Ground Turkey And Sweet Potato Skillet
Highlighted under: Homemade Bliss
I always love a good one-pan meal, and this Ground Turkey and Sweet Potato Skillet has quickly become a favorite at our dinner table. It combines lean turkey with tender sweet potatoes and colorful veggies, creating a nutritious and satisfying dish. The best part? It’s ready in under 30 minutes! I appreciate how the spices meld together to enhance the flavors of the fresh ingredients. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when I want something delicious, easy, and healthy all in one skillet.
When I first made this dish, I was surprised by how quickly everything came together. The sweet potatoes soften in the skillet, allowing them to absorb the flavors from the turkey and spices. I recommend cutting the sweet potatoes into small cubes to ensure they cook evenly and become perfectly tender throughout the skillet.
To elevate the flavor, I like to add fresh herbs at the end of cooking. A sprinkle of chopped parsley or cilantro adds a burst of freshness and color to the dish. It’s a simple step that transforms a great meal into a memorable one!
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy, perfect for busy weeknights
- Packed with wholesome ingredients for a nourishing meal
- One skillet means less cleanup while enjoying flavorful leftovers
Ingredient Insights
The ground turkey in this dish serves as a lean protein source, making it ideal for a healthy lifestyle. When cooking ground turkey, choose extra-lean varieties to keep the dish light and avoid excess fat. It’s best cooked until it reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F, which ensures a juicy yet firm texture. I recommend using a wide skillet for even browning, allowing the meat to sear instead of steam.
Sweet potatoes add a natural sweetness and vibrant color to this skillet meal. They provide a rich source of vitamins A and C, contributing not just to the healthiness of the dish but also to its flavor complexity. When dicing, aim for uniform cubes to promote even cooking; too small can lead to mushiness, while too large may remain undercooked. If you're in a pinch, feel free to swap them for regular potatoes or even butternut squash for a twist.
Cooking Technique Tips
While you sauté the vegetables, it’s important to not overcrowd the skillet, as this can cause them to steam rather than caramelize. Aim for a medium-high heat that allows the onions to turn translucent and the bell peppers to soften with nicely browned edges. This Maillard reaction enhances the overall flavor profile, adding depth to your dish.
When adding the sweet potatoes, I suggest covering the skillet to expedite the cooking process. This traps steam, tenderizing the potatoes faster—in about 15 minutes—while allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. Stir occasionally and check them for fork-tenderness to avoid overcooking; you want them soft but not mushy.
Ingredients
Gather these fresh ingredients to get started:
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 2 medium sweet potatoes, diced
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Once you have all the ingredients ready, you're set to cook!
Instructions
Follow these steps to create your delicious skillet:
Cook the turkey
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground turkey and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon, for about 5-7 minutes.
Add vegetables
Stir in the onion, bell pepper, and garlic. Cook until the vegetables are softened, about 3-4 minutes.
Incorporate sweet potatoes
Add the diced sweet potatoes, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine, then cover the skillet with a lid and reduce heat to low. Let it cook for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sweet potatoes are tender.
Finish and serve
Once the sweet potatoes are cooked, taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Enjoy your hearty and nutritious meal!
Pro Tips
- For added flavor, consider adding a splash of lime juice just before serving. You can also customize your skillet by adding other vegetables like zucchini or spinach.
Storage and Reheating
Leftovers of this Ground Turkey and Sweet Potato Skillet can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, simply warm it in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave. If reheating on the stove, add a splash of water to prevent drying out and reintroduce some of that moisture. Stir occasionally to ensure even heating.
If you’re thinking of making this ahead of time, you can prep the vegetables and brown the turkey a day in advance. Store them separately in the fridge and combine them when you're ready to cook. This way, you’ll cut down on cooking time significantly, making it even easier to whip it up on a busy night.
Creative Variations
Feel free to get creative with your vegetable choices in this recipe! Adding spinach or kale can introduce even more nutrients, while cherry tomatoes add a little acidity and sweetness. If you want to make it spicier, consider incorporating jalapeños or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes while cooking the vegetables.
For those looking to make a vegetarian version, consider swapping the ground turkey for lentils or chickpeas. Both complete the dish with their own unique flavors and textures. Just be sure to sauté them until warmed through, ensuring they absorb the spices beautifully while keeping the cooking time minimal.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use ground chicken instead of turkey?
Yes, ground chicken is a great substitute and will work just as well in this recipe.
→ How can I make this dish spicier?
Add some cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes while cooking to give the dish an extra kick.
→ Can I prepare this Skillet in advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare everything a day ahead and simply reheat it when you're ready to eat.
→ What is a good side dish to serve with this?
A simple green salad or steamed broccoli would pair nicely with the skillet.
Ground Turkey And Sweet Potato Skillet
I always love a good one-pan meal, and this Ground Turkey and Sweet Potato Skillet has quickly become a favorite at our dinner table. It combines lean turkey with tender sweet potatoes and colorful veggies, creating a nutritious and satisfying dish. The best part? It’s ready in under 30 minutes! I appreciate how the spices meld together to enhance the flavors of the fresh ingredients. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when I want something delicious, easy, and healthy all in one skillet.
Created by: Celeste Morgan
Recipe Type: Homemade Bliss
Skill Level: Beginner
Final Quantity: 4 servings
What You'll Need
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 2 medium sweet potatoes, diced
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Fresh parsley for garnish
How-To Steps
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground turkey and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon, for about 5-7 minutes.
Stir in the onion, bell pepper, and garlic. Cook until the vegetables are softened, about 3-4 minutes.
Add the diced sweet potatoes, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine, then cover the skillet with a lid and reduce heat to low. Let it cook for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sweet potatoes are tender.
Once the sweet potatoes are cooked, taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Extra Tips
- For added flavor, consider adding a splash of lime juice just before serving. You can also customize your skillet by adding other vegetables like zucchini or spinach.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 400 kcal
- Total Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
- Sodium: 270mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 32g
- Dietary Fiber: 6g
- Sugars: 6g
- Protein: 28g