One-Pan Gluten-Free Sweet Potato and Turkey Skillet

I thought about the ingredients that make our bodies feel good: lean protein to build us up, colorful vegetables for their vitamins, and satisfying sweet potatoes for lasting energy. Ground turkey was a natural choice for its lean profile, and when paired with the earthy sweetness of potatoes and a medley of savory spices, it created a symphony of flavors. The first time I served this skillet meal, my family’s reaction was pure delight. It was hearty enough to satisfy the biggest appetites yet light enough that we all felt energized afterward. It’s more than just a recipe; it’s a strategy for a stress-free, healthy dinner that allows for more time spent together around the table. As many nutrition experts agree, incorporating balanced, whole-food meals is a cornerstone of a healthy lifestyle. This One-Pan Gluten-Free Sweet Potato and Turkey Skillet is my way of making that principle an achievable and delicious reality for your family.

Summary

This One-Pan Gluten-Free Sweet Potato and Turkey Skillet is the answer to your busy weeknight dinner prayers. It’s a complete, well-rounded meal cooked entirely in a single skillet, which means cleanup is an absolute breeze. The recipe features lean ground turkey, nutrient-dense sweet potatoes, and a colorful array of vegetables, all seasoned with a savory blend of spices that brings everything to life. Naturally gluten-free and packed with protein, this dish is designed to be both incredibly satisfying and wonderfully healthy. It’s the kind of simple, rustic, and flavorful meal that feels like a warm hug in a bowl, perfect for fueling your family on any day of the week.

Equipment

• Large cast-iron skillet or other oven-safe skillet (at least 12 inches)
• Chef’s knife
• Cutting board
• Spatula or wooden spoon

Ingredients for One-Pan Gluten-Free Sweet Potato and Turkey Skillet

To create the perfect One-Pan Gluten-Free Sweet Potato and Turkey Skillet, you will need the following fresh and wholesome ingredients:

• 1.5 lbs lean ground turkey (93/7 is recommended)
• 2 lbs sweet potatoes (about 2 large), peeled and diced into ½-inch cubes
• 1 tbsp olive oil or avocado oil
• 1 large yellow onion, chopped
• 2 bell peppers (one red, one yellow), chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1/2 tsp cumin powder
• 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, adjust to taste)
• 1 cup low-sodium chicken or turkey broth
• 2 cups fresh spinach
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped, for garnish

Directions for One-Pan Gluten-Free Sweet Potato and Turkey Skillet

Follow these simple steps to prepare your delicious One-Pan Gluten-Free Sweet Potato and Turkey Skillet:

1. Brown the Turkey: Heat the oil in your large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground turkey and cook, using your spatula to break it into smaller crumbles. Continue cooking for about 5-7 minutes, until it’s browned and cooked through. Remove the turkey from the skillet with a slotted spoon and set it aside on a plate.
2. Sauté the Vegetables: Add the chopped onion and bell peppers to the same skillet. Sauté for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they begin to soften and the onion becomes translucent.
3. Add Aromatics and Potatoes: Add the minced garlic and diced sweet potatoes to the skillet. Stir and cook for another 2 minutes until the garlic is fragrant.
4. Season the Skillet: Sprinkle the smoked paprika, dried oregano, cumin, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper over the vegetables. Stir well to ensure everything is evenly coated in the spices.
5. Simmer and Cook: Pour the chicken broth into the skillet and bring the mixture to a simmer. Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the skillet with a lid, and let it cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the sweet potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.
6. Combine and Wilt: Uncover the skillet and return the cooked ground turkey to the pan. Add the fresh spinach by the handful, stirring it in until it wilts completely. This should only take a minute or two.
7. Final Touches: Taste the One-Pan Gluten-Free Sweet Potato and Turkey Skillet and adjust the seasoning if necessary. Garnish generously with fresh parsley or cilantro before serving hot.

One-Pan Gluten-Free Sweet Potato and Turkey Skillet

A healthy weeknight dinner sorted! This One-Pan Sweet Potato and Turkey Skillet is naturally gluten-free and packed with protein. So easy to make and bursting with flavor! It combines lean ground turkey, nutrient-dense sweet potatoes, and colorful vegetables in a single skillet for minimal cleanup.

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Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1.5 lbs lean ground turkey
• 2 lbs sweet potatoes peeled and diced into ½-inch cubes
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 large yellow onion chopped
• 2 bell peppers chopped
• 4 cloves garlic minced
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1/2 tsp cumin powder
• 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes optional
• 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
• 2 cups fresh spinach
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley chopped, for garnish

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Equipment

• Large cast-iron skillet (12-inch), Chef’s knife, Cutting board, Spatula

Method

 

1. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground turkey and cook until browned, breaking it apart. Remove turkey and set aside.
2. Add onion and bell peppers to the skillet and sauté for 5-6 minutes until softened.
3. Add garlic and diced sweet potatoes, cooking for 2 minutes more.
4. Stir in smoked paprika, oregano, cumin, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper.
5. Pour in chicken broth, bring to a simmer, then cover and cook for 15-20 minutes until potatoes are tender.
6. Return the cooked turkey to the pan and stir in the fresh spinach until it wilts.
7. Adjust seasoning to taste and garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Notes

This skillet is perfect for meal prep and stays fresh for up to 4 days in the refrigerator. Feel free to add black beans for extra fiber or top with shredded cheese for a creamier finish.

Tips and Variations

• Add Cheese: For a touch of creamy indulgence, sprinkle some shredded sharp cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese over the skillet during the last few minutes of cooking and cover until it’s melted.
• Incorporate Beans: To add even more fiber and protein, stir in a can of drained and rinsed black beans along with the turkey at the end.
• Change the Protein: This recipe works wonderfully with lean ground chicken or even ground beef. If using beef, be sure to drain off any excess fat after browning.
• Make it Paleo/Whole30: Ensure your broth has no added sugar or other non-compliant ingredients. This recipe is otherwise naturally compliant!
• Meal Prep: This skillet meal is perfect for meal prepping. Let it cool completely and portion it into airtight containers. It will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Nutrition Facts

Nutritional Highlights

This One-Pan Gluten-Free Sweet Potato and Turkey Skillet is a nutritional powerhouse. Lean turkey serves as a fantastic source of high-quality protein, essential for muscle maintenance and keeping you feeling full and satisfied. Sweet potatoes are a star ingredient, offering complex carbohydrates for sustained energy, a wealth of fiber for digestive health, and a high dose of Vitamin A, a powerful antioxidant. The bell peppers and spinach contribute additional vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, making this a truly well-rounded and nourishing meal.

Dietitian Tips

To further enhance the health profile of this skillet, consider using 99% fat-free ground turkey to lower the fat content. You can also boost the vegetable content by adding a cup of chopped zucchini, mushrooms, or kale along with the bell peppers. Serving this dish with a side of avocado can add healthy monounsaturated fats, which contribute to heart health and help increase the feeling of satiety. It’s a fantastic way to create a balanced plate with minimal effort.

FAQs

1. Is this recipe spicy?
The recipe includes a small amount of red pepper flakes for a very mild warmth. You can easily omit it for zero spice or increase the amount if you prefer a spicier dish.

2. Can I use regular potatoes instead of sweet potatoes?
Yes, you can substitute russet or Yukon Gold potatoes. Dice them to the same size, but note that they may take a few extra minutes to become tender.

3. What can I serve with this Sweet Potato and Turkey Skillet?
This is a complete meal on its own! However, it pairs nicely with a simple green salad, a dollop of plain Greek yogurt or sour cream, or some sliced avocado on top.

4. How can I make this recipe for meal prep?
This skillet is ideal for meal prep. Simply cook the entire recipe as directed, allow it to cool, and then divide it into 4-5 individual airtight containers. It reheats beautifully in the microwave.

5. Can I freeze this skillet meal?
Yes, it freezes quite well. Let the skillet cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

6. Is this recipe suitable for kids?
Absolutely! It’s a family-friendly meal with a mild, savory flavor profile. The natural sweetness from the potatoes makes it very appealing to younger eaters. Just be sure to omit the red pepper flakes if your children are sensitive to spice.

Conclusion for One-Pan Gluten-Free Sweet Potato and Turkey Skillet

This One-Pan Gluten-Free Sweet Potato and Turkey Skillet truly embodies my cooking philosophy: simple, wholesome, and full of love. It proves that you don’t need a complicated recipe or a sink full of dishes to create a memorable and incredibly nourishing meal for your family. From the savory ground turkey to the sweet, tender potatoes and vibrant vegetables, every bite is packed with goodness. I hope this easy skillet dinner finds a regular spot in your meal rotation and brings a little extra ease and joy to your weeknight routine.

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