If you are craving a dinner that is both comforting and packed with wholesome flavors, this Cheesy Turkey and Sweet Potato Skillet Recipe is an absolute must-try. It brings together the lean richness of ground turkey with the sweet, tender goodness of diced sweet potatoes, all topped with gooey melted mozzarella cheese. This skillet dish is simple to prepare yet delivers a vibrant combination of textures and colors that will brighten up your weeknight meals effortlessly. Whether you’re cooking for family or a small group of friends, this recipe strikes the perfect balance between healthy and indulgent.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Cheesy Turkey and Sweet Potato Skillet Recipe starts with a handful of straightforward, everyday ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role, from the nourishing lean turkey that provides protein, to the sweet potatoes adding a subtle natural sweetness and creamy texture, to the melty mozzarella that crowns the dish with irresistible richness.
- Extra virgin olive oil: Provides a light but flavorful base for sautéing, adding healthy fats.
- Free-range extra-lean ground turkey: The star protein that keeps it light but satisfying.
- Garlic, minced: Adds a classic, aromatic depth that wakes up all the flavors.
- Onions, diced: Contribute sweetness and a slight crunch once softened.
- Yellow pepper, diced: Brightens the dish visually and adds a subtle fruity note.
- Sweet potato, diced: Brings hearty texture and natural sweetness in every bite.
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance the flavors and balance the sweetness.
- Red chili flakes (optional): For anyone who loves a touch of heat to contrast the creamy cheese and sweet vegetables.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully to add gooey, irresistible richness on top.
- Fresh parsley (optional): Adds a pop of green freshness and light herbal note at the end.
How to Make Cheesy Turkey and Sweet Potato Skillet Recipe
Step 1: Heat the Skillet
Start by warming your skillet over medium-high heat and add the olive oil. This warming step is crucial to ensure the turkey cooks evenly without sticking, helping create a nice browning that adds flavor depth.
Step 2: Cook the Turkey and Garlic
Add the ground turkey along with the minced garlic to the skillet. Break the turkey apart as it cooks, letting it brown for about five minutes. The garlic quickly infuses the oil, elevating the turkey with fragrant notes that will carry throughout the dish.
Step 3: Add Onions and Yellow Peppers
Next, toss in the diced onions and yellow peppers. Stir and cook until the onions turn soft and translucent, which brings out their natural sweetness and ensures every bite has a wonderful tenderness alongside the turkey.
Step 4: Stir in Sweet Potatoes and Seasonings
Now it’s time to add the diced sweet potatoes, along with salt, pepper, and a pinch of red chili flakes if you want a little heat. Cover the skillet and let everything simmer until the sweet potatoes are perfectly tender—this makes the dish feel hearty and comforting.
Step 5: Preheat the Oven and Add Cheese
While the sweet potatoes soften, preheat your oven to 400ºF. Once the potatoes are done, sprinkle the shredded mozzarella over the top of the skillet. Slide it into the oven just long enough for the cheese to melt into a golden, bubbly layer that brings the dish to life.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Remove the skillet from the oven and finish by garnishing with fresh parsley. This adds a burst of fresh color and a mild herbal contrast to the cheesy, savory flavors. Now you’re ready to serve up this comforting skillet meal!
How to Serve Cheesy Turkey and Sweet Potato Skillet Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley is a simple but perfect garnish here, adding a subtle leafy brightness. You could also experiment with a sprinkle of chopped green onions or a drizzle of a light balsamic glaze to introduce a tangy twist.
Side Dishes
This skillet dish stands well on its own, but pairing it with a crisp green salad or some steamed green beans offers a refreshing balance. Garlic bread or a crusty whole-grain loaf would soak up any cheesy sauce left behind on the plate wonderfully.
Creative Ways to Present
For a more festive table, serve the Cheesy Turkey and Sweet Potato Skillet Recipe family-style in the cast iron skillet itself, letting everyone dig right in. Or, portion it into individual ramekins and bake with cheese on top for a charming personal presentation that’s perfect for guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually develop nicely as it sits, making next-day servings just as tasty.
Freezing
This recipe freezes well if you want to meal prep. After cooling, transfer to a freezer-safe container. It will keep well for up to 2 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
For best results when reheating, warm the skillet on the stovetop over medium heat or place it in a preheated oven until heated through. This method helps the sweet potatoes maintain their texture and avoids sogginess.
FAQs
Can I use ground beef instead of turkey?
Absolutely! Ground beef will work beautifully in this recipe and adds a slightly richer flavor. Choose lean or extra-lean beef for a healthier option comparable to turkey.
Is this recipe suitable for a paleo or Whole30 diet?
You can make it paleo or Whole30 compliant by omitting the mozzarella cheese. The rest of the ingredients fit perfectly within those dietary guidelines, making it still delicious and satisfying.
What can I substitute for sweet potatoes if I don’t have any?
Butternut squash or regular potatoes are good substitutes. Just be aware that the natural sweetness and texture will vary a bit, but both options will still work well cooked in the skillet.
How spicy is this recipe with the red chili flakes?
The pinch of red chili flakes adds a gentle warmth without overpowering the dish. You can adjust the amount or leave it out if you prefer no heat — it’s all about making it suit your taste.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, swap the ground turkey for cooked lentils or crumbled tofu to keep the protein content while making it vegetarian-friendly. Adding some smoked paprika can help add depth of flavor.
Final Thoughts
This Cheesy Turkey and Sweet Potato Skillet Recipe is such a joy to make and eat. It delivers comforting, colorful, and wholesome flavors with a perfect cheesy finish. Give it a try and watch it quickly become a favorite for busy weeknights or casual dinners with loved ones. You’ll love how effortlessly delicious and satisfying this skillet meal is!
Print
Cheesy Turkey and Sweet Potato Skillet Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 17 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Cheesy Turkey and Sweet Potato Skillet is a hearty and wholesome one-pan meal perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. Combining lean ground turkey with sweet potatoes, colorful vegetables, and melted mozzarella cheese, it offers a delicious balance of protein, fiber, and comfort flavors. The dish is cooked first on the stovetop to tenderize the ingredients and finished off in the oven to melt the cheese to golden perfection. This recipe serves 4 and takes just 27 minutes from start to finish.
Ingredients
Skillet Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 pound free-range extra-lean ground turkey (or grass-fed ground beef)
- 1 teaspoon garlic, minced
- ½ cup onions, diced
- ½ cup yellow pepper, diced
- 1½ cups sweet potato, diced
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- A pinch of red chili flakes (optional)
Topping & Garnish
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese (omit for Whole30 or Paleo)
- Fresh parsley, for garnishing (optional)
Instructions
- Heat Skillet: Place a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat and add 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil. Allow the oil to heat until shimmering.
- Cook Turkey: Add the ground turkey along with the minced garlic to the skillet. Break the turkey apart with a spatula and cook for about 5 minutes until browned and cooked through.
- Add Vegetables: Stir in the diced onions and yellow peppers. Continue cooking until the onions become soft and translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add Sweet Potatoes: Mix in the diced sweet potatoes along with a pinch of red chili flakes (if using), salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Cover the skillet with a lid and cook until the sweet potatoes are tender, approximately 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Preheat Oven: While the sweet potatoes are cooking, preheat your oven to 400ºF (200ºC) to get it ready for melting the cheese.
- Add Cheese: Once the sweet potatoes are tender, evenly sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the top of the mixture in the skillet. Transfer the skillet into the preheated oven and bake for about 5 minutes or until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly.
- Garnish and Serve: Carefully remove the skillet from the oven. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley if desired, then serve hot directly from the skillet for a cozy and nutritious meal.
Notes
- For a Whole30 or Paleo version, omit the mozzarella cheese or substitute with a compliant cheese alternative.
- You can swap ground turkey for grass-fed ground beef if preferred.
- If you don’t have a cast iron skillet, any oven-safe skillet will work.
- Adjust red chili flakes according to your spice preference or omit if sensitive to heat.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated, but the cheese topping may become less melty.
