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
Ingredients for a Wholesome and Easy One-Pan Turkey Dinner
Main Protein:Vegetables:Spices and Seasonings:Cooking Fat: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: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: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
Flavor Ideas to Customize Your Turkey and Sweet Potato Dish
Serving Suggestions for a Complete and Delicious Dinner
Best Ways to Store One-Skillet Turkey and Sweet Potatoes
FAQs
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.
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.
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
- 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
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
- Warm olive oil in a spacious skillet at medium temperature, preparing the cooking surface.
- Crumble ground turkey into the skillet, distributing evenly and cooking until the meat transforms into a rich, golden-brown hue.
- 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.
- Sprinkle paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper across the mixture, thoroughly integrating the spices for a robust flavor profile.
- Reduce heat, cover the skillet, and allow ingredients to simmer for 5 minutes, ensuring sweet potatoes reach a tender consistency.
- Gently fold fresh spinach into the skillet, allowing leaves to wilt and incorporate seamlessly with the existing ingredients.
- 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
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.