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Cheesy Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet topped with melted cheese and fresh parsley in a cast iron pan.
Daniel

Cheesy Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet

A hearty one-pan dinner with spiced turkey, tender sweet potatoes, and melty cheese that comes together in under an hour.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 385

Ingredients
  

For the Skillet
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 lb ground turkey 93% lean
  • 1.5 lb sweet potatoes peeled and diced into 1/2-inch cubes
  • 1 medium yellow onion diced
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth low sodium
  • 1.5 cups shredded cheddar cheese sharp, divided
  • 3/4 tsp salt plus more to taste
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper freshly ground
  • 2 tbsp green onions sliced, for garnish

Equipment

  • 12-inch oven-safe skillet
  • Sharp knife
  • Cutting board

Method
 

Prep
  1. Peel sweet potatoes and cut into 1/2-inch cubes so they cook evenly. Dice the onion and mince the garlic. Having everything ready before you start cooking makes this skillet come together smoothly.
Cook the Turkey
  1. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a 12-inch oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground turkey, breaking it into crumbles with a wooden spoon. Cook until no longer pink, about 5-6 minutes. Season with 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Transfer to a plate and set aside.
Build the Skillet
  1. Add remaining 1 tablespoon oil to the skillet. Add diced onion and cook until softened, about 3 minutes. Stir in garlic, chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika. Cook 30 seconds until fragrant. Add sweet potatoes, remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Toss to coat in spices.
  2. Pour in chicken broth and stir, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Cover and reduce heat to medium-low. Simmer for 12-15 minutes, stirring once halfway through, until sweet potatoes are fork-tender but still hold their shape.
  3. Return turkey to the skillet and stir to combine. Taste and adjust seasoning. Sprinkle 1 cup cheddar cheese evenly over the top. Cover and cook 2-3 minutes until cheese melts. Alternatively, broil 2-3 minutes for bubbly, browned cheese.
  4. Let rest 5 minutes. Garnish with remaining 1/2 cup cheese and sliced green onions. Serve directly from the skillet.

Notes

Cut sweet potatoes uniformly so they cook at the same rate - uneven pieces mean some will be mushy while others stay firm. For extra heat, add 1/4 teaspoon cayenne with the other spices or top with pickled jalapenos. This reheats beautifully: add a splash of broth when warming to restore the creamy texture.