One-Pan Ground Turkey and Sweet Potato Skillet: Quick, Healthy, and Flavorful

This Ground Turkey and Sweet Potato Skillet is a quick, wholesome, and satisfying meal that comes together in less than 30 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights, this one-pan recipe is not only simple to make but also packed with flavor and nutrients. The combination of tender ground turkey, sweet potatoes, and fresh vegetables makes it a comforting dish that your whole family will enjoy.

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This recipe is also gluten-free, making it suitable for anyone looking to enjoy a healthy, hearty dinner without extra carbs or gluten. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, meal prepping for the week, or preparing a family dinner, this skillet dish is a versatile and delicious choice.

Why You’ll Love This Ground Turkey and Sweet Potato Skillet

There’s something special about one-pan meals—they’re simple, easy to clean up, and allow all the flavors to meld together perfectly. This skillet is a great example of that.

• Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, this dish is ideal for busy nights.
• Healthy and Nutritious: Packed with lean protein from turkey, vitamins from sweet potatoes, and antioxidants from peppers and onions.
• Comforting: Warm, hearty, and flavorful, it’s perfect for a cozy dinner.
• Versatile: You can switch ingredients or add spices to suit your taste preferences.

Ingredients for Ground Turkey and Sweet Potato Skillet

Here’s everything you need to make this healthy and flavorful skillet:

• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil (or your preferred cooking oil)
• 1 pound extra-lean ground turkey (or ground chicken, beef, or sausage)
• 1 teaspoon garlic, minced
• ½ cup diced onion
• ½ cup diced yellow bell pepper (red or orange work well too)
• 1½ cups diced sweet potato
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• A pinch of red chili flakes (optional, for a bit of heat)
• ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese (omit for Whole30 or Paleo versions)
• Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Sauté the Base Ingredients

Start by heating the olive oil in a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground turkey and garlic, breaking up the meat with a wooden spoon as it cooks. Stir occasionally and cook until the turkey is browned, about 5 minutes.

Next, add the diced onions and bell pepper, cooking until the onions become soft and fragrant. The aroma at this stage will fill your kitchen and make it impossible to wait to taste this dish.

2. Add Sweet Potatoes and Seasoning

Once the turkey and vegetables are partially cooked, add the diced sweet potatoes, salt, pepper, and red chili flakes if using. Cover the skillet with a lid and reduce the heat to medium. Cook until the sweet potatoes are tender, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. If necessary, you can add a splash of water or a bit more oil to help the sweet potatoes cook evenly.

3. Melt the Cheese

While the sweet potatoes are cooking, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Once the sweet potatoes are soft, sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the skillet. Transfer the skillet to the oven to melt the cheese, usually taking about 3–5 minutes. Remove from the oven once the cheese is golden and bubbly.

Finally, garnish with fresh parsley before serving for a pop of color and fresh flavor.

Why a Cast Iron Skillet Works Best

Using a cast iron skillet isn’t just about presentation—it also has several practical benefits:

• Cast iron retains heat evenly, ensuring your food cooks uniformly.
• Well-seasoned skillets provide a natural nonstick surface without chemicals.
• They are versatile, safe for stovetop, oven, broiler, or even outdoor cooking.
• Cast iron adds a small amount of iron to your food, which is beneficial for maintaining healthy blood and energy levels.
• Cleaning is straightforward if done correctly, making it perfect for busy home cooks.

Even if you don’t have a cast iron skillet, a large oven-safe skillet or sauté pan can work, but the results may differ slightly in flavor and texture.

Cooking Tips

• Avoid overcrowding the skillet; sweet potatoes need room to cook evenly.
• If in a rush, cook sweet potatoes separately and add them to the turkey mixture at the end.
• Feel free to experiment with spices such as paprika, cumin, thyme, or chili powder for an extra flavor boost.
• Add other vegetables like spinach, kale, mushrooms, broccoli, or green beans to make it more nutrient-dense.

Meal Prep Tips

This skillet recipe is ideal for meal prep:

• Store portions in airtight containers and refrigerate for up to 4 days.
• For serving, microwave with a damp paper towel to retain moisture.
• Pair with rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice for a complete meal.
• Top with sour cream, Greek yogurt, or fresh herbs for added flavor and protein.

Substitutions and Variations

One of the best things about this skillet recipe is how flexible it is. Here are a few ways to adapt it to your preferences:

• Protein Options: Swap ground turkey with ground chicken, lean beef, or sausage. Each choice will give the dish a slightly different flavor and texture.
• Vegetarian/Vegan Option: Replace the turkey with black beans, chickpeas, or lentils. Add extra vegetables like corn, tomatoes, or zucchini for a hearty plant-based meal.
• Cheese Alternatives: For a dairy-free option, omit cheese or use vegan cheese.
• Spice Variations: Add cumin, paprika, chili powder, curry, thyme, or rosemary to create a unique flavor profile.

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These substitutions make the skillet versatile and suitable for a variety of dietary needs and flavor preferences.

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