Paleo Turkey and Sweet Potato Skillet
A hearty one-pan paleo dinner combining ground turkey with sweet potatoes and aromatic spices for a nourishing, protein-packed meal. This american-inspired paleo (paleo, high protein) ready in about 35 minutes pairs ground turkey, olive oil, medium yellow onion, diced for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 2 medium (about 2 cups) sweet potato, peeled and diced into 1/2-inch cubes
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat until hot. Add 1 diced medium yellow onion and sauté for 4 minutes until translucent.
- Step 2: Add 3 minced garlic cloves and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Step 3: Add 1 lb ground turkey to the skillet, breaking it up with a spatula. Cook for 6-7 minutes until browned and no longer pink.
- Step 4: Stir in 2 cups diced sweet potato cubes, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Mix well to combine.
- Step 5: Cover skillet, reduce heat to medium-low, and cook for 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until sweet potatoes are tender.
- Step 6: Remove from heat and sprinkle 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro over the top before serving.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Paleo Turkey and Sweet Potato Skillet 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 Paleo Turkey and Sweet Potato Skillet?
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 Paleo Turkey and Sweet Potato Skillet?
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 Paleo Turkey and Sweet Potato Skillet 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 Paleo Turkey and Sweet Potato Skillet paleo?
Yes — this recipe is tagged paleo, high protein based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
The best paleo skillet I’ve tried—moist turkey and caramelized sweet potatoes are a match made in heaven!
- ★★★★★
Flavor-packed and so easy! Made it for my partner who’s not paleo—now he’s hooked!
- ★★★★★
My kids devoured the sweet potatoes and turkey—perfect for a quick family dinner!