Need a healthy, satisfying dinner that’s on the table fast and only dirties one pan? You’ve just found it! This Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet is the perfect weeknight solution. It’s packed with lean protein, hearty veggies, and a smoky, savory sauce that brings it all together. With colorful sweet potatoes and kale, it’s as nutritious as it is delicious. Plus, the creamy avocado on top adds the perfect finishing touch. Get ready for a balanced, flavorful meal that will make you feel great!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- One Pan Wonder: Everything cooks in a single skillet for maximum flavor and minimal cleanup.
- Healthy & Balanced: Lean ground turkey, fiber rich sweet potatoes, and superfood kale make this a truly wholesome meal.
- Weeknight Fast: Ready in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy evenings.
- Meal Prep Friendly: Tastes fantastic as leftovers for lunch the next day.
Ingredients for Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound lean ground turkey
- 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
- 1 shallot, finely chopped (or use an extra ¼ onion)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ cup tomato paste
- 1 medium sweet potato (about 1 lb), peeled and cut into ½-inch cubes
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 3 cups chopped fresh kale, stems removed
- Pinch of crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 ripe avocado, sliced, for serving
- Fresh mint or parsley, chopped, for garnish (optional)
Instructions for Making Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet
1Cook the Turkey and Aromatics: Heat the olive oil in a large, deep skillet over medium heat. Add the ground turkey, chopped onion, and shallot. Cook for 8-10 minutes, breaking up the turkey with a spoon, until the turkey is cooked through and the onions are soft.
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for one more minute until fragrant.
2Build the Flavor Base: Add the tomato paste to the skillet and stir it into the turkey mixture. Let it cook for 1-2 minutes. This “toasts” the tomato paste, deepening its flavor and getting rid of any raw taste.
3Simmer the Sweet Potatoes: Add the cubed sweet potato, chicken broth, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper to the skillet. Stir well to combine.
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium low. Cover the skillet and let it simmer for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sweet potatoes are fork-tender.
4Wilt the Greens: Uncover the skillet and add the chopped kale and a pinch of red pepper flakes (if using). Stir everything together. The kale will wilt quickly in the hot skillet; this should only take 2-3 minutes.
5Serve and Enjoy! Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt or pepper if needed.
Serve the skillet directly from the pan, topped with slices of creamy avocado and a sprinkle of fresh mint or parsley for a bright, fresh finish.
Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound lean ground turkey
- 1 medium yellow onion chopped
- 1 shallot finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- ¼ cup tomato paste
- 1 medium sweet potato peeled and cubed (about 1 lb)
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 3 cups chopped fresh kale
- Pinch of crushed red pepper flakes
- 1 ripe avocado sliced
- Fresh mint or parsley for garnish optional
Instructions
- Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add turkey, onion, and shallot. Cook 8-10 mins until turkey is cooked and veggies are soft.
- Add garlic; cook 1 min. Stir in tomato paste; cook 1-2 mins.
- Add sweet potato, broth, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat.
- Cover and simmer for 10-12 mins until sweet potato is tender.
- Stir in kale and red pepper flakes. Cook 2-3 mins until kale wilts.
- Serve topped with avocado slices and fresh herbs.
Notes
- Kale Tip: Make sure to remove the tough stems from the kale before chopping for the best texture.
- Smoked Paprika: This ingredient is key for the signature smoky flavor. Do not substitute with regular paprika.
- Make it Creamier: Stir in a splash of heavy cream or coconut milk at the end with the kale for a richer sauce.
