Ground Turkey And Sweet Potato Skillet

Name: Ground Turkey And Sweet Potato Skillet
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 lb ground turkey; 2 medium sweet potatoes, diced; 1 small onion, chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 bell pepper, diced; 1 tsp smoked paprika; 1 tsp cumin; Salt and pepper to taste; 2 tbsp olive oil; Fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)

Highlighted under: Ready-to-Go Meals

I absolutely love cooking with ground turkey, especially when paired with sweet potatoes. This Ground Turkey And Sweet Potato Skillet has become a household favorite for its ease of preparation and hearty flavor. With just a few ingredients, I can whip up a nutritious meal that satisfies everyone’s appetite. It’s not just about convenience; the combination of spices and the sweetness of the potatoes creates a delightful flavor profile that keeps me coming back for more. If you’re looking for a quick, healthy, and delicious meal, this one’s for you!

Created by

Hayley Morton

Last updated on 2026-02-24T01:29:37.212Z

When I first crafted this recipe, I was trying to find a healthy yet filling meal that would please my family. The result was this Ground Turkey And Sweet Potato Skillet, which brings together flavorful spices with wholesome ingredients. The best part is how quickly it comes together, meaning I can serve a hearty dinner any night of the week!

One key tip I discovered while making this dish is to cook the sweet potatoes until they are just tender before adding the turkey. This way, they finish cooking perfectly without becoming mushy. It’s this attention to timing that ensures every ingredient shines in this comforting skillet meal.

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Hearty and nutritious, perfect for weeknight dinners
Simple one-pan meal makes for easy cleanup
Flavorful blend of spices enhances the natural sweetness of the potatoes

Choosing the Right Sweet Potatoes

When picking sweet potatoes for this skillet dish, opt for medium-sized ones that feel firm to the touch and have smooth skin. Avoid any that have blemishes or soft spots, as these can affect the flavor and texture of the meal. The sweetness of the potatoes enhances the overall dish, so fresh, quality ingredients make a notable difference.

You can also experiment with different varieties of sweet potatoes. For instance, Japanese sweet potatoes, which have a nutty flavor and creamier texture, can add a unique twist to this recipe. Just remember to adjust cooking times slightly, as different varieties may require different amounts of time to soften.

Sautéing Technique for Best Results

For even cooking and to maximize flavor, ensure that you add the sweet potatoes to a preheated skillet—this initial sizzle helps to caramelize the sugars in the potatoes, resulting in a deeper flavor. Maintain medium heat during this step, stirring often to prevent them from sticking or burning. Look for a slightly golden edge on the potatoes, which indicates they're developing a nice crust.

When adding the ground turkey, breaking it into small pieces promotes even browning and ensures that the meat cooks thoroughly. If you lump it all together, you might end up with unevenly cooked turkey. A wooden spoon is ideal for this, allowing you to easily manipulate the meat while keeping the other ingredients in place.

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to get started:

Ingredients

1 lb ground turkey
2 medium sweet potatoes, diced
1 small onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 bell pepper, diced
1 tsp smoked paprika
1 tsp cumin
Salt and pepper to taste
2 tbsp olive oil
Fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)

Once your ingredients are prepped, you're ready to start cooking!

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to make your skillet:

Cook the sweet potatoes

In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced sweet potatoes and season with salt and pepper. Cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they start to soften.

Add the ground turkey

Push the sweet potatoes to one side of the skillet and add the remaining olive oil. Add the ground turkey along with the chopped onion and bell pepper, cooking until the turkey is browned all the way through.

Season and serve

Stir in the garlic, smoked paprika, and cumin. Cook for an additional 5 minutes to combine all the flavors. Adjust seasoning as needed and garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.

Enjoy your delicious meal straight from the skillet!

Pro Tips

For an extra kick, you can add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some red pepper flakes. This dish can also be easily customized with your favorite vegetables!

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers, let the skillet cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. This dish can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three days. When reheating, a quick stir-fry in a skillet over medium heat works wonders, effectively restoring its texture without making it soggy or overcooked.

For longer storage, you can freeze the cooked turkey and sweet potato mixture. Portion it into freezer-safe containers, and it will keep well for up to three months. For the best results, defrost in the refrigerator overnight before reheating to ensure even cooking.

Serving Suggestions

This Ground Turkey and Sweet Potato Skillet pairs beautifully with a simple side salad or steamed greens. I often serve it with a dollop of Greek yogurt or avocado for an extra creaminess that complements the dish's flavors. Some lime juice drizzled on top also brightens the overall taste, adding a layer of freshness.

For those who enjoy a bit of crunch, consider topping the skillet with toasted nuts or seeds just before serving. This not only adds a textural contrast but also enhances the nutritional profile of the meal, making it more satisfying.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use ground chicken instead of turkey?

Yes, ground chicken is a great alternative and will work well in this recipe!

→ How do I store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

→ Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the ingredients ahead and assemble them just before cooking for an even quicker meal.

→ What can I serve with this skillet dish?

This dish pairs well with a simple side salad or steamed green vegetables for a complete meal.