If you’re looking for a hearty, flavorful dish that’s both healthy and downright comforting, you’re going to love this Turkey Sweet Potato Hash Recipe. I absolutely adore how the sweet potatoes bring a natural sweetness that perfectly balances the savory seasoned turkey – it’s a combo that my family goes crazy for! Whether you’re making breakfast, brunch, or a quick weeknight dinner, this hash comes together quickly and delivers big on taste. I can’t wait to share all my tips and tricks to help you nail this recipe every time!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: From prep to plating in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
- Nutritious and Balanced: Packed with lean protein and nutrient-rich sweet potatoes for a satisfying meal.
- Flavorful Spices: A cozy mix of cinnamon, smoked paprika, and nutmeg creates a unique, inviting taste.
- Versatile Serving Options: Equally great for breakfast with eggs or as a standalone dinner.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic in this Turkey Sweet Potato Hash Recipe comes from simple, wholesome ingredients that you likely already have on hand. I always recommend picking the firmest sweet potatoes you can find for the best texture, and lean ground turkey helps keep things light without sacrificing flavor.
- Lean ground turkey: Choose 93/7 lean for a juicy but not greasy result.
- Sweet potatoes: I leave the skin on for extra fiber and color, just make sure to wash them well.
- Yellow onion: Adds a mild sweetness and depth when sautéed.
- Olive oil: A little goes a long way to help those flavors develop.
- Garlic cloves: Freshly minced is best for that punch of flavor.
- Water: Helps steam the sweet potatoes as they cook, so they get tender without drying out.
- Salt and fresh cracked pepper: Seasonal essentials, adjusted to taste.
- Cinnamon: My secret weapon to round out the sweet potato’s natural sweetness.
- Smoked paprika: Adds a subtle smoky depth without overpowering.
- Nutmeg: Just a dash for warmth and complexity.
Variations
I love that this Turkey Sweet Potato Hash Recipe is super flexible – you can tailor it to what you have in your kitchen or dietary needs. I often switch up the spice mix depending on the season or what’s in my spice rack.
- Vegetarian Version: Swap turkey for crumbled tofu or chickpeas, add extra seasoning for punch – I tried this for a friend and it worked beautifully!
- Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeño if you’re into heat – it instantly elevates the dish.
- Greens Boost: Toss in chopped kale or spinach towards the end of cooking to sneak in some veggies.
- Sweet Swap: Use regular potatoes or butternut squash instead of sweet potatoes for a different twist.
How to Make Turkey Sweet Potato Hash Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Veggies Like a Pro
Start by washing and drying your sweet potatoes. I like to keep the skin on for texture and nutrients, but it’s totally up to you. Slice into about ½-inch rounds, then cut each round into roughly eight bite-sized pieces – this helps them cook evenly. Take a moment to finely dice your yellow onion and mince your garlic cloves, so everything’s ready to go once the pan heats up.
Step 2: Sauté Onion and Garlic Until Fragrant
Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat in a large skillet. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, cooking them until they become beautifully fragrant and the onions turn translucent – usually about 3-4 minutes. This step is crucial; it’s where that rich, savory base flavor develops, so don’t rush it!
Step 3: Cook the Sweet Potatoes Tender
Add the chopped sweet potatoes to your skillet along with ¼ cup of water, then season with salt and pepper. Stir everything together well, cover the pan, and let the potatoes simmer for 5-7 minutes. Be sure to stir frequently so they don’t stick or burn – a little browning adds flavor, but you want to avoid blackened bits. You’ll know they’re done when the potatoes are fork-tender but still hold their shape.
Step 4: Cook and Season the Turkey
While your sweet potatoes are cooking, heat a separate pan over medium heat and cook the ground turkey until it’s no longer pink, breaking it up as it cooks. In a small bowl, mix together cinnamon, smoked paprika, salt, nutmeg, and 1 tablespoon of water. Pour this seasoning mixture over the cooked turkey and stir well to coat evenly – this little step adds so much personality to the meat!
Step 5: Combine and Serve
Once both components are ready, add the seasoned turkey to the skillet with the sweet potatoes. Stir everything together gently but thoroughly, letting those flavors mingle for a minute or two. Then you’re ready to serve! Honestly, it’s fantastic just as it is, but I love pairing it with eggs or fresh greens for a complete, nourishing meal.
Pro Tips for Making Turkey Sweet Potato Hash Recipe
- Cut Even Pieces: Cutting sweet potatoes into uniform sizes ensures even cooking and prevents some pieces from burning while others stay hard.
- Don’t Skip Stirring: I learned the hard way that stirring frequently while simmering sweet potatoes is key to avoid sticking and to develop that lovely caramelized flavor.
- Season in Stages: Adding spices to the turkey after cooking locks in their aroma and keeps the hash tasting fresh and vibrant.
- Cook Turkey Separately: Cooking turkey apart prevents overcrowding, so the meat browns nicely instead of steaming.
How to Serve Turkey Sweet Potato Hash Recipe
Garnishes
I love sprinkling a handful of fresh chopped parsley or cilantro over the top – it adds a pop of color and a fresh contrast to the warm spices. A drizzle of hot sauce or a dollop of sour cream can also kick this hash up a notch, depending on your mood.
Side Dishes
Serve this hash alongside poached or fried eggs for a complete breakfast or brunch that’ll fuel your whole day. For dinner, I like pairing it with a crisp green salad or steamed broccoli for some extra veggies.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist at brunch, I’ve served this Turkey Sweet Potato Hash Recipe stuffed inside roasted bell peppers or scooped onto toasted bread for a hearty open-faced sandwich. It looks so inviting and feels like a special treat!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge where it keeps beautifully for up to 3 days. Whenever I reheat it, I add a splash of water and heat gently to keep the sweet potatoes from drying out.
Freezing
Turkey Sweet Potato Hash freezes surprisingly well! I portion it out into freezer-safe containers and it lasts for about 2 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating, and you’re good to go.
Reheating
To keep the best texture when reheating, warm your hash gently in a skillet over medium-low heat with a little splash of water or olive oil, stirring occasionally. This brings back the fresh-cooked flavor and prevents mushiness.
FAQs
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Can I use ground chicken instead of turkey in this hash?
Absolutely! Ground chicken works well as a substitute and will deliver a similarly mild flavor. Just make sure to cook it thoroughly and season it the same way for best results.
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Is it necessary to leave the sweet potato skin on?
Not at all – leaving the skin on adds fiber and nutrients, but if you prefer a smoother texture or have concerns about dirt, peeling is totally fine. Just adjust your cooking time slightly as peeled pieces may cook a bit faster.
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How can I make this recipe spicier?
Try adding red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, or diced jalapeños during the onion and garlic sauté step. You can also serve with a hot sauce drizzle for customized heat.
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Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! All the ingredients used in this Turkey Sweet Potato Hash Recipe are naturally gluten-free, making it a great option for those avoiding gluten.
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Can I prepare this recipe in advance?
Definitely! You can prep the sweet potatoes and turkey separately and store them in the fridge, then combine and reheat when ready to serve.
Final Thoughts
This Turkey Sweet Potato Hash Recipe has become one of my kitchen go-tos because it’s quick, nutritious, and insanely tasty. What I love most is how forgiving it is – you can tweak the spices, switch up the protein, or add whatever veggies you have on hand, and it still turns out amazing. If you want a dish that feels both cozy and wholesome, you’ve got to give this a try. Trust me, once you make it, it’ll be a staple you’ll keep coming back to, just like my family does!
Print
Turkey Sweet Potato Hash Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A flavorful and hearty Turkey Sweet Potato Hash featuring lean ground turkey, tender sweet potatoes, and aromatic spices. This dish is easy to prepare in under 30 minutes and is perfect for a nutritious breakfast or dinner. Naturally gluten-free and dairy-free, it’s full of comforting flavors and makes a balanced meal on its own or paired with eggs or a fresh salad.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lbs. lean ground turkey (93/7)
- 2 large sweet potatoes (630g / 1 lbs. 6 oz.), chopped with skin on
- 1/2 large yellow onion (150g), diced
- 1 Tbsp. Olive Oil
- 1/4 cup water (for potatoes)
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- Salt and fresh cracked pepper, to taste
Spices and Seasoning
- 1/2 tsp. cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp. smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp. salt
- 1/4 tsp. nutmeg
- 1 Tbsp. water (to mix with spices)
Instructions
- Prepare Sweet Potatoes: Wash and dry the sweet potatoes thoroughly. Chop them into bite-sized pieces, leaving the skin on. Cutting into 1/2″ rounds and then into about 8 bite-sized pieces per round works well to ensure even cooking.
- Dice Onions and Mince Garlic: Finely dice the yellow onion and mince the garlic cloves to prepare for sautéing.
- Sauté Aromatics: In a pan over medium heat, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil, minced garlic, and diced onion. Cook for a few minutes until fragrant and the onions become translucent.
- Cook Sweet Potatoes: Add the chopped sweet potatoes to the pan with the garlic and onion. Pour in 1/4 cup of water, season with salt and fresh cracked pepper, then stir well to combine. Cover the pan and simmer over medium heat for 5-7 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent burning and to ensure even cooking. The sweet potatoes should become tender.
- Cook Ground Turkey: While the sweet potatoes are cooking, heat a separate pan over medium heat. Cook the lean ground turkey until fully cooked through, breaking it apart as it cooks.
- Season Turkey: Mix the cinnamon, smoked paprika, salt, nutmeg, and 1 tablespoon of water in a small dish. Add this spice mixture to the cooked turkey and stir well to coat the meat evenly with the seasonings.
- Combine and Serve: Add the seasoned ground turkey to the skillet with the sweet potatoes. Stir everything together thoroughly to combine the flavors. Serve the hash on its own, alongside eggs, or as part of a salad for a wholesome meal.
Notes
- Ready in under 30 minutes, this hash is perfect for quick weeknight dinners or breakfast.
- This recipe is naturally dairy-free and gluten-free, catering well to those dietary preferences.
- Use the skin-on sweet potatoes for extra fiber and nutrients.
- Stir the potatoes frequently while cooking to prevent burning and to develop additional flavor.
- Serve with eggs for added protein or combine with fresh greens for a nutritious salad option.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 160 g
- Calories: 254 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 437 mg
- Fat: 11 g
- Saturated Fat: 2.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 21 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 17 g
- Cholesterol: 65 mg
