Sweet Potato Turkey Skillet: A Hearty 35-Minute Meal

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Sweet Potato Turkey Skillet is a delicious and healthy skillet dish made with lean ground turkey and sweet potatoes. This one-pan meal is perfect for busy weeknights when you crave something hearty yet nutritious. With a savory blend of spices and colorful veggies, this meal not only satisfies your hunger but also provides essential nutrients. Let’s dive into how to make this delightful dish!

Why You’ll Love This Sweet Potato Turkey Skillet

This Turkey and sweet potato skillet recipe is a game changer for weeknight dinners. Here are a few reasons why you’ll absolutely love it:

Quick and easy: It takes just 35 minutes to prepare, making it a perfect choice for busy evenings.
Healthy: Packed with lean protein from ground turkey and the fiber-rich goodness of sweet potatoes, it’s a nutritious option.
Flavorful: The spices—chili powder, cumin, and paprika—add depth and warmth to the dish.
Versatile: You can easily customize it with your favorite vegetables or beans.
Meal prep friendly: This healthy turkey sweet potato skillet is great for making ahead and refrigerating.
One-pan wonder: Less cleanup means more time for you to enjoy your meal.

Ingredients for Sweet Potato Turkey Skillet

Gather these items:

1 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil (or avocado oil)
½ yellow onion, diced (about 1 cup)
1 red bell pepper, diced
1 lb lean ground turkey
1 Tbsp chili powder
2 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp regular paprika
1 tsp smoked paprika
½ tsp garlic powder
½ tsp dried oregano
1 tsp salt
¼ tsp black pepper
1 lb sweet potatoes, diced (about 2 medium sized sweet potatoes, 3-4 cups)
½ cup chicken broth (or water)
1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
2 cups baby spinach
½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
½ cup fresh cilantro, chopped (or parsley)
1 lime, juice of

How to Make Sweet Potato Turkey Skillet Step-by-Step

Step 1: Dice sweet potatoes, onion, and pepper. Drain and rinse the can of black beans.
Step 2: Heat a large pan or cast iron skillet with a lid over medium heat and add olive oil.
Step 3: Once the pan is heated, add diced onions and bell pepper. Saute until softened, about 4 minutes.
Step 4: Add ground turkey, spices, and salt & pepper. Break apart the ground turkey into small pieces with a wooden spoon or spatula. Brown ground turkey until almost cooked through, about 6-8 minutes.
Step 5: Add the diced sweet potato and chicken broth to the cooked turkey. Cover and simmer for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally until the sweet potato is fork tender.
Step 6: Turn off the heat. Add the black beans, spinach, and cheese and stir until the spinach wilts and the cheese melts.
Step 7: Sprinkle cilantro and squeeze lime juice on top of the skillet.

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Pro Tips for the Best Sweet Potato Turkey Skillet

Keep these in mind:

Use fresh spices for maximum flavor.
Feel free to swap in your favorite veggies, such as zucchini or kale.
For a bit of heat, add diced jalapeños or a dash of cayenne.
This recipe is gluten-free, making it suitable for various dietary needs.

Best Ways to Serve Sweet Potato Turkey Skillet

This one-pan sweet potato turkey meal can be served in various delightful ways:

Over a bed of quinoa or brown rice for added texture and nutrients.
As a filling in whole wheat tortillas for a fun twist.
Top with a dollop of Greek yogurt for extra creaminess.

How to Store and Reheat Sweet Potato Turkey Skillet

This dish is perfect for meal prep. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply warm it in a skillet over medium heat until heated through or in the microwave for 2-3 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions About Sweet Potato Turkey Skillet

What’s the secret to perfect Sweet Potato Turkey Skillet?

The secret lies in the seasoning and cooking the sweet potatoes until fork-tender. Make sure to not rush the simmering step, as it allows the flavors to meld beautifully.

Can I make Sweet Potato Turkey Skillet ahead of time?

Yes, this dish is excellent for making ahead. You can prepare it a day in advance and simply reheat it for a quick meal.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Sweet Potato Turkey Skillet?

Avoid undercooking the sweet potatoes and overcooking the turkey. Keep an eye on both during the cooking process for the best texture and flavor.

Variations of Sweet Potato Turkey Skillet You Can Try

Looking to switch things up? Here are a few variations:

Make a ground turkey sweet potato casserole by mixing the ingredients with some eggs and baking for a hearty breakfast.
Add different beans like kidney or pinto beans for a twist.
Incorporate seasonal vegetables like asparagus or green beans for added nutrition.

Sweet Potato Turkey Skillet: A Hearty 35-Minute Meal - Sweet Potato Turkey Skillet - additional detail

For more delicious recipes, check out our Garlic Parmesan Sweet Potato dish or try the Honey Roasted Root Vegetables for a healthy side. If you’re looking for a sweet treat, our Gingerbread Tiramisu is a must-try!