Go Back
Cast iron sweet potato skillet filled with ground meat, diced veggies, sour cream, and guacamole.

Hearty Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet

This one-pan Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet is a wholesome and flavorful meal, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. Tender sweet potatoes and lean ground turkey are cooked with aromatic spices and fresh spinach.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American, Healthy
Calories: 295

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 1 tbsp Olive Oil
  • 1 lb Lean Ground Turkey (93% or 99% lean)
  • 1 medium Yellow Onion chopped
  • 2 cloves Garlic minced
  • 2 medium Sweet Potatoes peeled and diced into 1/2-inch cubes
  • 1 medium Red Bell Pepper diced into 1/2-inch cubes
  • 1/2 cup Chicken Broth or vegetable broth
  • 2 cups Fresh Spinach packed
Spices & Seasoning
  • 1 tsp Ground Cumin
  • 1/2 tsp Chili Powder
  • 1/2 tsp Smoked Paprika
  • 1/4 tsp Cayenne Pepper optional, for heat
  • 1/2 tsp Salt or to taste
  • 1/4 tsp Black Pepper or to taste
Optional Garnish
  • 2 tbsp Fresh Cilantro or Parsley chopped

Equipment

  • Large Skillet (10-12 inch)
  • Cutting Board
  • Chef's Knife
  • Measuring Spoons and Cups

Method
 

  1. Peel and dice the sweet potatoes into approximate 1/2-inch cubes. Dice the red bell pepper and chop the yellow onion. Mince the garlic.
  2. Heat olive oil in a large (10-12 inch) skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground turkey and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until it is browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat from the skillet and transfer the cooked turkey to a plate; set aside.
  3. In the same skillet (add a tiny bit more olive oil if needed), add the chopped onion and diced bell pepper. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they begin to soften. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
  4. Stir in the diced sweet potatoes, ground cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and black pepper. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring to coat the vegetables evenly with the spices.
  5. Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the skillet, and cook for 10-15 minutes, or until the sweet potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
  6. Return the cooked ground turkey to the skillet with the sweet potato mixture. Stir in the fresh spinach and cook just until it has wilted, about 1-2 minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
  7. Remove the skillet from heat. Garnish with fresh chopped cilantro or parsley, if desired, and serve warm.

Notes

For a bit of creaminess, stir in a tablespoon of cream cheese or a splash of heavy cream at the end. You can also add other vegetables like zucchini or corn during the last 5 minutes of simmering. Leftovers store well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.