The Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet is a cozy, nutritious meal made entirely in one pan — perfect for busy weeknights. This dish brings together lean ground turkey, soft sweet potatoes, and colorful bell peppers, tied together with melted cheese (if you choose) and a sprinkle of fresh herbs.
It’s a go-to recipe when you want something hearty yet healthy, ready in just 30 minutes with minimal cleanup. Whether you’re following a gluten-free, paleo, or Whole30-friendly diet, this flexible skillet meal offers all the comfort of home cooking while keeping it light and satisfying. Add it to your meal prep rotation or serve it fresh out of the oven — it’s always a hit!
Full recipe:
Ingredients:
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2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
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1 pound extra-lean ground turkey
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1 teaspoon garlic, minced
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½ cup diced onions
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½ cup diced yellow bell pepper
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1½ cups diced sweet potato
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Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
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A pinch of red chili flakes (optional)
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½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese (optional for Whole30/Paleo)
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Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Directions:
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In a cast iron skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
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Add the ground turkey and garlic. Cook for about 5 minutes, breaking up the turkey as it browns.
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Add the onions and bell peppers, sauté until onions are softened.
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Stir in the sweet potatoes, red chili flakes, salt, and black pepper.
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Cover the skillet and cook until sweet potatoes are fork-tender, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of water or olive oil if needed.
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Preheat oven to 400ºF.
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Once sweet potatoes are tender, sprinkle mozzarella cheese over the top.
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Place skillet in the oven and bake just until cheese is melted.
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Remove from oven, garnish with parsley, and serve hot.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes
Kcal: 306 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
Why This Recipe Stands Out
There are countless skillet meals online, but few check as many boxes as this one. It’s naturally gluten-free, budget-friendly, and made with everyday ingredients you likely already have on hand. What truly elevates it is the perfect harmony between flavor and nutrition. Sweet potatoes provide a slightly sweet, earthy base that complements the savory and slightly spicy ground turkey beautifully. Meanwhile, bell peppers and onions round out the flavor profile with a subtle crunch and depth.
It’s also incredibly versatile — you can easily swap out ingredients based on what’s in your fridge. Out of turkey? Try chicken or even a plant-based crumble. Want more greens? Toss in some spinach, kale, or zucchini. The adaptability of this recipe makes it an instant classic.
The Nutritional Edge
From a nutritional standpoint, this meal is exceptionally balanced. Lean ground turkey is a great source of high-quality protein and low in saturated fat, making it ideal for those managing their cholesterol or calorie intake. Sweet potatoes offer a healthy dose of fiber, vitamin A (beta-carotene), and antioxidants that promote eye health, immune function, and blood sugar regulation.
Adding mozzarella cheese provides calcium and a bit of richness, but it’s completely optional. This makes the dish suitable for paleo or Whole30 followers when the cheese is omitted. If you’re following a strict low-carb diet, you can reduce the portion of sweet potatoes or substitute with cauliflower or rutabaga to maintain the dish’s textural integrity while keeping carbs in check.
Perfect for Meal Prep
One of the most compelling aspects of this skillet recipe is how well it fits into a meal prep routine. The dish keeps well in the refrigerator for up to four days when stored in airtight containers, and it reheats beautifully in both the microwave and on the stovetop. It’s a meal that doesn’t just survive leftovers — it thrives as one.
You can double the batch and use it in different ways throughout the week. Serve it over a bed of greens for a quick salad bowl, tuck it into a whole-wheat wrap for a satisfying lunch, or top it with a fried egg for a protein-packed breakfast.
Tips for the Best Skillet Every Time
To get the most out of this dish, a few simple tips can make a big difference:
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Dice the sweet potatoes small and uniformly to ensure even cooking.
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Don’t overcrowd your skillet. Sweet potatoes need space to cook through without steaming, which helps preserve their slightly crisp exterior.
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Use a cast iron skillet if you have one. Cast iron holds heat well and delivers better browning and caramelization on the sweet potatoes and meat, enhancing flavor.
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Add a splash of broth or water if the sweet potatoes are taking too long to cook or if your pan starts to dry out.
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Boost the flavor with spices like paprika, cumin, or chili powder. A dash of hot sauce also works wonders if you enjoy a kick of heat.
Cast Iron: The Secret Weapon
This recipe shines brightest when cooked in a cast iron skillet. Not only does cast iron heat evenly, but it also enhances flavor as it browns ingredients beautifully. Moreover, cooking in cast iron may even add a small amount of iron to your food — a bonus for anyone needing a nutritional boost.
Many home cooks shy away from cast iron due to cleaning concerns, but maintenance is simple once you understand the basics. After use, avoid soap; instead, wipe it clean with a damp cloth or paper towel. For stubborn bits, use coarse salt as a scrub. Always dry thoroughly and apply a light coating of oil to prevent rust.
Flexible for Different Diets
One of the best parts of this recipe is how easy it is to adapt. If you’re cooking for someone with specific dietary needs, you won’t need to overhaul the entire dish. For example:
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Whole30 and Paleo: Simply omit the cheese and double-check that all your ingredients (like spices) are compliant.
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Vegetarian or Vegan: Replace turkey with black beans or lentils, add corn or mushrooms for volume, and skip the cheese or use a plant-based version.
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Low-Carb: Use a reduced amount of sweet potato or substitute with cauliflower or butternut squash.
These substitutions don’t sacrifice flavor. In fact, many home cooks find themselves preferring the adjusted versions based on personal taste.
Serving Suggestions
While this skillet is delicious all on its own, you can elevate it further with a few serving enhancements:
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Add a dollop of Greek yogurt or sour cream on top to add creaminess and a cool contrast.
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Serve over brown rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice for a more filling meal.
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Top with sliced avocado or fresh cilantro for a fresh, vibrant touch.
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Wrap it in lettuce or whole grain tortillas for a handheld option.
These options help transform a basic skillet into a variety of meals, ensuring that you don’t tire of the same dish, even when enjoying it multiple times a week.
Family-Friendly and Kid-Approved
Despite being packed with vegetables and lean protein, this dish is incredibly kid-friendly. The sweetness of the potatoes pairs well with the mild flavor of turkey, creating a dish that’s savory, sweet, and satisfying. You can even get kids involved in the cooking process by letting them stir the skillet or sprinkle the cheese on top — they’ll be more likely to try (and enjoy) the meal if they helped make it.
For picky eaters, consider blending the veggies more finely or using cheese as a topping incentive. Adding a fun topping like tortilla strips or crushed crackers can also increase appeal.
Conclusion
The Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet is more than just a quick recipe — it’s a staple you’ll return to time and again. With minimal effort, you get a wholesome, nourishing dish that is as versatile as it is delicious. It caters to a wide range of diets, adapts to your pantry, and satisfies the whole family.
Whether you’re looking to simplify your weeknight dinners, clean out your fridge with a flexible recipe, or stick to a nutritious meal plan, this skillet checks every box. Make it once, and it’s sure to become a favorite in your kitchen rotation.