Ground Turkey And Sweet Potato Skillet
Highlighted under: Healthy Home Cooking
I absolutely love making this Ground Turkey and Sweet Potato Skillet for a weeknight dinner that’s both nourishing and satisfying. The combination of savory ground turkey and sweet, tender sweet potatoes creates a delightful contrast that my family enjoys. With just a few spices, I transform simple ingredients into a delicious meal that is quick to prepare. It’s a dish that comes together in one skillet, making cleanup a breeze, allowing us to focus on the flavors and the moments shared around the table.
When I first experimented with this dish, I wanted something that was quick and easy yet packed with flavor. The ground turkey was a perfect option, as it's leaner than beef, while the sweet potatoes add a delightful sweetness. I remember the first time I served this skillet dinner; the combination of spices really made the dish pop and my family couldn't get enough!
I found that creating a nice sear on the turkey before adding the sweet potatoes enhances the overall taste, adding depth to the dish. Using fresh herbs like parsley or thyme right at the end not only brightens the flavors but also garnishes it beautifully, making it appealing and wholesome.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Savory ground turkey pairs perfectly with sweet, tender sweet potatoes
- One-skillet dish makes for quick cooking and easy cleanup
- Loaded with nutrients, it’s perfect for a healthy weeknight dinner
Ingredient Insights
The combination of ground turkey and sweet potatoes in this skillet dish offers not only a great flavor balance but also a nutritional powerhouse. Ground turkey is lean, providing a good source of protein while staying low in fat, especially if you select 93% lean turkey. Sweet potatoes, rich in vitamins A and C, add natural sweetness and creaminess that complements the savory turkey well. Try to cut the sweet potatoes into even, bite-sized pieces to ensure they cook uniformly, achieving that desired tender texture.
Smoked paprika is a standout spice in this recipe, imparting a rich, smoky flavor that enhances the dish. If you don't have smoked paprika, feel free to use regular paprika, but consider adding a pinch of cayenne or chili powder for a smoky kick. The cumin also provides an earthy undertone; together, these spices shape the dish's overall profile. Experimenting with the spice levels based on family preferences can elevate this dish.
Cooking Techniques
Brown the turkey thoroughly to enhance its flavor—look for a golden-brown color on its edges, which usually takes about 5-7 minutes at medium heat. Make sure to break apart the turkey with your spatula as it cooks; this prevents clumps and ensures even cooking. For an ultra-juicy result, avoid overcooking the turkey, as it can become dry. Knowing when to stop cooking is crucial to achieving that perfect juicy texture.
When adding sweet potatoes and covering the skillet, keep the heat covered at a medium-low level to steam them effectively. Adding a splash of water helps create steam, making them tender and preventing them from sticking to the skillet. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking—if they aren’t softening after 20 minutes, you can add a tad more water, cover again, and give them another 5 minutes. This little trick allows for better control over the cooking process.
Ingredients
Ground Turkey and Sweet Potato Skillet
- 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
- 1/2 tsp cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Feel free to modify the spices according to your taste!
Instructions
Cook the Turkey
In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground turkey and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes, breaking it up with a spatula as it cooks.
Add Vegetables
Stir in the chopped onion, garlic, and bell pepper into the skillet with the turkey. Sauté for about 3 minutes until softened.
Incorporate Sweet Potatoes
Add the diced sweet potatoes, smoked paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper. Pour in a splash of water (about 1/4 cup) and cover the skillet. Cook for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sweet potatoes are tender.
Garnish and Serve
Remove from heat, garnish with fresh parsley if desired, and serve warm.
Enjoy your delicious, hearty meal!
Pro Tips
- Make sure to cut the sweet potatoes into even-sized pieces to ensure they cook evenly. You can also add spinach or kale at the end for extra greens!
Make-Ahead and Storage Tips
This Ground Turkey and Sweet Potato Skillet is ideal for meal prepping. You can cook the entire dish ahead of time and store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. Just reheat it gently on the stovetop over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to keep it moist. This makes it a convenient option for busy nights or friendly gatherings.
For longer storage, consider freezing this skillet dish. Transfer cooled leftovers to freezer-safe containers, and it will last up to three months. When you're ready to enjoy it again, allow the dish to thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating. If reheating from frozen, a low setting in the microwave works best to ensure even warming without drying out the turkey.
Serving Suggestions
This one-skillet meal can be served alone or paired with sides for a more substantial dinner. A fresh green salad or steamed broccoli makes an excellent accompaniment, as the freshness balances the richness of the skillet. Alternatively, you can serve it over cooked quinoa or brown rice for an extra fiber boost.
Looking to spice things up? Add some fresh lime juice and avocado on top before serving for a creamy texture and zesty final touch. Another option is to incorporate beans like black beans or chickpeas into the skillet for extra protein and texture. These variations will keep this dish fresh and exciting week after week!
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use other types of meat?
Yes, you can substitute chicken or beef for the ground turkey if you prefer.
→ Is this dish gluten-free?
Absolutely! All the ingredients are naturally gluten-free.
→ Can I make this ahead of time?
You can prepare the ingredients ahead and store them in the fridge. This dish is great for meal prep.
→ How do I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet or microwave.
Ground Turkey And Sweet Potato Skillet
I absolutely love making this Ground Turkey and Sweet Potato Skillet for a weeknight dinner that’s both nourishing and satisfying. The combination of savory ground turkey and sweet, tender sweet potatoes creates a delightful contrast that my family enjoys. With just a few spices, I transform simple ingredients into a delicious meal that is quick to prepare. It’s a dish that comes together in one skillet, making cleanup a breeze, allowing us to focus on the flavors and the moments shared around the table.
Created by: Holly James
Recipe Type: Healthy Home Cooking
Skill Level: Intermediate
Final Quantity: 4 servings
What You'll Need
Ground Turkey and Sweet Potato Skillet
- 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
- 1/2 tsp cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
How-To Steps
In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground turkey and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes, breaking it up with a spatula as it cooks.
Stir in the chopped onion, garlic, and bell pepper into the skillet with the turkey. Sauté for about 3 minutes until softened.
Add the diced sweet potatoes, smoked paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper. Pour in a splash of water (about 1/4 cup) and cover the skillet. Cook for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sweet potatoes are tender.
Remove from heat, garnish with fresh parsley if desired, and serve warm.
Extra Tips
- Make sure to cut the sweet potatoes into even-sized pieces to ensure they cook evenly. You can also add spinach or kale at the end for extra greens!
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 400 kcal
- Total Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
- Sodium: 500mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 30g
- Dietary Fiber: 6g
- Sugars: 7g
- Protein: 28g