This Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Hash is a comforting one-pan meal perfect for breakfast or dinner. It combines savory ground turkey with sweet potatoes, onions, and bell peppers for a nourishing, flavorful dish. The recipe is versatile, easy to make, and reheats beautifully for meal prep.
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Why You’ll Love This Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Hash
- One-Pan Wonder: Complete meal with protein, carbs, and veggies.
- Dynamic Flavors: Sweet potatoes balance savory turkey and smoky spices.
- Versatile & Forgiving: Easy to customize with ingredients on hand.
- Meal Prep Hero: Reheats perfectly and tastes even better the next day.
Ingredients & Tools
- 1 lb ground turkey (93/7 lean-to-fat ratio works best)
- 1 large sweet potato (about 1 lb), peeled and diced into ½-inch cubes
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp olive oil or avocado oil, divided
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp dried thyme
- ¼ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- 4 large eggs (optional, for serving)
Tools: A large, oven-safe skillet (cast iron is ideal), a sharp knife, and a sturdy spatula.
Notes: Use a firm sweet potato without soft spots. Smoked paprika adds subtle smoky depth.
Nutrition (per serving)
| Calories: | 320 kcal |
| Protein: | 25 g |
| Fat: | 14 g |
| Carbs: | 22 g |
| Fiber: | 4 g |
Serves: 4 | Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cook Time: 25 minutes | Total Time: 40 minutes
Before You Start: Tips & Ingredient Notes
- Dice your sweet potato evenly. This is probably the most important prep step. If the cubes are all different sizes, they’ll cook unevenly, leaving you with some mushy bits and some hard, undercooked bits. Aim for a consistent ½-inch dice.
- Don’t skip preheating your skillet. A properly hot pan is crucial for getting a good sear on the turkey and creating those delicious, crispy edges on the sweet potatoes. A cold start will lead to steaming and a sad, soggy hash.
- Understand your ground turkey. Lean ground turkey can be a bit dry if overcooked. The trick is to cook it just until it’s no longer pink, breaking it up as you go. It will continue to cook a little when you mix it back in with everything else.
- Fresh herbs make a world of difference. While dried thyme is fine for cooking, finishing the dish with a generous sprinkle of fresh parsley (or even chives) right at the end adds a burst of freshness and color that really elevates the whole thing.
How to Make Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Hash
Step 1: Start by prepping all your vegetables. Peel and dice the sweet potato into that all-important ½-inch cube. Dice the onion and bell pepper, and mince the garlic. Having everything ready to go (your *mise en place*, if you’re feeling fancy) makes the cooking process smooth and stress-free. This is also a good time to preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) if you plan on finishing the hash or cooking the eggs in it.
Step 2: Heat one tablespoon of oil in your large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the diced sweet potato. Spread them out in a single layer as much as possible—you want them to have contact with the hot surface to brown, not steam. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper. Let them cook undisturbed for about 4-5 minutes to get a good sear on one side before you start stirring.
Step 3: After that initial sear, give the sweet potatoes a stir. Continue to cook for another 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are tender when pierced with a fork and have golden-brown spots all over. If they seem to be cooking too quickly, you can reduce the heat to medium. Once they’re done, transfer them to a clean plate for a moment.
Step 4: In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of oil. Add the diced onion and bell pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, for about 4-5 minutes until they have softened and the onion is becoming translucent. You’ll notice the kitchen starting to smell amazing at this point. Now, add the minced garlic and cook for just one more minute until fragrant—be careful not to burn it!
Step 5: Push the veggie mixture to one side of the skillet. Add the ground turkey to the empty space, breaking it up with your spatula. Sprinkle the turkey with the smoked paprika, garlic powder, dried thyme, and a good pinch of salt and pepper. Let the turkey cook for a minute or two on that one side to get some color before you start breaking it up and mixing it with the vegetables.
Step 6: Continue cooking the turkey, breaking it into small crumbles, until it’s no longer pink, which should take about 5-7 minutes. Once the turkey is cooked through, it’s time to bring the band back together. Add the cooked sweet potatoes back into the skillet.
Step 7: Give everything a really good stir, making sure the turkey, veggies, and sweet potatoes are beautifully combined. Let it all cook together for another 2-3 minutes so the flavors can meld. Taste and adjust the seasoning—does it need more salt? A final crack of black pepper? This is your moment. Stir in the fresh parsley, reserving a little for garnish.
Step 8: For the optional but highly recommended egg topping, you have two choices. You can create four little wells in the hash and crack an egg into each, then transfer the whole skillet to your preheated 400°F oven for 5-7 minutes until the egg whites are set. Or, you can simply fry the eggs separately in a little butter in a non-stick pan while the hash finishes cooking. Either way, a runny yolk is pure gold here.
Storage & Freshness Guide
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze in a sealed container or bag for up to 1 month.
- Reviving: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat until hot and crispy.
Serving Suggestions
Complementary Dishes
- A simple arugula salad with a lemon vinaigrette — The peppery arugula and sharp lemon cut through the richness of the hash beautifully, adding a fresh, crisp element to your plate.
- Sliced avocado with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt — The creamy, cool avocado provides a lovely textural contrast and adds some healthy fats, making the meal even more satisfying.
- Buttery, toasted sourdough bread — Perfect for mopping up every last bit of flavor from your plate, especially that glorious runny egg yolk.
Drinks
- A rich, black coffee — The bitter notes of a good, strong coffee are a classic pairing with a savory breakfast hash, waking up all your taste buds.
- A crisp, chilled glass of Sauvignon Blanc — If you’re enjoying this for dinner, the wine’s acidity and citrus notes will complement the sweet and savory elements of the dish perfectly.
- Sparkling water with a twist of lime — The bubbles and citrus are incredibly refreshing and help cleanse the palate between bites of the hearty hash.
Something Sweet
- A few fresh berries like raspberries or blueberries — Their bright, natural sweetness is a light and perfect finish after a savory meal, without feeling too heavy.
- A small square of very dark chocolate (85%) — The intense, slightly bitter chocolate is a sophisticated way to end your meal and satisfies any lingering sweet tooth.
- A dollop of coconut whipped cream with cinnamon — For a truly indulgent treat, this feels decadent but is still low in carbs, offering a creamy, spiced finale.
Top Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcrowding the pan with sweet potatoes. If you dump all the cubes in at once, they’ll steam instead of sear, and you’ll miss out on those delicious caramelized edges and fluffy interiors. Cook in batches if your skillet isn’t large enough.
- Underseasoning the ground turkey. Lean turkey needs a good amount of help in the flavor department. Be generous with your salt and spices when you’re cooking the meat itself, as this is your best chance to season it from the inside out.
- Stirring the hash too frequently. I know it’s tempting to constantly move things around, but letting the ingredients sit and make contact with the hot pan is what creates flavor. Let it be for a minute or two between stirs.
- Using pre-chopped onions from the store. I know it’s a time-saver, but they are often treated with preservatives that can add a weird, slightly chemical taste and release more water, preventing proper browning. Taking two minutes to dice a fresh onion is worth it.
Expert Tips
- Tip: Par-cook your sweet potatoes. For an even faster cook time and guaranteed tender centers, you can microwave the diced sweet potatoes for 3-4 minutes before adding them to the hot skillet. This gives you a head start on the longest-cooking ingredient.
- Tip: Add a splash of acid at the end. A quick squeeze of fresh lime juice or a dash of apple cider vinegar stirred in right before serving can brighten up all the flavors and make the dish taste even more vibrant and complex.
- Tip: Get creative with your protein. While turkey is fantastic, this is a great recipe for ground chicken, pork, or even a plant-based ground “meat.” Just adjust the cooking time accordingly based on the fat content.
- Tip: Make a double batch for effortless meals. This hash keeps wonderfully in the fridge for up to 4 days and freezes well for a month. It’s a lifesaver for quick breakfasts or lunches—just reheat in a skillet until hot and crispy.
FAQs
Can I make this hash ahead of time?
Absolutely, and it’s a fantastic meal prep option. Let the cooked hash cool completely before storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. When you’re ready to eat, reheat it in a skillet over medium heat. I actually find the flavors are even better the next day after they’ve had time to meld. Just cook your fried egg fresh when you serve it for the best texture.
My sweet potatoes are taking forever to cook. What can I do?
This usually happens if the dice is too large or the pan is too crowded. If you’re in a pinch, you can add a couple of tablespoons of water or broth to the skillet and cover it with a lid for a few minutes. The steam will help soften the potatoes, but be sure to remove the lid and let the liquid evaporate so you can get back to browning them.
Is it possible to make this recipe in an air fryer?
You bet! It’s a bit of a hybrid method. You’d want to air fry the sweet potato cubes with a little oil at 400°F for about 15 minutes, shaking halfway. Meanwhile, cook the turkey and veggie mixture on the stovetop. Then, combine everything in the air fryer basket for a final 2-3 minutes to let the flavors come together. It’s a great way to get everything extra crispy.
What can I use instead of sweet potatoes?
Butternut squash is a wonderful substitute, offering a similar sweetness and texture. You could also use diced russet potatoes, though the carb count will be different. For a lower-carb option, turnips or radishes work surprisingly well—they become much milder and less sharp when cooked, providing a great potato-like bite.
My hash turned out a bit dry. How can I prevent that?
This can happen with very lean turkey. First, make sure you’re using enough oil to coat the pan. Second, don’t overcook the turkey—the moment it’s no longer pink, it’s done. Finally, the moisture from the onions and peppers should help, but if it still seems dry, a tablespoon of sugar-free tomato sauce or a splash of chicken broth stirred in at the end can add back some needed moisture and richness.
Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Hash
Make this easy Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Hash for a healthy, one-pan meal. Perfect for breakfast or dinner and great for meal prep. Get the simple recipe now!
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
-
1 lb ground turkey (93/7 lean-to-fat ratio works best)
-
1 large sweet potato (about 1 lb, peeled and diced into ½-inch cubes)
-
1 medium yellow onion (diced)
-
1 red bell pepper (diced)
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2 cloves garlic (minced)
-
2 tbsp olive oil or avocado oil (divided)
-
1 tsp smoked paprika
-
½ tsp garlic powder
-
½ tsp dried thyme
-
¼ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
-
Salt and black pepper (to taste)
-
2 tbsp fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)
-
4 large eggs (optional, for serving)
Instructions
-
Start by prepping all your vegetables. Peel and dice the sweet potato into that all-important ½-inch cube. Dice the onion and bell pepper, and mince the garlic. Having everything ready to go (your *mise en place*, if you're feeling fancy) makes the cooking process smooth and stress-free. This is also a good time to preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) if you plan on finishing the hash or cooking the eggs in it.01
-
Heat one tablespoon of oil in your large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the diced sweet potato. Spread them out in a single layer as much as possible—you want them to have contact with the hot surface to brown, not steam. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper. Let them cook undisturbed for about 4-5 minutes to get a good sear on one side before you start stirring.02
-
After that initial sear, give the sweet potatoes a stir. Continue to cook for another 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are tender when pierced with a fork and have golden-brown spots all over. If they seem to be cooking too quickly, you can reduce the heat to medium. Once they're done, transfer them to a clean plate for a moment.03
-
In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of oil. Add the diced onion and bell pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, for about 4-5 minutes until they have softened and the onion is becoming translucent. You’ll notice the kitchen starting to smell amazing at this point. Now, add the minced garlic and cook for just one more minute until fragrant—be careful not to burn it!04
-
Push the veggie mixture to one side of the skillet. Add the ground turkey to the empty space, breaking it up with your spatula. Sprinkle the turkey with the smoked paprika, garlic powder, dried thyme, and a good pinch of salt and pepper. Let the turkey cook for a minute or two on that one side to get some color before you start breaking it up and mixing it with the vegetables.05
-
Continue cooking the turkey, breaking it into small crumbles, until it’s no longer pink, which should take about 5-7 minutes. Once the turkey is cooked through, it’s time to bring the band back together. Add the cooked sweet potatoes back into the skillet.06
-
Give everything a really good stir, making sure the turkey, veggies, and sweet potatoes are beautifully combined. Let it all cook together for another 2-3 minutes so the flavors can meld. Taste and adjust the seasoning—does it need more salt? A final crack of black pepper? This is your moment. Stir in the fresh parsley, reserving a little for garnish.07
-
For the optional but highly recommended egg topping, you have two choices. You can create four little wells in the hash and crack an egg into each, then transfer the whole skillet to your preheated 400°F oven for 5-7 minutes until the egg whites are set. Or, you can simply fry the eggs separately in a little butter in a non-stick pan while the hash finishes cooking. Either way, a runny yolk is pure gold here.08
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