Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet

This sweet and savory Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet combines lean protein with nutrient-dense vegetables for a perfect weeknight meal. The combination of tender sweet potatoes, flavorful ground turkey, and melted cheese creates a satisfying one-pan dinner that's both nutritious and comforting.

I first created this skillet dinner when I needed a fast yet nutritious meal after a long workday. Now it's become our Tuesday night staple, with my family requesting it weekly for its perfect balance of flavors and comfort.

Ingredients

• Ground turkey: Choose free-range extra-lean for best flavor and nutrition. This provides clean protein without excess fat.
• Extra virgin olive oil: Adds heart-healthy fats and prevents sticking. Look for cold-pressed varieties for optimal flavor.
• Garlic clove: Fresh minced garlic adds essential aromatic flavor. Always choose firm heads with no sprouting.
• Onions: Creates a sweet base flavor when cooked down. Yellow or white onions work perfectly here.
• Yellow pepper: Adds sweetness and vitamin C. Choose peppers that feel firm and heavy for their size.
• Sweet potato: The star ingredient providing complex carbs and natural sweetness. Select firm sweet potatoes with unblemished skin.
• Salt and black pepper: Essential seasoning components. Freshly ground pepper makes a noticeable difference.
• Red chili flakes: Optional heat that balances the sweetness. Adjust according to your spice preference.
• Mozzarella cheese: Creates a delicious melty topping. Use freshly shredded for best melting quality.
• Fresh parsley: Brightens the dish with color and fresh flavor. Italian flat-leaf provides the best flavor punch.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Heat the Base:

Place your cast iron skillet over medium-high heat and add olive oil. Allow the oil to become hot but not smoking. A properly heated skillet ensures the turkey browns rather than steams.

Cook the Turkey:

Add ground turkey and minced garlic to the hot skillet. Break the turkey into small pieces using a wooden spoon as it cooks. Continue cooking about 5 minutes until the meat is no longer pink, stirring occasionally to ensure even cooking.

Add Aromatics:

Introduce the diced onions and yellow peppers to the cooked turkey. Stir frequently to combine all ingredients. Cook until the onions become translucent and slightly soft, about 3 minutes. This step builds the flavor foundation of your dish.

Incorporate Sweet Potatoes:

Add the diced sweet potatoes to the skillet along with red chili flakes if using, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Ensure the sweet potatoes are cut into uniform pieces for even cooking. Stir to combine everything thoroughly.

Cover and Cook:

Place a lid on your skillet to create steam that will help cook the sweet potatoes faster. Lower heat to medium and cook for approximately 10 minutes or until sweet potatoes can be easily pierced with a fork. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. If the mixture seems dry, add a small splash of water or additional olive oil.

Preheat and Prep:

While the sweet potatoes are cooking, preheat your oven to 400°F. Ensure the rack is positioned in the middle of the oven.

Add Cheese:

Once sweet potatoes are tender, sprinkle the shredded mozzarella evenly across the top of the skillet. For dairy-free versions, simply skip this step.

Melt Cheese:

Transfer the entire skillet to the preheated oven. Bake just until the cheese melts completely and begins to bubble slightly, approximately 3 to 5 minutes. Watch carefully to prevent burning.

Garnish and Serve:

Remove the hot skillet from the oven using thick oven mitts. Sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley if desired. Serve directly from the skillet for a rustic presentation or portion onto plates.

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Sweet potatoes are my favorite ingredient in this dish not just for their flavor but for their impressive nutritional profile. My husband initially claimed he didn't like sweet potatoes until trying this skillet, and now he requests extra whenever I make it. The way they caramelize slightly in the pan creates little pockets of sweetness that balance the savory elements perfectly.

Make It Your Own

This skillet recipe welcomes endless variations based on what you have available. Try spinach or kale added during the last few minutes of cooking for extra greens. Bell peppers of any color work beautifully, as do different herbs like thyme or rosemary instead of parsley. For deeper flavor, add a tablespoon of tomato paste when cooking the onions or sprinkle in some smoked paprika with the spices.

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Storage and Reheating

This dish keeps beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 4 days in an airtight container. The flavors actually develop nicely as it rests, making it perfect for meal prep. When reheating, add a small splash of water or broth before microwaving to maintain moisture. For best results when reheating larger portions, use a skillet over medium heat with a lid to steam everything back to perfection without drying out the turkey.

Nutritional Benefits

This skillet provides an impressive nutritional profile that makes it as healthy as it is delicious. Sweet potatoes deliver beta carotene, fiber, and complex carbohydrates that provide sustained energy. Lean ground turkey offers high-quality protein without excessive saturated fat. The combination of protein and complex carbs makes this an excellent post-workout meal or family dinner that will keep everyone satisfied without causing energy crashes later.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I substitute the ground turkey with something else?

Yes! As mentioned in the ingredients list, you can substitute with grass-fed ground beef. Other great alternatives include ground chicken, plant-based ground meat substitutes, or even chorizo for a spicier variation.

→ How do I store leftovers of this skillet meal?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in a microwave until warmed through, or place back in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or broth to prevent drying out.

→ Is this dish suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! This skillet meal is perfect for meal prep. Prepare it ahead of time, portion into meal prep containers, and refrigerate. It reheats beautifully and flavors actually develop further after a day in the refrigerator.

→ What can I serve with this turkey sweet potato skillet?

This is a complete meal on its own, but you can serve it with a simple green salad, steamed broccoli, or cauliflower rice for more vegetables. For those not following specific diets, it pairs well with crusty bread or over rice.

→ How can I make this dish spicier?

To increase the heat level, add more red chili flakes, incorporate diced jalapeños with the other vegetables, use pepper jack cheese instead of mozzarella, or finish with a drizzle of hot sauce before serving.

→ Can I make this ahead and freeze it?

Yes, this dish freezes well. Prepare the entire recipe (including the cheese if desired), allow to cool completely, then transfer to freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.