Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet

Featured in main-dishes.

Hey friend, you absolutely have to try this amazing turkey sweet potato skillet! Look at those perfectly golden sweet potato cubes - they're caramelized to perfection and practically glowing in that bowl. The ground turkey is seasoned just right, creating this incredible savory base that pairs beautifully with the natural sweetness of those potatoes. And see how the fresh spinach wilts down into dark, nutrient-packed ribbons throughout? This is comfort food that actually loves you back! The colors alone will make your kitchen smell incredible, and the best part? It all comes together in one pan in about 30 minutes. Trust me, once you taste this combination of flavors and textures, you'll be making it on repeat. Your family is going to be so impressed!

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Updated on Sat, 07 Jun 2025 22:08:58 GMT
Colorful ground turkey and sweet potato skillet with fresh spinach in white ceramic bowl pin it
Colorful ground turkey and sweet potato skillet with fresh spinach in white ceramic bowl | lonerecipes.com

I first encountered this recipe concept when I was trying to create more one-pan meals for busy weeknights. The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity and the way each ingredient complements the others perfectly. The sweet potatoes provide natural sweetness and a satisfying texture, while the ground turkey offers lean protein that absorbs all the wonderful seasonings. When I add the fresh spinach at the end, it wilts down beautifully, creating these lovely dark green ribbons throughout the dish. What I love most is how the flavors develop as everything cooks together - the sweet potatoes caramelize slightly, the turkey becomes perfectly seasoned, and the spinach adds that fresh, earthy note. It's a complete meal in one pan that never fails to satisfy both my family's taste buds and my desire to serve something nutritious and wholesome.

Why I love this recipe

This recipe holds a special place in my heart because it represents everything I value in cooking - simplicity, nutrition, and incredible flavor all rolled into one. I love how it transforms simple, everyday ingredients into something that feels special and restaurant-worthy. The visual appeal alone makes me happy every time I make it; those vibrant orange sweet potatoes against the deep green spinach create such a beautiful contrast. But beyond the aesthetics, this dish delivers on every level - it's packed with protein, loaded with vegetables, and satisfies those comfort food cravings without any guilt. I especially appreciate how forgiving it is; you can adjust the seasonings, add different vegetables, or even change up the protein, and it always turns out delicious. Most importantly, it's a recipe that brings my family together around the dinner table, creating those precious moments of connection over a shared meal that nourishes both body and soul.

What You Need From Your Kitchen

  • Ground Turkey: Use lean ground turkey and break into small, even pieces while cooking
  • Sweet Potatoes: Peel and dice into uniform 1-inch cubes for even cooking
  • Fresh Spinach: Wash thoroughly and remove any tough stems before adding to skillet
  • Yellow Onion: Dice finely to distribute flavor evenly throughout the dish
  • Fresh Garlic: Mince finely and add towards the end to prevent burning
  • Olive Oil: Use extra virgin olive oil for best flavor and cooking properties

Let's Make These Together

Prepare Your Ingredients
Start by gathering all your ingredients and preparing them properly. Dice your sweet potatoes into uniform cubes, chop your onion, and mince the garlic. Having everything ready before you start cooking will make the process much smoother and more enjoyable.
Get the Sweet Potatoes Golden
Heat your olive oil in a large skillet and add the diced sweet potatoes. Let them cook undisturbed for a few minutes before stirring to develop that beautiful caramelized exterior. This step is crucial for developing the deep, rich flavors that make this dish so special.
Build the Flavor Base
Add your onions to the pan and let them soften alongside the sweet potatoes. When they're translucent and fragrant, add the minced garlic. The combination of these aromatics will create an incredible foundation for your dish.
Brown the Turkey Perfectly
Add the ground turkey and break it up into small, even pieces. Cook it thoroughly until it's nicely browned and no longer pink. Season generously with paprika, salt, and pepper to ensure every bite is flavorful.
Finish with Fresh Greens
Finally, fold in the fresh spinach and watch as it wilts down into beautiful ribbons throughout the dish. This final step adds color, nutrition, and a lovely fresh taste that balances the richness of the other ingredients perfectly.
Recipe picture pin it
Rustic homestyle turkey sweet potato skillet meal with caramelized vegetables and herbs | lonerecipes.com

Switch Things Up

I discovered this recipe during a particularly hectic week when I needed something quick but still wholesome for my family. I remember standing in my kitchen, staring at some sweet potatoes and ground turkey, wondering how to make them exciting. The first time I made this, I was amazed at how the sweet potatoes caramelized so beautifully, creating these golden, tender cubes that practically melted in your mouth. My kids, who are usually skeptical of anything healthy, actually asked for seconds! Now it's become our go-to Tuesday night dinner, and I love how the whole house fills with the most incredible aroma while it's cooking. Sometimes I catch myself making extra just so I can have leftovers for lunch the next day.

Perfect Pairings

This hearty skillet pairs wonderfully with a simple side salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette to add some brightness to the meal. For a heartier option, serve it alongside some crusty whole grain bread or warm dinner rolls. If you're looking for additional vegetables, roasted Brussels sprouts or steamed broccoli complement the flavors beautifully. For beverages, a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a light beer works perfectly, though it's equally delicious with sparkling water infused with fresh herbs.

Healthy one-pan dinner featuring diced sweet potatoes, seasoned turkey, and wilted greens pin it
Healthy one-pan dinner featuring diced sweet potatoes, seasoned turkey, and wilted greens | lonerecipes.com

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?

Yes, you can use frozen spinach, but make sure to thaw it completely and squeeze out excess water before adding it to the skillet. You'll need about 1 cup of frozen spinach to replace the 4 cups of fresh.

→ How long does this keep in the refrigerator?

This turkey sweet potato skillet will keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days when stored in an airtight container. It reheats well in the microwave or on the stovetop.

→ Can I make this ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare this dish up to 2 days in advance. Just reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of water if needed to prevent sticking.

→ What other vegetables can I add?

This recipe is very versatile! You can add bell peppers, zucchini, mushrooms, or broccoli. Just adjust the cooking times accordingly and add harder vegetables earlier in the cooking process.

→ Can I substitute the ground turkey?

Yes, you can use ground chicken, ground beef, or even plant-based ground meat alternatives. Just adjust the cooking time as needed since different proteins may cook at different rates.

Conclusion

This Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet is the perfect weeknight dinner that brings together wholesome ingredients in one satisfying pan. The combination of lean protein, complex carbohydrates, and fresh greens creates a well-balanced meal that's both nutritious and delicious. It's a recipe that proves healthy eating doesn't have to be complicated or boring. With minimal cleanup and maximum flavor, this dish will quickly become a family favorite that you'll find yourself making again and again.

Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet

A nutritious one-pan meal featuring seasoned ground turkey, roasted sweet potatoes, and fresh spinach for a complete dinner.

Prep Time
10 Minutes
Cook Time
20 Minutes
Total Time
30 Minutes
By: chris

Category: main-dishes

Difficulty: easy

Cuisine: American

Yield: 4 Servings (4 balls)

Dietary: High Protein, Gluten-Free

Ingredients

011 lb ground turkey
022 large sweet potatoes, diced
034 cups fresh spinach
041 medium onion, diced
053 cloves garlic, minced
062 tbsp olive oil
071 tsp paprika
08salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Step 01

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Wash and dice sweet potatoes into 1-inch cubes. Dice onion and mince garlic. Wash and dry spinach leaves thoroughly.

Step 02

Add diced sweet potatoes to the hot skillet and cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they start to caramelize and become tender. Season with salt and pepper.

Step 03

Push sweet potatoes to one side of the skillet and add diced onion to the empty space. Cook for 3-4 minutes until softened, then add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

Step 04

Add ground turkey to the skillet and break it up with a wooden spoon. Cook for 6-8 minutes, stirring frequently, until turkey is browned and cooked through. Season with paprika, salt, and pepper.

Step 05

Add fresh spinach to the skillet and gently fold it into the turkey and sweet potato mixture. Cook for 2-3 minutes until spinach is wilted. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed before serving.

Notes

  1. Make sure to dice sweet potatoes evenly for consistent cooking
  2. Don't overcrowd the pan - cook in batches if necessary
  3. Fresh spinach can be substituted with kale or Swiss chard
  4. Leftovers keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days

Tools You'll Need

  • Large skillet or cast iron pan
  • Sharp knife
  • Cutting board
  • Wooden spoon
  • Measuring cups and spoons

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • None - this recipe is naturally gluten-free
  • May contain traces of garlic for sensitive individuals
  • Turkey may be substituted for those with poultry allergies

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 285
  • Total Fat: 12 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 18 g
  • Protein: 28 g

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