Ugh, weeknights, right? It feels like as soon as you walk in the door, it’s already go-time for dinner. That’s why I’m SO obsessed with meals that are not only good for you but also practically cook themselves. This Sweet Potato and Ground Turkey skillet has become my absolute saving grace on those crazy evenings. It’s packed with goodness, comes together in a flash, and hits that perfect spot between healthy and totally satisfying. Honestly, it’s a lifesaver!
Why You’ll Love This Sweet Potato and Ground Turkey Skillet
Seriously, this recipe is a weeknight lifesaver! It ticks all the boxes for a busy cook:
- Super Speedy: We’re talking dinner on the table in about 40 minutes, start to finish. Perfect for when you’re already running late!
- One-Pan Wonder: Who *doesn’t* love less cleanup? Everything cooks right in one skillet, which means way fewer dishes to tackle afterwards.
- Healthy & Filling: You get that lean protein from the turkey and amazing, wholesome carbs from the sweet potatoes. It keeps you full and happy!
- Flavor Town: Even with just a few simple spices, the flavors really sing! It’s warm, comforting, and seriously delicious.
- Totally Versatile: Don’t be afraid to toss in other leftover veggies you’ve got. It’s a really forgiving dish!
- Great for Meal Prep: Make a double batch, and you’ve automatically got lunches for the next couple of days. So easy!
Gather Your Ingredients for Sweet Potato and Ground Turkey
Okay, so to whip up this amazing Sweet Potato and Ground Turkey skillet, you’ll want to grab a few things from the store. Don’t worry, it’s all pretty standard stuff that makes the magic happen!
Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil – just a little to get things started
- 1 pound ground turkey – I love using the leaner kind!
- 1 medium onion, chopped – yellow or white works great
- 2 cloves garlic, minced – because garlic makes everything better!
- 1 large sweet potato, peeled and diced – make sure the pieces are about bite-sized, maybe half an inch or so
- 1 cup chicken broth – makes it saucy and helps steam those sweet potatoes
- 1/2 teaspoon salt – or to your taste!
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper – freshly ground is best if you have it
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika – for a little color and warmth
- 1/4 teaspoon cumin – this really gives it that cozy flavor!
That’s pretty much it! It sounds like a lot, but it all cooks together so perfectly.
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions for Sweet Potato and Ground Turkey
So, let’s talk about these ingredients for our Sweet Potato and Ground Turkey dish! Sometimes you might be missing something, or you just want to switch things up, and that’s totally okay. It’s all about making it work for *you*.
That ground turkey? If you’re not a fan or just don’t have it, seriously, ground beef or even ground chicken would be totally fine here. They might brown a little differently, but the flavor will still be delicious. And chicken broth is great, but honestly, any broth you have – veggie broth, beef broth – it’ll all work! Just pour it in and let it do its thing.
Now, the sweet potato is kinda the star here, right? You want them diced into nice, even pieces so they cook through nicely. If you’re in a pinch and don’t have sweet potatoes, butternut squash would be a yummy swap, or even regular potatoes if that’s all you’ve got! Just remember they might cook a little faster or slower, so keep an eye on them. For an extra veggie boost, definitely toss in some chopped bell peppers or even a big handful of spinach right at the end – it wilts down super fast and adds more goodness. It’s recipes like these that make weeknight dinners a breeze, kind of like this ground turkey and zucchini casserole I love!
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Sweet Potato and Ground Turkey
Alright, let’s get this delicious Sweet Potato and Ground Turkey skillet on the go! It’s honestly so straightforward, you’ll feel like a total pro. Just follow these simple steps, and dinner will be ready before you know it. It’s kind of like how this ground beef and zucchini skillet comes together so easily!
Browning the Ground Turkey
First things first, get your skillet nice and warm over medium-high heat. Add that tablespoon of olive oil, and then dump in your pound of ground turkey. Now, this is important: grab your spoon and break up that meat into smaller pieces as it cooks. You want it to get nicely browned all over. Once it’s good and browned, don’t forget to carefully drain off any extra grease. It just makes the whole dish a little lighter and healthier!
Sautéing Aromatics for Sweet Potato and Ground Turkey
Next up, toss in your chopped onion right after you drain the turkey. Let those onions cook down until they start to look soft and a little see-through, which usually takes about 5 minutes. Then, add your minced garlic. You only need to cook it for about a minute more until you can really smell that amazing garlic aroma. Seriously, this step really builds up the flavor base for our fantastic Sweet Potato and Ground Turkey skillet! It reminds me a bit of how the aromatics get going in my garlic butter chicken and potatoes skillet!
Combining Ingredients and Simmering
Now for the fun part! Add your diced sweet potato right into the skillet. Pour in that cup of chicken broth, and then sprinkle in your salt, pepper, paprika, and cumin. Give it all a good stir to mix everything together. Bring the whole mixture up to a boil, then immediately turn the heat down to low. Pop a lid on the skillet – this is key for letting those sweet potatoes steam and get nice and tender. Let it simmer away for about 15 to 20 minutes. Give it a stir now and then to make sure nothing’s sticking. You’ll know it’s ready when those sweet potatoes are fork-tender. It smells incredible while it’s happening!
Tips for the Perfect Sweet Potato and Ground Turkey
Alright, so you’ve got the recipe, you’ve got your ingredients, but how do you make sure this Sweet Potato and Ground Turkey skillet turns out absolutely *perfect* every single time? Trust me, a couple of little tricks can make all the difference!
First off, when you’re dicing up that sweet potato, try to keep the pieces as uniform as possible. I aim for about a half-inch dice. This way, they all cook at the same rate, and you won’t have some mushy bits and some still-hard rocks. Consistency is key here! If your mixture looks a little dry while it’s simmering, don’t be afraid to add another splash of chicken broth or even just a little water. It helps keep everything from sticking and ensures those sweet potatoes get perfectly tender. It’s like when I’m making my stuffed sweet potatoes, getting that moisture just right is crucial!
Serving Suggestions for Your Sweet Potato and Ground Turkey Skillet
This hearty skillet is pretty much a meal in itself, but if you want to jazz it up, I’ve got some ideas! A simple side salad is always a winner – maybe something fresh and light like this cucumber Caprese salad, or perhaps a tasty chickpea and peach salad for a little sweetness. You could also serve it over a bed of fluffy quinoa or brown rice if you’re feeling extra hungry!
Storage and Reheating Your Sweet Potato and Ground Turkey
Got leftovers? Lucky you! Let your Sweet Potato and Ground Turkey cool down completely before you pop it into an airtight container. It’ll keep well in the fridge for about 3 to 4 days. When you’re ready to reheat, just pop a portion back into a skillet over low heat, adding a tiny splash of water or broth if it looks a bit dry. You can also microwave it for a minute or two until it’s heated through. Easy peasy!
Frequently Asked Questions about Sweet Potato and Ground Turkey
Got questions about whipping up this delicious Sweet Potato and Ground Turkey skillet? I totally get it! Sometimes you need a little extra info, and I’m happy to help!
Can I use a different type of ground meat?
Oh, absolutely! If ground turkey isn’t your jam, feel free to swap it out for ground beef or even ground chicken. Just be aware that the cooking time might change slightly! It’s kind of like how this ground turkey and zucchini casserole is super versatile too.
How can I make this recipe spicier?
If you like a little heat, just add a pinch of red pepper flakes when you add the other spices, or a drizzle of your favorite hot sauce at the end. So yummy!
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Totally! This Sweet Potato and Ground Turkey skillet is fantastic for meal prep. Just portion it into containers once it cools, and you’ve got healthy lunches or dinners ready to go for a few days.
Nutritional Information for Sweet Potato and Ground Turkey
Just so you know, all the nutritional info here is an estimate based on the ingredients we used. Different brands or slight changes to portion sizes can make it vary a bit, but this gives you a good idea of what you’re working with for a healthy, balanced meal!
Share Your Sweet Potato and Ground Turkey Creation!
Okay, now it’s YOUR turn! I would absolutely LOVE to see how your Sweet Potato and Ground Turkey skillet turned out. Did you add extra veggies? Did you try a spice swap? Please, please, PLEASE leave a comment below and tell me all about it! And if you snagged a pic, definitely tag me on social media. Your creations totally make my day and inspire everyone else! You can learn more about me here!
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Sweet Potato and Ground Turkey Skillet
- Total Time: 40 min
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A simple and healthy one-pan meal featuring sweet potatoes and ground turkey.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 large sweet potato, peeled and diced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon cumin
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add ground turkey and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain any excess fat.
- Add onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute more until fragrant.
- Add diced sweet potato, chicken broth, salt, pepper, paprika, and cumin.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until sweet potatoes are tender.
- Stir occasionally.
- Serve hot.
Notes
- You can add other vegetables like bell peppers or spinach.
- Adjust seasonings to your preference.
- Prep Time: 15 min
- Cook Time: 25 min
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keywords: sweet potato, ground turkey, skillet, healthy, one-pan meal, dinner