Ground Turkey and Sweet Potato Mash

Name: Ground Turkey and Sweet Potato Mash
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed; 1 tablespoon butter; 1/4 cup milk; Salt and pepper to taste; 1 pound ground turkey; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon dried rosemary; 1 teaspoon paprika; Salt and pepper to taste

Highlighted under: Comfort Food

I love making Ground Turkey and Sweet Potato Mash because it's a wholesome and satisfying meal that always leaves me feeling nourished. The combination of the savory turkey with the naturally sweet and creamy potatoes creates a delightful balance of flavors. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to prepare, making it a go-to dish for busy weeknights. I appreciate how versatile this recipe is, allowing me to add different spices or vegetables based on what I have on hand. It’s a comfort food that doesn’t compromise on nutrition!

Created by

Emily

Last updated on 2026-02-04T17:57:28.180Z

When I first experimented with Ground Turkey and Sweet Potato Mash, I wanted to create a dish that was both hearty and healthful. The sweetness of the potatoes perfectly balances the savory turkey, making each bite deliciously satisfying. I learned that adding a touch of garlic and rosemary elevates the flavors, giving the meal a comforting touch.

One of my favorite tips is to mash the sweet potatoes until they're creamy and smooth; this ensures that they blend beautifully with the turkey. You can also add in a splash of milk for extra richness. This dish has quickly become a staple in my house!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Savory turkey perfectly complements the sweet potatoes
Easy to prepare and perfect for weeknight dinners
Nutritious and packed with flavor

Ingredient Insights

Choosing the right sweet potatoes is crucial for this recipe, as their flavor and texture will greatly impact the dish. Look for firm, smooth-skinned sweet potatoes with vibrant orange flesh, as these will mash beautifully and offer a naturally sweet taste. If you prefer a more savory flavor, you can swap them for Yukon gold potatoes, but keep in mind this will change the dish's overall sweetness.

Ground turkey is a lean protein option that works well in this recipe, but you might want to consider using dark meat for a richer flavor and juicier texture. Always check for a good blend of meat to fat ratio when selecting your ground turkey, as it will help prevent the turkey from drying out during cooking. If you need a substitute, ground chicken or even plant-based meat alternatives can work too.

Preparing the Dish

When boiling the sweet potatoes, it's important to ensure they are cut into even-sized cubes—about 1 inch. This not only helps in uniform cooking but also ensures that they become tender at the same time. If you overcook them, they might become watery and lose that desired creamy consistency when mashed, so keep an eye on the cooking time.

As you sauté the garlic for the turkey, aim for a golden color, which should take about 1 minute over medium heat. This enhances the flavor and brings out its aroma. Be cautious not to burn the garlic as it can impart a bitter taste. If you find yourself pressed for time, pre-minced garlic can be a great shortcut, but fresh garlic will always provide the best flavor.

Ingredients

For the Mash

2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
1 tablespoon butter
1/4 cup milk
Salt and pepper to taste

For the Turkey

1 pound ground turkey
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon dried rosemary
1 teaspoon paprika
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Cooking Steps

Prepare the Sweet Potatoes

In a large pot, bring water to a boil. Add the cubed sweet potatoes and cook until tender, about 15 minutes. Drain and return them to the pot.

Mash the Sweet Potatoes

Add the butter and milk to the sweet potatoes. Mash until smooth and creamy, then season with salt and pepper to taste.

Cook the Turkey

In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté for about 1 minute. Then, add the ground turkey, rosemary, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook until the turkey is browned and cooked through, about 8-10 minutes.

Combine and Serve

Spoon the turkey mixture over the sweet potato mash. Serve warm and enjoy your delicious meal!

Pro Tips

Feel free to add your favorite vegetables to the turkey mixture, such as spinach or bell peppers, for added nutrition. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Make-Ahead Tips

This recipe is excellent for meal prep! You can make the sweet potato mash and turkey mixture ahead of time, storing them separately in the refrigerator for up to three days. Just reheat the mash in a microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of milk to bring back its creaminess, and sauté the turkey until heated through, ensuring it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.

For longer storage, both the mash and turkey can be frozen. Portion them into airtight containers—consider freezing them in single-serving portions for easy defrosting. When ready to eat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in the microwave or stovetop, adding a bit of milk to the mash as needed.

Serving Suggestions

I love to serve this dish with a sprinkle of freshly chopped herbs like parsley or chives for added color and flavor. You can also top it with a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt for a creamy texture that offsets the savory turkey beautifully. For a more substantial meal, consider adding a simple side salad dressed in a light vinaigrette to bring a fresh crunch to your plate.

For those who enjoy a kick, try adding a pinch of cayenne or red pepper flakes to the turkey as it cooks. This addition will elevate the flavor profile and can be adjusted depending on your heat preference. You can also experiment by mixing in other vegetables like spinach or bell peppers into the turkey mix, adding variety and nutritional value to the meal.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use regular potatoes instead of sweet potatoes?

Yes, you can substitute regular potatoes, but the flavor profile will be different. Sweet potatoes add a unique sweetness that complements the turkey.

→ Is this dish suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! This dish stores well in the refrigerator and can be reheated easily, making it great for meal prep.

→ Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes, simply replace the butter and milk with dairy-free alternatives such as coconut milk or almond milk.

→ How can I add more flavor to the turkey?

You can add additional herbs and spices, like thyme or chili powder, depending on your taste preferences.