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Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet
This turkey sweet potato skillet delivers a perfect balance of lean protein and nutritious vegetables in one easy pan. Combining ground turkey with tender sweet potatoes and colorful bell peppers, this recipe creates a satisfying meal that’s both healthy and delicious. The warm spices of chili powder and cumin add depth while keeping preparation simple and straightforward.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- One-pan cooking means minimal cleanup and maximum convenience for busy weeknights
- Packed with lean protein from turkey and complex carbs from sweet potatoes for sustained energy
- Ready in under 30 minutes from prep to plate, perfect for quick family dinners
- Naturally gluten-free and easily customizable with your favorite vegetables and spices
- Budget-friendly ingredients that create a filling meal for the whole family
Why This Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet Recipe Works
The secret to this recipe’s success lies in the cooking sequence. Starting with aromatics builds a flavorful base, while browning the turkey creates rich depth. Sweet potatoes get a head start since they need more cooking time than bell peppers.
The spice combination of chili powder and cumin complements both the turkey and sweet potatoes perfectly. Covering the skillet during sweet potato cooking ensures even tenderness without burning.
Why You’ll Love This Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet
This dish offers incredible versatility for meal planning. You can prep vegetables ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator. The recipe scales easily for larger families or meal prep purposes.
The nutritional profile impresses with high protein, fiber, and essential vitamins. Sweet potatoes provide beta-carotene and potassium, while turkey offers lean protein without excess fat.
What You’ll Need
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity (approx) | Purpose / Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Lean ground turkey | 1 lb | Main protein source, provides hearty texture |
| Sweet potatoes | 2 medium (2 cups diced) | Complex carbs and natural sweetness |
| Bell peppers | 1 cup chopped | Adds crunch and vibrant color |
| Yellow onion | 1 medium, diced | Aromatic base for flavor building |
| Fresh garlic | 3 cloves, minced | Essential aromatic component |
| Olive oil | 2 tablespoons | Cooking fat for sautéing |
| Chili powder | 1 teaspoon | Warm spice for depth |
| Ground cumin | 1 teaspoon | Earthy flavor complement |
| Salt and pepper | To taste | Essential seasoning |
Tools
| Tool | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Large skillet with lid | Main cooking vessel for one-pan preparation |
| Sharp knife | Precise vegetable chopping and dicing |
| Cutting board | Safe surface for ingredient preparation |
| Wooden spatula | Breaking up turkey and stirring ingredients |
| Vegetable peeler | Removing sweet potato skins efficiently |
How to Make Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet
| Step | Instructions |
|---|---|
| 1. Prep vegetables | Wash and peel sweet potatoes, dice into bite-sized cubes. Chop bell peppers and onion uniformly for even cooking. |
| 2. Sauté aromatics | Heat olive oil in large skillet over medium heat. Add onion and garlic, cook until fragrant, about 3-4 minutes. |
| 3. Brown turkey | Add ground turkey to skillet, cook 5-7 minutes until browned, breaking apart with spatula for even cooking. |
| 4. Add sweet potatoes | Stir in diced sweet potatoes, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Cover and cook 10 minutes until tender but firm. |
| 5. Include bell peppers | Remove lid, add bell peppers and stir well. Cook additional 5 minutes until peppers are tender-crisp. |
| 6. Final seasoning | Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve immediately while hot for best texture and flavor. |
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Cut sweet potatoes into uniform pieces to ensure even cooking throughout the dish
- Don’t overcrowd the pan – use a large skillet to allow proper browning of the turkey
- Keep bell peppers slightly crisp for better texture contrast against tender sweet potatoes
- Taste and adjust spices at the end since sweet potatoes can absorb seasonings differently
- Let the turkey brown properly before stirring to develop deeper flavors in the final dish
Serving and Storage Tips for Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet
Serving Tips
Serve this turkey sweet potato skillet hot directly from the pan for best results. Garnish with fresh cilantro, green onions, or a dollop of Greek yogurt for added freshness.
This dish pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad or steamed broccoli. For heartier appetites, serve over brown rice or quinoa. The flavors also complement ultimate chicken casserole for family-style dining.
Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days in airtight containers. Reheat gently in the microwave or skillet with a splash of broth to maintain moisture.
Mistakes to Avoid When Making Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet
Don’t rush the sweet potato cooking process. They need adequate time to become tender without turning mushy. Cutting them too large will result in uneven cooking.
Avoid using high heat throughout cooking. Medium heat allows proper browning without burning the aromatics or overcooking the vegetables.
Don’t add all vegetables at once. Bell peppers cook faster than sweet potatoes and should be added later to maintain their texture and color.
You Must Know
- Sweet potatoes vary in cooking time depending on size and variety, so test for doneness with a fork
- Ground turkey can dry out quickly, so don’t overcook and consider using 85/15 lean-to-fat ratio
- Covering the skillet during sweet potato cooking is crucial for even heat distribution and proper tenderness
- Season gradually throughout cooking rather than all at once for better flavor development and balance
Tips and Tricks for Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet
Pre-cook sweet potatoes partially in the microwave for 2-3 minutes to reduce skillet cooking time. This technique works especially well for meal prep situations.
Add a splash of chicken broth if the mixture seems dry during cooking. This prevents sticking and adds extra flavor depth.
For meal prep, cook the recipe completely and portion into containers. Reheat with a little water or broth to restore moisture. Consider trying keto cloud cake recipe for dessert variety.
Suggestions for Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet Variations
Transform this base recipe by adding black beans and corn for a southwestern twist. Include diced tomatoes and jalapeños for extra heat and freshness.
Try different spice combinations like Italian herbs with oregano and basil, or curry powder for an international flavor profile. Each variation creates a completely different meal experience.
Substitute ground chicken or lean beef for turkey if preferred. Add different vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, or spinach based on seasonal availability. For more inspiration, check out turkey sweet potato hash recipes.
Create a breakfast version by adding scrambled eggs during the last few minutes of cooking. Top with avocado slices and hot sauce for a complete morning meal.
FAQs:
Yes, you can prepare this dish up to 3 days in advance. Store in the refrigerator and reheat gently with a splash of broth to maintain moisture and prevent drying out.
Ground chicken, lean ground beef, or even plant-based ground meat work well as substitutes. Adjust cooking times slightly as different proteins may cook at different rates.
Sweet potatoes should be tender when pierced with a fork but still hold their shape. They typically take 10-12 minutes of covered cooking in the skillet.
Yes, this dish freezes well for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently, adding a little broth if needed to restore moisture.
Chili powder and cumin are classic choices, but you can also try paprika, garlic powder, or even curry spices for different flavor profiles that complement both ingredients beautifully.
Conclusion
This turkey sweet potato skillet proves that healthy eating doesn’t require complicated recipes or extensive ingredient lists. With simple preparation techniques and common pantry spices, you can create a nutritious meal that satisfies the whole family.
The combination of lean protein and complex carbohydrates makes this dish perfect for any time of day. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or need a quick dinner solution, this recipe delivers both convenience and nutrition.
Try this versatile recipe tonight and discover how easy it is to create restaurant-quality flavors at home. For more delicious one-pan meals, explore creamy garlic shrimp pasta or browse additional turkey and sweet potato combinations for inspiration.
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📖 Recipe Card
Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
A delicious and easy recipe for turkey sweet potato skillet that you’ll love making at home.
Ingredients
- 2 large sweet potatoes
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 2 bell peppers
- 1 medium onion
- 3 cloves garlic
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prep vegetables: Wash and peel sweet potatoes, dice into bite-sized cubes. Chop bell peppers and onion uniformly for even cooking.
- Sauté aromatics: Heat olive oil in large skillet over medium heat. Add onion and garlic, cook until fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
- Brown turkey: Add ground turkey to skillet, cook 5-7 minutes until browned, breaking apart with spatula for even cooking.
- Add sweet potatoes: Stir in diced sweet potatoes, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Cover and cook 10 minutes until tender but firm.
- Include bell peppers: Remove lid, add bell peppers and stir well. Cook additional 5 minutes until peppers are tender-crisp.
- Final seasoning: Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve immediately while hot for best texture and flavor.
Notes
- Cut sweet potatoes into uniform pieces to ensure even cooking throughout the dish
- Don’t overcrowd the pan – use a large skillet to allow proper browning of the turkey
- Keep bell peppers slightly crisp for better texture contrast against tender sweet potatoes
- Let the turkey brown properly before stirring to develop deeper flavors in the final dish
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: International
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 285 calories
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 380mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
Keywords: turkey sweet potato skillet, recipe, homemade, cooking, food, easy recipe
