Ground Turkey and Sweet Potato Hash

Name: Ground Turkey and Sweet Potato Hash
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 lb ground turkey; 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and diced; 1 red bell pepper, chopped; 1 small onion, diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon smoked paprika; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 2 tablespoons olive oil; Fresh parsley for garnish

Highlighted under: Weeknight Meals

I love making Ground Turkey and Sweet Potato Hash when I want a hearty and nutritious meal that comes together in a breeze. The sweet potatoes add a delightful sweetness that balances perfectly with the savory turkey. This dish is not only simple to prepare but also a fantastic way to incorporate more vegetables into my diet. It’s ideal for any time of the day—whether for a cozy breakfast or a satisfying dinner. Trust me, you’ll find yourself making this hash again and again!

Created by

The Cheftobycooks Team

Last updated on 2026-02-12T09:50:19.311Z

When I first tried Ground Turkey and Sweet Potato Hash, I was amazed by how well the flavors meld together. I often experiment with different seasonings, but I find that just a touch of smoked paprika elevates the whole dish, making it smoky and comforting. The sweet potatoes become tender and caramelized, adding texture and depth.

One tip I learned is to cook the sweet potatoes a little longer before adding the turkey to ensure they're perfectly tender. This hash has become a favorite for meal prep, thanks to its versatility and the ease with which it can be reheated throughout the week.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

A delicious combination of savory ground turkey and sweet, tender sweet potatoes
Perfectly seasoned for a flavorful meal any time of day
Versatile dish that can be enjoyed for breakfast, lunch, or dinner

Choosing the Right Sweet Potatoes

When selecting sweet potatoes for this hash, look for ones that are firm and free from blemishes. The size matters too; medium sweet potatoes are ideal because they provide a good balance of sweetness without overpowering the dish. Purple-fleshed varieties can offer an interesting color contrast, but stick with orange or yellow-fleshed sweet potatoes for their classic sweetness and creaminess, which complement the ground turkey beautifully.

To ensure even cooking, try to dice the sweet potatoes into uniform pieces, roughly 1/2-inch. This size allows them to cook through while achieving that perfect caramelization. If you find that they are cooking too quickly or browning too much, simply reduce the heat slightly and cover the skillet for a few minutes to steam them a bit. Alternatively, consider precooking the sweet potatoes in the microwave for 4-5 minutes to jumpstart the process.

A Flavorful Ground Turkey Option

Using ground turkey in this hash is a fantastic way to keep meals lean without sacrificing flavor. It’s essential to choose ground turkey with some fat content for moisture and richness; I prefer 85% lean. If you opt for extra-lean turkey, you might want to add a bit more olive oil to prevent the dish from being too dry. Browning the turkey thoroughly before mixing it with the vegetables gives it a lovely caramelization, enhancing the overall depth of flavor.

While this recipe calls for smoked paprika, you could also experiment with other spices. Chipotle powder adds a smoky heat, or even a pinch of cayenne if you like things spicy. Don't hesitate to adjust seasoning levels based on your taste preferences—cooking is all about personalizing flavors to suit your palate!

Perfect Serving Suggestions

This Ground Turkey and Sweet Potato Hash is wonderfully versatile. For a heartier breakfast, serve it alongside a fried or poached egg on top; the runny yolk adds a rich creaminess that elevates the dish. If you want to make it lighter, consider serving it with a side of fresh greens or a simple green salad dressed with lemon juice—this adds a refreshing contrast to the warm hash.

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in a skillet over medium heat for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until heated through. If you're looking to freeze portions, cool the hash completely in a shallow dish before transferring it to a freezer-safe bag, which can be frozen for up to three months. Just be sure to thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating!

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to create a flavorful meal:

Ingredients

1 lb ground turkey
2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
1 red bell pepper, chopped
1 small onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons olive oil
Fresh parsley for garnish

Now that you have your ingredients, let’s move on to the cooking steps!

Instructions

Follow these steps for quick preparation:

Cook Sweet Potatoes

In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced sweet potatoes and cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally until they are tender and slightly caramelized.

Add Vegetables and Turkey

Stir in the diced onion, bell pepper, and minced garlic. Cook for an additional 5 minutes until the vegetables are softened. Then, add the ground turkey, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook until the turkey is browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.

Serve

Once everything is well mixed and cooked, remove from heat. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm. Enjoy your delicious hash!

This simple process yields a delightful dish for any occasion.

Pro Tips

Feel free to add in other vegetables like spinach or zucchini for extra nutrients. You can also try swapping ground turkey for ground chicken or beef, depending on your preference.

Make-Ahead Tips

Prepping your ingredients ahead of time can make cooking this hash even smoother on busy days. Chop the sweet potatoes, bell pepper, and onion the night before and store them in an airtight container in the fridge. I often do this for quick morning meals or lazy weeknights; it allows me to whip up the hash in under 20 minutes, simply sautéing everything together when I'm ready to eat.

If you want to prepare the whole dish in advance, go ahead and cook the hash completely, then let it cool before refrigerating it. Reheating in a skillet or microwave will revive the flavors nicely. You can also separate portions into lunch boxes, making this an easy grab-and-go meal. Just remember that the texture may slightly change after freezing, but it's still delicious!

Possible Variations

To change things up, try adding different vegetables based on what you have on hand. Zucchini, spinach, or even kale could add nutritional benefits and a different flavor profile. Keep in mind that softer veggies like spinach should be added towards the end of cooking to prevent overcooking. You can also throw in some canned black beans or corn for added texture and protein.

For those following a specific diet, this hash is easily adaptable. Swap the ground turkey for lean ground chicken or even black beans for a vegetarian version. Moreover, if you're looking for a low-carb option, using cauliflower rice instead of sweet potatoes retains the comfort food feel while reducing the carb count significantly.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare this hash a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just reheat it before serving.

→ What can I serve with this hash?

This hash pairs well with a fried egg on top for breakfast or a simple green salad for lunch or dinner.

→ Can I use frozen sweet potatoes?

Yes! Just thaw them before cooking to ensure they cook evenly.

→ How can I spice it up?

Add some cayenne pepper or diced jalapeños to give your hash an extra kick!