Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet

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There’s something incredibly satisfying about making a one-skillet meal that’s both hearty and healthy. That’s exactly what this Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet delivers. I love how the sweet potatoes turn golden and slightly crisp on the edges, balancing beautifully with the savory and juicy ground turkey. This dish comes together quickly, making it one of my top go-tos for a nutritious weeknight dinner or a meal prep favorite.

The simplicity of this recipe is what makes it so charming. You don’t need complicated ingredients or techniques—just a bit of chopping, seasoning, and sautéing, and you’ll end up with a skillet bursting with flavor. Plus, the bright orange sweet potatoes and fresh parsley make the dish just as visually inviting as it is delicious.

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Why You’ll Love This Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet

• Healthy & Filling: Packed with lean protein and complex carbs.
• One-Pan Wonder: Fewer dishes and easy cleanup.
• Quick to Make: Ready in under 30 minutes.
• Family Friendly: Mild flavors everyone will enjoy.
• Meal Prep Approved: Stores well and tastes great reheated.

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What Kind of Sweet Potatoes Should I Use?

When it comes to this skillet, I always reach for orange-fleshed sweet potatoes like the Jewel or Garnet varieties. They have a creamy, slightly sweet flavor that intensifies when cooked, and they hold their shape well when diced and sautéed. That said, if you can only find white or purple sweet potatoes, those can work too—just note that they’re starchier and a bit less sweet, which might slightly change the overall balance of the dish.

Make sure the sweet potatoes are firm and free of any soft spots or bruises. Peeling them is optional, but I like to remove the skin for a smoother bite that absorbs flavor more evenly.

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Options for Substitutions

Flexibility is one of the best parts of this recipe. If you need to adapt it, here are some great alternatives:

• Ground Meat: Swap ground turkey for ground chicken, lean beef, or plant-based crumbles for a vegetarian version.
• Sweet Potatoes: Butternut squash or even diced carrots can fill in if you’re out of sweet potatoes.
• Herbs: Fresh parsley adds brightness, but cilantro or green onions work just as well.
• Spices: Add a smoky edge with a pinch of smoked paprika or some crushed red pepper for heat.
• Garlic & Onion: If you’re short on time, garlic powder and onion powder can substitute for fresh.

This dish is super forgiving, so feel free to play around with what you have on hand.

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Ingredients for This Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet

Each ingredient in this dish plays a key role in building flavor and texture. Here’s what you’ll need and why it matters:

• Ground Turkey
  Lean and protein-rich, ground turkey is the star of this recipe. It soaks up all the seasoning and gives the dish a satisfying meaty base without being heavy.
• Sweet Potatoes
  These are the heart of the skillet—naturally sweet, hearty, and full of nutrients like fiber and beta-carotene. They balance the savory notes from the turkey beautifully.
• Onion
  Diced onions bring a layer of sweetness and aromatic depth when sautéed until golden.
• Garlic
  A couple of cloves add a punch of flavor, grounding the dish with a warm, earthy undertone.
• Olive Oil
  Used for sautéing, olive oil gives everything a golden, crisp edge and enhances the overall richness.
• Paprika
  Adds subtle warmth and color, complementing the sweetness of the potatoes and boosting the flavor of the meat.
• Salt & Pepper
  Essential for seasoning the dish properly and tying all the elements together.
• Fresh Parsley
  Sprinkled at the end for a burst of freshness and a pop of color.

These ingredients keep things simple but delicious, letting the natural flavors shine without overwhelming the palate.

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Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients

Start by peeling and dicing the sweet potatoes into small, even cubes—this helps them cook quickly and evenly. Dice the onion and mince the garlic. Keep your parsley chopped and ready for garnish later.

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Step 2: Cook the Sweet Potatoes

Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sweet potatoes, season with salt and pepper, and sauté for about 10 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent burning. They should start to soften and develop some golden edges.

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Step 3: Sauté the Aromatics

Push the sweet potatoes to one side of the skillet or transfer them to a plate temporarily. Add a little more oil if needed, then toss in the diced onions. Cook until translucent, about 3–4 minutes, then add the garlic and stir until fragrant—just 30 seconds or so.

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Step 4: Brown the Ground Turkey

Add the ground turkey to the skillet with the onions and garlic. Break it apart with a spatula, season with paprika, salt, and pepper, and cook until it’s no longer pink—about 6–8 minutes. Make sure the turkey is nicely browned for the best flavor.

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Step 5: Combine Everything

Once the turkey is cooked through, mix the sweet potatoes back in (if you removed them). Stir everything together so the flavors meld. Let it cook for another 2–3 minutes to bring it all together.

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Step 6: Finish and Garnish

Turn off the heat, sprinkle the chopped parsley over the top, and give it one last stir. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve it hot, straight from the skillet.

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How Long to Cook the Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet

This dish comes together in about 25 to 30 minutes total:

• Sweet potatoes: 10–12 minutes to soften and get those golden edges.
• Onions and garlic: 4–5 minutes for full aromatic flavor.
• Ground turkey: 6–8 minutes to brown and cook through.
• Final melding time: 2–3 minutes for all the flavors to come together in the skillet.

You’ll know it’s done when the sweet potatoes are fork-tender and the turkey is fully cooked and lightly browned.

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Tips for Perfect Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet

• Cut Evenly: Dice your sweet potatoes into similar-sized cubes so they cook evenly. Uneven pieces can lead to a mix of mushy and undercooked bites.
• Use a Large Skillet: This recipe makes a generous batch. Using a large skillet ensures that the ingredients cook evenly without overcrowding or steaming.
• Don’t Overcook the Turkey: Ground turkey can dry out quickly. Cook it just until it’s no longer pink, then mix everything together.
• Adjust Seasoning Gradually: Add salt and spices in layers—on the potatoes, on the turkey, and then again at the end if needed—for the most balanced flavor.
• Add a Splash of Water or Broth if Dry: If the skillet starts to look a bit dry while the sweet potatoes are cooking, a couple of tablespoons of water or chicken broth will help them steam and soften.
• Make it Your Own: Throw in extras like spinach, bell peppers, or even a handful of shredded cheese on top if you like a twist.

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Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

Even a simple skillet can go sideways if you’re not careful. Here are some common missteps to avoid:

• Undercooking the Sweet Potatoes
  They should be fork-tender but not mushy. If they’re still firm, give them a few more minutes—don’t rush this step.
• Skipping the Browning on the Turkey
  Browning = flavor. Stirring it too frequently can prevent that nice caramelization from forming.
• Overcrowding the Pan
  Cramming in too much at once can cause steaming instead of sautéing. If needed, cook in batches for the best texture.
• Using Too High Heat
  High heat might burn the garlic or sweet potatoes before the turkey cooks. Medium heat gives you control and even results.
• Forgetting to Taste and Adjust
  Taste at the end and add a pinch more salt, pepper, or paprika if needed. Even a squeeze of lemon juice can brighten the dish.

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What to Serve With Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet?

This skillet is satisfying on its own, but pairing it with something fresh or creamy can round it out beautifully.

Simple Green Salad

A fresh salad with lemon vinaigrette offers a bright contrast to the warm, hearty skillet.

Fried or Poached Egg

Top each serving with a runny egg for a brunchy twist or added richness.

Crusty Bread or Garlic Toast

Perfect for scooping up every flavorful bite and soaking up juices from the skillet.

Cucumber Yogurt Dip (Tzatziki)

A cool, tangy yogurt-based dip works wonderfully on the side to refresh the palate.

Crumbled Feta or Goat Cheese

Sprinkle a bit over the top for a creamy, tangy boost that plays well with sweet potato.

Avocado Slices or Guacamole

A soft, creamy addition that gives a healthy fat boost and smooth contrast.

Brown Rice or Quinoa

For those who want a little extra bulk, grains can stretch this dish into even more servings.

Roasted Veggies

Cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, or zucchini roasted with olive oil make great companions.

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Storage Instructions

One of the best things about this Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet is how well it keeps. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or storing leftovers, here’s how to do it right:

• Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Let the skillet cool completely before sealing it to avoid moisture buildup.
• Freezer: This dish freezes nicely! Pack it in a freezer-safe container or resealable bag, pressing out as much air as possible. It will keep for up to 3 months.
• Reheating: For best results, reheat in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or broth to revive the texture. You can also microwave it in 60-second bursts, stirring in between until hot.

Avoid freezing if you’ve added extras like leafy greens or soft cheeses after cooking—they don’t thaw well.

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Estimated Nutrition

This is a general nutritional estimate for 1 serving of the Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet, assuming it’s divided into 4 servings:

• Calories: ~340 kcal
• Protein: 27g
• Carbohydrates: 22g
• Fat: 15g
• Fiber: 4g
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: ~380mg

Keep in mind these values can vary depending on the exact brands and substitutions you use.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use pre-cooked sweet potatoes?

Yes, but add them at the end. Since they’re already soft, just toss them in to warm through during the final few minutes of cooking so they don’t get mushy.

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Can I swap ground turkey for another protein?

Absolutely. Ground chicken, lean beef, or even crumbled tofu all work well here. Just adjust the seasoning accordingly since each meat has a different flavor profile.

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Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! All ingredients in this skillet are naturally gluten-free. Just double-check your spices and any added broth if you’re using store-bought.

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Can I freeze the leftovers?

Definitely. Store cooled leftovers in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in a skillet or microwave.

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How do I prevent the dish from drying out when reheating?

Add a splash of water, broth, or even olive oil when reheating to bring back the moisture and keep the dish juicy.

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Can I add cheese to this?

Yes! A sprinkle of feta, cheddar, or goat cheese on top is delicious and adds extra richness to the dish.

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Can I add vegetables?

Of course. Bell peppers, spinach, kale, or zucchini are all excellent additions. Just sauté them briefly before adding or stir in greens at the end.

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Is this good for meal prep?

It’s perfect for it! This skillet stores and reheats well, making it an ideal meal prep option for lunches or busy weeknights.

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Conclusion

This Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet checks all the boxes: it’s quick, healthy, satisfying, and full of flavor. Whether you’re feeding your family on a weeknight or prepping for the days ahead, this one-pan wonder keeps things deliciously simple. Once you make it, it’s bound to become a regular in your rotation.

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