Hearty Ground Turkey & Sweet Potato Skillet Recipe for Families

Sizzling aromas fill the kitchen as this ground turkey and sweet potato skillet recipe promises a delightful culinary adventure.

Lean protein meets wholesome vegetables in a quick and satisfying one-pan meal that delivers exceptional flavor.

Packed with nutrients and bursting with southwestern-inspired seasonings, this dish comes together effortlessly in just 30 minutes.

Home cooks adore how simple ingredients create such a comforting and hearty dinner.

The combination of tender ground turkey and caramelized sweet potatoes offers a perfect balance of savory and sweet notes.

Spices like cumin and chili powder add depth and warmth to every bite.

Serve this skillet directly from the pan for a rustic, no-fuss dining experience that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Calories: 400 kcal

Servings: 5

What Goes into a Ground Turkey and Sweet Potato Skillet

• Ground Turkey: Lean protein source with rich, hearty flavor that creates a satisfying base for the skillet, choose fresh meat with minimal fat content.
• Black Beans: Protein-packed legume that adds creamy texture and earthy depth, select canned beans without added sodium for healthier option.

• Sweet Potatoes: Nutrient-dense root vegetable offering natural sweetness and vibrant color, pick firm potatoes with smooth skin and no soft spots.
• Green Onions: Mild, fresh allium that provides bright flavor and crisp texture, select bright green stalks with white bases.
• Tomato: Juicy ingredient that adds moisture and tangy freshness, choose ripe, firm tomatoes with deep color.

• Cheddar Cheese: Sharp, melty dairy topping that adds creamy richness, select high-quality aged cheese for best flavor.
• Sour Cream: Smooth, tangy sauce that balances spicy elements, opt for full-fat version for richer taste.
• Salsa: Zesty condiment bringing bright, spicy notes, choose fresh or jarred salsa based on preference.
• Kosher Salt: Essential seasoning that heightens overall taste, use sparingly for controlled saltiness.
• Chipotle Chili Powder: Smoky, spicy seasoning that adds complex heat, look for pure ground chipotle for authentic flavor.
• Cumin: Warm, earthy spice that provides depth and traditional southwestern profile, choose whole seeds or ground powder.

Equipment for Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet Dinners

• Large Skillet: Essential for cooking ground turkey and mixing all ingredients.
• Microwave-Safe Plate: Used to pre-cook sweet potatoes quickly and safely.
• Small Mixing Bowl: Perfect for combining sour cream and salsa to create the sauce.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Helps break up turkey meat and stir ingredients evenly.
• Sharp Knife: Needed for dicing sweet potatoes, green onions, and tomatoes.
• Measuring Spoons: Helps accurately add salt, chipotle chili powder, and cumin.
• Cutting Board: Provides a stable surface for chopping vegetables.

How to Cook Ground Turkey and Sweet Potato Skillet

• Sweet Potato Prep

Zap sweet potatoes in the microwave until they turn soft and slightly tender, creating a quick cooking shortcut.

• Flavor Base

Brown ground turkey in a hot skillet, breaking it into small crumbles while releasing rich meaty flavors.

• Spice Fusion

Toss microwaved sweet potatoes and black beans into the skillet, sprinkling chipotle and cumin for a zesty southwestern kick.

• Cheese and Comfort

Sprinkle shredded cheddar across the skillet, letting it melt into a gooey blanket of deliciousness.

• Final Touch

Drizzle a tangy sour cream and salsa sauce over the top, then garnish with fresh green onions and bright tomato chunks for a pop of color and freshness.

Flavor Upgrades for Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet

• Chop sweet potatoes and turkey ahead of time for a quick weeknight dinner that comes together in under 30 minutes.
• Swap chipotle chili powder with smoked paprika or cayenne for a different heat profile that matches your taste preferences.
• Toss in extra veggies like bell peppers or spinach to increase nutritional value and add vibrant colors to the skillet.
• Replace cheddar with pepper jack for a spicier kick or goat cheese for a tangy twist that elevates the entire dish's flavor profile.
• Substitute ground turkey with ground chicken or lean ground beef if you want to experiment with alternative protein sources that work equally well in this recipe.

Serving Suggestions for Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet

• Southwest Sensation Plate: Create a vibrant bowl with extra salsa, fresh cilantro sprigs, and a side of warm corn tortillas for scooping up the delicious skillet mixture.
• Fiesta Topping Bar: Set out small bowls of diced avocado, additional green onions, extra shredded cheese, and sour cream so everyone can customize their plate with their favorite toppings.
• Fresh Side Companion: Pair the skillet with a crisp green salad dressed in a light lime vinaigrette to balance the warm, spicy flavors of the main dish and add a refreshing element to the meal.
• Protein Power Lunch: Pack leftovers in meal prep containers with a small compartment of additional salsa and a sprinkle of fresh herbs for a satisfying and nutritious work or school lunch option.

Meal Prep and Storage for Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet

• Smart Meal Planning Strategies
• Batch Cooking Brilliance: Whip up double the recipe on weekends and portion into individual containers for grab-and-go lunches throughout the week. Refrigerated meals stay fresh for 3-4 days, giving you quick nutrition without daily cooking stress.
• Freezer-Friendly Option: Cool the skillet completely, then transfer to freezer-safe containers. These meals maintain excellent quality for up to 2 months when sealed tightly. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating.
• Ingredient Prep Shortcut: Dice sweet potatoes and chop green onions in advance. Store prepped ingredients in sealed containers within the refrigerator, reducing cooking time when you're ready to prepare the meal.
• Flexible Protein Swap: Easily substitute ground turkey with ground chicken or lean ground beef. Each protein option brings unique flavor while maintaining the recipe's nutritional balance and cooking technique.

Hearty Ground Turkey and Sweet Potato Skillet Recipe

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4.7 from 13 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Hearty ground turkey and sweet potato skillet delivers comfort with savory spices and wholesome ingredients. Balanced nutrition meets delicious simplicity, inviting home cooks to savor each flavorful bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb (454 g) ground turkey
• 2 cups (480 mL) sweet potatoes, diced
• 1 (15 oz / 425 g) can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 tomato, diced
• 3 green onions, sliced
• 1 cup (240 mL) cheddar cheese, shredded
• ⅓ cup (80 mL) sour cream
• ⅓ cup (80 mL) salsa
• 1 tsp kosher salt
• 1 tsp chipotle chili powder
• 1 tsp cumin

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Instructions

1. Microwave Preparation: Dice sweet potatoes into uniform cubes and microwave on high for 4-6 minutes until tender, then set aside to cool slightly.
2. Sauce Creation: Whisk sour cream and salsa together in a small bowl to create a smooth, creamy sauce for later use.
3. Turkey Cooking: Heat skillet over medium-high heat, add ground turkey, and crumble while cooking 4-5 minutes until mostly browned, draining excess fat if needed.
4. Ingredient Fusion: Incorporate partially cooked sweet potatoes, black beans, salt, chipotle chili powder, and ground cumin into the skillet with turkey, stirring thoroughly to distribute spices evenly.
5. Final Cooking: Continue simmering the mixture 3-4 minutes, ensuring sweet potatoes reach desired tenderness and turkey is fully cooked.
6. Cheese and Garnish: Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the skillet, allowing it to melt naturally, then top with thinly sliced green onions and diced tomatoes.
7. Serving: Remove from heat, let rest 1-2 minutes, drizzle with prepared sour cream and salsa sauce, and serve hot directly from the skillet.

Notes

• Potato Prep Power: Microwave sweet potatoes with a damp paper towel to speed up cooking and maintain moisture without compromising texture.
• Fat Management Hack: Drain excess turkey fat to reduce greasiness and create a leaner, healthier skillet meal.
• Spice Distribution Technique: Stir spices thoroughly to ensure even flavor throughout the dish, preventing bland or overly concentrated bites.
• Cheese Melting Magic: Allow residual skillet heat to naturally melt cheese, creating a smooth, creamy topping without additional cooking time.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Tex-Mex

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 6 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg