Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet
A wholesome one-pan meal packed with lean ground turkey, tender sweet potatoes, colourful vegetables, and savoury herbs. Perfect for busy weeknights or healthy meal prep.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25–30 minutes
Total Time: 40–45 minutes
Servings: 4
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450 g) lean ground turkey
- 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and diced into ½-inch cubes
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups baby spinach
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon chilli flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- ¼ cup chicken broth or water
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- ¼ cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)
Equipment
- Large skillet with lid
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- Wooden spoon
Instructions
1. Cook the Sweet Potatoes
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the diced sweet potatoes and cook for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add the chicken broth, cover, and cook for another 5 minutes until nearly tender.
- Transfer the sweet potatoes to a plate.
2. Brown the Turkey
- In the same skillet, add the ground turkey.
- Cook for 5–6 minutes, breaking it apart until no longer pink.
3. Add the Vegetables
- Stir in the onion and bell pepper.
- Cook for 4–5 minutes until softened.
- Add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
4. Season
Mix in:
- Smoked paprika
- Italian seasoning
- Cumin
- Onion powder
- Garlic powder
- Chilli flakes (if using)
- Salt and pepper
5. Combine Everything
- Return the sweet potatoes to the skillet.
- Add the spinach and stir until wilted, about 2 minutes.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
6. Finish & Serve
- Sprinkle with fresh parsley.
- Top with crumbled feta cheese, if desired.
- Serve hot.
Serving Suggestions
Pair this skillet with:
- A crisp green salad
- Steamed broccoli
- Roasted Brussels sprouts
- Brown rice or quinoa
- Cauliflower rice for a lower-carb option
- Sliced avocado
Storage
Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer: Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
- Microwave: Heat for 2–3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
- Skillet: Warm over medium-low heat with a splash of water or broth.
- Air Fryer: Heat at 175°C (350°F) for 5–7 minutes.
Tips for Success
- Dice the sweet potatoes into even-sized cubes so they cook evenly.
- Use 93% lean ground turkey for the best balance of flavour and tenderness.
- Add the spinach at the end to keep it vibrant and tender.
- For extra flavour, squeeze fresh lemon juice over the finished dish.
Variations
- Add mushrooms or zucchini for extra vegetables.
- Replace spinach with kale.
- Use ground chicken instead of turkey.
- Add black beans for extra fibre and protein.
- Sprinkle with shredded cheddar or mozzarella instead of feta.
- Spice it up with diced jalapeños or hot sauce.
Nutrition (Approximate per serving)
- Calories: 360
- Protein: 28 g
- Carbohydrates: 24 g
- Fat: 16 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Fibre: 5 g
- Sugar: 7 g
- Sodium: 380 mg
Nut Information
Nut-Free Ingredients
- Ground turkey
- Sweet potatoes
- Onion
- Bell pepper
- Garlic
- Spinach
- Olive oil
- Chicken broth
- Herbs and spices
- Fresh parsley
Contains
- ✔ Milk (if feta cheese is added)
Does NOT Contain
- Peanuts
- Tree nuts
- Eggs
- Wheat
- Soy (check the broth label if needed)
- Fish
- Shellfish
- Sesame
Cross-Contamination Note:
If preparing this meal for someone with a severe nut allergy, verify that the feta cheese, chicken broth, and seasonings are produced in a nut-free facility.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use ground chicken instead of turkey?
Yes. Ground chicken is an excellent substitute and cooks the same way.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Absolutely. Simply omit the feta cheese or use your favourite dairy-free alternative.
Do I need to peel the sweet potatoes?
No. If you prefer, leave the skins on after scrubbing them well for added fibre and nutrients.
Can I meal prep this recipe?
Yes. Divide into individual containers and refrigerate for up to 4 days for easy lunches or dinners.
Can I use frozen spinach?
Yes. Thaw and squeeze out excess moisture before adding it to the skillet.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, as long as your chicken broth and seasonings are certified gluten-free.
What can I serve with it?
This skillet is delicious on its own, but also pairs well with cauliflower rice, quinoa, brown rice, a fresh salad, or roasted vegetables.
