Here’s a recipe that ticks all the right boxes: high-protein, veggie-packed, comforting, and cooked in just one pan. It’s warm, filling, and somehow still makes you feel like a responsible adult. Miracles do happen.
This easy turkey and sweet potato skillet is perfect when you want something hearty but don’t want to deal with a sink full of dishes or sad leftovers lingering in your fridge. It’s weeknight gold, especially when you’re hangry and hovering near UberEats.
❤️ Why You’ll Love It
- All-in-one – Protein, carbs, veggies, and flavour all go in the same pan.
- Budget-friendly – Uses humble, cheap ingredients that are easy to find at Coles or Woolies.
- Quick cleanup – Just one frying pan and a cutting board to wash.
- Versatile – Add a fried egg on top, or switch in other veg depending on what’s lurking in your crisper drawer.
🍠 What You’ll Need (Serves 1)
- 100g ground turkey (or chicken mince – no rules here)
- ½ medium sweet potato, diced small (the smaller, the faster it cooks)
- ½ onion, chopped
- 1 tsp olive oil
- A handful of fresh spinach (or frozen – thawed and squeezed works too)
Optional Extras:
- A pinch of smoked paprika or cumin for extra warmth
- A sprinkle of feta or grated cheese on top
- Fresh herbs if you’re feeling fancy (parsley or coriander work well)
🔥 How to Make It
- Start with the turkey
Heat olive oil in a non-stick frying pan over medium heat. Add the turkey mince and cook, breaking it up with a spatula, until it starts to brown and lose that raw pink look. - Add the sweet potato and onion
Toss in your diced sweet potato and onion. Give it all a good stir. Cover the pan (or half-cover with a lid or plate) and let it cook for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sweet potato is tender. - Stir in the spinach
Add the spinach right at the end and cook for another minute until wilted. Season with salt and pepper to taste. - Serve it up
Scoop it into a bowl and enjoy it as is—or top with a poached egg, grated cheese, or a splash of hot sauce if you’re feeling bold.
💡 Healthy Hacks & Handy Tips
- Dice your sweet potato small – It’ll cook faster and blend better with the turkey.
- Short on time? Par-cook your sweet potato in the microwave for 2 minutes before adding it to the pan.
- Swap the mince – Chicken or lean beef work great too. Even canned lentils can be subbed in for a vegetarian version.
- Leftover magic – Add this to a wrap the next day with some avo for a quick lunch.
🧠 Nutrition Highlights
- Turkey = lean protein that keeps you full and fuels muscle repair
- Sweet potato = complex carbs + fibre + vitamin A
- Spinach = iron, magnesium, and leafy green goodness
- Olive oil = heart-healthy fats that help your body absorb all those fat-soluble vitamins
It’s a balanced bowl of nutrients, disguised as comfort food.
💬 Final Thoughts
This is the kind of recipe that feels like a hug in a bowl—filling, warm, and just healthy enough that you’ll feel a bit smug afterwards. Plus, it doesn’t take much brainpower, which, let’s be honest, is a key selling point most nights.
👉 Hungry for more easy, healthy solo meals?
Subscribe to Plan4One and get fresh recipes, handy hacks, and weekly inspiration straight to your inbox.
