Description A vibrant and wholesome one-pan meal featuring lean ground turkey, nutrient-rich sweet potatoes, and aromatic spices. This dish is not only incredibly delicious but also a nutritional powerhouse, perfect for busy weeknights or as a satisfying meal prep option. The combination of savory turkey and subtly sweet potatoes, enhanced by a medley of smoky and earthy spices, creates a flavor profile that is both comforting and exciting. This skillet is a testament to how healthy eating can be both easy and delicious.

Ingredients:

1 lb (450 g) ground turkey (93% lean or leaner recommended)
2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and diced into ½-inch cubes
1 small onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon olive oil (or avocado oil for higher smoke point)
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
½ teaspoon ground cumin
½ teaspoon chili powder (optional, for a touch of heat)
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
¼ cup chicken or vegetable broth (low sodium)
Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped, for garnish (optional)
Optional toppings: avocado slices, Greek yogurt or sour cream, lime wedges

Preparation:

This recipe is designed to be simple and efficient, minimizing prep time and maximizing flavor. Before you begin cooking, make sure all your ingredients are measured and prepped. This will streamline the cooking process and ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience.

Step 1: Prepare the Sweet Potatoes: Peel the sweet potatoes and dice them into uniform ½-inch cubes. Consistent sizing ensures even cooking. Place the diced sweet potatoes in a bowl and set aside. Dicing ahead of time helps speed up the cooking process when you’re ready to add them to the skillet.
Step 2: Dice the Onion and Mince the Garlic: Dice the onion into small, even pieces. Mince the garlic finely. Having these aromatics prepped and ready will make the cooking process smoother. Set the diced onion and minced garlic aside.
Step 3: Prepare the Herbs: Chop the fresh parsley or cilantro for garnish. Having your herbs ready adds a fresh, vibrant touch to the finished dish. Set the chopped herbs aside.

Instructions:

Step 1: Cook the Sweet Potatoes: Heat the olive oil in a large, preferably non-stick, skillet over medium heat. Ensure the skillet is large enough to accommodate all the ingredients without overcrowding. Add the diced sweet potatoes to the skillet and cook for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally. The sweet potatoes should begin to soften but not brown excessively. Stirring prevents sticking and ensures even cooking. Remove the sweet potatoes from the skillet and set aside in a separate bowl.
Step 2: Cook the Ground Turkey: In the same skillet, add the ground turkey. Use a spatula to break the turkey into smaller pieces as it cooks. Cook the ground turkey until it is fully browned, ensuring no pink remains. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess grease from the skillet to reduce fat content. Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the cooked ground turkey. Sauté for an additional 3-4 minutes, or until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant. The garlic should release its aroma without burning.
Step 3: Season and Combine: Stir in the smoked paprika, ground cumin, chili powder (if using), salt, and pepper to the skillet with the ground turkey and onion mixture. Ensure the spices are evenly distributed. Cook for another minute to allow the spices to bloom, enhancing their flavor. Return the partially cooked sweet potatoes to the skillet, combining them with the seasoned ground turkey. Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth.
Step 4: Simmer: Cover the skillet and reduce the heat to low. Simmer for 5-7 minutes, or until the sweet potatoes are fully tender and easily pierced with a fork. The broth should be mostly absorbed, creating a slightly saucy consistency. If the skillet seems dry, add a tablespoon or two more of broth.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve: Remove the skillet from the heat. Sprinkle the fresh parsley or cilantro over the skillet as a garnish. Serve the Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet warm. Consider offering optional toppings such as avocado slices, a dollop of Greek yogurt or sour cream, or lime wedges for an extra burst of flavor.

Why You Will Love This Recipe

This Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet is a winner for several reasons. It’s a complete meal in one pan, which means fewer dishes to wash. It’s packed with lean protein, complex carbohydrates, and essential vitamins and minerals, making it a healthy and balanced option. The recipe is incredibly versatile and can be easily customized to suit your taste preferences. It’s also quick and easy to prepare, perfect for busy weeknights when you need a nutritious meal on the table in under 30 minutes. The combination of savory ground turkey, sweet potatoes, and smoky spices creates a flavor profile that is both satisfying and delicious.

Serving Suggestions:

As a standalone meal: Serve the skillet as is for a simple and satisfying lunch or dinner.
With a side salad: Pair the skillet with a fresh green salad for a more complete meal. A simple vinaigrette dressing complements the flavors of the skillet.
In lettuce wraps: Spoon the mixture into crisp lettuce cups for a low-carb option.
Over quinoa or rice: Serve the skillet over a bed of cooked quinoa or brown rice for added fiber and nutrients.
As a filling for tacos or burritos: Use the skillet mixture as a flavorful filling for tacos or burritos.
Topped with an egg: Add a fried or poached egg on top for extra protein and richness.

Tips:

Choose lean ground turkey: Opt for 93% lean or leaner ground turkey to reduce fat content.
Dice sweet potatoes uniformly: Ensure the sweet potatoes are diced into uniform sizes for even cooking.
Don’t overcrowd the skillet: If necessary, cook the sweet potatoes in batches to avoid overcrowding the skillet, which can lead to steaming instead of browning.
Adjust spices to your liking: Feel free to adjust the amount of spices to suit your taste preferences. Add more chili powder for extra heat, or omit it altogether for a milder flavor.
Add other vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables to the skillet, such as bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach.
Use different types of broth: Chicken or vegetable broth can be used interchangeably. For a richer flavor, use bone broth.
Make it vegetarian: Substitute the ground turkey with crumbled tofu or plant-based ground meat alternative for a vegetarian option.
Store leftovers properly: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Prep Time:

15 minutes

Cook Time:

20 minutes

Total Time:

35 minutes

Nutritional Information:

(Note: Nutritional information is approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients and serving sizes.)

Calories: Approximately 350-400 per serving
Protein: Approximately 30-35 grams per serving
Sodium: Approximately 300-400 mg per serving

Conclusion

The Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet is a delicious and nutritious meal that is easy to prepare and versatile enough to suit a variety of tastes. Its combination of lean protein, complex carbohydrates, and flavorful spices makes it a satisfying and healthy option for any night of the week. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a nutritious meal prep option, this skillet is sure to become a staple in your kitchen.

Questions and Answers About This Recipe:

Q1: Can I use ground chicken instead of ground turkey?

A: Yes, you can definitely substitute ground chicken for ground turkey in this recipe. The flavor will be slightly different, but the overall result will still be delicious and nutritious. Just make sure to cook the ground chicken thoroughly until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Q2: Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

A: Absolutely! To make this recipe vegetarian, simply substitute the ground turkey with crumbled tofu or a plant-based ground meat alternative. Be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly, as tofu and plant-based alternatives may cook differently than ground turkey.

Q3: What other vegetables can I add to this skillet?

A: This skillet is very versatile, and you can easily add other vegetables to customize it to your liking. Some great options include bell peppers (diced), zucchini (diced), spinach, kale, or mushrooms (sliced). Add the vegetables along with the sweet potatoes for the best results.

Q4: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

A: Yes, this skillet is a great meal prep option. You can prepare it ahead of time and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to eat, simply reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop.

Q5: What are some other toppings I can add to this skillet?

A: There are many delicious toppings you can add to this skillet to enhance its flavor and texture. Some great options include avocado slices, a dollop of Greek yogurt or sour cream, salsa, hot sauce, lime wedges, or a sprinkle of shredded cheese. Feel free to experiment and find your favorite combinations!