Welcome to your new favorite weeknight dinner recipe—Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet! This hearty, one-pan meal is a game changer for busy evenings. Packed with protein-rich ground turkey, tender sweet potatoes, and vibrant vegetables, this healthy dinner recipe is not only delicious but also ready in just 30 minutes. The Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet embraces flavor, nutrition, and convenience all in one, making it ideal for families and individuals looking to maintain a healthy lifestyle without spending hours in the kitchen.
What’s even better is that it encourages creativity in the kitchen. You can adjust the ingredients based on your preferences or what’s in your pantry while still enjoying a wholesome meal. Whether you’re a busy parent, a student, or anyone in between, this dish is perfect for meal prep. Just whip up a batch on Sunday, and you’ll have nutritious dinners ready for the week ahead. Let’s dive into why this sweet potato skillet recipe is about to become your go-to dinner solution.
Why You’ll Love This Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet
- Quick and Easy: This dish is ready in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Healthy and Nutritious: With lean ground turkey and nutrient-dense veggies, it’s a balanced meal packed with protein.
- One-Pan Wonder: Easy clean-up as everything is cooked in one skillet.
- Versatile: Customize with your favorite vegetables and spices or add toppings like avocado for creaminess.
- Meal Prep Friendly: Make a large batch for easy reheating later in the week.
Preparation Phase & Tools to Use
Before you start cooking your Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet, it’s essential to set up your kitchen and gather your tools. Start by ensuring you have all the ingredients ready and prepped; peel and dice the sweet potatoes, chop the onion and garlic, and prepare the other vegetables. This step will streamline your cooking process and help you avoid any hiccups.
For tools, you will need a large skillet—preferably cast iron for even heat distribution. A sharp knife and cutting board are essential for prepping your ingredients. Additionally, a spatula or wooden spoon will be handy for stirring the ingredients safely as they cook. Finally, don’t forget measuring spoons to ensure the seasonings are spot on.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground turkey (lean, fresh, or thawed) – A lean protein powerhouse.
- 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and diced (½-inch cubes) – Adds natural sweetness and fiber.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil – Healthy fats for sautéing.
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped – Adds depth of flavor.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced – For that irresistible aroma.
- 1 bell pepper, chopped (any color) – Adds sweetness and crunch.
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped – Boosts nutrients.
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika – For a smoky kick.
- 1 teaspoon cumin – Adds warmth and earthiness.
- Salt and pepper, to taste – Enhances flavors.
- Optional Add-ins: Avocado slices, red pepper flakes, lemon juice.
Instructions
Step 1: Heat the Skillet
Begin by heating a tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. A cast-iron skillet is ideal as it retains heat well, ensuring your ingredients cook evenly. Swirl the oil around the pan to coat it fully, allowing it to warm for a minute.
Step 2: Sauté Aromatics
Now it’s time to add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté for about two to three minutes, or until the onions become translucent and the garlic releases its fabulous aroma. Stir frequently to prevent any burning, as you want a soft and fragrant mixture.
Step 3: Cook Sweet Potatoes
Next, stir in the diced sweet potatoes into the skillet. Spread them evenly across the pan and allow them to cook for approximately ten minutes. Stir the mixture occasionally to check for doneness; you’re looking for the sweet potatoes to soften slightly but still hold their shape.
Step 4: Brown the Turkey
After the sweet potatoes have softened, add the ground turkey to the skillet. Use a spatula to break the turkey up into smaller pieces, allowing it to brown evenly. Cook for five to seven minutes until the turkey is fully cooked through and has lost any pink color.
Step 5: Season and Mix
With the turkey browned, it’s time to infuse the flavors by sprinkling in the smoked paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper. Stir the mixture well, ensuring everything is coated with of the spices, enhancing the overall flavor of your dish.
Step 6: Add Vegetables
Now, fold in the chopped bell pepper and spinach. Cook for an additional three to four minutes, or until the spinach has wilted and the peppers have softened slightly. This is the stage where the vibrant colors create an appetizing look in your skillet!
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Once everything is cooked, remove the skillet from the heat. You can sprinkle the dish with freshly chopped parsley for a splash of color and freshness. If desired, squeeze a bit of lemon juice on top to brighten the flavors even further. Serve warm and enjoy!
Variations
- Protein: Swap the ground turkey for ground chicken, beef, or even a meat alternative for a vegetarian option.
- Vegetables: Add or substitute vegetables like zucchini, broccoli, or carrots based on your preference.
- Spices: Experiment with other seasonings such as chili powder for a kick or Italian herbs for a different flavor profile.
Cooking Notes
- Ensure the sweet potatoes are diced evenly for uniform cooking time.
- Feel free to add extra spices or herbs to boost flavors according to your taste.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve in bowls topped with avocado slices for added creaminess.
- Pair with a side salad for a complete meal.
Tips
- Chop vegetables ahead of time for a quicker cooking process during meal prep.
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days.
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Nutritional Information
- Calories: Approximately 350 per serving
- Protein: 30g
- Sodium: 450mg
FAQs
Can I use frozen sweet potatoes?
Yes, frozen sweet potatoes can be used, but they may require additional cooking time to soften.
What can I substitute for ground turkey?
You can use ground chicken, beef, or even a plant-based alternative to suit your dietary preferences.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! This dish is great for meal prep; simply reheat when you are ready to serve.
How long can leftovers be stored?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet is more than just a meal—it’s a delightful experience that combines speed, simplicity, and joyful flavors. This recipe proves that healthy eating doesn’t have to be time-consuming or complicated. The combination of protein-rich turkey and sweet potatoes creates a hearty dish that is sure to satisfy, while the vibrant vegetables add color and nutrients to your plate. We encourage you to give it a try and explore the variations that fit your preferences. Don’t forget to share your thoughts and any creative twists you add to your Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet in the comments!
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Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This hearty, one-pan meal is a game changer for busy evenings.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground turkey (lean, fresh, or thawed) – A lean protein powerhouse.
- 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and diced (½-inch cubes) – Adds natural sweetness and fiber.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil – Healthy fats for sautéing.
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped – Adds depth of flavor.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced – For that irresistible aroma.
- 1 bell pepper, chopped (any color) – Adds sweetness and crunch.
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped – Boosts nutrients.
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika – For a smoky kick.
- 1 teaspoon cumin – Adds warmth and earthiness.
- Salt and pepper, to taste – Enhances flavors.
- Optional Add-ins: Avocado slices, red pepper flakes, lemon juice.
Instructions
- Begin by heating a tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. A cast-iron skillet is ideal as it retains heat well, ensuring your ingredients cook evenly. Swirl the oil around the pan to coat it fully, allowing it to warm for a minute.
- Now it’s time to add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté for about two to three minutes, or until the onions become translucent and the garlic releases its fabulous aroma. Stir frequently to prevent any burning, as you want a soft and fragrant mixture.
- Next, stir in the diced sweet potatoes into the skillet. Spread them evenly across the pan and allow them to cook for approximately ten minutes. Stir the mixture occasionally to check for doneness; you’re looking for the sweet potatoes to soften slightly but still hold their shape.
- After the sweet potatoes have softened, add the ground turkey to the skillet. Use a spatula to break the turkey up into smaller pieces, allowing it to brown evenly. Cook for five to seven minutes until the turkey is fully cooked through and has lost any pink color.
- With the turkey browned, it’s time to infuse the flavors by sprinkling in the smoked paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper. Stir the mixture well, ensuring everything is coated with of the spices, enhancing the overall flavor of your dish.
- Now, fold in the chopped bell pepper and spinach. Cook for an additional three to four minutes, or until the spinach has wilted and the peppers have softened slightly. This is the stage where the vibrant colors create an appetizing look in your skillet!
- Once everything is cooked, remove the skillet from the heat. You can sprinkle the dish with freshly chopped parsley for a splash of color and freshness. If desired, squeeze a bit of lemon juice on top to brighten the flavors even further. Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
Ensure the sweet potatoes are diced evenly for uniform cooking time.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
Nutrition
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Protein: 30 g