Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet is a simple, delicious dish you’ll want to make again and again. It’s a healthy, well-balanced meal that comes together quickly and satisfies your hunger with wholesome ingredients. Ground turkey combined with tender sweet potatoes and warm spices makes for a comforting skillet dinner you can enjoy any night of the week.
Why We Love This Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet
This dish is one of those meals you can count on when time is short but quality matters. It’s quick to prepare, requiring only about 30 minutes from start to finish. The recipe is naturally gluten-free and loaded with protein and vitamins thanks to the turkey and sweet potatoes. The use of common pantry spices makes it accessible without needing fancy ingredients.
You’ll love how versatile this skillet is. It works well for weeknight dinners or meal prep for the week ahead. The comforting warmth of the cooked sweet potatoes combined with the juicy, seasoned turkey will keep you coming back for seconds. Plus, cleaning up is easy since everything cooks in one pan.
Ingredients about Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet
- 2 tablespoons cooking oil (divided use)
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 2 cups sweet potato, peeled and cut into cubes
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- ½ cup yellow onion, diced
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (optional)
How to Make Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet Directions
Start by heating 1 tablespoon of cooking oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Add the sweet potato cubes and cook them until they become tender when poked with a fork. This step ensures the potatoes are soft enough to enjoy without being mushy. Once cooked, scoop the sweet potatoes out of the pan and set them aside.
Next, add the remaining tablespoon of oil to the pan along with the minced garlic and diced onion. Sauté until the onions become translucent, releasing their sweetness. Push the onions to one side of the pan to make space for the turkey.
Add the ground turkey to the empty side of the pan and break it up with a spatula into small pieces. Cook the turkey until it’s no longer pink, which takes about 2 to 3 minutes. This step is important for food safety and ensures the meat cooks evenly.
Sprinkle the onion powder, garlic powder, chili powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper over the turkey and onions. Stir everything together to blend the spices and cook for another 2 to 3 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld and develop fully.
Turn the heat down to low, and sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over the top of the skillet mixture if you like a cheesy finish. Cover the pan with a lid and let the cheese melt gently for a few minutes. Once melted, your skillet is ready to serve hot.
How to Serve Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet
You can serve this skillet meal directly from the pan for a rustic, cozy presentation. It pairs beautifully with a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables for a complete dinner. The rich flavors and soft textures make it ideal for enjoying on its own or alongside simple sides.
If you prefer, add a dollop of plain yogurt or a splash of hot sauce to give the dish an extra kick. This skillet also works well as a filling for wraps or stuffed into pita bread for a quick lunch option.
Serving it warm ensures the cheese remains gooey and the flavors are at their peak. It’s a satisfying meal you can enjoy any day when you want something nourishing but fuss-free.
Expert Tips: Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet
For the best results, choose fresh sweet potatoes that are firm and brightly colored. Avoid any with soft spots or blemishes. Cutting the potatoes into evenly sized cubes helps them cook uniformly.
Use ground turkey that is lean but not too dry. Turkey with a bit of fat keeps the dish moist and flavorful. If you find the turkey too dry, adding a splash of broth or a bit more oil can help.
When cooking the spices, stirring frequently prevents burning and brings out their aroma. Don’t rush the cheese melting step; low heat helps it melt evenly without burning.
Feel free to experiment with spices based on your taste preferences. Adding a pinch of cumin or smoked paprika can add depth and complexity. Fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro sprinkled on top add a nice fresh touch.
How to Store Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet
Store leftover skillet in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or microwave, stirring occasionally to warm evenly. Adding a splash of water or broth when reheating can keep the dish moist.
You can also freeze portions for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. Keep in mind that cheese texture may change slightly after freezing but the overall flavor remains great.
If freezing, avoid adding cheese before freezing—add it fresh when reheating for best melt and taste.
Variation of Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet
You can easily switch up this recipe to suit your cravings or dietary needs. Swap ground turkey for ground chicken or lean beef if you prefer a different protein. For a vegetarian twist, use cooked lentils or crumbled tofu as a substitute.
Change the spices to create new flavor profiles. Adding curry powder or taco seasoning can transform the dish into an entirely new experience. Mix in other vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach to boost nutrition and color.
Try topping with different cheeses such as cheddar or pepper jack for a sharper or spicier finish. For a lower-carb option, reduce the amount of sweet potatoes and add cauliflower rice.
These variations keep the recipe fresh and exciting, making it easy to enjoy this skillet again and again.
Frequently Asked Questions About Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet
What makes this skillet healthy?
This recipe uses lean ground turkey and nutrient-rich sweet potatoes. Both ingredients provide protein, fiber, and vitamins, making the dish balanced and nourishing.
Can I prepare this skillet in advance?
Yes, you can cook the skillet ahead of time and refrigerate it. Reheat gently when ready to eat. It’s great for meal prep and quick dinners.
Is it okay to skip the cheese?
Absolutely! The cheese is optional and the skillet tastes delicious without it. It adds creaminess but leaving it out makes the meal lighter.
How spicy is this recipe?
The spices provide mild heat and flavor but are not very spicy. You can adjust the chili powder amount to make it hotter or milder.
Can I use frozen sweet potatoes?
Frozen sweet potatoes can be used but may require a longer cooking time. Fresh cubed potatoes cook more evenly and have a better texture.
Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet
Equipment
- Frying Pan
- Spatula
- Knife
- Cutting Board
Ingredients
- 2 Tbsp. cooking oil (divided use)
- 1 lb. ground turkey
- 2 cups sweet potato peeled and cut into cubes
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- ½ cup yellow onion diced
- 1 tsp. onion powder
- 1 tsp. garlic powder
- ½ tsp. chili powder
- ½ tsp. paprika
- ½ tsp. salt
- ¼ tsp. ground black pepper
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (optional)
Instructions
- Heat 1 tablespoon of cooking oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Add sweet potato cubes and cook until tender, about 10 minutes. Set aside.
- Add remaining tablespoon of oil to the pan, along with minced garlic and diced onion. Sauté until onions are translucent.
- Push onions to one side and add ground turkey to the empty side. Cook until turkey is no longer pink, about 2-3 minutes.
- Sprinkle spices over the turkey and onions. Stir to combine and cook for another 2-3 minutes to meld flavors.
- Reduce heat to low, sprinkle cheese over the skillet mixture, cover, and let cheese melt, about 2-3 minutes.
- Serve hot directly from the pan.
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