Easy Healthy One-skillet Turkey & Sweet Potatoes Recipe

Whipping up a delightful turkey and sweet potatoes skillet can revolutionize your weeknight dinner routine.

Packed with nutritious ingredients, this dish brings together lean protein and vibrant vegetables in a single pan.

Weeknight cooking demands simplicity, and this recipe delivers maximum flavor with minimal cleanup.

Home cooks appreciate meals that combine wholesome elements without sacrificing taste or texture.

Mediterranean-inspired seasonings add depth and complexity to the classic combination of tender turkey and caramelized sweet potatoes.

Colorful and satisfying, this skillet creates a balanced meal that nourishes both body and soul.

Savor every bite and let this recipe become your new go-to dinner solution.

What Makes This One-Skillet Turkey and Sweet Potato Dish So Healthy

• Craft a Nutritious Meal: Packed with lean turkey, sweet potatoes, and leafy greens, this one-skillet wonder delivers a powerhouse of nutrients in a single dish.
• Simplify Cooking Process: Minimal cleanup with just one skillet, making it perfect for busy weeknights or quick family meals without complicated kitchen work.
• Speed Through Preparation: From start to finish, this recipe comes together quickly, allowing you to have a delicious, wholesome meal on the table in minimal time.
• Customize with Ease: Flexible ingredients let you swap out spinach for kale or adjust spices to match your family's taste preferences, making it a versatile dinner solution.

Ingredients to Create a Balanced and Flavorful Meal

• Ground Turkey: A lean protein source that provides a hearty base for this one-skillet meal.
• Sweet Potatoes: A nutritious and slightly sweet vegetable that adds texture and flavor to the dish.
• Chicken Broth: Helps to create moisture and enhance the overall taste of the recipe.

• Onions, Garlic: These ingredients build a flavor foundation and add depth to the dish.
• Bell Pepper: Brings color, crunch, and additional nutrients to the meal.
• Spinach or Kale: Adds a boost of green vegetables and nutritional value.

• Olive Oil: Provides a healthy cooking fat and helps prevent sticking.
• Salt, Pepper: Basic seasonings that enhance the natural flavors of the ingredients.
• Paprika, Cumin, Chili Powder: A blend of spices that adds warmth and complexity to the turkey mixture.

Simple Cooking Steps for a One-Skillet Dinner

Step 1: Warm Up the Cooking Surface

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat, allowing the oil to spread evenly across the pan’s surface.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatic Vegetables

Add onions and garlic, stirring and cooking until they release their fragrant aroma and become slightly translucent.

Step 3: Brown the Protein

• Salt
• Black pepper
• Paprika
• Cumin
• Chili powder

Cook the turkey, breaking it into small pieces until it turns a rich golden brown color.

Step 4: Create a Hearty Base

• Sweet potatoes
• Bell pepper
• Chicken broth

Cover the skillet and let the ingredients simmer for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.

Step 5: Add Leafy Greens

Toss in fresh spinach or kale, cooking for an additional 2 minutes until the greens wilt and become tender.

Step 6: Final Touch and Serve

Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.

Transfer the one-skillet meal to serving plates and enjoy while warm.

Notes to Ensure Tender Turkey and Perfect Sweet Potatoes

• Swap ground turkey with plant-based crumbles for a vegetarian version that maintains protein levels.
• Choose firm sweet potatoes without soft spots to ensure even cooking and better texture in the skillet.
• Dice vegetables uniformly to guarantee consistent cooking and prevent some pieces from becoming overcooked or undercooked.
• Reduce sodium by using low-sodium chicken broth and controlling salt amounts during seasoning process.
• Pat ground turkey dry before cooking to help achieve better browning and prevent excess moisture in the skillet.

Ideas to Mix Up the Flavors in This Skillet

• Vegetarian Protein Swap: Replace ground turkey with crumbled tofu or tempeh, using the same seasonings for a plant-based version.
• Gluten-Free Friendly: Ensure chicken broth is gluten-free and use tamari instead of regular soy sauce for celiac or gluten-sensitive individuals.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Substitute sweet potatoes with cauliflower or zucchini cubes to reduce carbohydrate content while maintaining the recipe's nutritional profile.
• Mediterranean Style: Add feta cheese, kalamata olives, and swap chili powder with oregano for a Greek-inspired flavor transformation.

Pairing Options for a Well-Rounded Plate

• Cozy Family Dinner Delight: Serve this hearty one-skillet meal over fluffy quinoa or brown rice for a complete, nutritious dinner that everyone will love.
• Meal Prep Champion: Portion the turkey and sweet potato mixture into meal prep containers for easy, grab-and-go lunches throughout the week, perfect for busy professionals and health-conscious individuals.
• Taco Night Twist: Transform the dish into a filling for soft tortillas or crispy taco shells, topped with fresh cilantro, a dollop of Greek yogurt, and a squeeze of lime for a Mexican-inspired variation.
• Leftover Magic: Repurpose any remaining skillet contents as a savory breakfast hash by topping with a fried egg and serving alongside crusty whole grain toast for a protein-packed morning meal.

Tips to Store and Reheat Leftovers Safely

• Refrigerate leftover turkey and sweet potato skillet in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days to maintain freshness and food safety.
• Transfer leftovers to a microwave-safe dish before reheating to ensure even warming.
• Microwave on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to distribute heat evenly and prevent cold spots.
• Add a splash of chicken broth when reheating to restore moisture and prevent dryness.
• For stovetop reheating, warm in a skillet over medium-low heat, stirring gently to prevent sticking and maintain texture.
• Freeze portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months, removing as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn.

FAQs

• Is this recipe good for meal prep?

Yes, this one-skillet turkey and sweet potato dish is perfect for meal prep. You can easily make a large batch and store it in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, making busy weeknights easier.

• Can I use ground chicken instead of turkey?

Absolutely! Ground chicken works great as a substitute and provides a similar lean protein profile. Just ensure you cook it thoroughly to the same internal temperature as turkey.

• What if I don't have fresh spinach or kale?

Frozen spinach is an excellent alternative. Simply thaw and drain excess water before adding to the skillet. The nutritional value remains similar, and it blends seamlessly into the recipe.

Easy One-Skillet Turkey & Sweet Potatoes Recipe

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4.7 from 24 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Mediterranean-inspired one-skillet turkey and sweet potatoes merge lean protein with nutritious root vegetables for a quick family dinner. Home cooks can enjoy this simple, nourishing meal that delivers robust flavors and complete nutrition in less than 45 minutes.

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Ingredients

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Proteins:

• 1 pound (454 grams) ground turkey

Vegetables:

• 2 medium sweet potatoes, diced
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 cup spinach or kale, chopped

Spices and Liquids:

• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) chicken broth

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Instructions

1. Warm olive oil in a spacious cast-iron skillet over medium-high temperature, creating an even cooking surface.
2. Sauté diced onions and minced garlic until they release a fragrant aroma and become translucent, approximately 2-3 minutes.
3. Introduce ground turkey to the skillet, sprinkling salt, pepper, paprika, cumin, and chili powder. Break meat into crumbly pieces and cook until completely browned and no pink remains.
4. Incorporate diced sweet potatoes, chopped bell peppers, and chicken broth into the skillet. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 10-12 minutes, gently stirring midway to ensure even cooking and prevent sticking.
5. Fold fresh spinach or kale into the mixture, allowing greens to wilt and become tender for an additional 2 minutes.
6. Taste and fine-tune seasonings, adding extra spices if needed for enhanced flavor profile.
7. Remove from heat and serve immediately while piping hot, creating a nutritious one-pan meal with vibrant colors and balanced textures.

Notes

• Swap ground turkey with plant-based crumbles for a vegetarian version that maintains protein content and flavor profile.
• Use fresh sweet potatoes with bright orange color for maximum nutritional density and sweeter taste.
• Add a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes for extra heat and metabolism-boosting properties.
• Consider garnishing with fresh cilantro or green onions to enhance visual appeal and add a bright, fresh layer of flavor.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 305 kcal
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 270 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 3.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 22 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg