Hearty Turkey and Sweet Potato Skillet with Spinach

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A comforting one-pan dish combining ground turkey, sweet potatoes, and fresh spinach sautéed with warm spices. This american-inspired one pot (gluten free, high protein) ready in about 35 minutes pairs ground turkey, sweet potato, olive oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a Whole30 week and pairs well with roasted sweet potato or a simple olive-oil salad. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

★ 4.4 (14 ratings) Prep: 10 min Cook: 25 min Serves 4 American cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat until shimmering, about 2 minutes.
  2. Step 2: Add 1 medium diced yellow onion and sauté for 4-5 minutes until translucent and fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1/2 tsp ground cumin, and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes, cooking for 1 minute until spices bloom.
  4. Step 4: Add 1 lb ground turkey to the skillet, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook for 6-7 minutes until browned and cooked through.
  5. Step 5: Stir in 2 medium peeled and diced sweet potatoes (1/2-inch cubes), cover the skillet, and cook for 10 minutes over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until the sweet potatoes are tender.
  6. Step 6: Add 4 cups loosely packed fresh spinach, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper, stirring until the spinach wilts, about 2-3 minutes.
  7. Step 7: Taste and adjust seasoning before serving warm.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Hearty Turkey and Sweet Potato Skillet with Spinach take to make?

Total time is about 35 minutes (10 min prep + 25 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Hearty Turkey and Sweet Potato Skillet with Spinach?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep ground turkey from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Hearty Turkey and Sweet Potato Skillet with Spinach?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Hearty Turkey and Sweet Potato Skillet with Spinach for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

Is Hearty Turkey and Sweet Potato Skillet with Spinach gluten free?

Yes — this recipe is tagged gluten free, high protein, whole30 based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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