This Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet is a flavorful, one-pan meal that’s both healthy and satisfying. Packed with lean protein, sweet potatoes, and vegetables, it’s the perfect dish for busy weeknights or meal prepping for the week ahead. The combination of savory turkey and sweet potatoes makes for a comforting, yet light meal that’s both filling and nutritious.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
This skillet is packed with wholesome ingredients and so easy to make! It’s a quick, one-pan dish that’s full of flavor and won’t leave you feeling weighed down. The sweetness of the sweet potatoes pairs perfectly with the savory ground turkey and seasonings, making it a meal the whole family will enjoy. Plus, it’s customizable—add your favorite veggies, and you’ve got a balanced meal in no time.
Ingredients
This recipe uses simple, nutritious ingredients that you likely already have in your pantry:
- For the Skillet:
- ground turkey
- sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
- onion, chopped
- black beans, drained and rinsed
- minced garlic
- chili powder
- cumin
- smoked paprika
- oregano
- lime, juiced (divided)
- avocado oil (divided)
- kosher salt (divided)
- black pepper (divided)
- cilantro, chopped (optional)
Full ingredient details are listed below!
How to Make Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet
Sauté the vegetables
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onions and bell peppers, and sauté for about 5 minutes, until they soften.
Cook the turkey
Push the vegetables to one side of the skillet and add the ground turkey to the other. Break it apart and cook until browned, about 6–8 minutes.
Add the sweet potatoes
Stir in the diced sweet potatoes and season with paprika, garlic powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Add a splash of water or broth to help the potatoes cook faster, and cover the skillet. Cook for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sweet potatoes are tender.
Finish and serve
Once everything is cooked through and the sweet potatoes are soft, stir everything together. Taste and adjust seasonings if needed. Serve hot!
Expert Tips and Tricks
- If you want your sweet potatoes to cook faster, microwave them for 3–4 minutes before adding them to the skillet.
- For extra flavor, top the skillet with fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley, or add a squeeze of lime juice.
- If you like a little heat, sprinkle in some chili flakes or cayenne pepper to spice things up.
- Make sure to dice the sweet potatoes into small, even pieces for uniform cooking.
Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions
- Swap the ground turkey for ground chicken or ground beef if you prefer.
- Add other veggies like spinach, zucchini, or mushrooms for extra nutrients.
- If you don’t have sweet potatoes, regular potatoes or even cauliflower work great too.
- For a vegan version, use plant-based ground “meat” or tofu in place of the turkey.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
This dish is great on its own, but you can serve it with a side of steamed broccoli or a simple salad for extra veggies. For added richness, serve with a dollop of Greek yogurt or avocado slices on top. You could also pair it with quinoa or brown rice for a more substantial meal.
Storage and Reheating Tips
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat, adding a little water or broth if needed to loosen up the mixture.
- You can freeze the leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Let it thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of ground meat?
Yes! Ground chicken, pork, or even beef work well in this recipe. Just adjust the cooking times as needed.
What can I serve this with for a more filling meal?
Try pairing this skillet with a grain like quinoa, rice, or couscous for a more filling meal.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, this recipe is perfect for meal prep! It keeps well in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Is this recipe spicy?
The recipe as written is mild, but you can easily add spice with chili flakes, hot sauce, or cayenne pepper.
Conclusion
This Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet is a quick, healthy, and delicious meal that’s perfect for busy days when you want something flavorful and nutritious. It’s a one-pan wonder that’s packed with all the goodness you need to fuel your day. Enjoy it for dinner or as meal prep for the week ahead!
Print
Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet – Quick, Healthy, and Delicious
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: Southwestern
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Indulge in a quick, healthy, and delicious meal with this Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet. This one-pan dish combines lean ground turkey with tender sweet potatoes, black beans, and a blend of southwestern spices, creating a flavorful and nutritious dinner option. Perfect for busy weeknights, this recipe is both satisfying and easy to prepare.
Ingredients
For the Skillet:
- 2 pounds ground turkey
- 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1/2 cup black beans, drained and rinsed
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic
- 1 1/2 teaspoons chili powder
- 1 1/2 teaspoons cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- 1 lime, juiced (divided)
- 1 tablespoon avocado oil (divided)
- 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt (divided)
- 1 teaspoon black pepper (divided)
- 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped (optional)
Instructions
-
Roast the Sweet Potatoes:
- Preheat your oven or air fryer to 425°F (218°C).
- In a large bowl, combine 1/2 tablespoon avocado oil, juice from half the lime, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper.
- Add the diced sweet potatoes to the bowl and toss to coat evenly.
- Spread the sweet potatoes on a lined baking sheet (if using the oven) or place them in the air fryer basket.
- Roast for 20-25 minutes until tender and slightly browned.
-
Cook the Turkey Mixture:
- While the sweet potatoes are roasting, heat the remaining 1/2 tablespoon avocado oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion and cook for about 3 minutes until translucent.
- Add the ground turkey to the skillet and cook until no longer pink.
- Stir in the minced garlic, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, remaining salt, and black pepper. Cook for an additional 2 minutes to allow the spices to meld.
- Mix in the black beans and cook until heated through.
-
Combine and Serve:
- Once the sweet potatoes are done roasting, add them to the skillet with the turkey mixture. Stir to combine all ingredients thoroughly.
- Squeeze the remaining half of the lime over the skillet and stir.
- Garnish with chopped cilantro if desired and serve warm.
Notes
- For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño when cooking the onions.
- This dish pairs well with a side of quinoa, rice, or a fresh green salad.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 281
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 23g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 27g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
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