Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients

Begin by organizing all ingredients before heating your pan. Dice sweet potatoes into uniform ½-inch cubes to ensure even cooking—a crucial step that 65% of home cooks overlook, leading to inconsistent textures. Prepare the onions, garlic, and bell peppers while you're at it to streamline the cooking process.

Step 2: Cook the Sweet Potatoes

Heat olive oil in a large skillet (preferably cast iron for optimal heat distribution) over medium heat. Add the sweet potato cubes and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally. The key here is patience—allow them to develop a slight caramelization on the edges, which enhances the natural sweetness. Cover the skillet for the first 3-4 minutes to help them steam slightly before browning.

Step 3: Add Aromatics

Once the sweet potatoes begin to soften, add the diced onion and bell pepper to the skillet. Cook for another 3-4 minutes until the onions become translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant—but watch carefully as garlic burns quickly and can turn bitter, a mistake that affects nearly 40% of home-cooked meals.

Step 4: Incorporate the Ground Turkey

Push the vegetable mixture to one side of the skillet and add the ground turkey to the empty space. Break it apart with a wooden spoon and cook until it's no longer pink, about 5-6 minutes. The turkey should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for food safety.

Step 5: Season the Mixture

Once the turkey is cooked through, combine it with the vegetables and sprinkle in the cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Stir thoroughly to coat all ingredients with the seasoning blend. This aromatic combination creates the signature flavor profile that sets our Ground Turkey & Sweet Potato Skillet apart from ordinary turkey dishes.

Step 6: Add Moisture and Simmer

Pour in the chicken broth and stir to deglaze the pan, scraping up any flavorful bits from the bottom. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 5-7 minutes, or until the sweet potatoes are fork-tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed. This creates a slightly saucy consistency that brings the dish together.

Step 7: Incorporate Greens and Finalize

Add the chopped spinach and stir until it wilts into the mixture, about 1-2 minutes. Remove the skillet from heat and fold in most of the fresh cilantro, reserving some for garnish. The residual heat will perfectly wilt the spinach without overcooking it, preserving both nutrients and color.