Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet: A Healthy One-Pan Meal Recipe

Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet is a delightful dish that brings together wholesome ingredients in a quick and easy meal. As someone who loves to experiment in the kitchen, I find this recipe to be a perfect blend of flavors and textures that never fails to impress. The combination of savory ground turkey and sweet, tender sweet potatoes creates a harmony that is both satisfying and nutritious. This dish is not only delicious but also embodies a sense of comfort that many of us crave after a long day.

Historically, sweet potatoes have been a staple in various cultures, celebrated for their versatility and health benefits. Ground turkey, on the other hand, has gained popularity as a lean protein option, making it a favorite among health-conscious individuals. People love this Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet for its convenience; it can be prepared in just one pan, making cleanup a breeze. The vibrant colors and rich flavors make it a feast for the eyes and the palate, ensuring that it will become a regular in your meal rotation.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound ground turkey
• 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and diced into small cubes
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 bell pepper (any color), diced
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 cup spinach (fresh or frozen)
• 1/2 cup chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
• 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice (optional)
• Fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)

Preparing the Sweet Potatoes

First things first, let’s get those sweet potatoes ready. They are the star of this dish, bringing a natural sweetness and a hearty texture.

1. Peel the sweet potatoes using a vegetable peeler. Make sure to remove all the skin, as it can be tough.
2. Dice the sweet potatoes into small cubes, about 1/2 inch in size. This will help them cook evenly and quickly.
3. Once diced, place them in a bowl and set aside. If you want to prevent them from browning, you can toss them with a little lemon juice.

Cooking the Ground Turkey

Now that the sweet potatoes are prepped, let’s move on to cooking the ground turkey. This is where the flavor starts to build!

1. In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Make sure the oil is hot but not smoking.
2. Add the diced onion to the skillet. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant.
3. Next, add the minced garlic and diced bell pepper to the skillet. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent the garlic from burning.
4. Now it’s time to add the ground turkey. Break it up with a spatula as it cooks. Stir occasionally until the turkey is browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
5. Once the turkey is cooked, season it with smoked paprika, ground cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine all the spices with the meat.

Cooking the Sweet Potatoes

With the turkey cooked, we can now add the sweet potatoes to the mix. This is where the dish starts to come together!

1. Add the diced sweet potatoes to the skillet with the turkey mixture. Stir to combine everything evenly.
2. Pour in the chicken broth. This will help steam the sweet potatoes and infuse them with flavor.
3. Cover the skillet with a lid and let it cook for about 10-15 minutes. Stir occasionally to ensure the sweet potatoes cook evenly. You want them to be tender but not mushy.
4. After about 10 minutes, check the sweet potatoes for doneness. You can poke them with a fork; they should be soft but still hold their shape.

Adding the Spinach

Now that the sweet potatoes are tender, it’s time to add some greens to our skillet for a pop of color and nutrition!

1. If you’re using fresh spinach, rinse it under cold water and shake off the excess moisture. If you’re using frozen spinach, make sure it’s thawed and drained.
2. Add the spinach to the skillet and stir it in. The residual heat will wilt the spinach quickly, usually within 2-3 minutes.
3. Once the spinach is wilted, taste the mixture and adjust the seasoning if necessary. You can add more salt, pepper, or spices according to your preference.

Finishing Touches

We’re almost there! Just a few final touches to elevate this dish.

1. If you like a bit of acidity, drizzle 1 tablespoon of fresh lime juice over the skillet. This will brighten up the flavors beautifully.
2. Give everything a good stir to combine the lime

Conclusion:

In summary, the Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet is a must-try recipe that combines wholesome ingredients with incredible flavors, making it a perfect choice for a quick weeknight dinner or a meal prep option for the week ahead. The savory ground turkey pairs beautifully with the natural sweetness of the sweet potatoes, creating a dish that is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients. For serving suggestions, I love to top this skillet with a sprinkle of fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley for an added burst of freshness. You can also serve it alongside a simple green salad or some steamed broccoli to round out the meal. If you’re feeling adventurous, consider adding a splash of hot sauce or a dollop of Greek yogurt for an extra kick and creaminess. I encourage you to give this Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet a try! It’s a versatile recipe that can easily be customized to suit your taste preferences. Whether you want to add in some black beans for extra protein or toss in some spinach for added greens, the possibilities are endless. Once you make it, I would love to hear about your experience! Share your thoughts and any variations you tried in the comments below. Happy cooking!

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