Easy Ground Turkey and Sweet Potato Skillet Recipe for Busy Nights

Ground turkey and sweet potato skillet represents a nutritional powerhouse for home cooks seeking quick, delicious meals.

Packed with robust flavors and essential nutrients, this one-pan wonder reinvents simple ingredients into something extraordinary.

Lean protein meets vibrant vegetables in a harmonious culinary dance that satisfies hunger and delights taste buds.

Home chefs appreciate how minimal preparation can yield maximum flavor and nutrition in just one skillet.

Balanced ingredients merge seamlessly, creating a meal that feels both comforting and energizing.

The combination promises a delightful dining experience that doesn’t compromise on health or taste.

Get ready to reinvent your weeknight dinner routine with this game-changing meal.

Pairing Ground Turkey and Sweet Potato Skillet with Rice

• Pair with Cool and Crisp Salad: Toss a light green salad with cucumber, lettuce, and tangy vinaigrette to balance the warm, spicy skillet's richness and add refreshing contrast.
• Match with Zesty Citrus Margarita: Blend fresh lime juice, tequila, and triple sec to complement the chipotle chili powder's smoky heat and create a vibrant drink experience.
• Serve alongside Crusty Cornbread: Bake a warm, slightly sweet cornbread that soaks up the skillet's savory sauce and provides a comforting texture next to the spicy turkey mixture.
• Complement with Mexican-Style Amber Ale: Choose a medium-bodied beer with subtle caramel notes that harmonizes with the cumin and chipotle flavors while cutting through the dish's richness.

Variations of Ground Turkey and Sweet Potato Skillet

• Spicy Mexican Fiesta: Amp up the heat by adding diced jalapeños, extra chipotle chili powder, and a splash of hot sauce for a zesty kick.
• Mediterranean Herb Fusion: Replace chipotle chili powder with dried oregano, add crumbled feta cheese, and mix in chopped kalamata olives for a Mediterranean-inspired flavor profile.
• Vegetarian Power Bowl: Swap ground turkey with plant-based crumbles or extra black beans, incorporate quinoa for added protein, and top with avocado slices for a nutritious vegetarian option.
• Breakfast Skillet Remix: Transform the recipe by adding scrambled eggs, crispy bacon bits, and serving over toast for a hearty morning meal that packs a flavor punch.

Ground Turkey and Sweet Potato Skillet

• Boost Nutrition Powerhouse: Packed with lean ground turkey, sweet potatoes, and black beans, this skillet delivers a balanced meal loaded with protein, complex carbohydrates, and essential nutrients in every delicious bite.
• Speed Up Weeknight Cooking: Ready in just 15 minutes, this one-pan wonder eliminates multiple dishes and complicated cooking steps, making it perfect for busy families seeking quick, satisfying meals without extensive kitchen time.
• Customize Flavor Explosion: Easily adaptable with chipotle chili powder, cumin, and a zesty sour cream-salsa sauce, this recipe allows personal taste adjustments while maintaining a consistent, mouth-watering flavor profile that keeps everyone excited about dinner.
• Comfort Food Meets Healthy Eating: Combines the warmth of a hearty skillet meal with nutritious ingredients, proving that healthy eating can be both delicious and comforting without sacrificing taste or satisfaction.

Key Ingredients for Ground Turkey and Sweet Potato Skillet

• Ground Turkey: Lean and protein-packed meat that forms the base of the skillet, providing hearty flavor and texture.
• Black Beans: Protein-rich legume that adds extra nutrition and a creamy texture to the dish.

• Sweet Potatoes: Nutrient-dense root vegetable that offers natural sweetness and soft texture when cooked.
• Green Onions: Fresh herb that provides a mild onion flavor and bright garnish.
• Tomatoes: Fresh ingredient that adds color, moisture, and a slight tangy freshness to the dish.

• Salt: Essential flavor enhancer that balances the overall taste.
• Chipotle Chili Powder: Smoky and spicy seasoning that adds depth and heat to the skillet.
• Cumin: Warm, earthy spice that complements the Mexican-inspired flavor profile.
• Sour Cream: Creamy base for the sauce that provides tanginess and richness.
• Salsa: Zesty sauce that adds moisture and additional flavor complexity.

• Cheddar Cheese: Sharp, melty cheese that adds richness and a creamy finish to the dish.

How to Make Ground Turkey and Sweet Potato Skillet

Step 1: Prepare Sweet Potatoes

Dice sweet potatoes into small, uniform cubes. Place them on a microwave-safe plate and cover with a damp paper towel. Microwave on high for 5 minutes until slightly softened. Carefully remove from microwave and set aside.

Step 2: Create Creamy Sauce

• Sour cream
• Salsa

Mix thoroughly until well combined. Set aside for later use.

Step 3: Cook Ground Turkey

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground turkey to the pan. Break apart the meat with a spoon while cooking for about 5 minutes. The turkey should be nearly cooked through with a slight pink color. Drain excess fat if needed.

Step 4: Combine Ingredients

• Microwaved sweet potatoes
• Black beans
• Salt
• Chipotle chili powder
• Cumin

Stir well to distribute flavors evenly.

Step 5: Finish Cooking

Continue cooking the mixture for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Ensure sweet potatoes become tender and turkey is completely cooked through.

Step 6: Add Cheese Topping

Remove skillet from heat. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly across the top, allowing it to melt gently.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

• Sliced green onions
• Diced tomatoes

Drizzle the prepared sour cream-salsa sauce over the top. Serve hot and enjoy your flavorful meal!

Tips for a Flavorful Ground Turkey and Sweet Potato Skillet

• Soften Sweet Potatoes Smartly: Microwaving with a damp paper towel helps steam the potatoes quickly and evenly without drying them out.
• Drain Turkey Fat Thoroughly: Remove excess grease after cooking ground turkey to keep the dish lighter and prevent a greasy texture.
• Spice Balance Matters: Adjust chipotle chili powder and cumin to your heat preference, tasting as you go for the perfect flavor profile.
• Cheese Melting Technique: Sprinkle cheese right after removing the skillet from heat to create a perfectly melted, creamy topping without overcooking.
• Fresh Garnish Power: Add green onions and tomatoes just before serving to maintain their crisp texture and bright flavor contrast.

Storing and Reheating Ground Turkey and Sweet Potato Skillet

• Store Leftovers
• Refrigerate your skillet meal in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Properly sealed leftovers will stay fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Separate the sour cream-salsa sauce and store it in a different container to prevent sogginess.
• Reheat Safely
• Microwave Method: Transfer a single serving to a microwave-safe dish. Cover with a damp paper towel to retain moisture. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even warming. Check the internal temperature reaches 165°F for food safety.
• Freezing Option
• Freeze individual portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Ground Turkey and Sweet Potato Skillet Recipe

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4.5 from 40 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Hearty ground turkey meets roasted sweet potatoes in this one-pan Mexican-inspired dinner. Zesty spices, melted cheese, and fresh cilantro create a quick, satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Proteins:

• 1 pound (454 grams) ground turkey

Vegetables and Beans:

• 2 cups (480 milliliters) diced sweet potatoes
• 1 (15 ounces / 425 grams) can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 3 green onions, sliced
• 1 tomato, diced

Cheese and Sauce:

• 1 cup (240 milliliters) cheddar cheese, shredded
• ⅓ cup (80 milliliters) sour cream
• ⅓ cup (80 milliliters) salsa

Seasonings:

• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon chipotle chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin

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Instructions

1. Prepare sweet potatoes by dicing into small, uniform cubes approximately 1/2 inch (1.27 centimeters) in size.
2. Place diced sweet potatoes on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a slightly damp paper towel, and microwave on high power for 4-6 minutes until they become tender but not mushy.
3. Gently transfer microwaved sweet potatoes to a separate plate, allowing them to cool slightly while preventing overcooking.
4. In a small mixing bowl, whisk together sour cream and salsa until smoothly combined, creating a creamy sauce for later use.
5. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add ground turkey, breaking it into small crumbles using a wooden spoon or spatula.
6. Cook ground turkey for 4-5 minutes, stirring frequently to ensure even browning and prevent sticking, until meat is mostly cooked with slight pink remaining.
7. Drain excess fat from the skillet if necessary to reduce greasiness.
8. Add partially cooked sweet potatoes, black beans, salt, chipotle chili powder, and ground cumin directly into the skillet with turkey.
9. Stir ingredients thoroughly to distribute spices and ensure even cooking.
10. Continue cooking the mixture for an additional 3-4 minutes, gently stirring occasionally until sweet potatoes reach desired tenderness and turkey is completely cooked through.
11. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly across the top of the skillet, allowing it to melt naturally from the residual heat.
12. Remove skillet from heat and let it rest for 1-2 minutes to allow cheese to soften.
13. Garnish with thinly sliced green onions and freshly diced tomatoes.
14. Drizzle prepared sour cream and salsa sauce over the top just before serving.
15. Serve hot directly from the skillet, ensuring each portion receives a mix of turkey, sweet potatoes, and melted cheese.

Notes

• Meal prep champions can dice sweet potatoes ahead of time and store in airtight containers for quick weeknight cooking.
• Drain ground turkey thoroughly to reduce excess grease and create a leaner, healthier skillet meal.
• Customize spice levels by adjusting chipotle chili powder – add more for intense heat or reduce for milder flavor profiles.
• Swap ground turkey with ground chicken or lean beef if preferred, maintaining similar cooking techniques and preparation time.
• Leftover skillet tastes fantastic when reheated and can be stored in refrigerator for up to 3 days in sealed containers.
• Fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley can replace green onions for an unexpected bright flavor boost.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 482 kcal
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 680 mg
• Fat: 23 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 42 g
• Fiber: 8 g
• Protein: 36 g
• Cholesterol: 105 mg