One of my go-to dinners when I want something cozy, hearty, and on the table in about 30 minutes is this Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet. Savory seasoned ground turkey, tender little cubes of sweet potato, a spoonful of salsa, and melty cheese all come together in one pan. It's the kind of simple, wholesome dinner that makes a busy weeknight feel a whole lot easier, and it's one my family asks for again and again, especially once the weather starts to cool down.
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If you love an easy one pan dinner try this Skillet Salsa Verde Chicken or One Pan Apple Cider Chicken. These get dinner on the table quick with minimal clean-up which is always a win for me!
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Why You'll Love This Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet
This turkey sweet potato skillet has become one of my favorite weeknight dinners because it checks every box. It's filling, full of flavor, and everything cooks in one skillet, so cleanup is a breeze. The sweet potatoes soak up all that smoky, lightly spiced goodness from the chili powder, cumin, and salsa, and the cheese on top makes it feel like pure comfort food.
Here's why I think you'll love it too:
- It's quick and easy- From start to finish, this turkey and sweet potato skillet is ready in about 30 minutes, perfect for busy nights.
- One pan, less mess- Everything cooks in a single skillet, which means fewer dishes for you.
- It's packed with flavor- Chili powder, paprika, cumin, and a pinch of red pepper flakes give it a warm, Southwest-style kick without being too spicy.
- It's so versatile- Use ground turkey, chicken, or beef, and pile on your favorite toppings.
- Great for meal prep- This sweet potato turkey skillet reheats beautifully, so leftovers make an easy lunch the next day.
- Family approved-Mild enough for picky eaters, and you can always add more heat for the grown-ups.
- Wholesome-sweet potatoes are loaded with vitamins, minerals and fiber while the ground turkey adds a great protein source, making this meal a well rounded dish.
Equipment Needed
- Large skillet with lid
- Cutting board and knife
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Cheese grater
Key Ingredients
Olive oil: Just a tablespoon to get the onions going and keep everything from sticking.
Yellow onion: I dice it small so it cooks down soft and sweet and blends right into the skillet.
Garlic: A couple of fresh cloves add so much flavor. I only cook it for about 30 seconds so it doesn't burn.
Ground turkey: The star of this ground turkey and sweet potato skillet. It's lean and mild, so it takes on all the seasonings beautifully. Ground chicken or ground beef work great too if that's what you have on hand.
Chili powder, paprika, and cumin: This simple spice trio gives the skillet a warm, smoky, Southwest-inspired flavor.
Red pepper flakes: For a little kick! Add more or less depending on how much heat your family likes.
Salt and pepper: Season to taste to bring all the flavors together.
Salsa: My secret shortcut ingredient. It adds tomatoes, peppers, and seasoning all in one scoop. Use your favorite jarred salsa, mild or hot.
Chicken broth: Just enough liquid to help the sweet potatoes steam and soften without drying out the pan.
Sweet potatoes: Cut into small cubes, so they cook quickly and evenly. They add a natural sweetness that pairs perfectly with the spices in this sweet potato ground turkey skillet.
Colby cheese: Mild, creamy, and melts like a dream over the top. I like to grate my own for the best melt.
Toppings: Fresh cilantro, sliced avocado, and a dollop of Greek yogurt add freshness and a cool, creamy finish.
Step-By-Step Instructions
Start by heating a large skillet over medium heat and adding the olive oil. Once it's warm, add the diced onion and sauté until it's tender and translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, just until it's fragrant.
Add your ground turkey (or chicken or beef) to the skillet. Brown the meat for about 5 minutes, breaking it up with a spatula or wooden spoon as it cooks, until it's cooked through and no longer pink. Drain off any excess fat.
Sprinkle in the chili powder, paprika, cumin, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper, then add the salsa, chicken broth, and cubed sweet potatoes. Give everything a good stir so the sweet potatoes are well coated.
Cover the skillet, turn the heat to low, and let it cook, stirring every few minutes, until the sweet potatoes are fork tender. If the skillet starts to look dry, add a splash more broth to keep things from sticking.
Once the sweet potatoes are tender, sprinkle the grated Colby cheese over the top. Pop the lid back on for a minute or two until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Serve warm with cilantro, avocado, Greek yogurt, or any of your favorite toppings.
Make Ahead
This skillet is so easy to prep ahead of time. You can dice the onion, mince the garlic, and cube the sweet potatoes up to a day in advance and store them in separate airtight containers in the fridge. You can also cook the entire skillet (without the cheese), let it cool, and refrigerate it. When you're ready to eat, reheat it on the stovetop with a splash of broth, then add the cheese and let it melt before serving.
Serving Recommendations
- Spoon it over a bowl of rice or quinoa for a heartier meal.
- Wrap it up in warm flour tortillas for easy turkey sweet potato tacos or burritos.
- Serve it with tortilla chips for scooping, nacho-style.
- Pair it with a scoop of homemade guacamole.
- Pile on extra toppings like sliced jalapeños, black olives, green onions, or a squeeze of lime.
Storage
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop over medium-low heat, adding a splash of broth if it seems a little dry. You can also freeze this skillet (before adding the cheese) in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Let it thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
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Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ cup yellow onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound ground turkey, chicken or beef
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon cumin
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes, more or less depending on spice preference
- salt and pepper to taste
- ½ cup salsa
- ¼ cup chicken broth
- 2 small sweet potatoes, about 2 cups chopped into small cubes
- 1 cup Colby cheese, grated
- cilantro, avocado and Greek yogurt for serving
Instructions
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add olive oil.
- Sauté onion until tender and translucent, add garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds.
- Add the ground meat of choice and brown for about 5 minutes or until cooked through and no longer pink. Use a spatula or spoon to break up the meat as it cooks. Drain off any excess fat.
- Add the chili powder, paprika, cumin, red pepper flakes, salt, pepper, salsa, chicken broth and sweet potatoes. Stir well to combine. Cover and keep on low heat stirring every few minutes until the sweet potatoes are fork tender. Add a splash more broth if needed so the skillet doesn't dry out.
- When potatoes are cooked top with cheese and serve with additional toppings of choice.
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