Welcome to one of my all-time favorite meals that’s as comforting as it is nutritious: the Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet Recipe. This dish combines lean ground turkey with sweet potatoes, vibrant veggies, and a perfect blend of spices to create a one-pan wonder that’s bursting with flavor and color. It’s a quick, wholesome meal that feels like home in every bite and will quickly become a staple in your dinner rotation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You won’t believe how simple but essential these ingredients are for building both flavor and texture in this skillet recipe. Each one plays a crucial role, from the sweetness of the potatoes to the warmth of the spices and the fresh kick from cilantro.
- Avocado oil: Adds a light, healthy fat that helps everything cook evenly and enhances the natural flavors.
- Ground turkey: A lean protein base that keeps the dish satisfying without heaviness.
- Sweet potatoes: Brings a tender, sweet earthiness and vibrant orange color to the skillet.
- Garlic cloves: Infuses a subtle but essential savory aroma you’ll want to savor.
- Sweet onion: Offers a mild crunch and slight sweetness that balances the spices.
- Red bell pepper: Adds color and a juicy sweetness to brighten up the dish.
- Campari tomatoes: Juicy and slightly tangy, they create a rich sauce as they soften.
- Paprika: Gives a smoky depth that makes every bite interesting and flavorful.
- Cumin: Brings an earthy warmth that pairs beautifully with the turkey and sweet potatoes.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential seasoning to bring all the flavors into harmony.
- Cayenne pepper: A subtle kick that wakes up the palate without overpowering.
- Corn: Adds a pop of sweetness and a bit of crunch for texture contrast.
- Black beans: Provide extra protein, fiber, and creaminess with every spoonful.
- Fresh cilantro: Brightens the entire dish with its fresh, citrusy notes.
- Monterrey Jack cheese: Melts beautifully on top for gooey, indulgent comfort.
How to Make Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Ground Turkey
Start by heating half of your avocado oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground turkey, breaking it apart as it cooks, until it’s no longer pink—usually about 7 to 8 minutes. This ensures the turkey crumbles nicely and gets evenly browned, which builds a great flavor foundation for the dish. Once done, transfer it to a clean plate and set aside. Don’t rush this step because properly cooked turkey sets the stage for the rest.
Step 2: Prepare the Sweet Potato and Vegetables
Using the same skillet, add the remaining avocado oil and toss in the finely minced garlic, cooking just for about 30 seconds until it becomes fragrant but not burnt. Next, stir in the diced sweet potatoes, onion, red bell pepper, and your spices (paprika, cumin, salt, black pepper, and cayenne). Toss everything to coat evenly with the oil and spices. Cover the skillet and reduce heat to medium-low, allowing the sweet potatoes to soften and absorb all those luscious seasonings over 15 to 20 minutes. Make sure to stir halfway through to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
Step 3: Combine Turkey, Beans, Corn, and Tomatoes
Return the turkey to the skillet along with the drained corn, rinsed black beans, diced Campari tomatoes, and freshly chopped cilantro. Stir well to blend all the delicious components together. Cover and cook on medium heat for another 5 to 7 minutes. This step lets the tomatoes soften into a juicy sauce and melds all the flavors beautifully so each bite is a perfect harmony.
Step 4: Add Cheese and Finish
Right before serving, sprinkle shredded Monterrey Jack cheese over the skillet. The heat from the dish will melt the cheese into a gooey, creamy layer that adds richness and an irresistible indulgence to the meal. Don’t forget to add a final sprinkle of fresh cilantro for that bright, fresh punch!
How to Serve Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh cilantro is your best friend here, adding a lovely green touch and fresh flavor that cuts through the richness. For a little extra zing, a squeeze of lime juice or a dollop of Greek yogurt can also elevate the dish, balancing the spices and adding creaminess.
Side Dishes
This skillet shines on its own as a full meal, but if you want to get fancy, serve it alongside a simple green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette or some warm, crusty bread to soak up every last bit of the skillet’s sauce. It also pairs wonderfully with a side of sautéed greens like spinach or kale for an even more nutrient-packed dinner.
Creative Ways to Present
Consider serving the skillet atop a bed of fluffy quinoa or brown rice for an extra boost of whole grains. You can also portion it into individual ramekins and top each with cheese and cilantro for a personal, pretty presentation perfect for guests or meal prep lunches.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet Recipe stores beautifully in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors tend to deepen overnight, making your leftovers even tastier. Just be sure to cool it completely before storing to keep everything fresh and safe.
Freezing
If you want to prep ahead, this skillet freezes wonderfully. Portion the cooled dish into freezer-safe containers or bags and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to preserve texture and flavor.
Reheating
Reheat gently in a skillet over medium-low heat to restore the skillet’s lovely texture. Cover the pan to let the steam warm everything evenly and prevent drying out. Alternatively, microwave in short bursts, stirring between, to heat through without sacrificing juiciness.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of ground meat?
Absolutely! While this recipe shines with ground turkey for its lean quality and mild flavor, you can substitute ground chicken, beef, or even ground pork depending on your preference. Just keep in mind that cooking times and fat content may vary.
Are sweet potatoes necessary, or can I use regular potatoes?
Sweet potatoes provide a natural sweetness and tender texture that complements the spices perfectly, but you can use regular russet or Yukon gold potatoes if you prefer. Just adjust cooking time as regular potatoes might take a bit longer to soften.
Is this recipe spicy?
This Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet Recipe has a gentle warmth thanks to the cayenne and black pepper, but it’s not overpowering. You can easily adjust the heat level by reducing or omitting the cayenne pepper or adding more for a bolder kick.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian or vegan?
Definitely! Replace the ground turkey with plant-based crumbles or a hearty mix of extra beans and vegetables. Use vegan cheese or skip the cheese topping to keep it vegan-friendly without sacrificing flavor.
What’s the best way to reheat without drying out the turkey?
Reheating on the stovetop with a splash of water or broth helps keep the turkey moist. Cover the skillet to trap steam, which prevents drying out and keeps the dish flavorful and tender.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a vibrant, comforting dish that’s easy to prepare and packed with wholesome ingredients, this Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet Recipe is an absolute winner. It’s perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or anytime you want something deliciously satisfying without fuss. I’m confident once you try it, it’ll be a recipe you reach for again and again.
Print
Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
This Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet is a hearty and flavorful one-pan meal combining lean ground turkey, sweet potatoes, vibrant vegetables, and warming spices. Perfect for a healthy weeknight dinner, this skillet dish is loaded with protein and nutrients, topped with melted Monterrey Jack cheese and fresh cilantro for a satisfying finish.
Ingredients
Protein and Oil
- 4 tablespoons avocado oil (divided)
- 1 pound ground turkey
Vegetables and Legumes
- 5 cups peeled and diced sweet potatoes (about 1 ¼ pounds)
- 3 garlic cloves (finely minced)
- 1 medium sweet onion (diced)
- 1 red bell pepper (seeded and diced)
- 1 pound Campari tomatoes (diced)
- 1 (15.25-ounce) can corn, drained
- 1 (15.5-ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed
Spices and Herbs
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 tablespoon cumin
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 1 ½ teaspoons black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- ½ cup finely chopped fresh cilantro (plus more for serving)
Cheese
- 1 cup shredded Monterrey Jack cheese (or white cheddar)
Instructions
- Cook the Ground Turkey: Heat 2 tablespoons of avocado oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground turkey and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, for 7-8 minutes, or until the turkey is no longer pink. Remove the cooked turkey to a clean plate and set aside.
- Cook the Vegetables and Sweet Potatoes: In the same skillet, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of avocado oil and the minced garlic. Sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in the diced sweet potatoes, onion, red bell pepper, paprika, cumin, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Toss everything together to coat the vegetables with the spices. Cover the skillet and reduce the heat to medium-low. Cook for 15–20 minutes, stirring halfway through, until the sweet potatoes are fork tender.
- Combine Ingredients and Simmer: Return the cooked turkey to the skillet along with the drained corn, rinsed black beans, diced tomatoes, and chopped cilantro. Stir well to combine all ingredients. Cover and cook for another 5-7 minutes until the tomatoes soften and the mixture is heated through.
- Add Cheese and Serve: Sprinkle the shredded Monterrey Jack cheese evenly over the skillet and add extra cilantro for garnish just before serving. Allow the cheese to melt slightly, then serve warm.
Notes
- For a spicier dish, increase the amount of cayenne pepper or add chopped jalapeños.
- You can substitute ground turkey with ground chicken or lean ground beef if preferred.
- Sweet potatoes can be swapped with butternut squash or regular potatoes for a different texture.
- If you want a dairy-free version, omit the cheese or use a plant-based cheese alternative.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and can be reheated on the stovetop or in the microwave.
