Quick One-Skillet Turkey & Sweet Potatoes Recipe

Flavor-Packed Healthy One-skillet Turkey & Sweet Potatoes Recipe

Cooking delicious one-skillet turkey with sweet potatoes can become your new weeknight favorite.

Hearty ingredients blend seamlessly in a single pan, creating minimal cleanup and maximum flavor.

Nutrient-packed sweet potatoes provide a vibrant complement to lean turkey, promising a balanced meal.

Spices and herbs will dance across your plate, awakening taste buds with each bite.

Simple preparation means you can have dinner ready in under thirty minutes.

Protein-rich and satisfying, this recipe delivers comfort without compromising your wellness goals.

Dive into this delightful dish that proves healthy eating can be both easy and irresistible.

Healthy One-Skillet Turkey and Sweet Potatoes for Busy Nights

  • Craft a Nutritious Meal: This one-skillet wonder packs a powerful punch of lean protein from turkey and vitamin-rich sweet potatoes, making it a super healthy dinner option for health-conscious families.
  • Simplify Weeknight Cooking: With minimal ingredients and just one pan, this recipe saves you time on preparation and cleanup, perfect for busy households looking for a quick and satisfying meal.
  • Boost Flavor with Minimal Effort: Aromatic spices like paprika and cumin transform simple ingredients into a delicious dish that feels gourmet but requires minimal cooking skills.
  • Kid-Friendly Nutrition Hack: Sneaking in spinach and colorful bell peppers makes this a smart way to get vegetables into picky eaters' diets without them even noticing.

Ingredients for a Wholesome and Easy One-Pan Turkey Dinner

Main Protein:
  • Ground Turkey: A lean and nutritious meat that provides a high-protein base for this healthy skillet meal.
Vegetables:
  • Sweet Potatoes, Spinach, Onion, Bell Pepper: A colorful mix of vegetables that adds nutrients, flavor, and texture to the dish.
  • Garlic: A aromatic ingredient that enhances the overall flavor profile of the recipe.
Spices and Seasonings:
  • Paprika, Cumin, Salt, Pepper: A blend of spices that creates a warm and depth of flavor for the turkey and vegetable mixture.
Cooking Fat:
  • Olive Oil: A heart-healthy oil used to sauté ingredients and prevent sticking in the skillet.

Step-by-Step Instructions for a Balanced Turkey and Sweet Potato Meal

Step 1: Warm Up the Skillet

Heat olive oil in a spacious cast-iron or nonstick skillet over medium heat, allowing the oil to spread evenly across the cooking surface.

Step 2: Brown the Turkey

Add ground turkey to the skillet, using a wooden spoon or spatula to break it into small crumbles.

Cook the meat until it transforms into a rich golden brown color with no pink remaining.

Step 3: Build the Vegetable Base

Toss in the following ingredients:
  • Minced garlic
  • Diced onion
  • Chopped bell pepper
  • Cubed sweet potatoes

Sauté the mixture for 10-12 minutes, gently stirring every few minutes to ensure even cooking and prevent sticking.

Step 4: Boost the Flavor Profile

Sprinkle in:
  • Paprika
  • Ground cumin
  • Salt
  • Black pepper

Stir thoroughly to distribute the spices and coat all ingredients evenly.

Step 5: Create a Steamy Environment

Cover the skillet with a tight-fitting lid and let the ingredients cook for an additional 5 minutes.

This helps the sweet potatoes become perfectly tender and allows the flavors to meld together.

Step 6: Add Fresh Greens

Fold in fresh spinach leaves and cook until they wilt and become vibrant green, which should take about 1-2 minutes.

Step 7: Plate and Serve

Transfer the one-skillet meal directly from the pan to serving plates. The dish is best enjoyed immediately while hot and freshly prepared.

Tips to Maximize Flavor and Nutrition in One Skillet Cooking

  • Swap ground turkey for plant-based alternatives like crumbled tofu or tempeh to create a vegetarian version of this nutritious meal.
  • Dice sweet potatoes into uniform small cubes to ensure even cooking and perfect tenderness throughout the skillet.
  • Add extra protein by sprinkling some crumbled feta cheese or chopped nuts on top just before serving for additional texture and flavor.
  • Prep all ingredients beforehand to streamline cooking process and prevent burning or overcooking delicate vegetables.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days, reheating gently to maintain the dish's original moisture and taste.

Flavor Ideas to Customize Your Turkey and Sweet Potato Dish

  • Vegetarian Swap: Replace ground turkey with crumbled firm tofu or black beans for a plant-based protein option.
  • Low-Carb Alternative: Substitute sweet potatoes with cauliflower or zucchini cubes to reduce carbohydrate content.
  • Mediterranean Style: Add feta cheese, olives, and swap cumin for oregano to create a Greek-inspired flavor profile.
  • Spicy Kick: Incorporate diced jalapeños or red pepper flakes for those who enjoy heat in their one-skillet meal.

Serving Suggestions for a Complete and Delicious Dinner

  • Rustic Family Dinner Night: Gather everyone around the table and serve this hearty skillet meal directly from the pan, creating a cozy, communal dining experience.
  • Meal Prep Champion: Portion out individual servings in meal prep containers for quick, nutritious lunches throughout the week, perfect for busy professionals and health-conscious individuals.
  • Protein-Packed Power Bowl: Transform the skillet dish into a vibrant bowl by topping with fresh herbs, a dollop of Greek yogurt, and a sprinkle of pumpkin seeds for added crunch and nutrition.
  • Lettuce Wrap Twist: Use large butter lettuce leaves as wraps, filling them with the turkey and sweet potato mixture for a low-carb, fun handheld meal that's both light and satisfying.

Best Ways to Store One-Skillet Turkey and Sweet Potatoes

  • Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking to prevent bacterial growth.
  • Store the skillet meal in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, keeping the food fresh and safe to eat later.
  • Always use clean, sealed containers to maintain the dish's flavor and texture.

FAQs

  • Why use ground turkey in this recipe?

Ground turkey is a lean protein that’s lower in fat compared to beef, making this dish healthier and perfect for those watching their calorie intake while still enjoying a delicious, satisfying meal.

  • Can I substitute the sweet potatoes with regular potatoes?

While you can use regular potatoes, sweet potatoes offer more nutrients like vitamin A, fiber, and a slightly sweeter flavor that complements the turkey and spices perfectly.

  • Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, the ingredients used in this one-skillet turkey and sweet potato recipe are naturally gluten-free, making it a great option for people with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease.

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Quick One-Skillet Turkey & Sweet Potatoes Recipe

Quick One-Skillet Turkey & Sweet Potatoes Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 14 reviews

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Savory one-skillet turkey and sweet potatoes deliver a wholesome meal packed with flavor and nutrients. Hearty ingredients meld together seamlessly, offering you a simple yet satisfying dinner solution that promises comfort and nutrition in every bite.


Ingredients

Scale

Protein:

  • 1 lb (454 grams) ground turkey

Vegetables:

  • 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
  • 1 small red onion, chopped
  • 1 red bell pepper, diced
  • 2 cups spinach
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

Seasonings and Oil:

  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
  • Salt to taste
  • Pepper to taste
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

Instructions

  1. Warm olive oil in a spacious skillet at medium temperature, preparing the cooking surface.
  2. Crumble ground turkey into the skillet, distributing evenly and cooking until the meat transforms into a rich, golden-brown hue.
  3. Introduce diced garlic, chopped onion, sliced bell pepper, and cubed sweet potatoes into the skillet, sautéing for 10-12 minutes with periodic stirring to ensure even cooking and caramelization.
  4. Sprinkle paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper across the mixture, thoroughly integrating the spices for a robust flavor profile.
  5. Reduce heat, cover the skillet, and allow ingredients to simmer for 5 minutes, ensuring sweet potatoes reach a tender consistency.
  6. Gently fold fresh spinach into the skillet, allowing leaves to wilt and incorporate seamlessly with the existing ingredients.
  7. Transfer the aromatic, nutrient-rich mixture to serving plates, presenting a vibrant and wholesome one-skillet meal ready to be savored immediately.

Notes

  • Swap ground turkey for plant-based crumbles to create a vegetarian version that maintains protein content and texture.
  • Use smaller sweet potato dice to ensure faster and more even cooking throughout the skillet.
  • Include optional toppings like crumbled feta or chopped fresh herbs to elevate the dish’s flavor profile and add visual appeal.
  • Reduce cooking time for sweet potatoes by partially pre-roasting them before adding to the skillet, which helps achieve a perfect tender-crisp texture.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 335 kcal
  • Sugar: 6 g
  • Sodium: 150 mg
  • Fat: 15 g
  • Saturated Fat: 3.5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 25 g
  • Fiber: 4 g
  • Protein: 28 g
  • Cholesterol: 75 mg
Jack Monroe

Jack Monroe

Founder & Recipe Innovator

Expertise

Pacific Northwest cuisine, Single-serving recipe development, Sustainable sourcing and cooking, Modern comfort food​

Education

Brightwater
Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Arts
Focus: Sustainable cooking, seasonal ingredients, and food systems education


Jack grew up with a fishing rod in one hand and a cast-iron skillet in the other. After graduating from Brightwater: A Center for the Study of Food, he set out to prove that cooking for one could still taste like a feast.
Jack believes that food should feel real: fresh, fearless, and a little wild, just like the rivers he grew up around. For Jack, every single dish is a small adventure, and the best ones are the ones you can cook with heart, not hassle.

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