Hearty Ground Turkey Sweet Potato

There’s something incredibly satisfying about making a one-skillet meal that’s both hearty and healthy. That’s exactly what this Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet delivers. I love how the sweet potatoes turn golden and slightly crisp on the edges, balancing beautifully with the savory and juicy ground turkey. This dish comes together quickly, making it one of my top go-tos for a nutritious weeknight dinner or a meal prep favorite.

The simplicity of this recipe is what makes it so charming. You don’t need complicated ingredients or techniques—just a bit of chopping, seasoning, and sautéing, and you’ll end up with a skillet bursting with flavor. Plus, the bright orange sweet potatoes and fresh parsley make the dish just as visually inviting as it is delicious.

What Kind of Sweet Potatoes Should I Use?

When it comes to this skillet, I always reach for orange-fleshed sweet potatoes like the Jewel or Garnet varieties. They have a creamy, slightly sweet flavor that intensifies when cooked, and they hold their shape well when diced and sautéed. That said, if you can only find white or purple sweet potatoes, those can work too—just note that they’re starchier and a bit less sweet, which might slightly change the overall balance of the dish.

Make sure the sweet potatoes are firm and free of any soft spots or bruises. Peeling them is optional, but I like to remove the skin for a smoother bite that absorbs flavor more evenly.

Options for Substitutions

Flexibility is one of the best parts of this recipe. If you need to adapt it, here are some great alternatives:

• Ground Meat: Swap ground turkey for ground chicken, lean beef, or plant-based crumbles for a vegetarian version.
• Sweet Potatoes: Butternut squash or even diced carrots can fill in if you’re out of sweet potatoes.
• Herbs: Fresh parsley adds brightness, but cilantro or green onions work just as well.
• Spices: Add a smoky edge with a pinch of smoked paprika or some crushed red pepper for heat.
• Garlic & Onion: If you’re short on time, garlic powder and onion powder can substitute for fresh.

Ingredients for This Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet

• Ground Turkey: Lean and protein-rich, ground turkey is the star of this recipe. It soaks up all the seasoning and gives the dish a satisfying meaty base without being heavy.
• Sweet Potatoes: These are the heart of the skillet—naturally sweet, hearty, and full of nutrients like fiber and beta-carotene. They balance the savory notes from the turkey beautifully.
• Onion: Diced onions bring a layer of sweetness and aromatic depth when sautéed until golden.
• Garlic: A couple of cloves add a punch of flavor, grounding the dish with a warm, earthy undertone.
• Olive Oil: Used for sautéing, olive oil gives everything a golden, crisp edge and enhances the overall richness.
• Paprika: Adds subtle warmth and color, complementing the sweetness of the potatoes and boosting the flavor of the meat.
• Salt & Pepper: Essential for seasoning the dish properly and tying all the elements together.
• Fresh Parsley: Sprinkled at the end for a burst of freshness and a pop of color.

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients

Start by peeling and dicing the sweet potatoes into small, even cubes—this helps them cook quickly and evenly. Dice the onion and mince the garlic. Keep your parsley chopped and ready for garnish later.

Step 2: Cook the Sweet Potatoes

Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sweet potatoes, season with salt and pepper, and sauté for about 10 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent burning. They should start to soften and develop some golden edges.

Step 3: Sauté the Aromatics

Push the sweet potatoes to one side of the skillet or transfer them to a plate temporarily. Add a little more oil if needed, then toss in the diced onions. Cook until translucent, about 3–4 minutes, then add the garlic and stir until fragrant—just 30 seconds or so.

Step 4: Brown the Ground Turkey

Add the ground turkey to the skillet with the onions and garlic. Break it apart with a spatula, season with paprika, salt, and pepper, and cook until it’s no longer pink—about 6–8 minutes. Make sure the turkey is nicely browned for the best flavor.

Step 5: Combine Everything

Once the turkey is cooked through, mix the sweet potatoes back in (if you removed them). Stir everything together so the flavors meld. Let it cook for another 2–3 minutes to bring it all together.

Step 6: Finish and Garnish

Turn off the heat, sprinkle the chopped parsley over the top, and give it one last stir. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve it hot, straight from the skillet.

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How Long to Cook the Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet

This dish comes together in about 25 to 30 minutes total:

• Sweet potatoes: 10–12 minutes to soften and get those golden edges.
• Onions and garlic: 4–5 minutes for full aromatic flavor.
• Ground turkey: 6–8 minutes to brown and cook through.
• Final melding time: 2–3 minutes for all the flavors to come together in the skillet.

You’ll know it’s done when the sweet potatoes are fork-tender and the turkey is fully cooked and lightly browned.

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Recipe Questions

→ Can I use pre-cooked sweet potatoes?

Yes, add them at the end just to warm through, avoiding mushiness.

→ What proteins can replace ground turkey?

Ground chicken, lean beef, or plant-based crumbles work well. Adjust seasoning accordingly.

→ Is this dish gluten-free?

All ingredients are naturally gluten-free; just check any store-bought spices or broth.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.

→ How to prevent dryness when reheating?

Add a splash of water, broth, or olive oil while reheating to maintain moisture.

→ Can I add cheese or vegetables?

Yes, feta or goat cheese adds creaminess; bell peppers, spinach, or zucchini can be sautéed in.