Bring together classic holiday ingredients in a unique, tasty, and easy way that’s perfect for weeknight dinners.
Turkey and sweet potatoes remind me of Thanksgiving. But with this colorful skillet recipe, the two come together in a unique way that’s ideal for both special occasions and casual dinners. And it takes just over half an hour! Brimming with spice and everything nice, ground turkey and sweet potato skillet is sure to satisfy your whole family.
Although this dish is simple to make, the flavor profile is deliciously complex. It starts with the deep savoriness of sautéed onion and garlic, followed by ground turkey browned to perfection. With the addition of sweet potato, bell pepper, and an array of aromatic seasonings, the one-pan meal really starts to come together. But it’s the ooey-gooey melted mozzarella cheese that makes the whole thing simply irresistible.
There’s a little something special in this dish for everyone—some sweet and spicy, a touch of tang, and a ton of savory delight. With this recipe, it’s almost impossible to disappoint your loved ones. A winning dinner is on the horizon!
The science behind sweet and savory
One bite of this dish reveals just how delicious the sweet and savory combination of turkey and sweet potato can be—but why do so many of us love this flavor pairing? The answer lies in our biology. Scientists believe our cravings for salt and sugar evolved with our hunter-gatherer ancestors, who relied on their sense of taste to help identify foods that provided essential nutrients. Sweet flavors often signal carbohydrates, a quick source of energy, while salty flavors indicate the presence of sodium, which is vital for fluid balance and nerve function.
When combined, salt can enhance the perception of sweetness, making dishes taste more complex and satisfying. While our bodies still seek out these nutrients, it’s important to enjoy salty and sweet foods in moderation as part of a balanced diet. That’s part of what makes this hearty skillet dish so appealing—it satisfies both our natural cravings and our modern palates.
How do I store leftovers?
Allow leftovers to cool slightly before storing, but don’t leave them at room temp for more than 2 hours. Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days, or freeze them for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge. Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the dish is steaming hot throughout. You can also reheat in the microwave, stirring every 30–60 seconds to ensure even heating. Note that the texture of sweet potatoes may soften after freezing.
Serving suggestions
Serve your ground turkey and sweet potato skillet with Guacamole Salsa or Pico De Gallo—or really impress your dinner companions by learning How To Make Sour Cream from scratch. Even though this dish can be a meal all by itself, it also goes great with this Spanish Rice Recipe, Air-Fryer Tortilla Chips, Smashed Potatoes, or Avocado Salad. I also like to pair it with a refreshing glass of Cucumber Agua Fresca. That’s one epic meal!
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 garlic cloves minced
- 1 medium yellow onion diced
- 1 pound lean ground turkey
- 1 1/2 cups sweet potatoes diced
- 1 medium bell pepper diced (any color)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- A pinch of red chili flakes optional
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 2 cups baby spinach
- 2/3 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Chopped green onions for garnish, optional
- Chopped tomatoes for garnish, optional
- Lime wedges for serving, optional
Instructions
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Then, add the minced garlic and diced onion. Sauté until they soften, roughly 2 minutes.
- Add the ground turkey to the skillet. Cook while breaking it apart with a wooden spoon until it is browned and no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes.
- Incorporate the diced sweet potatoes and bell pepper into the skillet. Season with salt, pepper, a pinch of red chili flakes if desired, onion powder, paprika, and oregano.
- Cover the skillet and cook, stirring occasionally, until the sweet potatoes are tender enough to be pierced with a fork, about 8 to 12 minutes. If necessary, add a splash of water to prevent the mixture from drying out.
- Add the spinach and stir to mix it in. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the skillet. Cover and cook until the cheese melts and the spinach has softened, about 2-4 minutes.
- Remove the skillet from heat. Garnish with chopped green onions and diced tomatoes. Finish with a squeeze of lime if desired. Serve hot.
Nutrition Info:
Nutrition information are estimates only and may vary based on the specific brands, ingredients, and portion sizes you use. This data is provided for informational purposes only.
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