If you’re looking for a colorful, nourishing meal that comes together quickly and satisfies everyone at the table, Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet absolutely delivers. This one-pan wonder is a weeknight hero—brimming with juicy ground turkey, tender sweet potatoes, vibrant peppers, and fresh spinach, all cozied up together and perfectly seasoned. From the first bite, you’ll notice how the sweetness of the potatoes balances the savory turkey and the bold spices, making this Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet the ultimate comfort food with a healthy twist.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of the Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet lies in its real, straightforward ingredients—every element has a role, whether it’s building deep flavor, lending gorgeous color, or adding nourishing substance. There’s no fussiness here, just solid pantry staples and fresh produce working their magic.
- Olive oil: Adds heart-healthy fat and helps everything sizzle up golden and delicious in the pan.
- Ground turkey: Lean, protein-rich, and soaks up all the savory spices beautifully.
- Yellow onion: Lends sweetness and aromatic depth as the flavor foundation.
- Garlic: Brings that irresistible fragrant punch every good skillet needs.
- Sweet potatoes: The star veggie—naturally sweet and creamy once cooked, plus loads of fiber and vitamins.
- Red bell pepper: Pops of color and a subtle sweetness that deepen as they sauté.
- Green bell pepper: Slightly earthy, adding contrast and crunch to the medley.
- Ground cumin: Warm and nutty, this spice infuses the whole dish with a cozy undertone.
- Smoked paprika: Tiny spoonful, big smoky flavor boost.
- Chili powder: A gentle heat and savory complexity—don’t skip it!
- Salt: Pulls all those flavors into balance.
- Black pepper: Just a dash for a mild bite.
- Crushed red pepper flakes (optional): For those who like a little kick—add to your heat preference.
- Chicken or vegetable broth: Moistens the skillet and adds extra depth, helping the potatoes cook to perfection.
- Fresh spinach: Packs in the greens, wilting down for vibrant color and nutrients in every forkful.
- Chopped cilantro or parsley (optional): A fresh, herby flourish right at the end to wake up your taste buds.
How to Make Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet
Step 1: Brown the Turkey
Warm up your skillet over medium heat and drizzle in that olive oil. Add the ground turkey and use a spatula to break it apart as it cooks—you want no big clumps, just crumbles that will catch all those flavors. Cook until the turkey is browned and cooked through, adding tons of savory depth as your base.
Step 2: Sauté Onions and Garlic
Once the turkey’s beautifully golden, toss in the diced onion and minced garlic. Let them sizzle for two or three minutes, stirring occasionally. The onion will soften and turn translucent, while the garlic fills your kitchen with a comforting aroma—these two lay the groundwork for that signature Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet flavor.
Step 3: Add Sweet Potatoes, Bell Peppers, and Spices
Time to fill your skillet with happy color! Tip in the diced sweet potatoes, red bell pepper, and green bell pepper. Sprinkle over the cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if you’re into a little heat). Stir to coat all those veggies and turkey crumbles in fragrant spices. It’s already looking bright and lively!
Step 4: Add Broth and Simmer
Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth, then pop a lid on your skillet. Let everything simmer for 10 to 12 minutes, stirring every now and then. You want the sweet potatoes to turn tender without falling apart—that’s when you know they’re just right and all those flavors have mingled together beautifully.
Step 5: Wilt the Spinach
Uncover the skillet, then stir in the chopped spinach. In just a couple of minutes, it wilts down and turns the dish even greener and more nutritious. Give everything a good final stir and taste to adjust your seasonings, if needed. The Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet is nearly ready for its grand debut!
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
If you’re partial to a burst of freshness, sprinkle chopped parsley or cilantro over the top right before serving. That herby pop is the perfect contrast to the warm, spiced skillet.
How to Serve Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet
Garnishes
This Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet shines with a handful of chopped fresh cilantro or parsley scattered over the top. For extra fun, try a dollop of Greek yogurt or a sprinkle of nutty, shredded cheese—both make the dish richer without much effort. If you love bright flavors, a quick squeeze of lime is downright magic.
Side Dishes
Honestly, this skillet is a full meal in itself, but if you’re feeding a crowd or want to stretch things further, serve it with a fluffy pile of quinoa or brown rice to soak up all the pan juices. A crisp, simple green salad with a citrus vinaigrette adds a refreshing crunch on the side.
Creative Ways to Present
Why not ladle your Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet over a bed of baby greens for an impromptu warm salad? Or scoop it into tortillas for a fun, hearty taco night. For a brunch spin, top it with a poached or fried egg and a dash of hot sauce—brunch dreams, realized!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers are a gift for future-you! Transfer any cooled Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to four days. The flavors meld together even more overnight, making tomorrow’s lunch something to look forward to.
Freezing
This dish freezes beautifully, so stash any extras in freezer-safe containers for up to three months. Just be sure to let the skillet cool completely before freezing to avoid unwanted condensation. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, transfer the Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet to a skillet over medium heat and warm gently, adding a splash of broth if needed to loosen it up. Or microwave single portions, covered, stirring once to make sure everything heats evenly. Don’t forget your garnishes for that fresh-from-the-pan vibe!
FAQs
Can I use ground chicken or beef instead of turkey?
Absolutely! Ground chicken keeps it light and lean, similar to turkey, while ground beef adds a richer, heartier flavor. Just adjust your seasonings as needed, since each protein brings its own character to the skillet.
How can I make this dish vegetarian?
It’s super easy to swap out the turkey for hearty plant-based crumbles or even cooked lentils. You’ll still get all the color and vibrant flavor, with a nourishing vegetarian spin on the Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet.
What if I don’t have smoked paprika?
If you’re out, you can use regular paprika with a pinch of ground cumin or a drop of liquid smoke for that signature smoky depth. Smoked paprika adds a special touch, but don’t stress—your skillet will still be delicious.
Is Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet good for meal prep?
Absolutely—this dish holds up wonderfully in the fridge, reheats like a dream, and even tastes better as the flavors meld. Portion it out into containers for grab-and-go lunches or quick dinner fixes all week long.
Can I make it spicier?
Definitely! Amp up the crushed red pepper flakes or toss in a diced jalapeno alongside the bell peppers. You can also finish with a swirl of your favorite hot sauce for an extra kick just before serving.
Final Thoughts
There’s something so comforting and crowd-pleasing about a one-pan meal, and Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet checks all the boxes: quick, flavorful, nutritious, and endlessly adaptable. Give it a try and let it become a new staple in your dinner rotation—you’ll be amazed at how easy and satisfying it is, every single time.
Print
Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet 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 Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet is a delicious and nutritious one-pan meal that is perfect for a quick and easy dinner. Packed with ground turkey, sweet potatoes, and bell peppers, this skillet is seasoned with a blend of spices for a flavorful dish that is also gluten-free and dairy-free.
Ingredients
Ground Turkey:
1 pound
Yellow Onion (diced):
1 medium
Garlic (minced):
2 cloves
Sweet Potatoes (peeled and diced):
2 medium
Red Bell Pepper (diced):
1
Green Bell Pepper (diced):
1
Ground Cumin:
1 teaspoon
Smoked Paprika:
1 teaspoon
Chili Powder:
1/2 teaspoon
Salt:
1/2 teaspoon
Black Pepper:
1/4 teaspoon
Crushed Red Pepper Flakes (optional):
1/4 teaspoon
Chicken or Vegetable Broth:
1/2 cup
Fresh Spinach (chopped):
2 cups
Cilantro or Parsley for garnish (optional):
chopped fresh
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil: In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil.
- Cook turkey: Brown ground turkey, breaking it apart with a spatula.
- Add aromatics: Add onion and garlic, sauté until softened.
- Combine ingredients: Stir in sweet potatoes, bell peppers, spices, and broth. Simmer covered until sweet potatoes are tender.
- Add spinach: Uncover, add spinach, cook until wilted.
- Adjust seasoning: Taste and adjust, garnish with cilantro or parsley, serve.
Notes
- You can swap ground turkey for ground chicken or beef.
- Add shredded cheese on top for extra richness.
- Stir in a squeeze of lime juice before serving for brightness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of skillet
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 470mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
