Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I always come back to this dish because:

It’s a complete meal in one pan, so cleanup is easy and flavors mesh beautifully
The sweet potatoes bring natural sweetness, balancing the savory turkey and spices perfectly .
With customizable toppings—cheese, greens, avocado—it’s versatile and satisfying

ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

1 lb (450 g) lean ground turkey
2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and diced (~2 cups)
1 small onion, diced
1 bell pepper (yellow, red, or green), diced
2–3 cloves garlic, minced
2 Tbsp olive oil
1 tsp chili powder
1 tsp ground cumin
½ tsp paprika
Salt & pepper, to taste
2 cups fresh spinach (optional)
½ cup shredded cheese (mozzarella or cheddar) + garnishes (avocado, cilantro, lime)

directions

Brown the turkey: Heat 1 Tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium‑high heat. Add turkey and half the garlic; break it up and cook until no longer pink (~5–7 min)
Sauté aromatics: Push turkey to the side. Add remaining oil, onion, bell pepper, and garlic. Cook until softened (~3–4 min)
Add sweet potatoes: Stir in diced sweet potatoes, chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cover, reduce heat, and cook ~10–12 min, stirring occasionally, until potatoes are tender. Add splash of water if they start to stick .
Finish with greens: Uncover and stir in spinach (if using). Cook until just wilted.
Cheese time: Sprinkle shredded cheese on top. Cover or broil briefly until melted (~1–2 min)
Serve: Garnish with avocado, cilantro, lime juice, and your favorite toppings.

Servings and timing

Servings: 4
Prep time: ~10 minutes
Cook time: ~20–22 minutes
Total time: ~30–35 minutes

Variations

Beans for fiber: Add black beans or corn with the sweet potatoes
Veggie boost: Stir in zucchini or kale alongside spinach for added greens
Spicy kick: Increase chili powder or add jalapeño/chipotle for heat .
Cheese switch: Try pepper jack, queso fresco, or vegan cheese to switch things up .

storage/reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days
To reheat, I warm gently in a skillet or microwave until heated through. If you melted cheese before, feel free to sprinkle a bit more before reheating.

FAQs

Can I prep ahead?

Absolutely. I’ll chop the veggies and maybe even cook sweet potatoes ahead, then assemble and finish cooking on the day. Keeps hands-off time shorter.

Is this gluten-free?

Yes—if you watch the seasoning blend (ensure no gluten-containing additives), it’s naturally gluten-free .

Can I use ground chicken or beef instead?

Definitely. Substitute turkey for ground chicken or lean beef for a different flavor profile .

What’s the best skillet to use?

A large cast-iron or heavy-bottomed skillet works best—it helps cook evenly and keeps everything in one pot .

Can I freeze leftovers?

Yes—cool completely, then freeze in sealed containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat before serving .

Conclusion

This Ground Turkey & Sweet Potato Skillet Delight is one of my favorite go-to dinners—simple, nutritious, and full of flavor. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or anytime I want a healthy, hearty meal with minimal fuss.