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
Scale
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.
