet Potato Skillet Delight gets its share of sunshine and warmth from the seasonings.
Step 5: Simmer to Perfection
Pour in your chicken broth or water, then cover the skillet and reduce the heat to low. Let the mixture gently simmer for about 5 to 7 minutes, until the sweet potatoes are perfectly fork-tender. Remove the lid for the final 2 minutes, allowing any extra liquid to evaporate and the flavors to concentrate beautifully.
Step 6: Finish and Taste
Give everything a quick taste and adjust the seasoning if needed—you’re the boss here! When it’s just right, sprinkle over plenty of fresh parsley or cilantro for that finishing touch of color and vibrance.
How to Serve Ground Turkey and Sweet Potato Skillet Delight
Garnishes
Serve these hearty skillet servings brightened with a flourish of freshly chopped parsley or cilantro on top. For extra creaminess, try a spoonful of avocado or a squeeze of lime—both add new layers of flavor and elevate each bite of Ground Turkey and Sweet Potato Skillet Delight.
Side Dishes
This all-in-one meal hardly needs company, but if you’d like, keep it simple with a crisp green salad, steamed broccoli, or roasted Brussels sprouts. All will complement the savory and sweet notes of your skillet without upstaging it.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, scoop your Ground Turkey and Sweet Potato Skillet Delight into bell pepper halves and bake for a colorful “stuffed pepper” experience. Or serve atop cooked quinoa or brown rice to soak up all those delicious juices!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Let leftovers cool before spooning them into an airtight container. Stored in the fridge, your Ground Turkey and Sweet Potato Skillet Delight stays fresh and tasty for up to four days—just the thing for speedy reheats or weekday lunches.
Freezing
If you want to make this dish even further ahead, let it cool completely, then freeze meal-sized portions in freezer-safe containers or bags. It keeps wonderfully for up to two months, making it perfect for meal prep enthusiasts.
Reheating
To reheat, microwave individual portions with a splash of water or broth for about 2 minutes, stirring halfway through. Or, gently warm on the stovetop over low heat until steaming hot—this helps restore the taste and texture you love.
FAQs
Can I use ground chicken instead of turkey?
Absolutely! Ground chicken works just as well in this skillet. It has a similar lean profile and soaks up all the wonderful flavors of the sweet potatoes and seasonings.
Is this Ground Turkey and Sweet Potato Skillet Delight gluten-free?
Yes, it’s entirely gluten-free as written. Always double-check labels on broths and spices to ensure they’re certified gluten-free, especially if sensitivity or allergies are a concern.
What if I don’t have zucchini?
No worries! You can swap in spinach, kale, or even butternut squash for the zucchini. The dish is flexible and still delicious with these quick changes.
How spicy is this skillet?
It’s very customizable! The red pepper flakes lend a gentle heat, but if you’re cooking for little ones or prefer a milder touch, simply leave them out or use less to keep things mellow.
Can I make Ground Turkey and Sweet Potato Skillet Delight ahead of time?
Yes! This meal actually gets even tastier after a day in the fridge as the flavors deepen. It’s perfect for meal prep, busy weeknights, or packing up for lunches.
Final Thoughts
Give this Ground Turkey and Sweet Potato Skillet Delight a spot in your weekly rotation and watch it become a favorite in your home, too. With its comforting flavors, short ingredient list, and fast cleanup, you’ll find yourself coming back to this cozy skillet again and again. Enjoy every bite!
Print
Ground Turkey and Sweet Potato Skillet Delight Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Ground Turkey and Sweet Potato Skillet Delight is a wholesome and flavorful one-pan meal that is perfect for a quick and satisfying dinner. Packed with lean ground turkey, nutrient-rich sweet potatoes, and a variety of vegetables and spices, this dish is gluten-free and dairy-free, making it a healthy choice for any day of the week.
Ingredients
Ground Turkey and Sweet Potato Skillet:
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 1 large sweet potato (peeled and diced)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small yellow onion (diced)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 red bell pepper (chopped)
- 1 zucchini (diced)
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/4 cup low-sodium chicken broth or water
- fresh parsley or cilantro (chopped, for garnish)
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil: In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil.
- Cook sweet potatoes: Add diced sweet potatoes and cook for 5-7 minutes until they begin to soften.
- Cook ground turkey: Add ground turkey and cook until no longer pink.
- Add vegetables and spices: Stir in onion, garlic, red bell pepper, zucchini, smoked paprika, cumin, oregano, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes.
- Simmer: Pour in chicken broth, cover, and simmer for 5-7 minutes until sweet potatoes are tender.
- Adjust seasoning: Uncover, cook for 2 more minutes, and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Garnish and serve: Garnish with parsley or cilantro before serving.
Notes
- You can swap zucchini for spinach or kale.
- For a dairy-free option, add avocado when serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/4 cups
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
