This Ground Turkey and Sweet Potato Skillet is the ultimate one-pan meal that’s packed with protein and complex carbs. It’s an easy-to-make dish perfect for meal prep, ensuring you have a healthy, muscle-fueling meal ready to go throughout the week. With a mix of lean turkey, nutrient-dense sweet potatoes, and flavorful spices, this skillet dish will keep you full and energized.
Key Information
- Preparation time: 10 minutes
- Cooking time: 25 minutes
- Total time: 35 minutes
- Servings: 4 servings
- Serving size: 1 portion (about 1 1/2 cups)
Nutritional Information (per serving)
- Calories: 370 kcal
- Protein: 28 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fat: 14 g
- Fiber: 6 g
Ingredients
- 450 g (1 lb) ground turkey
- 2 large sweet potatoes, diced (about 500 g or 17.5 oz)
- 1 bell pepper, diced (about 120 g or 4 oz)
- 1 medium onion, chopped (about 150 g or 5.5 oz)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Method of Preparation
Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables
- Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion and diced bell pepper, sautéing for 4-5 minutes until the vegetables are softened.
Step 2: Cook the Ground Turkey
- Add the ground turkey to the skillet, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the turkey is browned and fully cooked.
Step 3: Add the Sweet Potatoes and Spices
- Stir in the diced sweet potatoes, along with the garlic powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix everything well to ensure the flavors are evenly distributed.
Step 4: Simmer Until Tender
- Lower the heat to medium-low, cover the skillet, and let the mixture simmer for 10-15 minutes, or until the sweet potatoes are tender. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking, and add a splash of water if necessary to help soften the sweet potatoes.
Step 5: Serve or Store
- Once the sweet potatoes are cooked through, remove from heat. Serve immediately or divide the skillet into meal prep containers for up to 5 days of easy, healthy meals.
Tips for Culinary Success
- Cut sweet potatoes evenly: Dice the sweet potatoes into uniform cubes to ensure they cook evenly and at the same pace as the other ingredients.
- Add greens: For a nutritional boost, stir in a handful of spinach or kale during the last few minutes of cooking.
- Pre-cook sweet potatoes: For faster cooking, you can pre-cook the sweet potatoes in the microwave for a few minutes before adding them to the skillet.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper for a spicy kick.
- Versatile meal: This dish works well with other ground meats, like chicken or beef, if you want to switch things up.
FAQs
- Can I substitute the sweet potatoes? Yes! You can substitute sweet potatoes with regular potatoes, butternut squash, or even cauliflower for a lower-carb option.
- How can I make this dish vegetarian? Replace the ground turkey with plant-based ground meat or cooked lentils for a vegetarian-friendly version.
- How do I store and reheat this dish? Store the cooked meal in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Reheat in the microwave for 1-2 minutes or in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through.
- Can I freeze this dish? Yes, this skillet freezes well. Let the dish cool completely, then transfer it to freezer-safe containers. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Reheat from frozen in the microwave or skillet.
- Can I use pre-cooked ground turkey? Definitely! If you have leftover cooked turkey, just skip the turkey cooking step and stir it in once the sweet potatoes are halfway done.
This Ground Turkey and Sweet Potato Skillet is the perfect one-pan solution for a nutritious and filling meal. Easy to prepare, loaded with flavors, and full of the protein and complex carbs you need to fuel your day, it’s great for meal prep or a simple weeknight dinner. Enjoy the convenience of having a wholesome meal ready to go!