Sweet Potato Turkey Skillet

This Sweet Potato Turkey Skillet is a hearty one-pan dinner made with lean ground turkey, tender sweet potatoes, colorful bell peppers, spinach, and melted mozzarella cheese. Warm spices like chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, and paprika give the dish plenty of savory flavor without making it complicated.

It is an easy weeknight meal that comes together in one skillet and makes a satisfying combination of protein, vegetables, and comforting sweet potatoes.

Quick Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Servings: 4–6
• Cuisine: American
• Category: Dinner, One-Pan Meals, Healthy Recipes

Ingredients

• 1 lb 93% lean ground turkey
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into uniform ½-inch cubes
• 2 medium bell peppers, diced
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 cups fresh baby spinach, packed
• 1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• ¼ cup chicken broth
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

How to Make Sweet Potato Turkey Skillet

1. Prepare the Sweet Potatoes

Peel the sweet potatoes and cut them into small, uniform ½-inch cubes. Keeping the pieces similar in size helps them cook evenly.

Heat the olive oil in a large, deep skillet over medium heat.

Add the diced sweet potatoes and cook for about 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally.

2. Add the Onion and Bell Peppers

Add the diced onion and bell peppers to the skillet.

Cook for another 4–5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion begins to soften and the peppers become tender.

3. Cook the Turkey

Push the vegetables toward the sides of the skillet and add the ground turkey to the center.

Break the turkey apart with a wooden spoon and cook for about 5–7 minutes, until browned and cooked through.

Stir the turkey together with the vegetables.

4. Add the Seasonings and Broth

Sprinkle the chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, and paprika over the mixture.

Season with salt and black pepper to taste.

Pour in the chicken broth and stir everything together.

Cover the skillet and reduce the heat to medium-low. Cook for about 5–7 minutes, or until the sweet potatoes are fork-tender.

If the skillet becomes dry before the potatoes are fully cooked, add another small splash of chicken broth.

5. Add the Spinach

Remove the lid and add the fresh baby spinach.

Stir it into the turkey and sweet potato mixture and cook for 1–2 minutes, until the spinach wilts.

6. Add the Mozzarella

Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella evenly over the top.

Cover the skillet again and cook for 2–3 minutes, or until the cheese has completely melted.

For a more golden cheese topping, place the oven-safe skillet under the broiler for 1–2 minutes, watching carefully.

7. Serve

Remove the skillet from the heat and let it rest for a few minutes.

Serve warm, spooning the melted cheese and vegetables over each portion.

Recipe Tips for Success

• Cut the sweet potatoes uniformly. Small, evenly sized cubes cook much faster and more consistently.
• Use a large skillet. Crowding the ingredients can cause the vegetables to steam instead of developing flavor.
• Don’t overcook the turkey. Once it is no longer pink and reaches a safe internal temperature, move on to the next step.
• Add spinach near the end. Baby spinach wilts quickly and only needs a couple of minutes.
• Use freshly shredded mozzarella. It tends to melt more smoothly.
• Keep the lid on while the sweet potatoes cook. The trapped steam helps them become tender without requiring a large amount of liquid.

Ingredient Substitutions

Ground Turkey

Ground chicken or lean ground beef can be substituted for the turkey.

Sweet Potatoes

Regular potatoes or butternut squash can be used, although the cooking time may vary.

Mozzarella

Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican-style cheese blend can replace the mozzarella.

Chicken Broth

Vegetable broth works well if preferred.

Baby Spinach

Kale or Swiss chard can be used instead. Chop tougher greens finely and allow a little extra cooking time.

Recipe Variations

Spicy Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet

Add crushed red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, or diced jalapeño for extra heat.

Mexican-Style Turkey Skillet

Add black beans, corn, and a little extra cumin. Serve with avocado, cilantro, and lime.

Turkey Sweet Potato Breakfast Skillet

Top individual servings with a fried or poached egg for a hearty breakfast or brunch.

Cheesy Turkey Skillet

Add extra mozzarella or combine mozzarella with cheddar for a richer cheese topping.

Mediterranean Turkey Skillet

Swap the chili powder and cumin for oregano and Italian seasoning, then finish with feta cheese instead of mozzarella.

How to Store Sweet Potato Turkey Skillet

Let leftovers cool before transferring them to an airtight container.

Refrigerate for up to 3–4 days.

Reheat individual portions in the microwave or in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add a small splash of broth if the mixture seems dry.

You can also freeze portions for up to 2–3 months, although the texture of the sweet potatoes may soften slightly after thawing.

Serving Suggestions

This skillet is filling enough to serve on its own, but you can pair it with:

• Avocado
• Fresh cilantro
• Lime wedges
• Green salad
• Steamed broccoli
• Roasted vegetables
• Brown rice
• Quinoa
• Whole-grain bread

A dollop of plain Greek yogurt or sour cream also works well with the warm spices.

Nutrition Information

Approximate per serving, based on 6 servings:

• Calories: 390
• Protein: 30g
• Carbohydrates: 32g
• Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Fiber: 5g
• Sugar: 9g
• Sodium: 420mg

Nutrition information is an estimate and will vary depending on the specific ingredients and brands used.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use ground chicken instead of turkey?

Yes. Ground chicken is an easy substitute and can be used in the same quantity.

Do I need to cook the sweet potatoes before adding them?

No. The sweet potatoes cook directly in the skillet. Cutting them into ½-inch cubes helps them become tender relatively quickly.

Can I make this recipe without cheese?

Absolutely. The mozzarella adds creaminess but is not essential. The skillet is still flavorful without it.

How do I make the skillet spicier?

Add crushed red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, hot sauce, or a finely diced jalapeño.

Can I use frozen spinach?

Yes. Thaw it first and squeeze out as much excess liquid as possible before adding it to the skillet.

Is this recipe good for meal prep?

Yes. It stores well in the refrigerator and reheats easily, making it a convenient meal-prep option for several days.

Final Thoughts

Sweet Potato Turkey Skillet is a simple one-pan meal that combines lean ground turkey, naturally sweet potatoes, colorful vegetables, spinach, and plenty of melted mozzarella. The warm spices bring everything together without requiring a long ingredient list.

It is easy enough for a weeknight dinner, works well for meal prep, and can be customized with different vegetables, cheese, or spices depending on what you have available.

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