This ground turkey sweet potato skillet is a wholesome dinner that’s both hearty and simple to make. Perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep, it combines lean ground turkey with tender sweet potatoes, savory seasonings, and hearty beans in one satisfying pan meal. The result is a flavorful dish that balances protein, complex carbs, and vibrant veggies — all cooked together for ease and minimal cleanup.
The dish shines with bold, comforting flavors, and its versatility means it works with whatever you have on hand. Customize it with cheese, fresh herbs, or a side of greens, and you’ve got a balanced meal that’s both wholesome and crowd-pleasing.
Whether you’re cooking for your family or prepping lunches for the week, this skillet meal delivers satisfying texture and taste with a nourishing boost.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Balanced and nutritious with lean turkey and sweet potatoes
- One-pan meal for easy prep and cleanup
- Ready in about 30 minutes
- Flavorful with warm spices and hearty ingredients
- Great for meal prep and leftovers
- Flexible to customize with toppings and sides
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450 g) lean ground turkey
- 2 cups (300 g) sweet potatoes, peeled and diced into small cubes
- 1 (15 oz / 425 g) can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/3 cup (80 mL) sour cream (for optional sauce)
- 1/3 cup (80 mL) salsa (for optional sauce)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional topping)
- 3 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
- 1 tomato, diced (for garnish)
How to Make Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet
- Place diced sweet potatoes on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel, and microwave on high for about 5 minutes until partially tender
- While sweet potatoes cook, mix sour cream and salsa in a small bowl for the optional sauce and set aside
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add ground turkey, breaking it up with a spatula as it cooks
- Continue cooking until turkey is mostly browned with a little pink remaining
- Add the cooked sweet potatoes, black beans, salt, chili powder, cumin, and paprika to the skillet and stir to combine
- Continue cooking for several minutes until sweet potatoes are soft and turkey is fully cooked through
- Remove the skillet from heat and sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over top if using
- Let cheese melt slightly and garnish with sliced green onions and diced tomato
- Serve hot with the optional sour cream and salsa sauce on the side
Recipe Information
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Cuisine: American
Course: Main Dinner
Flavor Profile Breakdown
- Warm and earthy from cumin and chili powder
- Slight sweetness from tender sweet potatoes
- Savory richness from ground turkey
- Creamy tang when served with sour cream and salsa
- Bright freshness from green onions and tomatoes
Pro Tips for Best Results
- Dice sweet potatoes into even small cubes for quicker, uniform cooking
- Pre-microwaving sweet potatoes helps them soften faster in the skillet
- Adjust spices to your heat preference
- Keep an eye on the turkey so it browns evenly without drying out
- Serve toppings like avocado or cilantro for added freshness
Variations & Substitutions
- Swap ground turkey with lean ground chicken or ground beef
- Use sweet potato cubes roasted in the oven if preferred
- Try adding bell peppers or spinach for extra veggies
- Replace sour cream with Greek yogurt for a tangier sauce
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Cutting sweet potatoes too large, which slows cooking
- Skipping pre-cooking of sweet potatoes
- Not seasoning to taste, especially with salt and spices
- Overcooking turkey until dry
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with warm tortillas for a Southwestern twist
- Pair with a mixed green salad on the side
- Add a dollop of Greek yogurt or guacamole
- Enjoy with a side of brown rice
Storage & Reheating Tips
- Refrigerate leftover skillet in an airtight container for up to 3 days
- Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave to retain texture
- Freeze for up to 3 months in freezer-safe containers
Nutrition Information (Approximate)
Calories: 420 kcal
Protein: 30 g
Carbohydrates: 35 g
Fat: 18 g
Fiber: 6 g
Sugar: 8 g
Sodium: 850 mg
Ingredients
Method
- Place diced sweet potatoes on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel, and microwave on high for about 5 minutes until partially tender
- While sweet potatoes cook, mix sour cream and salsa in a small bowl for the optional sauce and set aside
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add ground turkey, breaking it up with a spatula as it cooks
- Continue cooking until turkey is mostly browned with a little pink remaining
- Add the cooked sweet potatoes, black beans, salt, chili powder, cumin, and paprika to the skillet and stir to combine
- Continue cooking for several minutes until sweet potatoes are soft and turkey is fully cooked through
- Remove the skillet from heat and sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over top if using
- Let cheese melt slightly and garnish with sliced green onions and diced tomato
- Serve hot with the optional sour cream and salsa sauce on the side
Notes
- Protein: 30 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fat: 18 g
- Fiber: 6 g
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 850 mg
Final Thoughts
This ground turkey sweet potato skillet is a delicious, balanced dinner that’s both nutritious and satisfying. With tender sweet potatoes, lean turkey, and flavorful spices, it’s a versatile recipe you’ll return to again and again for easy weeknight meals.
FAQs
How can I make this meal spicy?
Add extra chili powder or a pinch of cayenne as you cook to build heat.
Is this recipe meal-prep friendly?
Yes, it keeps well stored and reheats nicely for lunches or dinners later in the week.
Can I omit the cheese?
Absolutely — it’s optional and still delicious without it.
What goes well with this skillet?
Toppings like avocado, fresh cilantro, or a squeeze of lime add flavor.
Can I make this gluten-free?
This dish is naturally gluten-free as long as the spices are gluten-free.
