Irresistible One-Pan Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet
Table of Contents
Discover our mouthwatering homemade Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet recipe that’s ready in just 30 minutes! This quick, protein-packed meal combines lean turkey with nutritious sweet potatoes for a weeknight dinner winner at www.dailymeatrecipe.com.
Introduction
Are you searching for a delicious, nutrient-dense meal that doesn’t sacrifice flavor for health? Look no further than this incredible Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet recipe! This one-pan wonder combines lean ground turkey with vibrant sweet potatoes and a perfect blend of spices to create a meal that’s as satisfying as it is nutritious. Perfect for busy weeknights when you need a quick dinner solution that doesn’t compromise on taste, this Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet has become a reader favorite at www.dailymeatrecipe.com.
Ingredients for Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Lean ground turkey | 1 pound | 93% lean recommended for this meat recipe |
| Sweet potatoes | 2 medium | Peeled and diced into ½-inch cubes |
| Yellow onion | 1 medium | Finely diced |
| Bell peppers | 2 | One red, one green, diced |
| Garlic | 3 cloves | Minced |
| Olive oil | 2 tablespoons | For cooking |
| Chili powder | 1 tablespoon | Adjust to taste |
| Cumin | 1 teaspoon | For authentic flavor |
| Paprika | 1 teaspoon | Adds color and smoky flavor |
| Salt | 1 teaspoon | Or to taste |
| Black pepper | ½ teaspoon | Freshly ground |
| Chicken broth | ½ cup | Low-sodium preferred |
| Fresh spinach | 2 cups | Packed |
| Fresh cilantro | ¼ cup | Chopped, for garnish |
| Avocado | 1 | Sliced, for serving (optional) |
| Lime | 1 | Cut into wedges, for serving |
Nutrition Facts
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 320 |
| Protein | 28g |
| Carbohydrates | 25g |
| Fiber | 5g |
| Fat | 12g |
| Saturated Fat | 2.5g |
| Sodium | 580mg |
| Sugar | 6g |
| Vitamin A | 230% DV |
| Vitamin C | 120% DV |
| Calcium | 8% DV |
| Iron | 15% DV |
Serving size: ¼ of recipe (approximately 1½ cups)
Step-by-Step Preparation Instructions
Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients
Before diving into cooking this delicious Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet, take a few minutes to prepare all ingredients. Peel and dice the sweet potatoes into uniform ½-inch cubes to ensure they cook evenly. Chop the onions, bell peppers, and mince the garlic. Having everything ready will make the cooking process much smoother.
Step 2: Cook the Ground Turkey
Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground turkey and break it apart with a wooden spoon as it cooks. Season with ½ teaspoon salt and ¼ teaspoon black pepper. Cook the meat until it’s no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes. Once cooked through, transfer the turkey to a plate and set aside.
Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables
In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Add the diced onion and cook until translucent, about 3 minutes. Add the bell peppers and cook for another 2 minutes until they begin to soften. Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Step 4: Cook the Sweet Potatoes
Add the diced sweet potatoes to the skillet along with the chili powder, cumin, paprika, remaining salt, and black pepper. Stir well to coat the sweet potatoes with the spices. Pour in the chicken broth, then cover the skillet and reduce heat to medium. Allow the sweet potatoes to steam and cook until fork-tender, about 10-12 minutes. Check occasionally and add a splash more broth if the skillet becomes too dry.
Step 5: Combine and Finish
Once the sweet potatoes are tender, return the cooked ground turkey to the skillet and stir to combine. Add the fresh spinach and fold it into the mixture until wilted, about 2 minutes. Taste and adjust seasonings if needed. The Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet is now ready to serve!
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Remove the skillet from heat and garnish with freshly chopped cilantro. Serve this delicious meat recipe with sliced avocado and lime wedges on the side for a burst of freshness.
Serving Suggestions
This versatile Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet recipe can be served in multiple ways to keep meals interesting throughout the week:
- Classic Bowl: Serve the skillet meal as is, topped with sliced avocado, a squeeze of lime, and perhaps a dollop of Greek yogurt for extra creaminess.
- Wrapped Up: Spoon the mixture into warm tortillas for delicious tacos or burritos, adding some shredded cheese and salsa for extra flavor.
- Breakfast Variation: Top the reheated skillet with a fried egg for a protein-packed breakfast that will keep you satisfied until lunch.
- Over Grains: Serve this flavorful dish over brown rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice for an even more filling meal option.
- Stuffed: Use the Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet mixture as a filling for stuffed bell peppers or poblano chilies for an impressive dinner presentation.
Pro Tips for Perfect Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet
- Uniform Sweet Potato Cubes: Cut sweet potatoes into even-sized cubes to ensure they cook at the same rate. This simple tip makes a huge difference in the final texture of your meat recipe.
- Don’t Overcook the Turkey: Ground turkey can become dry if overcooked. Remove it from the heat as soon as it’s no longer pink to keep it moist and tender.
- Deglaze the Pan: After cooking the turkey, don’t waste those flavorful brown bits at the bottom of the skillet! Use the chicken broth to scrape them up and incorporate that rich flavor into your dish.
- Heat Management: Sweet potatoes can stick to the pan and burn if the heat is too high. Keep the temperature at medium and stir occasionally to prevent burning.
- Meal Prep Friendly: This recipe can be made ahead and portioned for easy lunches and dinners throughout the week. The flavors actually improve after a day in the refrigerator!
- Add More Veggies: Feel free to add other vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, or kale to boost the nutritional value of this already healthy meat recipe.
- Spice Adjustments: The spice level is customizable. Add a diced jalapeño or a dash of cayenne if you prefer more heat in your Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet.
Delicious Variations
Tex-Mex Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet
Transform this dish by adding 1 cup of black beans, ½ cup of corn kernels, and topping with shredded Mexican-blend cheese. Serve with a side of tortilla chips for a Tex-Mex inspired meal that the whole family will love.
Mediterranean Version
Substitute the chili powder and cumin with 2 teaspoons of Italian seasoning and 1 teaspoon of oregano. Add a handful of black olives, diced tomatoes, and crumbled feta cheese before serving for a Mediterranean twist on this classic meat recipe.
Curry-Spiced Alternative
Replace the original spice blend with 2 tablespoons of curry powder for an Indian-inspired variation. Add a can of coconut milk instead of chicken broth for a creamier sauce, and finish with a sprinkle of chopped cashews.
Vegetarian Substitute
For a meatless version, replace the ground turkey with 2 cups of cooked lentils or 1 package of crumbled firm tofu. Add an extra teaspoon of smoked paprika to enhance the flavor profile in this plant-based alternative.
Breakfast Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet
Add an extra kick to your morning by incorporating breakfast sausage instead of ground turkey and topping the finished skillet with fried or scrambled eggs. Garnish with chopped green onions for a breakfast variation that will power you through the day.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use ground chicken instead of turkey in this skillet recipe?
Absolutely! Ground chicken works perfectly as a substitute for turkey in this Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet recipe. The cooking time and method remain the same, and you’ll still get a delicious, protein-rich meal.
How do I store leftovers of this meat recipe?
Store any leftover Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave or in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of broth to prevent drying out.
Can I freeze this dish?
Yes! This recipe freezes beautifully. Cool the skillet completely, then portion into freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for best results.
What if I don’t have sweet potatoes?
Regular potatoes can be substituted, though the cooking time may be slightly longer and the nutritional profile will change. Butternut squash is another excellent alternative that works well with the flavors in this recipe.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, this Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet recipe is naturally gluten-free, making it suitable for those with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease. Just ensure your broth is labeled gluten-free if you have severe sensitivities.
How can I make this recipe spicier?
To add more heat, incorporate diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper during cooking. You can also serve with hot sauce on the side for those who prefer extra spice in their meat recipes.
Conclusion
This Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet recipe brings together lean protein, complex carbohydrates, and plenty of vegetables in one satisfying, nutritious meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights. The combination of savory ground turkey and sweet potatoes creates a balanced flavor profile that’s both comforting and exciting. By making this recipe at home, you’re not only serving a delicious meal but also providing your family with quality nutrition in every bite.
We at www.dailymeatrecipe.com are passionate about sharing recipes that make healthy eating both accessible and enjoyable. This skillet dish exemplifies our commitment to creating meat recipes that are as nutritious as they are delicious. We encourage you to try this Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet and let us know what you think! Share your cooking success by leaving a comment on our website, or tag us in your social media posts.
Looking for more quick and delicious meat recipes? Visit www.dailymeatrecipe.com for hundreds of tested, flavorful dishes that will transform your everyday cooking. From weeknight dinners to special occasions, we have the perfect recipe waiting for you!
