In less than 30 minutes, this Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet will be ready to eat, and you’ll be blown away by its flavor. It’s a perfect ONE-PAN meal for your family to enjoy!.
It was a cold Sunday in November 2014 when I made this recipe for the first time and was craving something warm and comforting. I was thinking of making my low-carb and gluten-free zucchini lasagna or my eggplant lasagna.
However, I made the decision to use sweet potatoes because I had a lot of them in my kitchen and because I adore their flavor. I considered preparing my favorite sweet potato soup, but my spouse declared he was in the mood for something meatier.
To help us warm up a bit, I decided to make this one-pan, gluten-free ground turkey with sweet potato skillet.
This sweet potato skillet meal is so easy and quick to make and the best part: it’s healthy. This dish will be ready to eat in thirty minutes, and you’ll be blown away by its flavor. It is definitely a delicious comfort food to share the joy.
I seriously love my cast iron and one-pan meals, like this one or this Shrimp Vegetable Skillet. You can’t go wrong with one-pan meals when it comes to effortless clean up and cooking convenience!.
The holidays are a time for gathering with loved ones and enjoying delicious meals. And what better centerpiece for your Thanksgiving or Christmas feast than a perfectly roasted turkey? While many methods exist for achieving this culinary masterpiece, using a cast iron skillet offers a unique and flavorful approach that guarantees juicy, succulent meat and crispy skin.
This comprehensive guide, drawing insights from the esteemed “Cast Iron Chaos” website and incorporating additional resources, will equip you with the knowledge and techniques needed to roast a turkey in your cast iron skillet like a pro.
Why Cast Iron?
Cast iron skillets are revered for their exceptional heat retention and distribution, making them ideal for even cooking. This ensures that your turkey cooks evenly throughout, resulting in perfectly tender meat and crispy skin.
Moreover, cast iron skillets are incredibly versatile and can be used on the stovetop, in the oven, and even under the broiler. This allows you to sear the turkey for a flavorful crust before roasting it to perfection.
Preparing Your Turkey
Before embarking on your culinary adventure, it’s crucial to properly prepare your turkey. This involves thawing, brining, and seasoning the bird for optimal flavor and texture.
Thawing:
Ensure your turkey is completely thawed before cooking. The best method is to thaw it in the refrigerator for 24 hours per 5 pounds of turkey. If you’re short on time, you can thaw the turkey in cold water, changing the water every 30 minutes.
Brining:
Brining is a technique that involves soaking the turkey in a salt-water solution, resulting in incredibly juicy and flavorful meat. You can choose between a wet brine, using buttermilk or water, or a dry brine, using a mixture of salt and spices.
Seasoning:
Once the turkey is thawed and brined, it’s time to season it generously with your favorite herbs and spices. Popular choices include thyme, rosemary, sage, paprika, and garlic powder.
Roasting Your Turkey
With your turkey prepped and seasoned, it’s time to roast it to perfection in your cast iron skillet. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
- Preheat your oven to 450°F.
- Place your cast iron skillet in the oven to preheat.
- Remove the skillet from the oven and carefully place the seasoned turkey inside.
- Return the skillet to the oven and immediately reduce the temperature to 275°F.
- Roast the turkey for 3-4 hours, or until the internal temperature of the breast reaches 140°F.
- Increase the oven temperature to 425°F and continue roasting for an additional 15 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the breast reaches 155°F.
- Remove the turkey from the oven and let it rest for 15-20 minutes before carving and serving.
Tips and Tricks
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure accurate temperature readings and prevent overcooking.
- Baste the turkey with melted butter or pan drippings during the roasting process for added flavor and moisture.
- If your turkey starts to brown too quickly, cover it loosely with aluminum foil.
- Allow the turkey to rest before carving to allow the juices to redistribute, resulting in more tender meat.
Making the Perfect Gravy
No roast turkey is complete without a rich and flavorful gravy. Fortunately, using a cast iron skillet makes creating the perfect gravy a breeze.
- After removing the turkey from the skillet, pour the pan drippings into a heat-safe bowl.
- Place the skillet back on the stovetop over medium heat.
- Add a few tablespoons of flour to the skillet and whisk to create a roux.
- Gradually whisk in the pan drippings and additional broth until the gravy reaches your desired consistency.
- Season the gravy with salt, pepper, and any additional herbs or spices you prefer.
Roasting a turkey in a cast iron skillet is a rewarding experience that yields a truly exceptional meal. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you’ll be well on your way to impressing your guests with a juicy, flavorful, and perfectly cooked turkey that will become the centerpiece of your holiday feast.
Additional Resources
- Cast Iron Chaos: Roast Turkey in Cast Iron: http://www.modemac.com/wiki/Roast_Turkey_in_Cast_Iron
- YouTube: How to Roast Your Turkey in Cast Iron: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bSxyH_Y_VF4
- Cast Iron Cooking Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/castironcooking/
- E.W. Modemac’s Google+ Page: https://plus.google.com/117413153307629023188
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How to make Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet
Saute the Ingredients
- Heat the olive oil in a cast-iron skillet (a big pot will do just as well) over medium-high heat.
- Add the ground turkey and garlic. While the turkey is cooking, break it up with a wooden spoon. Stir occasionally, and cook for about 5 minutes.
- When the onions are soft, add the yellow peppers and onions and continue cooking.
- Add the red chili flakes, sweet potato, salt, and pepper after that.
Cover and Cook
- Cook the sweet potatoes in the large cast-iron skillet with a lid on until they are tender, stirring from time to time. If needed, increase the olive oil or add a small amount of water to help the sweet potatoes cook more quickly.
Add the Cheese and Melt It
- Set the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit while the sweet potatoes are cooking.
- Add the shredded mozzarella cheese to the sweet potatoes when they are soft, then place the skillet in the oven to melt the cheese. Take the skillet out of the oven once the cheese has melted and sprinkle some parsley on top. It’s crucial to use a cast iron skillet because we are switching from the stovetop to the oven!
Meal prep tips
- To serve, add some rice to the container if you’d like. Just be sure to store all of your portions in an airtight container. I use glass containers because they are easier to clean and don’t retain smells.
- Make sure the meals are chilled until you’re ready to eat them. When it’s time to eat, microwave it covered with a damp paper towel to retain the moisture.
- This meal prep, when stored properly, can last up to four days.
- Add some fresh cilantro, sour cream, or even Greek yogurt on top before serving for an additional protein boost.
For this recipe, you can replace a pound ground turkey for ground beef or sausage.
To make this recipe vegan or vegetarian, you can substitute sweet potatoes and black beans. You can add some corn and some chopped tomato on top.