Introduction
Transform humble ground turkey and sweet potatoes into a hearty, flavorful, and healthy skillet meal that the whole family will adore! This recipe is quick, easy, and perfect for busy weeknights. We’re talking maximum flavor with minimal fuss – the ultimate comfort food upgrade!
Why This Works
This recipe is a winner because it’s a delicious and healthy alternative to heavier comfort food. The sweetness of the sweet potatoes perfectly balances the savory ground turkey, creating a harmonious flavor profile that’s both satisfying and nutritious. Plus, it’s all cooked in one pan for easy cleanup – a major bonus for busy families!
Key Ingredients
- 🥔 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
- 🦃 1 lb ground turkey
- 🧅 1 medium onion, chopped
- 🧄 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 🌿 1 tbsp dried rosemary
- 🌿 1 tbsp dried thyme
- 🌶️ ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 🧂 Salt and pepper to taste
- 💧 1 cup chicken broth
Instructions
1️⃣ Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss the diced sweet potatoes with a drizzle of olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Roast for 20-25 minutes, or until tender and slightly caramelized.
2️⃣ While the sweet potatoes are roasting, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground turkey and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain off any excess grease.
3️⃣ Add the chopped onion to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic, rosemary, thyme, and red pepper flakes (if using). Cook for another minute until fragrant.
4️⃣ Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
5️⃣ Add the roasted sweet potatoes to the skillet and gently stir to combine. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Cook for another 5 minutes, or until heated through and the flavors are well combined.
Handy Tips
- For extra flavor, try adding a splash of Worcestershire sauce or soy sauce to the skillet along with the chicken broth.
- If you don’t have fresh herbs, dried herbs work perfectly well! Just use about 1/3 the amount called for.
- Don’t overcrowd the skillet when cooking the ground turkey. Work in batches if necessary to ensure even browning.
Heat Control
Medium heat is key for cooking the ground turkey to ensure it browns properly without burning. Low heat is used after adding the broth to allow the flavors to develop slowly and gently. The oven’s 400°F heat roasts the sweet potatoes to perfection, bringing out their natural sweetness.
Crunch Factor
While this isn’t a crunchy recipe, the slightly caramelized edges of the roasted sweet potatoes add a nice textural contrast to the tender ground turkey.
Pro Kitchen Tricks
- For even faster cooking, use pre-cut sweet potatoes.
- To add a little extra richness, stir in a tablespoon of cream cheese or sour cream at the end.
- Leftover cooked sweet potatoes can be used to make this recipe even quicker!
Storage Tips
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop.
Gift Packaging Ideas
This dish isn’t typically gifted, but the leftovers could be portioned into individual containers for a thoughtful, homemade gift for a busy friend or neighbor.
Flavor Variations
🌟 Spicy: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of your favorite hot sauce.
🌟 Herby: Experiment with different herbs like oregano, sage, or parsley.
🌟 Cheesy: Stir in some shredded cheddar cheese or crumbled feta cheese at the end.
🌟 Apple-Cinnamon: Add 1/2 cup of diced apple and 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon along with the sweet potatoes.
Troubleshooting
- Dry Sweet Potatoes: If your sweet potatoes are too dry, add a little more chicken broth or a splash of water to the skillet.
- Burnt Turkey: If the turkey is burning, reduce the heat and ensure it’s broken up to allow even cooking.
- Bland Flavor: Add more herbs, spices, or a splash of Worcestershire sauce to boost the flavor.
FAQ
- Can I use ground beef instead of turkey? Absolutely! Ground beef will work just as well.
- Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker? While not ideal, you could potentially adapt the recipe for a slow cooker. Sauté the onions and garlic first, then add the turkey, sweet potatoes, broth, and seasonings. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
- What can I serve with this dish? A simple green salad or some crusty bread would be delicious accompaniments.
- Can I freeze this recipe? Yes, this recipe freezes well. Allow it to cool completely, then store it in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
Conclusion
This Healthy Ground Turkey & Sweet Potato Skillet is a delicious and satisfying meal that’s perfect for a busy weeknight. It’s so easy to make, and it’s packed with flavor and nutrients. Give it a try, and don’t forget to share your delicious creations with us! We can’t wait to see your pictures!
Super Simple Sweet Potato Turkey!
A hearty and healthy dish featuring ground turkey and sweet potatoes, perfect for a family dinner.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 cup chicken broth
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, and sautu00e9 until softened.
- Add the ground turkey to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spatula. Cook until browned.
- Stir in the diced sweet potatoes, paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper. Mix well to combine.
- Pour in the chicken broth, cover the skillet, and reduce the heat to low. Simmer for about 30 minutes, or until the sweet potatoes are tender.
- Remove the lid and cook for an additional 10 minutes to allow any excess liquid to evaporate.
- Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Tips
- For extra flavor, add a splash of lime juice before serving.
- You can substitute ground turkey with ground chicken or beef if preferred.