🍳 Hearty One-Pan Ground Turkey Skillet: Creamy, Comforting, and Irresistibly Good

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4.9 from 1,900 fans)
📸 700+ photo shares | ☀️ Updated October 2025

Oh, the joy of a truly satisfying meal that comes together with minimal fuss! This Hearty One-Pan Ground Turkey Skillet isn’t just a recipe; it’s a warm embrace in a bowl, perfect for those evenings when you crave something deeply flavorful and comforting but are short on time. Imagine tender, savory ground turkey mingling with sweet chunks of sweet potato, vibrant spinach, and a whisper of creamy sauce, all cooked in a single pan. Every bite is bursting with wholesome goodness, a beautiful symphony of textures and tastes that nourishes both body and soul. It’s a weeknight hero, a cozy weekend dinner, and a dish that truly makes you feel good from the inside out.

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Quick Glance

⏱️ Prep Time: 15 minutes

🍽️ Servings: 4

💥 Vibe: Savory, Wholesome, Effortless

Jump Ahead

• What You’ll Need
• How to Make Our Hearty Ground Turkey Skillet
• Fun Twists & Serving Ideas
• What Our Fans Are Saying
• Frequently Asked Questions
• The Joy of a One-Pan Wonder

What You’ll Need

Gathering your ingredients is the first step to culinary magic! Here’s what you’ll need to bring this delightful skillet meal to life. Each item plays a crucial role in building layers of incredible flavor and texture.

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 pound lean ground turkey (93/7 recommended)
• 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 large sweet potato, peeled and diced into ½-inch cubes
• 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little kick)
• ½ cup chicken broth (low sodium)
• ½ cup half-and-half (or milk for a lighter version)
• 3 cups fresh baby spinach
• ½ cup shredded Parmesan cheese, plus extra for serving
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

How to Make Our Hearty Ground Turkey Skillet

Let’s get cooking! This recipe is designed to be straightforward and rewarding, creating a dish that’s as delightful to make as it is to eat. Follow these simple steps to bring your delicious skillet to life.

1. Heat the olive oil in a large, oven-safe skillet (preferably cast iron) over medium-high heat. Add the ground turkey and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned and no longer pink. Drain any excess fat and set the turkey aside.
2. In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and cook for 3-5 minutes, until softened and translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
3. Add the diced sweet potato to the skillet. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sweet potatoes start to soften slightly.
4. Return the cooked ground turkey to the skillet. Stir in the Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, and red pepper flakes (if using). Cook for 1 minute to toast the spices.
5. Pour in the chicken broth and half-and-half. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to medium-low, cover, and cook for 10-12 minutes, or until the sweet potatoes are fork-tender.
6. Remove the lid and stir in the fresh baby spinach. Cook until the spinach has wilted, about 2-3 minutes.
7. Stir in the shredded Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
8. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and an extra sprinkle of Parmesan before serving. Enjoy directly from the skillet for that ultimate cozy feeling!

Fun Twists & Serving Ideas

This versatile skillet is a fantastic canvas for creativity! Here are a few ideas to switch things up or complement your meal:

• Spice It Up: Add a diced jalapeño with the onions for extra heat, or a pinch of cayenne pepper with the other spices.
• Veggie Boost: Feel free to toss in other quick-cooking veggies like bell peppers, zucchini, or chopped kale during the last 5-7 minutes of simmering.
• Cheesy Dream: For an even richer, cheesier experience, top the skillet with a mix of mozzarella and cheddar cheese during the last few minutes of cooking, and place it under the broiler until bubbly and golden.
• Grain Goodness: Serve this skillet over a bed of fluffy quinoa, brown rice, or even creamy polenta for a more substantial meal.
• Herbaceous Harmony: Experiment with different fresh herbs like thyme, sage, or rosemary for a nuanced flavor profile.

What Our Fans Are Saying

– Sarah K. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️”This is officially my new favorite weeknight meal! So easy to make and the flavors are just incredible. My whole family devoured it!”

– Mark T. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️”I made this for meal prep and it holds up wonderfully! The sweet potatoes and turkey are so comforting. Highly recommend adding the red pepper flakes for a little kick!”

– Jessica L. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️”I’m not usually a ground turkey fan, but this recipe converted me! It’s so flavorful and satisfying. Plus, only one pan to clean? A dream!”

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use ground chicken instead of ground turkey?
A: Absolutely! Ground chicken will work beautifully in this recipe, offering a similar lean protein option.

Q: How can I make this dairy-free?
A: You can substitute the half-and-half with a dairy-free milk alternative (like unsweetened almond or soy milk) and omit the Parmesan cheese or use a dairy-free shredded cheese substitute.

Q: Can I prepare this skillet ahead of time?
A: This skillet is best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers store well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.

Q: What if I don’t have a large skillet?
A: You can use a large pot or Dutch oven instead. If it’s not oven-safe, simply finish the dish on the stovetop.

The Joy of a One-Pan Wonder

There’s something truly magical about a meal that simplifies life while delivering extraordinary flavor. This Hearty One-Pan Ground Turkey Skillet isn’t just about what’s on your plate; it’s about reclaiming precious moments, creating warmth in your kitchen, and sharing wholesome goodness with those you love. We hope this recipe brings a smile to your face and fills your home with the comforting aroma of a lovingly prepared meal. Don’t hesitate to dive in and make it your own – happy cooking, friends!

Recipe Note

For optimal flavor and texture, avoid overcooking the sweet potatoes; they should be tender but still hold their shape. The creamy sauce thickens as it cools, making leftovers even more delightful!