This Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet is packed with lean turkey, tender sweet potatoes, peppers, and mozzarella—ready in 30 minutes for a cozy, one-pan meal.
You know those nights where dinner just feels like a chore? Like, you’re standing there, fridge door wide open, hoping some magical, already-prepped meal will appear? Yeah, that was me last Tuesday.
I’d just wrapped up a chaotic day (because life, right?) and honestly, all I wanted was something easy but also a bit comforting. I spotted some ground turkey I’d defrosted that morning, a few sweet potatoes hanging on for dear life, and half a bag of mozzarella I’d definitely opened way too long ago. So, I did what any stressed home cook would—I threw everything in a skillet, crossed my fingers, and hoped for the best.
Spoiler alert? It turned out so good my husband actually paused Netflix and said, “Okay…what is this? We need to make it again.” And let me tell you, if it gets his seal of approval, it must be good.
Why You’ll Love This Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet Recipe?
I get it. There are about a million skillet recipes out there, but this one hits different. Here’s why:
- One Pan = Fewer Dishes. Seriously, I’ve washed enough dishes to last a lifetime.
- Ready in 30 Minutes. Faster than arguing over where to order takeout from.
- Healthy, But Not Boring. Lean turkey, sweet potatoes, and veggies—but it still feels cozy.
- Perfect for Meal Prep. It reheats like a dream (and who doesn’t love leftovers?).
- Melty Mozzarella. Because cheese makes everything better.
It’s that rare combo of comfort food and healthy-ish, all while being so easy you’ll feel like you cheated your way into a gourmet meal.
Ingredient Notes:
You know when you eat something, and every bite just works? Yeah, that’s all about the ingredients doing their thing together.
- Sweet Potatoes: They bring natural sweetness and pair perfectly with the savory turkey and spices. Chop them small so they cook faster—and trust me, the caramelized bits? Totally worth it.
- Ground Turkey: Lean, flavorful, and the perfect protein boost. Not as greasy as beef, but still hearty enough to feel like a real meal.
- Yellow Bell Pepper: Mild and sweet, but any color will work if you’re cleaning out the veggie drawer.
- Onion: Adds that slightly sweet, savory base. And honestly, can you even call it dinner without onions?
- Mozzarella Cheese: Melty, gooey perfection. If you’re feeling fancy, try a cheddar-mozzarella mix or even pepper jack for a bit of heat.
- Spices: Cumin + chili powder = cozy, warm vibes. And a pinch of cayenne? Chef’s kiss.
- Cilantro: Fresh, bright, and totally optional if you’re one of those people who thinks it tastes like soap. (No judgment, I promise.)
Pro Tip: If you have leftover bacon grease (or, let’s be real, the patience to fry some bacon first), use that instead of olive oil. Trust me, worth it.
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How To Make Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet?
Alright, let’s break this down. It’s ridiculously easy—like, “I’m barely awake, but I need food” easy.
- Heat the Skillet:
Start with olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once it’s hot, toss in the minced garlic. Cook it for about a minute—just enough to make your whole kitchen smell amazing without burning the garlic. (Been there, done that.) - Cook the Turkey:
Add the ground turkey to the skillet. Break it apart with your spoon as it cooks, stirring occasionally. It’ll take about 8 minutes to brown up nicely. Don’t rush—let it really sear for the best flavor. - Spice It Up:
Time for the fun part—spices! Sprinkle in cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Stir it all together so the turkey gets coated in that cozy, smoky goodness. - Add the Veggies:
Toss in your diced onion and yellow bell pepper. Let them cook for 3-4 minutes, just enough to soften up and get a little char on the edges. - Sweet Potato Time:
Now for the star! Add the diced sweet potatoes along with half a cup of water. Stir it all together, cover the skillet with a lid, and let it simmer for about 6-8 minutes. The goal? Sweet potatoes that are tender but not mushy. If they’re still too firm, add a splash more water and keep cooking. - Cheese Moment:
Once the sweet potatoes are perfectly soft, taste the dish and adjust the seasoning if needed. Now—the best part—sprinkle that mozzarella cheese on top. Cover the skillet again for a minute or two, just long enough for the cheese to melt into bubbly, gooey perfection. - Garnish & Serve:
Sprinkle chopped cilantro over the top, grab your fork, and dig in while it’s hot.
Storage Options:
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or in a skillet with a splash of water.
- Freezer: Freeze in portions for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Meal Prep Bonus: This reheats so well it’s practically begging to be part of your weekly meal plan.
Variations and Substitutions:
Feel like mixing things up? Go for it! This skillet is super flexible.
- Switch the Protein: Try ground chicken, beef, or even tofu crumbles.
- Spice it Up: Add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
- Extra Veggies: Toss in mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini for extra nutrition.
- Cheese Options: Swap mozzarella for cheddar, feta, or a spicy pepper jack.
- Low Carb Twist: Sub the sweet potatoes for cauliflower florets or butternut squash.
What to Serve with Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet?
This skillet’s a whole meal on its own, but if you’re making brunch or stretching it for a crowd, here’s what pairs perfectly:
- Garlic Bread: Because carbs make everything better.
- Side Salad: Something light and lemony works best.
- Avocado Slices: Creamy, cool, and balances the heat beautifully.
- Quinoa or Brown Rice: If you need to stretch it a bit further.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I make this skillet ahead of time?
100%! It reheats like a dream, so it’s perfect for meal prep.
What if I don’t have sweet potatoes?
Regular potatoes work too! Just keep in mind they won’t be quite as sweet (but still delicious).
Is it spicy?
Not really! The chili powder adds more warmth than heat. Want spice? Toss in some cayenne or hot sauce.
And there you have it—my Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet. Cozy, simple, and so satisfying. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or just need a last-minute dinner idea, this one’s got your back.
Give it a try and let me know what you think! Did you add your own twist? Extra cheese? Bacon? I need the details—drop a comment below and let’s talk skillet magic.
<Remember it later>
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
<Remember it later>
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
Keep the Flavor Coming – Try These:
Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet
Ingredients
- 3 small or 2 large sweet potatoes peeled and diced (about 3 c.)
- 1 lb. ground turkey
- 1 yellow bell pepper
- 1 c. onion diced
- ½ c. mozzarella shredded
- ½ c. water
- ¼ c. cilantro chopped
- 2 tbsp. olive oil
- 1.5 tbsp. ground cumin
- 1 tbsp. garlic minced
- 1 tsp. chili powder
- ½ tsp. salt
- ¼ tsp. pepper
Instructions
- Start by heating 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a skillet, over high heat. Then add 1 tablespoon of garlic. Cook it for about 1 minute.
- Next, incorporate 1 pound of ground turkey into the skillet. Use a spoon to break it apart while cooking. Keep stirring until the turkey is nicely browned, for 8 minutes.
- Now it's time to add some flavors! Sprinkle in 1.5 tablespoons of ground cumin, 1 teaspoon of chili powder, half a teaspoon of salt and a quarter teaspoon of pepper. Give everything a stir to ensure the spices are well distributed.
- To continue building the dish introduce 1 cup of onion and one yellow bell pepper into the skillet. Cook them for around 3 to 4 minutes until they become soft and tender.
- Incorporate 3 cups of potatoes and half a cup of water into the mixture. Stir everything together, cover the skillet with a lid and let it simmer for 6 to 8 minutes until the sweet potatoes are nice and tender. If needed you can add water during this process.
- Once cooked to your liking, taste and adjust the seasoning by adding salt or pepper if desired. Finish off by sprinkling half a cup of mozzarella cheese on top. Allow it to melt beautifully before garnishing it with a quarter cup of chopped cilantro.
- Finally, your delicious dish is ready to be enjoyed!
Notes
I’m Bitty, owner of nodashofgluten.com, where I share simple, delicious recipes for all tastes, including gluten-free. Check out my “About Me” page for more info!
