Name: Ground Turkey and Sweet Potato Skillet Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 tbsp olive oil; 2 medium sweet potatoes, diced small (~3 cups); 1 lb ground turkey; ½ medium onion, diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 bell pepper, diced; 2 cups spinach, chopped; ½ cup bone broth; 1 tsp cumin; 1 tsp smoked paprika; ½ tsp chili powder; ½ tsp salt; ¼ tsp black pepper; ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese; Sliced avocado; Cottage cheese or Greek yogurt; Drizzle of honey; Fresh parsley (optional)

Jump to Recipe· 3.9 from 70 reviews

If you’re on the hunt for a quick, comforting, and nutritious meal that feels like a warm hug, the Ground Turkey and Sweet Potato Skillet Recipe is absolutely your go-to. This dish combines tender, slightly sweet potatoes with savory ground turkey and a rainbow of fresh veggies, all cooked together in one pan in just 30 minutes. It’s perfect for those busy weeknights when you want something wholesome without fuss, and once you try it, it’s bound to become a favorite in your kitchen rotation.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows an overhead view of various ingredients neatly arranged on a white marbled surface. There is a beige plate with raw ground turkey, a beige bowl filled with bright orange sweet potato cubes, a white bowl of fresh green spinach leaves on the right side, and a white bowl of shredded mozzarella cheese next to it. A smaller beige bowl holds chopped white onions at the bottom, while a rustic bowl at the center has yellow bell pepper pieces. A glass measuring cup contains golden broth near the bottom left. Small bowls display spices in red, yellow, and brown, with separate small bowls also holding salt, pepper, olive oil, and two garlic cloves. A wooden cutting board with a chunk of unpeeled sweet potato sits at the top right part of the photo. A tan cloth with a leather strap is partly visible in the lower part of the image. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Getting the ingredients together for this Ground Turkey and Sweet Potato Skillet Recipe is delightfully simple, and each one plays a special role in creating a vibrant, flavorful dish. From the sweetness of the potatoes to the savory notes of cumin and smoked paprika, every component brings its own texture, aroma, and pop of color to the skillet.

1 tbsp olive oil: The perfect base for sautéing that adds richness and helps develop golden edges on the sweet potatoes.
2 medium sweet potatoes (diced small, about 3 cups): These add natural sweetness and a tender bite that balances the savory turkey.
1 lb ground turkey: Lean and flavorful protein that cooks quickly and soaks up all the spices beautifully.
½ medium onion (diced): Adds a subtle sweetness and depth of flavor once softened.
2 cloves garlic (minced): Brightens and lifts the entire dish with its fragrant punch.
1 bell pepper (diced): Brings a crisp texture and vibrant color contrast.
2 cups spinach (chopped): Adds a fresh, leafy element that wilts perfectly into the mix.
½ cup bone broth: Helps the sweet potatoes steam until tender and infuses a savory richness.
1 tsp cumin: Earthy warmth that ties all the flavors together beautifully.
1 tsp smoked paprika: Adds a smoky depth that elevates the skillet’s aroma.
½ tsp chili powder: For just a gentle hint of heat without overwhelming the dish.
½ tsp salt: To enhance all the ingredients and round out the flavors.
¼ tsp black pepper: For a touch of sharpness to balance the sweetness.
½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts into gooey goodness, adding creaminess to every bite.

How to Make Ground Turkey and Sweet Potato Skillet Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Sweet Potatoes

Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat—this is the foundation of flavor. Once hot, toss in the diced sweet potatoes with a pinch of salt. The goal here is to get those tender with a little caramelized golden crust, so stir occasionally and let them work their magic for about 8 to 10 minutes.

Step 2: Steam the Sweet Potatoes

Pour in the bone broth and cover the skillet with a lid. This step gently steams the potatoes until fork-tender, avoiding any burnt edges. It’s an essential trick to get perfect softness without mushiness.

Step 3: Brown the Ground Turkey and Sauté Aromatics

Push the sweet potatoes to one side of the skillet to clear space, add a splash of olive oil if needed, then add the ground turkey, diced onion, and garlic. Break the turkey apart with your spatula and cook until it’s no longer pink and nicely browned, about 5 to 7 minutes.

Step 4: Combine and Season the Skillet

Mix the browned turkey with the steamed sweet potatoes. Add the diced bell pepper plus cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together and cook for another few minutes until the veggies soften and your kitchen fills with irresistible aromas.

Step 5: Add Spinach and Melt Cheese

Toss the chopped spinach into the skillet and stir just until it wilts, which only takes a minute or two. Then sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the top, giving it just enough time to melt into gooey bliss before serving.

How to Serve Ground Turkey and Sweet Potato Skillet Recipe

A round silver pan contains five distinct layers of ingredients, each occupying a separate section. Starting from the left, there is a layer of cooked, light beige ground meat with a crumbly texture. Next to it, a section of finely chopped white onions sits at the top edge. In the center-top, a pile of dark reddish-brown spices adds a vibrant contrast. Moving clockwise, there is a bright yellow layer of chopped bell peppers with a smooth, firm texture. Finally, the bottom layer is made up of small orange cubes that appear to be diced sweet potatoes, firm and fresh. A wooden spatula rests on the left side of the pan, partially leaning on the meat layer. The pan sits on a white marbled surface with a bunch of green parsley hanging above and a white bowl with dark avocados and a cut lime on a wooden board to the top right. A beige cloth and a gray and white striped cloth are partly visible below and to the right of the pan. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

This dish loves to be dressed up a bit. I personally adore topping it with creamy sliced avocado for that buttery contrast, a scoop of cottage cheese or tangy Greek yogurt for some richness, and a drizzle of honey that adds a subtle sweet kick. Fresh parsley sprinkled on top brightens it all up with its herbal freshness.

Side Dishes

While this skillet is a complete meal on its own, pairing it with a crisp green salad or warm crusty bread takes it to the next level. A simple cucumber salad with a light vinaigrette or roasted Brussels sprouts are also fabulous companions that won’t compete with the skillet’s bold flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve the Ground Turkey and Sweet Potato Skillet Recipe in warm tortilla wraps for a casual taco-style dinner or spoon it over quinoa or brown rice to bulk it up for meal prep. You could even stuff bell peppers or sweet potato skins with the mixture and bake them for a share-worthy presentation.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, transfer leftovers to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually meld a bit more overnight, making leftovers just as delicious as the first round.

Freezing

This skillet freezes wonderfully, making it a great option for future busy nights. Portion into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge for best results.

Reheating

Reheat gently in a skillet over medium-low heat or microwave until warmed through. Add a splash of water or broth to keep the sweet potatoes tender and to help the cheese soften again.

FAQs

Can I use ground chicken instead of ground turkey?

Absolutely! Ground chicken works well and will give a similar mild flavor and lean protein to the skillet. Just be sure to cook thoroughly until browned.

What can I substitute for bone broth?

Chicken or vegetable broth makes a perfect substitute and will still steam the sweet potatoes nicely while adding plenty of savory flavor.

Is this recipe spicy?

The chili powder adds a gentle warmth but no overwhelming heat. If you prefer it milder, just reduce or omit the chili powder.

Can I make this recipe vegan?

To make a vegan version, swap the ground turkey for a plant-based protein and use vegetable broth. Omit the cheese or use a vegan alternative to keep it deliciously dairy-free.

How can I make this recipe gluten-free?

This entire dish is naturally gluten-free as long as your bone broth and spices don’t contain any wheat-based additives. Always double-check labels to be safe.

Final Thoughts

This Ground Turkey and Sweet Potato Skillet Recipe is the kind of meal that wraps you in comfort while being healthy and uncomplicated to prepare. It’s a wonderful weeknight winner that invites endless variations and toppings, promising to become a true favorite in your recipe collection. Give it a whirl and enjoy every flavorful, cozy bite!