Sweet Potato and Ground Turkey Skillet

Name: Sweet Potato and Ground Turkey Skillet
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 4
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons cooking oil, divided; 1 pound ground turkey; 1 yellow onion, diced; 2 garlic cloves, minced; 1 medium sweet potato, peeled and cut into 1/2 inch cubes; 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme; 1/2 teaspoon rubbed sage; 1/2 teaspoon poultry seasoning; 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika; 1 teaspoon salt, divided; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, divided; 1 cup uncooked orzo pasta; 3 cups chicken broth; 2 cups chopped kale; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

A hearty and simple one pan meal that combines savory ground turkey, sweet potatoes, and creamy orzo for a perfect weeknight dinner.

By Daily Recipes Book· 🌍 American· August 14, 2026

dailyrecipesbook.com

Prep

15 minutes

Cook

25 minutes

Total

40 minutes

Serves

When I am short on time but craving something comforting, this skillet meal is my go to choice. It brings together lean ground turkey, tender sweet potatoes, and vibrant kale in one pan, which means minimal cleanup and maximum flavor for a busy evening.

The secret to success here is dicing your sweet potatoes into small, uniform cubes so they cook perfectly alongside the orzo pasta. The starch from the pasta creates a lovely sauce that holds everything together with a touch of Parmesan, making it a satisfying dish the whole family will enjoy.

Ingredients

2 tablespoons cooking oil, divided
1 pound ground turkey
1 yellow onion, diced
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 medium sweet potato, peeled and cut into 1/2 inch cubes
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon rubbed sage
1/2 teaspoon poultry seasoning
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon salt, divided
1/4 teaspoon black pepper, divided
1 cup uncooked orzo pasta
3 cups chicken broth
2 cups chopped kale
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

1
Heat one tablespoon of oil in a large deep skillet over medium high heat. Add the ground turkey and cook until browned, then remove the turkey from the pan and set it aside.
2
Add the remaining tablespoon of oil to the same skillet. Stir in the onion and sweet potato cubes, cooking for about five minutes until the onion begins to soften.
3
Add the garlic, thyme, sage, poultry seasoning, smoked paprika, half of the salt, and half of the pepper. Cook for one minute until fragrant.
4
Stir in the uncooked orzo, then pour in the chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then cover the skillet with a tight fitting lid.
5
Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 10 to 12 minutes, or until the orzo and sweet potatoes are tender.
6
Stir in the chopped kale and the cooked turkey. Cook for another two minutes until the kale has wilted and the turkey is heated through.
7
Remove the skillet from the heat, stir in the Parmesan cheese, and serve immediately.

💡 Tips

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. This dish reheats beautifully in the microwave or on the stovetop, just add a tiny splash of broth if it seems a bit dry. Be sure to stir in the Parmesan only after removing the pan from the heat to ensure it melts smoothly.

#dinner #one pan #easy #healthy #comfort food

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