Easy Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet

Sometimes, the best recipes are the ones that come together in a single pan. You know the kind: hearty, colorful, and full of flavor without leaving you with a mountain of dishes to wash afterward. That’s exactly what this Easy Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet is all about—a wholesome, comforting, and downright delicious meal that’s as easy on your schedule as it is on your taste buds.

Imagine tender bites of sweet potato mingling with savory ground turkey, a little onion and garlic for depth, peas for a pop of freshness, and the rich, melty goodness of manchego cheese binding it all together. This dish has that magical combination of being both healthy and indulgent—it fuels your body but also feels like comfort food.

Whether you’re cooking for your family, meal-prepping for the week, or just throwing together a cozy dinner for one, trust me when I say: this skillet will quickly earn its spot on your regular rotation.

Recipe Origin

The inspiration behind this skillet is the idea of balanced comfort food. Sweet potatoes are a nutritional powerhouse, rich in fiber and vitamins, while ground turkey keeps things lean and packed with protein. The peas add that little burst of sweetness and color, while manchego cheese brings a creamy, slightly nutty finish that elevates everything.

It’s a fusion of weeknight practicality and restaurant-worthy flavor. Think of it as your savior recipe—born from busy nights when you just want to get something delicious on the table, but without sacrificing health or taste.

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

You don’t need a lot of equipment for this one (hallelujah, right?). Here’s all you’ll want to have ready:

• Large skillet (a nonstick or cast iron skillet works beautifully)
• Wooden spoon or spatula for breaking up the turkey and stirring
• Cutting board & sharp knife for dicing veggies
• Measuring cups/spoons for accuracy (though this recipe is flexible!)
• Cheese grater (if not buying pre-grated manchego)

That’s it. Just the basics—this dish is proof you don’t need a fancy kitchen to whip up something amazing.

Print

Why You’ll Love Easy Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet

This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients—it’s about the lifestyle it supports. It’s quick, wholesome, versatile, and ridiculously tasty. Here’s why it’ll be love at first bite:

One-Pan Wonder: Fewer dishes, faster cleanup. It’s a weeknight dream come true.

Nutritious & Balanced: Lean protein, complex carbs, fiber, and healthy fats all in one dish. It’s comfort food you can actually feel good about.

Quick & Easy: On the table in about 30 minutes, with straightforward steps anyone can master.

Customizable: Add in your favorite veggies, swap the cheese, or play with the spices—this recipe is forgiving and adaptable.

Family-Friendly: Both adults and kids adore it. The sweet potatoes make it slightly sweet, the turkey keeps it savory, and the melted cheese seals the deal.

Meal Prep Gold: Stores well in the fridge and reheats beautifully, making it perfect for lunches or busy nights.

Chef’s Pro Tips for Perfect Results

• Dice sweet potatoes evenly: Smaller, uniform cubes cook faster and more evenly, so every bite is tender and perfect.
• Brown the turkey well: Let it sit for a minute before stirring so you get that little bit of caramelization—it adds big flavor.
• Use manchego, but don’t stress: If you can’t find manchego, Parmesan, mozzarella, or even cheddar will still taste amazing.
• Don’t overcook the peas: Add them at the end to keep their fresh flavor and bright green color.
• Season in layers: A pinch of salt when cooking the turkey, another when adding veggies, and a final adjustment before serving makes all the difference.

Ingredients in Easy Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet

(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Ground Turkey: The lean, protein-packed star of this dish. It’s flavorful yet lighter than beef, making it perfect for weeknight cooking.

Olive Oil: A drizzle to kick things off, adding richness and helping the turkey and veggies cook evenly.

Kosher Salt & Black Pepper: Simple seasonings that highlight and balance all the other flavors.

Onion: Adds a savory base note that makes the whole skillet feel hearty and satisfying.

Garlic: Just a couple of cloves bring bold, aromatic flavor that wakes up the dish.

Italian Seasoning: A blend of herbs that ties everything together with a cozy, savory vibe.

Sweet Potatoes: The heart of the recipe. Their natural sweetness balances the savory turkey and gives the skillet a vibrant, earthy depth.

Frozen Peas: Quick-cooking, colorful, and sweet—they brighten up the dish and sneak in extra veggies without any fuss.

Manchego Cheese: The creamy, nutty, melty finish that takes this skillet from “weeknight dinner” to “wow.”

Fresh Parsley (optional): A pop of green freshness for garnish that makes the dish look as good as it tastes.

Instructions

Let’s dive into the steps to create this delicious skillet:

Cook the Turkey: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add ground turkey, season with salt and pepper, and cook until browned and crumbly. Break it apart with your spoon as it cooks.

Add Aromatics: Stir in the diced onion and garlic. Sauté until the onion softens and everything smells amazing.

Season: Sprinkle in the Italian seasoning and stir well so the turkey soaks up all those herby flavors.

Add Sweet Potatoes: Toss in the diced sweet potatoes, stir, and cover the skillet. Cook for about 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they’re fork-tender. (Add a splash of water if needed to prevent sticking.)

Add Peas: Stir in the frozen peas and cook for another 2–3 minutes, just until they’re heated through and bright green.

Add Cheese: Sprinkle the grated manchego cheese over the skillet. Stir gently until it melts and everything becomes creamy and dreamy.

Finish & Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley if you’d like, then scoop onto plates and serve hot.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 4
Calories per serving: ~320–350
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

How to Serve Easy Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet

This skillet is a meal on its own, but if you want to stretch it or dress it up, here are some pairing ideas:

Fresh Green Salad: A crisp side salad with a light vinaigrette adds freshness and crunch.
Crusty Bread: Use bread to scoop up every last cheesy, savory bite.
Eggs on Top: For a brunchy twist, serve with a fried or poached egg.
Rice or Quinoa: If you want extra bulk, serve it over a grain base.
Standalone Star: Honestly, this skillet shines solo—just sprinkle some extra parsley or hot sauce on top and dig in.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

• Prep Ahead: Dice your sweet potatoes and onion in advance, and store in airtight containers in the fridge.
• Refrigerate Leftovers: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Reheat: Warm gently in a skillet or microwave. Add a splash of broth or water if it feels a bit dry.
• Freeze: Yes, you can freeze it! Store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat before serving.

Variations to Try

• Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño when sautéing the onion.
• Different Cheese: Try cheddar, mozzarella, or feta if manchego isn’t handy.
• Extra Veggies: Zucchini, bell peppers, or spinach all work beautifully here.
• Southwest Twist: Swap Italian seasoning for chili powder and cumin, and garnish with avocado.
• Breakfast Style: Add cooked crumbled bacon and top with eggs for a breakfast-for-dinner vibe.

Additional Tips

• Dice sweet potatoes into ½-inch cubes for the best texture.
• Don’t skip covering the skillet when cooking potatoes—it traps steam and helps them cook faster.
• Manchego cheese melts beautifully, but any cheese you love will work.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use ground chicken instead of ground turkey?
A1: Absolutely! Ground chicken works perfectly and has a similar light flavor.

Q2: What if I don’t have manchego cheese?
A2: Swap in cheddar, Parmesan, or even mozzarella. Each one brings its own personality.

Q3: Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
A3: Yes—just leave out the cheese or use a dairy-free alternative. It’ll still be delicious.

Q4: How do I keep the sweet potatoes from sticking?
A4: Add a splash of broth or water as needed, and keep the heat at medium.

Q5: Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
A5: Definitely—swap the ground turkey for lentils, chickpeas, or plant-based meat.

Q6: Can I double the recipe?
A6: Yes! Just use a large enough skillet to avoid overcrowding.

Q7: Do I need to peel the sweet potatoes?
A7: Nope—the skin is totally edible and adds fiber. Peel only if you prefer a smoother texture.

Q8: How long does it keep in the fridge?
A8: Up to 4 days in an airtight container.

Q9: Can I freeze this meal?
A9: Yes, up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Q10: What toppings work well?
A10: Hot sauce, fresh herbs, avocado slices, or even a dollop of sour cream.

Conclusion

This Easy Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet is one of those recipes that checks all the boxes: quick, nourishing, family-friendly, and downright comforting. With just a handful of ingredients and one trusty skillet, you can whip up a meal that feels special but fits seamlessly into your busy life.

It’s the kind of dish that makes weeknights feel a little brighter and leftovers something to actually look forward to. Trust me—you’ll find yourself making this again and again, and each time, you’ll wonder how something so simple can taste so good.

Easy Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet

Follow along with this simple one-pan recipe video: