Name: Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil; 1 lb free-range extra-lean ground turkey (or ground chicken/beef); 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1/2 onion, diced; 1 yellow bell pepper, diced; 1 large sweet potato, diced; Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste; 1/2 teaspoon red chili flakes (optional for heat); 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (optional for non-Whole30/Paleo); Fresh parsley, for garnish

A delicious one-pan meal combining lean ground turkey with nutrient-rich sweet potatoes, creating a perfect balance of protein and complex carbohydrates. This simple yet flavorful dish comes together quickly for a weeknight dinner that’s both satisfying and nutritious.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet is the ultimate weeknight dinner solution. It requires just one pan, meaning less cleanup after cooking. The combination of lean protein from the turkey and complex carbohydrates from the sweet potatoes creates a balanced meal that’s both satisfying and energizing. The dish is naturally gluten-free and can easily be adapted to fit various dietary preferences. Plus, it’s ready in just 30 minutes from start to finish, making it perfect for busy evenings when you need a nutritious meal without spending hours in the kitchen.

Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Extra virgin olive oil provides the base for sautéing and adds a touch of Mediterranean flavor to the dish. You can substitute with avocado oil for a higher smoke point if you prefer.

Ground turkey is the lean protein star of this dish, offering a lighter alternative to beef while still providing satisfying flavor. Look for free-range, extra-lean options for the healthiest choice, or substitute with ground chicken or beef based on your preference.

Garlic infuses the dish with essential aromatic flavor that forms the foundation of many savory dishes. Fresh is preferable, but pre-minced garlic works in a pinch if you’re short on time.

Onion adds sweetness and depth of flavor as it cooks down with the turkey. Yellow or white onions work well, but red onions can also add a pleasant color contrast.

Yellow bell pepper brings a subtle sweetness, beautiful color, and vitamin C to the dish. Any color bell pepper works well as a substitute based on what you have available.

Sweet potato forms the hearty base of this skillet meal, offering complex carbohydrates, fiber, and a naturally sweet flavor that complements the savory turkey. Cut them into uniform pieces to ensure even cooking.

Salt and pepper are essential for bringing out all the flavors in the dish. Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper will give you the best flavor.

Red chili flakes add a pleasant heat that balances the sweetness of the potatoes. Adjust the amount based on your heat preference, or omit entirely for a milder dish.

Mozzarella cheese creates a deliciously melty topping that brings everything together. It’s optional if you’re following Whole30 or Paleo diets, but adds wonderful richness if included.

Fresh parsley brightens the finished dish with color and a hint of herbaceous flavor. Cilantro can be substituted for a different flavor profile.

Directions

Sauté the Turkey:

Heat olive oil in a cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat.
Add ground turkey and garlic, breaking up the meat as it cooks.
Stir occasionally and cook for about 5 minutes until the turkey is no longer pink.

Cook the Vegetables:

Add onion and bell pepper to the skillet, cooking until softened.
Add diced sweet potatoes, salt, pepper, and red chili flakes.
Stir well to combine all ingredients.

Cover and Cook:

Cover the skillet and cook until sweet potatoes are tender, stirring occasionally.
Add a little water or extra olive oil if necessary to speed up the cooking process.
Test potatoes with a fork for tenderness.

Add the Cheese (Optional):

Once sweet potatoes are cooked through, sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over the top.
Place the skillet in a preheated oven at 400°F for 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Serve:

Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.
Enjoy on its own or served with rice or a side of vegetables.

Servings and Timing

This recipe makes 4 generous servings, perfect for a family meal or for meal prepping throughout the week. Each serving contains approximately 400 calories, providing a balanced meal with protein and complex carbohydrates. The dish comes together in just 30 minutes total, with 10 minutes of prep time and 20 minutes of cooking time, making it ideal for busy weeknights when you need a nutritious meal in a hurry.

Variations

Vegetarian Version: Substitute the ground turkey with crumbled extra-firm tofu or a plant-based ground meat alternative. Add an extra tablespoon of olive oil and perhaps some smoked paprika for additional flavor.

Spicy Version: Double the red chili flakes and add a diced jalapeño pepper when cooking the vegetables. Finish with a drizzle of hot sauce before serving.

Mediterranean Twist: Add olives, sun-dried tomatoes, and feta cheese instead of mozzarella. Sprinkle with dried oregano and finish with fresh basil instead of parsley.

Breakfast Skillet: Make it breakfast-friendly by creating wells in the cooked mixture and cracking eggs into them. Cover and cook until eggs are set to your preference.

Loaded Version: Top with avocado slices, Greek yogurt or sour cream, chopped green onions, and a squeeze of lime juice for a taco-inspired variation.

Storage/Reheating

Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors often improve after a day as they meld together.

Freezing: This dish freezes well for up to 3 months. Portion into individual servings before freezing for easy meal prep. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating on Stovetop: For best results, reheat in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or broth to prevent drying out. Cover with a lid until heated through, about 5-7 minutes.

Microwave Reheating: For quick reheating, microwave individual portions for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through. Add a small splash of water if it seems dry.

Meal Prep Tips: This dish is excellent for meal prep. Prepare a double batch and portion into containers with additional steamed vegetables or a side of quinoa for complete lunches throughout the week.

FAQs

Can I use regular potatoes instead of sweet potatoes?

Yes, you can substitute white or yellow potatoes for sweet potatoes. The cooking time may be slightly different, so be sure to test for doneness with a fork. The flavor profile will be less sweet and the nutritional content will vary.

How do I know when the sweet potatoes are done cooking?

Sweet potatoes are done when they are fork-tender. Insert a fork into the largest piece; if it slides in easily with little resistance, they’re ready. Cooking time typically takes 10-15 minutes depending on the size of your diced pieces.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! This skillet dish stores well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days and can be frozen for longer storage. It reheats beautifully, making it perfect for meal preparation at the beginning of the week.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes, simply omit the mozzarella cheese or substitute with a dairy-free cheese alternative if desired. The dish is still delicious and satisfying without cheese.

What other vegetables can I add to this skillet?

This recipe is versatile! Consider adding spinach, kale, zucchini, mushrooms, or broccoli for additional nutrients and flavor. Add leafy greens at the end of cooking just until wilted, while heartier vegetables should be added with the bell pepper.

How can I make this recipe Whole30 or Paleo compliant?

To make this recipe Whole30 or Paleo compliant, simply omit the cheese. All other ingredients are already compliant with both eating plans when using the correct oils.

What if I don’t have a cast-iron skillet?

Any large, heavy-bottomed skillet or frying pan will work for this recipe. If using a non-cast-iron pan that isn’t oven-safe, simply melt the cheese by covering the pan with a lid on the stovetop instead of placing it in the oven.

Can I use ground beef instead of turkey?

Yes, ground beef works well in this recipe. Choose lean ground beef (90/10 or leaner) to keep the dish from becoming too greasy. You may want to drain excess fat after browning if using a higher fat content beef.

What can I serve with this skillet dish?

This one-pan meal is complete on its own, but pairs nicely with a simple green salad, steamed vegetables, or a side of quinoa or rice if you want to stretch the servings. For a lower-carb option, serve over cauliflower rice.

How spicy is this recipe?

With ½ teaspoon of red chili flakes, the dish has a mild to moderate heat level. Adjust according to your preference—omit the chili flakes entirely for no heat, or increase for a spicier dish.

Conclusion

This Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet represents the perfect intersection of convenience, nutrition, and flavor. In just 30 minutes, you can create a balanced meal that provides lean protein, complex carbohydrates, and vegetables in one satisfying dish. The versatility of this recipe allows for countless variations to suit your taste preferences or dietary needs, making it a reliable staple in your meal rotation. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner, meal prepping for the week ahead, or looking for a nutritious option after a busy day, this skillet has you covered. Its simplicity doesn’t sacrifice flavor, and the minimal cleanup required makes it even more appealing for everyday cooking. Master this one-pan wonder, and you’ll have a go-to recipe that delivers both health benefits and culinary satisfaction.