6 Easy Dinners With Ground Turkey and Sweet Potatoes
Ground turkey and sweet potatoes are a healthy, filling pair with a little natural sweetness that kids like. These six take 30 to 40 minutes and use simple ingredients.
1. Turkey and sweet potato skillet
Time: 30 min · Also need: onion, bell pepper, cumin, cheese
A one-pan dinner that is great on its own or in tortillas.
Cook 2 diced sweet potatoes in oil, covered, about 12 minutes until tender.
Add 1 lb ground turkey, a diced onion and a pepper. Cook until the turkey is done.
Season with cumin, chili powder and salt, and top with cheese.
Dice the sweet potatoes small (½ inch) so they cook quickly.
2. Turkey and sweet potato chili
Time: 40 min · Also need: onion, beans, a can of diced tomatoes, chili powder, broth
Hearty, a little sweet and great for leftovers.
Brown 1 lb ground turkey with a diced onion.
Add 2 diced sweet potatoes, 2 tbsp chili powder, 1 can beans, 1 can tomatoes and 2 cups broth.
Simmer 25 minutes until the sweet potatoes are tender.
Freezes well for up to 3 months.
3. Stuffed sweet potatoes
Time: 40 min · Also need: taco seasoning, black beans, cheese, salsa
A fun, filling dinner with everything piled on top.
Microwave 4 pricked sweet potatoes 8 to 10 minutes until soft, or bake at 400°F for 45 minutes.
Brown 1 lb ground turkey with taco seasoning and stir in black beans.
Split the potatoes and fill with turkey, cheese and salsa.
Microwaving saves a lot of time on busy nights.
4. Sheet pan turkey sweet potato hash
Time: 35 min · Also need: onion, bell pepper, olive oil, paprika
Crispy sweet potatoes and savory turkey with very little cleanup.
Heat the oven to 425°F. Toss 2 diced sweet potatoes, a pepper and an onion with oil and paprika. Roast 20 minutes.
Brown 1 lb ground turkey on the stove with salt and garlic powder.
Stir the turkey into the pan and roast 5 more minutes. Top with fried eggs if you like.
Leftovers make a good breakfast too.
5. Turkey sweet potato shepherd's pie
Time: 45 min · Also need: frozen vegetables, broth, butter
A lighter take on shepherd's pie.
Boil and mash 2 lb sweet potatoes with butter and salt.
Brown 1 lb ground turkey, add 2 cups frozen vegetables, 1 tbsp flour and ½ cup broth. Simmer until thick.
Spread the mash on top and bake at 400°F for 15 minutes.
A pinch of cinnamon in the mash is a nice touch.
6. Turkey and sweet potato bowls
Time: 30 min · Also need: rice or quinoa, spinach, a simple dressing
Clean, colorful bowls that are easy to prep ahead.
Roast 2 cubed sweet potatoes at 425°F for 25 minutes.
Brown 1 lb ground turkey with garlic, salt and cumin.
Build bowls with rice, spinach, sweet potatoes and turkey, and add your favorite dressing.
Keeps 4 days in the fridge for lunches.
Quick answers
What temperature should ground turkey be cooked to?
The USDA recommends 165°F (74°C). Without a thermometer, cook it until no pink remains and the juices run clear.
How do I cook sweet potatoes faster?
Dice them small, or microwave whole sweet potatoes 8 to 10 minutes instead of baking.
Should I peel sweet potatoes?
Either way. The skin adds fiber and is fine to eat if scrubbed well.
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