This Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet is one of those lifesaver recipes I come back to again and again, especially when I need something hearty, healthy, and quick. It’s the perfect one-pan meal that’s ready in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights. Plus, the combination of lean ground turkey and sweet potatoes delivers a lovely balance of savory and naturally sweet flavors that always feels satisfying. It’s warming, comforting, and packed with nourishing ingredients—basically everything I want in a cozy homemade dinner.
Why You’ll Love It
This is the definition of a no-fuss, big-reward meal. I love that it’s naturally gluten-free and filled with veggies without feeling like “health food.” It’s the kind of dish that feels like comfort food while still being good for you. The best part? It’s all made in one pan—hello easy cleanup. Whether you’re cooking for family, meal prepping for the week, or just want something filling without turning on the oven for an hour, this skillet has you covered. It’s also endlessly customizable to what you have on hand, so you’ll never get bored of it.
Ingredients
- Extra virgin olive oil – Or any neutral oil like avocado oil.
- Ground turkey – I prefer extra-lean, but you can also use ground beef, chicken, or even sausage. Just adjust cooking time and moisture as needed.
- Garlic cloves – Freshly minced for that classic, aromatic punch.
- Onion – Half an onion, diced, adds sweetness and depth.
- Yellow bell pepper – Or any color you like. Red and orange peppers are equally good.
- Large sweet potato – Cut into small dice so it cooks evenly and quickly.
- Salt and black pepper – Essential for bringing everything together.
- Red chili flakes – Optional but great if you like a bit of heat.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese – Melty and delicious. Use your favorite cheese (or skip for Paleo/Whole30).
- Fresh parsley – For a pop of color and freshness.
Tips and Tricks
- Dice the sweet potato small. It helps it cook faster and more evenly.
- Use a lid. Covering the skillet traps steam, which speeds up the cooking time for the sweet potatoes.
- Stir occasionally. This prevents sticking and ensures even cooking.
- Add liquid if needed. A splash of broth or water can help the sweet potatoes steam faster if they’re taking too long.
- Get creative. Add in extra veggies like spinach, kale, or mushrooms. This is one of those flexible meals that welcomes whatever you have on hand.
Flavor Variations
- Spice it up. Add chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, or curry powder for a new flavor profile.
- Cheese swaps. Use Pepper Jack, sharp cheddar, or even crumbled feta.
- Protein swaps. Use ground beef, chicken, or sausage. Or go meatless with black beans and corn.
- Extra veggies. Toss in kale, spinach, mushrooms, broccoli, or green beans for even more color and nutrition.
Make Ahead Tips
This skillet is fantastic for meal prep. Make the whole recipe ahead of time and portion it into airtight containers. It will keep well in the fridge for up to 4 days. When you’re ready to eat, just reheat gently in a skillet or microwave. It’s also freezer-friendly for longer storage—just defrost overnight in the fridge and reheat as usual.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this skillet meal on its own—it’s a balanced dish with protein, veggies, and complex carbs built right in. But if you want to stretch it further, try:
- Over a bed of rice or cauliflower rice.
- Tucked into warm tortillas or lettuce wraps for a handheld meal.
- With a dollop of sour cream, Greek yogurt, or guacamole on top.
- Paired with a simple side salad for extra crunch and freshness.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. For meal prep, portion it into individual containers with rice or other sides for easy grab-and-go meals. To reheat, microwave with a damp paper towel to keep it moist or warm it in a skillet over low heat until heated through.
FAQs
Can I use another protein instead of turkey?
Absolutely. Ground beef, chicken, or sausage all work. Just adjust cooking time and drain any extra fat as needed.
How do I make this vegetarian?
Replace the turkey with black beans or chickpeas, and consider adding corn, chopped tomatoes, or extra veggies.
Can I freeze it?
Yes! Cool completely and transfer to freezer-safe containers. It will keep for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
How do I keep sweet potatoes from burning?
Dice them small and evenly, cover with a lid while cooking, and add a splash of water or broth if the skillet looks dry.
Final Thought
This Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet is one of those easy, cozy meals that proves healthy food doesn’t have to be boring. It’s packed with flavor, incredibly customizable, and a breeze to pull together on a busy weeknight. Once you try it, I bet it’ll become one of your regulars too—it sure is in my house!
Ground Turkey Sweet Potato
This Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet is one of those lifesaver recipes I come back to again and again, especially when I need something hearty, healthy, and quick.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 pound free-range extra-lean ground turkey (you can also use grass-fed ground beef)
- 1 teaspoon garlic clove minced
- ½ cup onions diced
- ½ cup yellow pepper diced
- 1½ cups sweet potato diced
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper
- A pinch of red chili flakes optional
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese (if you're following Whole30 or Paleo, skip the cheese)
- Fresh parsley for garnishing optional
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the ground turkey and garlic. Break up the turkey with a wooden spoon as it cooks, stirring occasionally for about 5 minutes.
- Add the onions and yellow peppers, and cook until the onions are soft.
- Stir in the sweet potato, chili flakes if using, and season with salt and pepper.
- Cover the skillet and cook until the sweet potatoes are tender, stirring occasionally. If needed, add a bit more olive oil or water to help the sweet potatoes cook faster.
- While the sweet potatoes are cooking, preheat your oven to 400ºF.
- Once the sweet potatoes are tender, sprinkle the shredded mozzarella over the skillet and transfer it to the oven to melt the cheese.
- Remove from the oven once the cheese is melted and bubbling. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.
Nutrition Information
Yield
4Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 350Total Fat 12gSaturated Fat 3gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 8gCholesterol 88mgSodium 245mgCarbohydrates 21gFiber 3gSugar 6gProtein 41g
dinnerbytes.com, occasionally offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although dinnerbytes.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.
