When your evenings get busy and time feels short, finding a meal that is both quick and satisfying can be a challenge. The Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet steps in as a simple, hearty dish that brings together wholesome ingredients in one pan. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or meal prepping for the week ahead. Packed with protein, fiber, and a balance of flavors, it makes sure you feel full and energized without spending hours in the kitchen.
Why You’ll Love This Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet Recipe
This skillet recipe combines ground turkey and sweet potatoes in a way that balances savory and slightly sweet flavors with spices that bring warmth and depth. It’s a wholesome, comforting dish that cooks quickly without fuss. Using a single pan means fewer dishes to clean, and the ingredients are affordable and easy to find. The dish also offers great flexibility—you can swap vegetables or adjust spices to match your taste. Whether you’re looking for a family dinner or a meal prep option that stays delicious through the week, this recipe has you covered.
Ingredients for Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet
Here’s everything you’ll need to make this tasty meal come together:
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 medium sweet potato, chopped
- 1 cup yellow onion, diced
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup vegetable broth
- 1 can black beans, rinsed and drained
- 3 tablespoons green onion, chopped
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
How to Make Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet
Getting this dish on your table is straightforward and efficient. Here’s a step-by-step guide to preparing it:
Heat the Oil and Sauté Aromatics
Start by warming the extra virgin olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the minced garlic and diced onion. Cook these gently until the onion turns translucent and the garlic becomes fragrant. This will build the flavor base for your skillet.
Prepare the Sweet Potato
To ensure even cooking, microwave the sweet potato for about 2 minutes. This softens it slightly, making it cook more evenly once combined with other ingredients. After microwaving, let it cool before cutting it into small, uniform cubes.
Cook the Ground Turkey
Add the ground turkey to the skillet with the sautéed garlic and onions. Stir and break it apart as it cooks until browned all over. This step locks in the turkey’s flavor and gives a nice texture to the dish.
Add Seasonings
Sprinkle in the chili powder, garlic powder, smoked paprika, cumin, and sea salt. Mix well to coat the turkey evenly with the spices, allowing them to toast slightly and deepen their flavor.
Combine Sweet Potato and Broth
Add the cubed sweet potato to the skillet along with the vegetable broth. Cover the skillet with a lid to trap steam and help the sweet potatoes become tender. This should take about 9 to 10 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
Add Black Beans
Once the sweet potatoes are fork-tender, stir in the rinsed and drained black beans gently. The beans add a soft texture and boost the protein and fiber content.
Top with Cheese
Lower the heat to medium-low and sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the skillet. Cover again for 2 to 3 minutes, letting the cheese melt into a creamy layer that ties the dish together.
Finish with Green Onions
Remove the lid and sprinkle chopped green onions on top for a fresh, mild bite and a pop of color.
Your skillet meal is now ready to serve!
How to Serve Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet
This dish shines as a stand-alone meal thanks to its rich mix of protein, veggies, and cheese. You can serve it straight from the skillet for a casual, rustic presentation that’s perfect for weeknights. The melted mozzarella creates a luscious texture that complements the tender sweet potatoes and savory turkey.
If you want to add some variety to your plate, consider pairing it with a crisp side salad made from fresh greens and a simple vinaigrette. This contrast in textures will brighten the meal. Alternatively, serving it alongside steamed vegetables or roasted broccoli can boost your veggie intake without complicating the preparation.
For an extra touch, squeeze fresh lime over the top just before eating to introduce a subtle citrus brightness that lifts all the flavors. Whether you eat it hot for dinner or enjoy leftovers cold or reheated, this skillet meal is both filling and versatile.
Expert Tips for Making the Perfect Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet
- Don’t skip microwaving the sweet potato: This step ensures the sweet potato cooks evenly with the rest of the ingredients. Without it, the sweet potato might remain hard or take longer to soften.
- Adjust broth amount as needed: Keep an eye on the moisture in the skillet. If it looks dry while cooking the turkey or sweet potatoes, add a bit more vegetable broth to prevent burning and keep the meat juicy.
- Use fresh garlic and spices: Freshly minced garlic offers better flavor than pre-minced jars. Similarly, using freshly ground spices can elevate the overall taste.
- Mix in fresh herbs for variation: Adding chopped cilantro or parsley at the end can brighten the dish and add fresh herbal notes.
- For a dairy-free option: Swap the mozzarella cheese for a plant-based cheese or simply skip the cheese topping altogether. The dish still tastes great without it.
- Cook turkey thoroughly: Ground turkey can sometimes dry out if overcooked. Watch the heat and stir often for juicy, tender meat.
- Serve immediately: This meal is best enjoyed hot from the skillet, but it also reheats well for meal prep purposes.
How to Store Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet
Once you’ve enjoyed your meal, store any leftovers properly to keep them fresh for later. Let the skillet cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. When reheating, warm it gently on the stovetop or in the microwave to avoid drying out the meat.
Variations to Try with Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet
This recipe is versatile and easy to customize based on what you have or your taste preferences:
- Swap the protein: Use ground chicken or lean ground beef instead of turkey for a different flavor profile.
- Add more veggies: Incorporate bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach to increase the vegetable content and add color.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or fresh chopped jalapeños if you prefer a spicier dish.
- Change the cheese: Try shredded cheddar, pepper jack, or a sprinkle of feta for new layers of flavor.
- Make it vegan: Replace turkey with sautéed mushrooms or crumbled tofu and use vegetable broth with a plant-based cheese alternative.
- Add grains: Serve over cooked quinoa, brown rice, or couscous for a more filling meal.
Experimenting with these variations can keep the recipe fresh and exciting no matter how often you make it.
Frequently Asked Questions About Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet
What makes this skillet recipe healthy?
This meal combines lean protein from ground turkey, fiber and vitamins from sweet potatoes and black beans, and healthy fats from olive oil. It offers balanced nutrition to keep you full and satisfied.
Can I prepare this dish in advance?
Yes! You can meal prep by cooking it ahead of time and storing in the fridge for up to four days. It reheats well for easy lunches or dinners.
What if I don’t have a microwave for the sweet potato?
You can roast or boil the sweet potato until just tender before adding to the skillet. The goal is to soften it to match the cooking time of the turkey.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, all ingredients used are naturally gluten-free. Just double-check your spices to ensure they don’t contain any hidden gluten additives.
Can I use frozen sweet potatoes?
Frozen sweet potato cubes work fine but may release extra moisture during cooking. Adjust the broth accordingly and watch the cooking time.
How do I prevent the turkey from drying out?
Keep the heat moderate and add broth as needed to maintain moisture. Avoid overcooking by removing the skillet from heat as soon as the turkey is cooked through.
Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet
Equipment
- Skillet
- Microwave
Ingredients
- 1 lb. ground turkey
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 medium sweet potato chopped
- 1 cup yellow onion diced
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup vegetable broth
- 1 can black beans rinsed and drained
- 3 Tbsp. green onion chopped
- 1 tsp. cumin
- 1 tsp. chili powder
- 1/2 tsp. garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp. smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp. sea salt
- 2 Tbsp. extra virgin olive oil
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and diced onion, cooking until the onion is translucent and garlic is fragrant.
- Microwave sweet potato for about 2 minutes. Cool, then chop into small cubes.
- Add ground turkey to the skillet, breaking it apart as it cooks until browned.
- Sprinkle in chili powder, garlic powder, smoked paprika, cumin, and sea salt. Mix to coat the turkey evenly with spices.
- Add cubed sweet potato and vegetable broth, then cover the skillet. Cook for 9-10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Once sweet potatoes are fork-tender, stir in black beans gently.
- Lower heat to medium-low, sprinkle mozzarella cheese over the skillet, and cover for 2-3 minutes to melt the cheese.
- Remove lid and top with chopped green onions before serving.
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