Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet – Are you, in search of a satisfying meal that tickles your taste buds while also being nutritious? Look no further! Our recipe for Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet is a delight that combines the heartiness of ground turkey, the sweetness of sweet potatoes, and a blend of flavorful spices. In 30 minutes you can whip up a homemade dinner that’s perfect for busy weeknights or whenever you’re craving something tasty.
I can still vividly recall the first time I prepared this Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet for my family. It was one of those evenings when time was scarce. We all yearned for a nourishing meal. As I stood in the kitchen juggling ingredients and aiming to create something speedy I stumbled upon this recipe. Little did I know that it would soon become an all-time favorite in our household.
What makes this Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet truly special?
This Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet isn’t any meal; it’s like having your own culinary savior! With a cook time of 30 minutes, it is perfect, for those with busy schedules who still want to enjoy a flavorful meal. What makes it truly special is the combination of ground turkey and the natural sweetness of sweet potatoes creating a nutritious and well-balanced dish packed with protein and fiber. Moreover, you can easily customize it by adding your favorite ingredients. It’s the go-to recipe, for weeknights offering both convenience and the satisfaction of homemade goodness.
What You Need To Make This Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet Recipe?
Sweet Potatoes: Whether you go for large potatoes their natural sweetness provides a lovely contrast, to the savory aspects of this skillet dish. Look for blemish-free sweet potatoes for optimal results. If you prefer a rustic touch you can keep the skin on.
Ground Turkey: Lean ground turkey takes center stage in this recipe giving it an amount of protein while keeping it light. You have the option to choose ground turkey breast for a leaner choice or mix dark and white meat for a more flavorful profile.
Spices: The combination of ground cumin, minced garlic, and chili powder works together harmoniously to create a medley of flavors. For the best outcome make sure your spices are fresh. Feel free to adjust the spice levels according to your taste preferences. Add more chili powder if you like it hot or extra garlic, for an aromatic boost.
Mozzarella: Shredded mozzarella beautifully tops off this skillet dish with its cheesy goodness that brings comfort. If you want to personalize the flavor feel free to experiment with cheese varieties. For a twist smoked mozzarella can be a great choice or if you prefer a sharper kick consider using cheddar.
Olive Oil: Olive oil acts, as a canvas bringing the flavors of the skillet to life. I recommend using virgin olive oil for its rich taste and health benefits. It’s perfect for sautéing the garlic and turkey infusing them with a subtle fruity essence.
Cilantro: Fresh cilantro adds a pop of color and an extra layer of flavor to your dish. If you’re not fond of cilantro taste you can substitute it with parsley or green onions for a milder herbaceous touch.
Yellow Bell Pepper and Onion: These veggies not only provide a burst of color. Also, bring a satisfying crunch and gentle sweetness to the skillet. Feel free to experiment with the colors of bell peppers for a twist or adjust the amount of onion according to your preference.
Water: Adding water while cooking helps steam the potatoes ensuring they become tender while keeping the meat juicy. It plays a role in achieving the perfect consistency, in the skillet so don’t hesitate to add more if necessary.
Salt and Pepper: These kitchen essentials are your allies when it comes to enhancing flavors. Adjust the amount based on your liking. Remember that you can always add later if needed. Adding ground black pepper brings a hint of spiciness and fragrance.
Steps To Make Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet:
Step 1: In a skillet made of iron heat up some olive oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot add the garlic. Let it cook for about 1 minute until its fragrant aroma fills the air.
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Step 2: Next, introduce the ground turkey to the skillet. Use a spoon to break it apart as it cooks. Continue cooking for 8 minutes. Until the turkey turns a lovely brown color.
Step 3: Now sprinkle in the ground cumin, chili powder, salt and pepper. Stir thoroughly to ensure that these delightful spices evenly coat the turkey.
Step 4: Add in the onion and yellow bell pepper. Sauté them, for around 3 to 4 minutes until they begin to soften and their flavors meld with that of the turkey.
Step 5: To complete this dish introduce the sweet potatoes to the skillet along with half a cup of water. Stir everything together before covering it with a lid. Allow it to simmer gently for 6 to 8 minutes or until the sweet potatoes become tender. If you find that the skillet starts drying out during this process feel free to add water to keep your meat moist.
Step 6: Once your sweet potatoes are fork tender remove the lid. Taste your creation. If desired adjust its seasoning by adding salt and pepper according to your preference.
Step 7: Lastly sprinkle some mozzarella cheese over your skillet, for a delicious touch. After letting it melt you’ll have a cheesy and irresistible topping.
Step 8: Take the skillet off the heat. Before serving add a sprinkle of fresh cilantro to your masterpiece. The vibrant cilantro will bring a pop of color and a final burst of flavor.
Tip:
To hustle up the cooking procedure and make sure the sweet potatoes cook evenly you might want to cook them in the microwave for a few minutes before adding them to the skillet. Just put the potatoes in a dish that’s safe for microwaving cover them with a damp paper towel and microwave on high heat, for about 3 to 5 minutes or until they start to get soft. This will cut down on the time needed to cook them in the skillet and help you achieve sweet potatoes in no time at all.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I use ground chicken instead of ground turkey?
Absolutely! Ground chicken is a fantastic choice if you prefer it or have it available. It will still blend perfectly with the potatoes and spices.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can definitely prepare most of the ingredients beforehand. Then assemble the skillet when you’re ready to enjoy it. Just make sure to store the turkey and sweet potato mixture in airtight containers.
What side dishes pair well with this skillet?
While this dish is already a meal, on its own you can also serve it with a side salad, steamed vegetables or even a simple coleslaw, for a rounded dinner experience.
<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!
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!
