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Looking for a one-pan dinner that’s healthy, hearty and weeknight-friendly? This ground turkey sweet potato skillet checks all the boxes. Packed with lean protein, vibrant veggies and melty Gouda cheese, it’s full of bold flavor and comes together with minimal fuss. Sweet potatoes add natural sweetness that balances the savory turkey and zesty lime juice. It’s the kind of simple meal you’ll keep on rotation—perfect for meal prep, family dinners or a cozy night in when you need something quick and nourishing.
This delicious ground turkey sweet potato skillet is a hearty, one-pan meal packed with lean turkey, sweet potatoes, kale, peppers and melted Gouda cheese.
If you’re a fan of turkey dishes, you might also like turkey tacos, stuffed turkey breast and hot turkey sandwiches.
Why You’ll Love It
It’s nutrient-packed: With lean turkey, kale and sweet potatoes, this dish is as wholesome as it is flavorful.
One pan means easy cleanup: Everything cooks in one skillet—less mess, more time to relax.
Great for leftovers: It reheats beautifully and makes a perfect lunch the next day.
Balanced and satisfying: You get protein, fiber, and veggies in every forkful.
Ground Turkey Skillet Ingredients
A complete list of ingredients and amounts can be found in the recipe card below.
Ground turkey: Lean and protein-rich, it forms the base of this hearty skillet.
Coconut oil: Used for sautéing, it adds a subtle richness and healthy fat.
Sweet potatoes: Naturally sweet and packed with fiber, they make the dish hearty and satisfying.
Garlic: Adds a bold, savory foundation to the skillet.
Shallot: Milder than onion, it gives the dish a gentle sweetness and depth.
Lime: Brightens and balances the richness with a zesty kick.
Bell peppers: Add crunch, color and a subtle sweetness.
Gouda cheese: Melts beautifully and adds a creamy, smoky touch.
Kale: A nutrient-dense green that wilts perfectly into the dish.
How to Make Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet
For more detailed instructions with weights and measurements, jump to the printable recipe card.
Brown the turkey: Sauté in coconut oil and season with salt and pepper until browned.
Add veggies: Stir in sweet potatoes, garlic, shallots and peppers.
Add lime juice and cover: Squeeze lime over the mix, cover and cook until the potatoes soften.
Finish with kale and cheese: Stir in shredded kale and Gouda, cook until melted and wilted.
Substitutions and Variations
Use ground chicken instead of turkey: A great swap if that’s what you have on hand.
Try cheddar or mozzarella: If you don’t have Gouda, other melty cheeses work well.
Add spices like cumin or chili powder: For an extra kick and a different flavor profile.
Serving Suggestions
With bread: Enjoy homemade soda bread or mushroom focaccia on the side.
With a salad: A burrata and tomato salad, peach panzanella salad or lemon and parmesan salad would be tasty with this turkey skillet.
How to Store Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet
Store: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator and eat within 3 days.
Freeze: You can freeze it in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
Thaw: Defrost it in the refrigerator overnight.
Reheat: You can warm it back up in the oven or microwave.
Top Tips
Dice sweet potatoes evenly: Smaller, uniform pieces cook more quickly and evenly.
Add kale at the end: It wilts fast—adding it last keeps it from overcooking.
Cover the skillet to steam: Helps the sweet potatoes soften faster without drying out.
Taste and season as you go: Adjust lime, salt and pepper to your preference.
Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Kale Skillet FAQs
The great thing about one pot low carb meals is you can tweak the ingredients as you like. Switching the ground turkey for your favourite meal substitute (maybe this one) or for other veggies like corn or broccoli will work perfectly.
Yes, it stores well in the fridge for a few days and reheats beautifully.
Ground Turkey Kale Sweet Potato Skillet Recipe
Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet
Equipment
- Skillet Large
Ingredients
- 1 Pound ground turkey
- 1 Tablespoon coconut oil
- 2 sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 Teaspoon salt
- ¼ Teaspoon black peppercorns, cracked
- 3 Cloves garlic, minced
- 1 shallot, sliced
- 1 lime
- 2 bell peppers, diced
- ½ Cup gouda cheese, shredded
- 2 Cups kale, shredded
Instructions
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add coconut oil and swirl to coat the pan.
- Next, add the ground turkey. Season with a pinch each of salt and pepper. Break apart and cook until browned, about 5 minutes.
- Add the diced sweet potatoes, shallots, minced garlic, and bell pepper. Stir to combine.
- Juice the lime into the pan, then cover and cook for 10 minutes.
- Remove the cover and stir. Add the kale and cheese, and cook for 10 more minutes. Serve hot.
Notes
Add kale at the end: It wilts fast—adding it last keeps it from overcooking.
Cover the skillet to steam: Helps the sweet potatoes soften faster without drying out.
Taste and season as you go: Adjust lime, salt and pepper to your preference.
Nutrition
This ground turkey sweet potato skillet is a total win for busy nights when you want something nourishing without the hassle. With protein, veggies and melted cheese all in one pan, it’s the kind of comforting meal that feels like a treat but fuels you well. Plus, cleanup is minimal and the leftovers might be even better the next day—what’s not to love?
Other Recipes to Try
Bella Bucchiotti
Bella Bucchiotti is a Canadian-based syndicated food, travel, and lifestyle writer, photographer, and creator at xoxoBella. She founded xoxoBella in 2015, where she shares her love for food, dogs, sustainability, fitness, crafts, outdoor adventures, travel, and philanthropy to encourage others to run the extra mile, try new recipes, visit unfamiliar places, and stand for a cause. Bella creates stress-free and family-friendly recipes for weeknight dinners and festive feasts.
My family loved the turkey sweet potato skillet! So easy to make, and super flavorful.
This ground turkey sweet potato kale skillet is perfect for busy nights—quick, easy, and tasty!
I have to admit I was skeptical about the lack of seasonings. But it turned out light and delicious! I did need to use two lines (mine were small) and I used Feta cause that’s what I had. Very yummy! A great summer dish! Filling yet light.
Great to hear you enjoyed it!
This is one of the best recipe that I’ve ever tried recently! So delish! Loved it!
This recipe was a winner! Loved every bite.
Hi – How much kale should be added in this recipe? The amount of kale has not been included in the ingredients list (although the instructions indicate to add it to the skillet towards the end). Thanks! — Lisa
Oh my! Thanks for letting me know. I recently changed the format of the recipe card and it must have been deleted by mistake. It is 2 Cups.
Yum! love this one