When I first discovered this Turkey & Sweet Potato Skillet recipe, it immediately became one of my go-to meals. As someone who loves hearty, flavorful dishes that are simple to prepare, I was drawn to the vibrant combination of tender turkey, sweet potatoes, and fresh vegetables. Cooking has always been my way of bringing comfort and joy to my home, and this recipe perfectly captures that essence. Every time I serve it, the aroma fills the kitchen, and the colors on the plate make it almost too beautiful to eat—almost!

What makes this recipe truly special is how easy it is to customize while still delivering incredible flavor. Whether you are cooking for family, friends, or just yourself, this skillet dish is versatile enough to suit different tastes and dietary preferences. The tender turkey provides a lean source of protein, while the sweet potatoes offer natural sweetness and a hearty texture that balances the savory elements perfectly. Over time, I’ve experimented with adding extra vegetables, spices, and herbs, and each variation has been a delicious success.

You will love this recipe because it combines simplicity, affordability, and nutrition in a single pan. Unlike recipes that require countless ingredients or complicated steps, this skillet meal uses a handful of items you likely already have in your kitchen. Despite being quick to prepare, it never compromises on flavor, making it ideal for weeknight dinners or meal prepping for the week. The dish is also highly versatile—serve it as a main course, pair it with a side salad, or even turn it into a filling for wraps or bowls.

In addition to being versatile, this recipe is budget-friendly. Sweet potatoes, turkey, and common pantry staples create a meal that is satisfying without breaking the bank. You can adjust the ingredients based on what you have available, and still achieve a comforting, nutritious dish.

Ingredients for the recipe:

1 pound ground turkey
2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
1 small onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 red bell pepper, diced
1 cup spinach or kale
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon paprika
½ teaspoon ground cumin
Salt and pepper, to taste
Fresh herbs for garnish (optional)

This combination of ingredients ensures a balanced, colorful, and satisfying meal that brings warmth and flavor to every bite.

How to Prepare This Recipe

Preparing the Turkey & Sweet Potato Skillet is straightforward, even if you’re short on time. The key is to work step by step, ensuring that each ingredient is cooked to perfection while keeping the flavors balanced and vibrant. This recipe is designed to be quick, easy, and fully customizable to suit your taste preferences.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Preparation

Prep your ingredients: Begin by peeling and cubing the sweet potatoes into roughly 1-inch pieces. Dice the onion and red bell pepper, and mince the garlic. If you’re using fresh spinach or kale, rinse it thoroughly and chop it coarsely. Prepping everything first ensures a smooth cooking process and prevents overcooking any ingredient.
Cook the turkey: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground turkey and season with salt, pepper, paprika, and cumin. Break the turkey into small pieces using a spatula. Cook for 6–8 minutes until it is browned and no longer pink, stirring occasionally to ensure even cooking. Using turkey instead of other meats keeps the dish lean while maintaining a rich flavor profile.
Sauté the vegetables: In a separate pan, heat the remaining tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and garlic, cooking for 2–3 minutes until fragrant. Then, add the red bell pepper and cook for an additional 3–4 minutes until slightly softened. Combining these ingredients separately at first enhances their natural flavors before mixing with the turkey and sweet potatoes.
Cook the sweet potatoes: Add the cubed sweet potatoes directly to the skillet with the turkey. Stir well to combine all ingredients. Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the skillet, and allow the sweet potatoes to cook for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally. This ensures that the sweet potatoes become tender without sticking to the pan.
Combine all ingredients: Once the sweet potatoes are fork-tender, add the sautéed onions, garlic, and bell peppers to the skillet. Stir thoroughly to evenly distribute the flavors. At this stage, you can also add the spinach or kale. Stir until the greens wilt, which usually takes 2–3 minutes.
Adjust seasoning: Taste the mixture and add additional salt, pepper, or paprika as needed. If you like a bit of heat, a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes works beautifully.
Serve and garnish: Remove the skillet from heat and let it rest for 1–2 minutes. Garnish with fresh herbs, such as parsley or cilantro, for a bright finishing touch. Serve directly from the skillet for a rustic presentation or portion onto plates for a more formal meal.

This recipe is quick and easy, requiring roughly 30 minutes from start to finish. It is highly customizable—you can swap sweet potatoes for butternut squash, add mushrooms, or use different greens depending on what you have on hand. It’s also popular with many people, making it perfect for family dinners, meal prepping, or even casual gatherings.

Cooking this skillet dish in a single pan not only simplifies cleanup but also helps the flavors meld together beautifully. Each bite offers a balanced combination of savory turkey, naturally sweet potatoes, and tender, aromatic vegetables. The spices enhance the taste without overwhelming it, creating a comforting yet vibrant dish.

This skillet is versatile enough to adapt to various diets and meal preferences. Serve it with a side of quinoa, rice, or even whole-grain bread to create a complete meal. For added richness, a drizzle of olive oil or a sprinkle of cheese can elevate the flavor while keeping it nutritious.

Savory Skillet with Turkey and Sweet Potato

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The Turkey & Sweet Potato Skillet is a nutritious, flavorful one-pan meal that combines lean protein, hearty sweet potatoes, and fresh vegetables. It’s perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prepping, or casual gatherings. Quick to prepare, customizable, and budget-friendly, this dish delivers comfort and flavor in every bite.

Author: Lura Skye
Prep Time: 10
Cook Time: 25
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 1x

Instructions

Peel and cube the sweet potatoes. Dice the onion and red bell pepper. Mince the garlic. Chop spinach or kale if using.
Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add ground turkey, season with salt, pepper, paprika, and cumin. Cook for 6–8 minutes until browned, breaking it into small pieces.
In a separate pan, heat remaining olive oil. Sauté onion and garlic for 2–3 minutes. Add red bell pepper and cook 3–4 minutes until softened.
Add sweet potatoes to the turkey skillet. Stir and reduce heat to medium-low. Cover and cook 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Mix in sautéed vegetables and greens. Stir until greens wilt, about 2–3 minutes.
Adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or additional spices.
Remove from heat, garnish with fresh herbs, and serve.

Notes

Substitute vegetables or greens based on preference.

Add crushed red pepper flakes for heat.

Can be served with grains or used in wraps.

FAQs

1. Can I use other types of meat instead of turkey?
Yes, you can substitute ground turkey with ground chicken or lean beef. Each option will slightly alter the flavor but still yield a delicious, protein-packed skillet.

2. How do I make this dish vegetarian?
You can replace the turkey with plant-based protein options such as lentils, chickpeas, or tofu. Simply cook them until they are firm and lightly browned before adding the vegetables.

3. Can I prepare this recipe in advance?
Absolutely. This dish reheats well and can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave until warmed through.

4. What sides pair well with this skillet?
This meal is versatile. Serve it with a simple green salad, steamed vegetables, rice, or quinoa. It can also be used as a filling for wraps or grain bowls.

5. Can I freeze the leftovers?
Yes, portion the cooled skillet into freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently on the stovetop.

6. How can I add extra flavor?
Fresh herbs, a squeeze of lemon, or a dash of smoked paprika can enhance the taste without adding complexity. You can also sprinkle a little cheese before serving for added richness.