There’s something deeply satisfying about a one-pan meal that comes together fast, fills you up, and still fits into a clean-eating plan. This Turkey and Sweet Potato recipe has become a weekday favorite in my kitchen—not just because it’s so easy, but because it tastes so much better than it should for something this healthy.
The ground turkey adds hearty, lean protein while sweet potatoes bring in that subtle caramelized sweetness we all crave when the weather shifts cooler.
The blend of savory taco seasoning, melty cheddar, and creamy optional toppings like guacamole or Greek yogurt makes it feel more like a cheat meal than a “meal prep” win. And yes, it’s really good for you.
Turkey is naturally low in fat, and sweet potatoes are loaded with fiber and slow-burning carbs, helping to stabilize blood sugar and support weight loss goals. In fact, studies show that diets high in lean protein and fiber help increase satiety and reduce overeating.
Pair it with something fresh and vibrant like Roasted Brussels Sprouts or sip a chilled Virgin Mary alongside for a bright, zesty finish.
I first threw this together after a long Sunday of errands, staring into the fridge trying to figure out what to do with half a sweet potato and a forgotten pack of ground turkey. The result was unexpectedly delicious—and better yet, it reheats like a dream.
One skillet. Ten ingredients. Endless possibilities.
That’s why it’s stuck around.
My Favorite Things About This Recipe!
- It’s a Weeknight Lifesaver (and Lunch Hero): I first made this on a rushed Tuesday night—and now it’s in constant rotation. The best part? It actually tastes better the next day. I double the batch and it becomes my go-to meal prep.
- It Keeps Me Full (and Away from the Snack Drawer): Thanks to the combo of lean ground turkey and fiber-rich sweet potatoes, this dish keeps me satisfied for hours. It’s helped cut down my mindless snacking, especially on those busy afternoons.
- It’s Fridge-Friendly and Flexible: I’ve played around with add-ins like kale, quinoa, or a switch to feta cheese—and every version still turns out great. If you love “use-what-you-have” dinners, this one’s got range.
- It’s Light, Yet Comforting: The sweet potatoes add a naturally sweet, cozy touch without weighing the dish down. It’s comfort food with a healthy twist—perfect for when you want to feel good and full.
- It’s Partner-Approved (Which Is Saying Something): My partner doesn’t usually go for “healthy” meals, but this is one he actually asks for. That alone makes it a win in my book.
Turkey and Sweet Potato Recipe
Equipment
- Large non-stick or cast iron skillet
- Wooden spatula or silicone spoon
- Cutting Board
- Sharp chef's knife
- Measuring spoons
- Cheese grater (for cheddar)
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil divided
- 1 lb lean ground turkey
- 1 yellow onion diced
- 1 large sweet potato diced small
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 package of low sodium taco seasoning or see below for homemade * ensure the seaosning is gluten free if you are gluten free
- 1.5 cups cheddar cheese shredded
Optional for serving:
- Romaine lettuce finely chopped
- Greek yogurt
- Salsa
- Guacamole or mashed avocado
Instructions
- Heat half the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add ground turkey, season with salt and pepper, and cook until browned. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add remaining olive oil and sauté diced onion and sweet potatoes until soft.
- Return turkey to the skillet and stir to combine.
- Add taco seasoning and a splash of water, then cook until flavors blend and everything is heated through.
- Stir in shredded cheddar cheese and mix until melted.
- Serve warm with your favorite toppings like romaine lettuce, Greek yogurt, salsa, or guacamole.
Nutrition Info:
| Nutrition | Value |
| Calories | 332kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 17g |
| Protein | 31g |
| Fat | 16g |
| Sugar | 4g |
| Sodium | 322mg |
Helpful Tips From My Kitchen!
- Use a steam trick for faster sweet potato cooking: Once the sweet potatoes are in the skillet, splash in a tablespoon or two of water and cover it with a lid for 3–4 minutes. The steam softens them faster without drying things out. Then, remove the lid and let them crisp slightly.
- Layer seasoning in stages: Don’t just dump the taco seasoning in at the end. Season the turkey while it browns and add a little more once the sweet potatoes soften—this helps build a deeper flavor that doesn’t taste one-dimensional.
- Balance the texture: If your skillet mixture feels too soft overall, throw in a handful of lightly toasted pepitas or chopped roasted almonds right before serving. The contrast makes every bite way more interesting.
- Finish with acid: A tiny splash of lime juice or apple cider vinegar at the very end wakes up the whole dish. Seriously—it’s like turning up the flavor dial.
- Double up, divide differently: When meal prepping, try layering it over brown rice in one container and in lettuce cups in another. Same base, two totally different meals, no extra effort.
