Healthy One-skillet Turkey & Sweet Potatoes Recipe

There’s something deeply comforting about the aroma of sweet potatoes caramelizing in a hot skillet, mingling with tender ground turkey and warm spices. This Healthy One-Skillet Turkey & Sweet Potatoes recipe is a weeknight hero – hearty, colorful, and packed with nutrients, all without dirtying more than one pan.

this Recipe

I first whipped this up on a chilly autumn night when I needed a quick dinner that felt cozy but didn’t weigh us down. Since then, it’s become a go-to meal in our house – especially on those nights when energy is low, and the dishwasher is already full.

Not only is it gluten-free and naturally dairy-free, but it’s also loaded with protein, fiber, and vibrant veggies that keep you full and satisfied. Let’s dive into all the reasons you’re going to want this recipe on regular rotation.

Why You’ll Love This Healthy One-Skillet Turkey & Sweet Potatoes

Get ready to meet your new favorite meal prep champion. This recipe is more than just healthy – it’s an all-in-one solution for busy nights, picky eaters, and anyone looking to clean up their weeknight routine.

Quick and minimal cleanup. This dish comes together in just one skillet, which means fewer dishes and more time for relaxing after dinner. From stovetop to table in about 30 minutes, it’s perfect for weeknights when you’re short on time and patience.

Packed with nutrition. Lean ground turkey brings the protein, while sweet potatoes add complex carbs and fiber. Add in some spinach or kale and you’ve got a beautifully balanced, nutrient-dense meal in every bite.

Budget-friendly and easy to find ingredients. Everything in this recipe is easy to grab at any grocery store – no specialty trips required. Plus, ground turkey and sweet potatoes are both affordable staples that keep well in your fridge or pantry.

Totally customizable. Not into turkey? Swap in chicken, beef, or even tofu. You can mix in different veggies or spices based on what you have on hand, making it the ultimate clean-out-the-fridge meal.

This dish is one of those rare combinations of healthy, easy, and satisfying – the kind you’ll want to make again and again.

Ingredients Notes

The beauty of this skillet dinner is in its simplicity. Every ingredient brings something to the table – from flavor to texture to nutritional value. Here’s what makes this combo work so well.

Ground turkey is the lean protein that forms the base of the dish. I recommend using 93% lean for the perfect balance of moisture and flavor. It browns beautifully in the skillet and soaks up all the spices without becoming dry or crumbly.

Sweet potatoes add a touch of natural sweetness and a lovely, hearty texture. Dice them small and uniform so they cook quickly and evenly. As they brown in the pan, their edges caramelize slightly, bringing a subtle, nutty flavor that ties the whole dish together.

Onions and garlic are essential for building a flavorful base. Sautéing them in olive oil until soft and golden gives the turkey and sweet potatoes a rich, savory undertone that makes the dish taste like it simmered all day.

Spinach or kale gets folded in at the end, just until wilted. This adds a pop of color and a boost of vitamins without overpowering the other ingredients. You can use fresh or frozen – whatever you have on hand works great.

As for seasoning, a simple mix of smoked paprika, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper brings warmth and depth. You can play around here based on your spice preferences – it’s very forgiving.

You’ll only need one large non-stick or cast-iron skillet with a lid to make this dish. A wooden spoon or spatula for stirring and a good sharp knife for prepping veggies are all the tools you need.

How To Make This Healthy One-Skillet Turkey & Sweet Potatoes

Making this skillet dinner is surprisingly simple, but there are a few tricks that help everything come together just right.

Start by heating a bit of olive oil in your skillet over medium heat. Once it’s shimmering, add your diced sweet potatoes in a single layer. Let them sit undisturbed for a few minutes to get that golden sear, then stir occasionally until they’re tender and browned – about 8–10 minutes.

While the sweet potatoes cook, chop your onion and mince the garlic. Once the sweet potatoes are nearly done, push them to the side of the pan and add a touch more oil if needed. Toss in the onion and garlic, sautéing until translucent and fragrant, about 2–3 minutes.

Now it’s time for the ground turkey. Add it to the pan, breaking it up with your spoon as it cooks. Stir everything together so the turkey mingles with the sweet potatoes, onions, and garlic. Cook until the turkey is no longer pink and beginning to brown, about 5–7 minutes.

Once the turkey is cooked, sprinkle in your spices – smoked paprika, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Stir well to coat everything evenly, letting the spices toast for a minute or two to release their full flavor.

Finally, fold in a few handfuls of fresh spinach or kale. Stir gently until the greens are wilted but still vibrant. If the skillet looks dry, you can splash in a tablespoon or two of water or broth to loosen things up and help the greens steam.

From start to finish, this dish takes about 30 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the sweet potatoes are fork-tender, the turkey is browned, and your kitchen smells incredible.

Storage Options

One of the best things about this recipe is how well it stores. It makes fantastic leftovers and is ideal for meal prep.

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. The flavors actually deepen as it sits, making it even more delicious the next day.

To freeze, let the dish cool completely, then portion into individual containers or freezer bags. It’ll keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. Just be sure to remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn.

When it’s time to reheat, you can use the microwave or a quick sauté in a non-stick skillet. If it seems a bit dry, add a splash of water or broth to bring it back to life.

This recipe is truly make-ahead friendly and ideal for batch cooking.

Variations and Substitutions

What makes this skillet so appealing is its flexibility. Once you’ve made it once, you’ll see how easy it is to tweak it to your taste or what you’ve got on hand.

You can easily swap the ground turkey for ground chicken, ground beef, or even plant-based meat alternatives. Just keep an eye on the fat content so the skillet doesn’t get greasy.

Instead of sweet potatoes, try butternut squash or even carrots for a similar texture and natural sweetness. If you’re short on time, frozen diced sweet potatoes work in a pinch too.

The leafy greens are totally flexible. Use chopped kale, chard, or even frozen spinach – just be sure to squeeze out any excess moisture if using frozen.

Want a Tex-Mex twist? Stir in a can of black beans and a handful of shredded cheddar or top with avocado and a squeeze of lime for a fresh, zesty finish.

Feel free to experiment with spice levels too – add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce if you like some heat.

Once you’ve got the basic formula down, the variations are endless. Trust your tastebuds and have fun making it your own!

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