Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet Recipe

If you’re looking for a hearty and healthy weeknight meal that’s as satisfying as it is simple, this Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet Recipe is definitely worth a spot in your dinner rotation. It combines lean ground turkey with sweet, tender chunks of sweet potato, tossing everything together in a skillet with a little onion, garlic, and bell pepper for a comforting, flavor-packed dish you can whip up fast. What I especially love is how easily you can prep this recipe ahead of time and customize it to your taste.

Whether you’re cooking for busy weeknights, meal prepping for the week ahead, or just craving something nutritious with a little kick, this Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet Recipe hits all the marks. The mix of protein and complex carbs keeps me full and energized, and the melty mozzarella cheese on top adds that perfect gooey finish that feels like a little indulgence without the guilt.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this recipe plays a vital role in balancing flavors and textures, making the dish wholesome and delicious. When shopping, go for fresh, vibrant produce and lean turkey to keep the meal light but flavorful.

• Extra virgin olive oil: This is your base fat for sautéing, which adds a fruity richness so your turkey doesn’t dry out.
• Free-range extra-lean ground turkey: Lean turkey keeps the dish healthy without sacrificing protein content.
• Garlic clove (minced): Fresh garlic brings the bold aromatic base that really wakes up the skillet.
• Onions (diced): Onions soften and sweeten as they cook, adding natural depth.
• Yellow pepper (diced): Adds a gentle sweetness and colorful crunch.
• Sweet potato (diced): The star carb here—be sure to cut into even cubes so they cook through nicely.
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance every ingredient’s flavor.
• Red chili flakes (optional): If you like a little heat, this small pinch goes a long way.
• Shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully over the skillet, bringing creamy texture.
• Fresh parsley: Adds a pop of color and freshness as a garnish.

Variations

I love making this recipe my own depending on what’s in my kitchen or my mood—it’s super easy to tweak without losing that cozy skillet vibe. Feel free to get creative and make it your own!

• Variation: Swap the yellow pepper for red or orange bell peppers for a sweeter taste. One time, I used poblano peppers and loved the smoky twist it brought.
• Variation: For a dairy-free option, leave out the mozzarella or substitute with a plant-based cheese—I’ve done this when cooking for friends and it still worked great.
• Variation: Add black beans or corn for extra fiber and a Tex-Mex flair.
• Variation: Use ground chicken if turkey isn’t your favorite—I’ve found the flavor difference is subtle but still delicious.
• Variation: Spice it up with cumin and smoked paprika for a Mediterranean-inspired spin.

How to Make Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet Recipe

Step 1: Sauté Your Aromatics

Start by warming your olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Toss in the minced garlic and diced onions, stirring frequently so they become fragrant and translucent without browning—about 2-3 minutes. Taking your time here builds flavor, and it smells incredible, so don’t rush it!

Step 2: Cook the Ground Turkey

Add the ground turkey to your skillet and break it up with a spatula. Cook until it’s no longer pink and starts getting a little golden, around 5-7 minutes. Keep the heat at medium to prevent it from drying out. Season with salt, pepper, and chili flakes if you’re using them. I find that seasoning early ensures every bite is flavorful.

Step 3: Add Vegetables and Sweet Potato

Next, stir in the diced yellow pepper and sweet potatoes. Give everything a good mix so the veggies are coated in those delicious turkey drippings. Cover the skillet with a lid and let it cook on medium-low for about 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally. You want the sweet potatoes tender but still holding shape—test with a fork to be sure.

Step 4: Melt the Cheese and Garnish

Once the sweet potatoes are tender, sprinkle shredded mozzarella over the top. Lower the heat, cover again, and let it melt for 2-3 minutes. Finish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a burst of color and fresh flavor. If you’re serving right away, this step really elevates the dish with minimal fuss.

How to Serve Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet Recipe

Garnishes

I always reach for fresh parsley to brighten up the skillet before serving—it adds such a nice contrast to the warm, cheesy flavors. Sometimes, I add a dollop of Greek yogurt or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes if we want a little extra tang or spice. It’s those small touches that make the meal feel homemade and just right.

Side Dishes

This skillet stands strong on its own, but if you want to round out your plate, I suggest a simple mixed green salad with a lemon vinaigrette or some steamed green beans for crunch. When I’m feeling indulgent, a crusty piece of garlic bread isn’t far away—perfect for mopping up any cheesy bits left in the pan.

Creative Ways to Present

For dinner parties, I like to serve this skillet recipe family-style right in the pan, letting everyone scoop their portions. Another fun idea is to spoon it into baked sweet potato skins for a wow factor on busy weeknights or lighter lunches. I once packed it into lettuce wraps for an easy handheld option that my kids loved.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let the skillet cool completely before transferring leftovers to an airtight container. In my experience, this dish keeps nicely in the fridge for up to 4 days. I always separate any fresh garnishes to keep things fresh when I reheat.

Freezing

This Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet Recipe also freezes well—just make sure it’s fully cooled. Freeze in a single-layer container or portioned into meal prep containers. I usually thaw overnight in the fridge and then reheat gently to keep the sweet potatoes tender and the turkey juicy.

Reheating

I prefer to reheat leftovers in a skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of water or broth to prevent sticking or drying. Cover it loosely to help the cheese regain some of that gooey texture. Microwaving works in a pinch but can make the sweet potatoes a bit tough if you go too long.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet Recipe has become a go-to in my kitchen for its ease, flavor, and wholesome ingredients. It’s perfect when you want something that feels comforting but doesn’t take forever to make. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do—there’s just something special about a simple skillet meal that fills the house with warmth and invites everyone to gather at the table. Give it a try, and I promise it’ll become a quick favorite in yours, too!

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