Thank you so much for stopping by today! If you’re anything like me, you’re always on the hunt for quick, nourishing meals that bring everyone to the table without leaving a mountain of dishes behind. That’s exactly why I’m thrilled to share this Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet—a weeknight hero that’s healthy, hearty, and incredibly satisfying.
Made in just one skillet and packed with lean protein and naturally sweet root veggies, this recipe checks all the boxes: gluten-free, balanced, and full of flavor. If you love simple meals with big flavor and minimal fuss, you’re going to want to bookmark this one!
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Why You’ll Love This Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet
This dish is exactly what busy weeknights call for: one skillet, 30 minutes, and a meal that the whole family will devour. Here’s what makes it a weeknight favorite:
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One-pan magic: Minimal cleanup = maximum joy.
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Wholesome ingredients: Lean ground turkey and sweet potatoes form a perfect pair.
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Customizable: Toss in what you have—this dish is versatile and forgiving.
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Family-approved: It’s mild enough for picky eaters but flavorful enough to impress adults.
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Balanced meal: Carbs, protein, and fat all in one delicious bite.
What Does It Taste Like?
Imagine the cozy sweetness of roasted sweet potatoes paired with the savory depth of cumin-spiced turkey, a hint of garlic, and a creamy touch of mozzarella. It’s warming, gently spiced (but not spicy), and bursting with layered flavors. The bell peppers and onions bring a gentle crunch and freshness, while the melted cheese on top seals the deal. It’s comfort food—but lighter!
Benefits of This Recipe
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Gluten-free: Naturally so—no special ingredients needed.
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Protein-packed: 23g per serving!
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Perfect for meal prep: It reheats like a dream.
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Kid-friendly: Balanced seasoning means it’s flavorful, not fiery.
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Quick and easy: From stovetop to table in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s everything that goes into this cozy skillet dinner:
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2 tablespoons olive oil
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1 tablespoon garlic, minced
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1 pound ground turkey
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1.5 tablespoons ground cumin
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1 teaspoon chili powder
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½ teaspoon salt
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¼ teaspoon pepper
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1 cup onion, diced
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1 yellow bell pepper, diced
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3 small or 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and diced (about 3 cups)
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½ cup water
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½ cup mozzarella, shredded
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¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
Tools You’ll Need
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A large cast iron skillet (or any large non-stick pan with a lid)
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Wooden spoon or spatula
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A sharp knife for dicing veggies
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Cutting board
Ingredient Swaps & Additions
I promised you versatile, and here’s proof!
Substitutes:
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No ground turkey? Use ground chicken or lean ground beef.
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Don’t have mozzarella? Try shredded cheddar, Monterey Jack, or even crumbled feta.
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Swap yellow bell pepper for red, orange, or green.
Additions:
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Add black beans for extra fiber and plant-based protein.
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Toss in a handful of baby spinach in the last 2 minutes for a pop of green.
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A pinch of smoked paprika amps up the depth.
How to Make Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet
Follow these easy steps for a skillet full of goodness:
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Heat your skillet over medium-high heat and add olive oil.
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Toss in the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant.
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Add the ground turkey. Use a wooden spoon to break it apart and cook for about 8 minutes, until browned.
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Stir in cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
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Add diced onion and bell pepper. Cook for 3–4 minutes until slightly softened.
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Add the sweet potatoes and pour in the water. Stir, then cover with a lid. Let cook for about 6–8 minutes until sweet potatoes are tender. Stir occasionally and add a splash more water if things are drying out.
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Once everything is cooked and fragrant, taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
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Sprinkle shredded mozzarella over the top, let it melt.
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Remove from heat and finish with fresh cilantro. Serve warm!
What to Serve With It
Honestly? This skillet can fly solo. But if you’re looking to round it out or entertain with it:
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A side of rice or quinoa for extra bulk
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A crisp green salad with citrus vinaigrette
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Tortilla chips for scooping (trust me!!)
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A side of sour cream or Greek yogurt for a creamy contrast
Tips for the Best Skillet
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Dice your sweet potatoes small (about ½-inch pieces) to help them cook quickly and evenly.
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Keep an eye on moisture—don’t let the pan go dry while the potatoes cook. Add a splash more water if needed.
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For golden sweet potatoes, remove the lid toward the end and let them caramelize slightly.
Storage Instructions
Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer: You can freeze it, but the texture of the sweet potatoes may soften. Let it cool, then store for up to 2 months.
To reheat: Microwave for 1–2 minutes or reheat in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through.
FAQs About Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet
Can I prepare this dish in advance?
Absolutely! It’s perfect for meal prep and tastes even better the next day as the flavors have more time to blend.
Is this skillet recipe spicy?
Nope! The chili powder adds warmth, not heat. Want to kick it up a notch? Add a pinch of cayenne or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes.
Can I swap sweet potatoes for regular potatoes?
Sure! Yukon Gold or red potatoes work great—but sweet potatoes bring a cozy sweetness that pairs beautifully with the spices.
What if I don’t have a cast iron skillet?
No worries—any large non-stick or stainless-steel skillet with a lid will work just fine.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes! Just skip the cheese or use your favorite plant-based shredded cheese alternative. It’ll still be flavorful and hearty.
How can I make this vegetarian?
You can swap the ground turkey for a plant-based ground meat substitute or crumbled tofu. Add extra beans or lentils for protein!
What veggies go well in this skillet?
Zucchini, mushrooms, or spinach make great add-ins! Just toss them in during the last few minutes of cooking so they don’t overcook.
Does this freeze well?
Yes, you can freeze it for up to 2 months. Let it cool completely, store it in an airtight container, and reheat on the stove or in the microwave when ready to enjoy.
Let’s Wrap This Up
This Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet is your new weeknight BFF—delicious, nutritious, and done in half an hour with one pan. It’s that kind of cozy, go-to recipe you’ll make again and again, with just enough wiggle room to play around and make it your own.
Looking for more wholesome dinner ideas? Here are some reader favorites that are just as satisfying:
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Mediterranean Ground Beef Stir-Fry – bursting with bold, fresh flavors!
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Marry Me Chicken Pasta – creamy, dreamy, and romantic-meal approved.
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Sticky Beef Noodles – sweet, savory, and faster than takeout.
Tried this recipe? I’d love to see your skillet creations! Leave a review below, or share your delicious photos and tag me over on Pinterest. Let’s make dinner fun and flavorful together!
Here’s to healthy, hearty meals with heart—happy cooking!
Print
Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet – A One-Pot Weeknight Wonder!
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This cozy Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet is a one-pan, 30-minute wonder packed with lean protein, warm spices, and naturally sweet root veggies. It’s gluten-free, family-friendly, and perfect for busy weeknights when you need a nourishing dinner on the table fast—without sacrificing flavor. Topped with melty mozzarella and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro, it’s anything but boring!!
Ingredients
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2 tablespoons olive oil
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1 tablespoon garlic, minced
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1 pound ground turkey
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1.5 tablespoons ground cumin
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1 teaspoon chili powder
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½ teaspoon salt
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¼ teaspoon black pepper
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1 cup onion, diced
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1 yellow bell pepper, diced
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3 small or 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and diced (about 3 cups)
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½ cup water
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½ cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
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¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
Instructions
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Heat a large cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add the olive oil and minced garlic. Sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
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Add the ground turkey. Use a wooden spoon to break it apart and cook for about 8 minutes, until browned.
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Stir in cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly to coat the meat in spices.
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Add diced onion and bell pepper, and cook for another 3–4 minutes until they begin to soften.
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Add the diced sweet potatoes and pour in the water. Stir, then cover the skillet with a lid. Cook for 6–8 minutes, until the sweet potatoes are fork-tender. Stir occasionally and add more water if needed to keep the pan from drying out.
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Remove the lid, season to taste with extra salt and pepper if desired, and sprinkle the shredded mozzarella evenly on top. Let it melt.
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Remove from heat, top with fresh cilantro, and serve warm.
Notes
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Dice sweet potatoes small for faster, more even cooking.
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Add spinach, kale, or black beans for an extra nutritional boost.
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Mozzarella can be swapped for cheddar or feta—use what you love!
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To make it dairy-free, just skip the cheese or sub with a plant-based option.
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Leftovers reheat beautifully and make excellent meal prep!
- Equipment
Cast iron skillet (or large non-stick skillet with lid)
Wooden spoon or spatula
Cutting board
Chef’s knife
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Main Course
- Method: Stovetop, One-Pot
- Cuisine: American-Inspired, Healthy Comfort Food
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 of 6
- Calories: 345 kcal
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 330mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 23g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
Keywords: Ground turkey sweet potato skillet, one-pan turkey recipe, healthy turkey dinner, gluten-free skillet meal, sweet potato ground turkey recipe, weeknight dinner ideas, 30 minute skillet meals