There’s nothing quite like a ground turkey sweet potato skillet to make weeknight dinners feel special. This dish is my ultimate comfort food hack creamy sweet potatoes, savory turkey, and smoky spices all cooked in one pan. It’s the kind of meal that makes you feel cozy and proud of your cooking skills. Plus, it’s ready in 30 minutes, which means more time for Netflix or chasing kids (or both). Let me share why this recipe rocks and how you can make it shine!
Why You’ll Love This Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet
Here’s why this skillet has a permanent spot in my meal plan:
- Speedy prep: From fridge to fork in 30 minutes .
- One-pan wonder: Less cleanup = more energy for dessert (or a nap).
- Flavor explosion: Chipotle chili powder and fire-roasted tomatoes add a smoky kick .
- Customizable: Swap veggies, spices, or cheese to match your mood .
- Nutrition powerhouse: Lean protein, fiber-rich beans, and vitamin-packed sweet potatoes .
This dish is a crowd-pleaser, whether you’re feeding picky eaters or meal-prepping for the week.
Ingredients
Let’s break down the star players (and why they matter):
- 1 lb ground turkey (85%-93% lean): Juicy but not greasy perfect for browning .
- 1 medium sweet potato (peeled, diced): Sweet, hearty, and loaded with beta-carotene .
- ½ red + green bell pepper: Adds crunch and color .
- ¼ onion: Base flavor for that savory depth .
- 1 can fire-roasted tomatoes: Smoky shortcut no homemade sauce needed .
- 6 oz corn + black beans: Sweet and earthy duo for texture .
- Spices: Cumin, chipotle, chili powder, garlic/onion powder warmth without overwhelm .
- ½ cup shredded cheese: Melty finish (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Mexican blend) .
- 2 tbsp cilantro: Fresh garnish to brighten the dish .
How To Make Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet
Ready to cook? Let’s go:
- Brown the turkey: Heat avocado oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add turkey, breaking it apart with a spoon. Cook until no longer pink (5-7 minutes). Remove turkey, leaving the fat in the pan—it’s flavor gold .
- Soft veggies: Toss in sweet potatoes, bell peppers, and onion. Cook 8-10 minutes, stirring often, until potatoes are fork-tender .
- Combine everything: Return turkey to the pan. Add tomatoes, corn, beans, and spices. Stir until fragrant and well-mixed (2-3 minutes) .
- Cheese time: Sprinkle cheese on top, cover, and cook on low until melted (3-4 minutes). Finish with cilantro .
Serve with avocado slices or tortillas your call!
Some Tips
- Spice it up: Add crushed red pepper to the turkey for heat .
- Frozen sweet potatoes: Use them straight from the freezer no thawing .
- Meal prep: Store in airtight containers for 3-4 days or freeze portions .
- Veggie swap: Try zucchini or spinach for extra greens .
- Cheese-free? Top with avocado or a squeeze of lime .
Notes
- Total time: 30 minutes (15 active).
- Serving ideas: Pair with rice, quinoa, or warm tortillas .
- Diet-friendly: Easily make it dairy-free or vegan by swapping cheese and turkey .
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use frozen veggies?
A: Yes! Frozen corn or peppers work great—just toss them in frozen .
Q: How do I store leftovers?
A: Keep in the fridge for 3-4 days. Reheat in the microwave or skillet .
Q: Can I make this vegetarian?
A: Absolutely! Use lentils or extra beans instead of turkey .
Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet Variations
Mix it up with these ideas:
- Taco twist: Serve in lettuce wraps with salsa and lime .
- Instant Pot: Pressure-cook sweet potatoes and turkey for 10 minutes .
- Breakfast skillet: Top with a fried egg and call it brunch .
More Recipes You Might Love
If you adore this skillet, try these:
- Turkey & Black Bean Tacos: Use leftover turkey for a fast dinner .
- Sweet Potato Curry: Cozy, vegan, and packed with veggies .
- One-Pan Chicken Fajitas: Another quick, veggie-loaded dish .
This ground turkey sweet potato skillet is my kitchen MVP simple, satisfying, and endlessly adaptable. It’s proof that healthy eating doesn’t have to be boring. Give it a try, and don’t skip the cilantro (trust me). Let me know how it goes I’m always here for recipe swaps or cheesy puns!
Print
Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground turkey (85%-93% lean): Juicy but not greasy perfect for browning .
- 1 medium sweet potato (peeled, diced): Sweet, hearty, and loaded with beta-carotene .
- ½ red + green bell pepper: Adds crunch and color .
- ¼ onion: Base flavor for that savory depth .
- 1 can fire-roasted tomatoes: Smoky shortcut no homemade sauce needed .
- 6 oz corn + black beans: Sweet and earthy duo for texture .
- Spices: Cumin, chipotle, chili powder, garlic/onion powder warmth without overwhelm .
- ½ cup shredded cheese: Melty finish (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Mexican blend) .
- 2 tbsp cilantro: Fresh garnish to brighten the dish .
Instructions
- Brown the turkey: Heat avocado oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add turkey, breaking it apart with a spoon. Cook until no longer pink (5-7 minutes). Remove turkey, leaving the fat in the pan it’s flavor gold .
- Soft veggies: Toss in sweet potatoes, bell peppers, and onion. Cook 8-10 minutes, stirring often, until potatoes are fork-tender .
- Combine everything: Return turkey to the pan. Add tomatoes, corn, beans, and spices. Stir until fragrant and well-mixed (2-3 minutes) .
- Cheese time: Sprinkle cheese on top, cover, and cook on low until melted (3-4 minutes). Finish with cilantro .
Notes
Total time: 30 minutes (15 active).
Serving ideas: Pair with rice, quinoa, or warm tortillas .
Diet-friendly: Easily make it dairy-free or vegan by swapping cheese and turkey .
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 500 mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 70mg