Have you ever tried to whip up a quick dinner, only to find yourself staring at a pile of mismatched ingredients and wondering, “What went wrong?” Trust me, I’ve been there. One memorable evening, I somehow turned a simple pasta recipe into a culinary disaster that even my dog sniffed suspiciously before walking away. But those days are behind me, thanks to this Hearty Ground Turkey and Sweet Potato Skillet. It’s my go-to solution when I need something filling, healthy, and ready in no time. This recipe is more than just a lifesaver—it’s a warm, hearty hug in a skillet, perfect for busy weeknights or when you’re craving something wholesome.
What makes this dish truly special is the combination of tender ground turkey, naturally sweet and caramelized sweet potatoes, and smoky chipotle spices. It’s like a flavor-packed fiesta happening right in your kitchen. And the best part? You only need one skillet and about 20 minutes to make it happen. If you’re like me, always on the hunt for meals that taste amazing without requiring a mountain of dishes, you’re going to fall in love with this recipe.
Why You’ll Love This Ground Turkey and Sweet Potato Skillet
There’s so much to adore about this hearty skillet dish, and I’m here to spill all the delicious details.
1. It’s Quick and Easy
Life gets busy, and spending hours in the kitchen isn’t always an option. This recipe comes together in just 20 minutes, making it perfect for weeknights when you need dinner fast but don’t want to sacrifice flavor.
2. Family-Friendly
This dish is a crowd-pleaser for all ages. The mild sweetness of the sweet potatoes pairs beautifully with the savory turkey and smoky spices, making it appealing to even the pickiest eaters. You can customize the spice level, ensuring it’s a hit for everyone around the table.
3. Packed with Nutrients
Sweet potatoes are a nutritional powerhouse, loaded with vitamins and fiber. Combined with lean ground turkey and black beans, this dish is a protein-packed meal that will leave you feeling satisfied without the post-dinner slump.
4. Bursting with Flavor
From the smoky heat of chipotle chili powder to the creamy richness of melted cheddar cheese, every bite of this skillet is a flavor explosion. The fresh toppings—diced tomatoes and green onions—add a crisp, vibrant finish.
5. Minimal Cleanup
Say goodbye to a sink full of dishes! Everything cooks in one skillet, so you can spend less time cleaning and more time enjoying your meal.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Let’s talk about the ingredients that make this recipe a winner. Most of them are pantry staples or items you probably already have in your fridge.
For the Skillet:
- 1 pound ground turkey: A lean and flavorful protein that’s perfect for quick cooking.
- 2 cups diced sweet potatoes (about 1 large sweet potato): These bring natural sweetness and a hearty texture to the dish.
- 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed: Adds protein, fiber, and a satisfying bite.
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt: Enhances the flavors of all the ingredients.
- 1 teaspoon chipotle chili powder: Provides a smoky, slightly spicy kick. Adjust to your spice preference!
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin: A warm, earthy spice that ties everything together.
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Because melted cheese makes everything better.
- 1 medium tomato, diced: Adds a fresh, juicy element to balance the richness.
- 3 green onions, sliced: For a pop of color and a mild oniony flavor.
For the Sauce:
- 1/3 cup sour cream: Creamy and tangy, it’s the perfect complement to the smoky spices.
- 1/3 cup salsa: Choose your favorite store-bought salsa or make your own for a flavorful drizzle.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Cooking this dish is as simple as it gets, but I’ll guide you through every step to ensure success.
Pre-Cook the Sweet Potatoes
Start by prepping the sweet potatoes, as they need a little head start to cook through. Place the diced sweet potatoes on a microwave-safe plate and cover them with a damp paper towel. Microwave on high for 5 minutes until they’re slightly softened. This step saves time and ensures they’ll be perfectly tender in the skillet. Carefully remove them from the microwave and set aside.
Prepare the Sauce
In a small bowl, mix the sour cream and salsa until well combined. This creamy, zesty sauce will add the perfect finishing touch to your skillet. Set it aside for later—you’ll be drizzling it on everything soon enough!
Cook the Ground Turkey
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground turkey and cook, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon, for about 5 minutes or until mostly cooked through. If your turkey releases excess fat, drain it off to keep the dish light.
Add Sweet Potatoes and Black Beans
Now, it’s time to bring it all together. Add the pre-cooked sweet potatoes and the drained black beans to the skillet with the turkey. Stir in the kosher salt, chipotle chili powder, and ground cumin. The spices will bloom in the heat, creating a mouthwatering aroma that fills your kitchen. Cook for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sweet potatoes are tender and the turkey is fully cooked.
Add Cheese and Garnish
Remove the skillet from heat and sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top. Let it sit for a couple of minutes to melt into gooey perfection. Then, garnish with diced tomato and sliced green onions for a fresh and vibrant finish.
Serve with Sauce
Spoon the skillet mixture onto plates and drizzle with the prepared sour cream and salsa sauce. You can serve it as-is or with your favorite side dishes (more on that below).
How to Serve This Ground Turkey and Sweet Potato Skillet
This skillet is incredibly versatile, and there are so many ways to serve it. Here are some of my favorite options:
- On its own: This dish is hearty enough to be a standalone meal.
- Over rice or quinoa: For an extra boost of grains, serve it over a bed of rice or quinoa.
- With tortillas: Scoop the mixture into warm tortillas for quick and delicious tacos.
- With a side salad: Pair with a crisp green salad drizzled with lemon vinaigrette for a balanced meal.
Additional Tips for Success
- Use fresh spices: Spices lose their potency over time. For the best flavor, make sure your chipotle chili powder and cumin are fresh.
- Don’t skip pre-cooking the sweet potatoes: This step ensures they cook evenly and quickly in the skillet.
- Customize the toppings: Feel free to add avocado slices, a squeeze of lime, or a sprinkle of fresh cilantro for extra flavor.
- Adjust the spice level: If you’re cooking for spice-sensitive eaters, use less chipotle chili powder and opt for a mild salsa.
- Make it your own: Swap the ground turkey for ground chicken, beef, or even a plant-based protein to suit your preferences.
Variations
This skillet recipe is endlessly adaptable. Here are some fun ways to switch things up:
- Vegetarian Version: Swap the turkey for crumbled tofu, tempeh, or additional black beans for a plant-based version.
- Gluten-Free: The recipe is naturally gluten-free, but double-check your salsa and spices to ensure there’s no hidden gluten.
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce for an extra layer of heat.
- Cheese Swap: Try pepper jack cheese for a spicy twist or mozzarella for a milder option.
Storage and Freezing
If you have leftovers, lucky you! This dish reheats beautifully and makes an excellent next-day lunch.
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Transfer the cooled mixture to a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Reheating: Warm leftovers in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth if needed to prevent sticking.
Special Equipment
While this recipe is straightforward, a few tools can make the process even easier:
- Large skillet: A 12-inch nonstick or cast-iron skillet is ideal for cooking and serving.
- Microwave-safe plate: For pre-cooking the sweet potatoes.
- Wooden spoon: Perfect for breaking up the ground turkey and stirring.
FAQ
Can I use ground chicken instead of turkey?
Absolutely! Ground chicken works just as well and is equally delicious.
What can I use instead of sweet potatoes?
You can substitute diced butternut squash or even regular potatoes.
Is this dish freezer-friendly?
Yes! It freezes beautifully. Just make sure to store it in an airtight container.
Can I make it dairy-free?
Swap the cheese for a plant-based alternative and use dairy-free yogurt in place of sour cream.
I hope this Ground Turkey and Sweet Potato Skillet becomes a favorite in your kitchen, just like it has in mine. If you try it, I’d love to hear about your experience—don’t forget to leave a comment or share your photos on social media! Happy cooking!
Print
Ground Turkey and Sweet Potato Skillet – Quick & Healthy
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This one-pan recipe combines lean ground turkey, sweet potatoes, and black beans with smoky spices, melty cheddar cheese, and fresh toppings. It’s ready in just 20 minutes and perfect for a quick, healthy dinner!
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 2 cups diced sweet potatoes (about 1 large sweet potato)
- 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- 1 tsp chipotle chili powder
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 medium tomato, diced
- 3 green onions, sliced
For the Sauce:
- 1/3 cup sour cream
- 1/3 cup salsa
Instructions
- Pre-cook Sweet Potatoes: Microwave diced sweet potatoes for 5 minutes until slightly softened.
- Prepare Sauce: Mix sour cream and salsa in a small bowl and set aside.
- Cook Ground Turkey: In a large skillet, cook ground turkey over medium-high heat for 5 minutes, breaking it apart. Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Combine Ingredients: Add pre-cooked sweet potatoes, black beans, salt, chili powder, and cumin. Cook for another 5 minutes.
- Add Cheese and Garnish: Remove from heat, sprinkle with cheddar cheese, and let it melt. Garnish with tomato and green onions.
- Serve: Drizzle with prepared sauce and serve hot.
Notes
- Adjust spice level by increasing or reducing chipotle chili powder.
- Swap ground turkey for chicken or plant-based protein for variation.
- Serve with rice, tortillas, or a fresh side salad.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: American