The Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet is not just a meal; it’s a culinary triumph – a quick, flavor-packed dinner masterpiece ready to grace your table in 30 minutes or less! Perfect for those busy weeknights when you crave something wholesome, satisfying, and utterly delicious without spending hours in the kitchen.

Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet: A Flavorful & Fast Weeknight Favorite

After a week indulging in sweet treats like haystack cookies and decadent Eclair Cake, my body often craves something hearty, nutrient-dense, and brimming with wholesome goodness. That’s precisely when the Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet comes to the rescue! This recipe isn’t just a meal; it’s a strategic culinary move, offering a perfect balance of lean protein, fiber-rich vegetables, and savory spices, all cooked in a single pan for minimal cleanup.

The inspiration for this skillet meal came from a common kitchen dilemma: a pound of ground turkey in the fridge, originally destined for mini turkey meatloaves, but a shortage of the other necessary veggies. However, a bounty of sweet potatoes was waiting to be used. Combining these key ingredients with my versatile homemade taco seasoning proved to be a stroke of genius. The result was an unexpectedly delicious and incredibly easy dinner that instantly became a family favorite.

This Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet embodies simplicity and efficiency without compromising on taste. While you can certainly enhance it with additional aromatics like fresh garlic and onion, or more vegetables like bell peppers and corn, the core beauty of this dish lies in its quick prep. A clever shortcut involves microwaving the sweet potatoes beforehand, which transforms tough raw potatoes into tender, easily chopped cubes, shaving precious minutes off your cooking time. This ensures that a satisfying, home-cooked meal can truly be on your table in half an hour or even less, making it an ideal choice for the busiest of evenings.

Key Ingredients for Your Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet

Crafting this quick and healthy Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet requires just a handful of straightforward ingredients. Each component plays a crucial role in building the robust flavor profile and hearty texture that makes this dish so satisfying:

• Seasonings: Our proprietary blend of chili powder, ground cumin, smoky paprika, pungent onion powder, and aromatic garlic powder forms the heart of this dish. These spices work in harmony to infuse the turkey and sweet potatoes with a warm, earthy, and slightly smoky flavor that is reminiscent of your favorite Southwestern-inspired meals. A pinch of cayenne pepper is optional for those who enjoy a subtle kick.
• Olive Oil: A staple in any kitchen, olive oil provides a rich base for browning the ground turkey, ensuring it cooks evenly and develops a beautiful crust. It also adds a touch of healthy fat and depth of flavor to the overall dish.
• Ground Turkey: We recommend using lean ground turkey (93/7) for a healthier, lower-fat option that still delivers ample protein and flavor. However, if you prefer, ground beef (93/7 or even 80/20 for a richer taste) can be seamlessly substituted, offering similar delicious results. Both options brown beautifully in the skillet.
• Black Beans: These versatile legumes add a wonderful source of plant-based protein, fiber, and texture to the skillet. Always remember to rinse canned black beans thoroughly under cold water to remove excess starch and sodium, which helps achieve a cleaner flavor and better texture.
• Cheddar Cheese: A generous sprinkle of shredded sharp or extra-sharp Cheddar cheese brings a creamy, savory, and tangy element that perfectly complements the other flavors. Freshly grated cheese melts significantly better and provides a superior texture compared to pre-shredded varieties, which often contain anti-caking agents.
• Sweet Potatoes: The star of the show! Sweet potatoes lend natural sweetness, vibrant color, and a wealth of vitamins and fiber to this meal. Their soft, tender texture after cooking makes them incredibly comforting and satisfying. Detailed preparation tips for sweet potatoes are provided below to ensure perfect results every time.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning the meat and bringing out the best in all ingredients. Adjust to your personal taste.

Mastering Your Sweet Potatoes for the Skillet

Sweet potatoes are a fantastic addition to this skillet meal, offering both nutrition and flavor. The key to a quick and delicious Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet lies in efficient sweet potato preparation:

• The Microwave Shortcut for Speed: For truly fast prep, microwaving sweet potatoes is a game-changer. This method drastically reduces cooking time, yielding tender sweet potatoes with soft skins that are incredibly easy to peel and dice. It’s the secret to getting this meal on the table in under 30 minutes.
• Proper Prep is Key: Before microwaving, thoroughly wash each sweet potato. Then, pierce each potato several times with a fork. This crucial step allows steam to escape during cooking, preventing the potatoes from exploding and ensuring even cooking.
• Choose Smaller Potatoes for Faster Cooking: Opt for small to medium-sized sweet potatoes, ideally around 5-6 ounces each. These smaller spuds cook much more quickly in the microwave, typically requiring only 5-8 minutes. If you use larger potatoes, or multiple at once, expect to extend the cooking time.
• Checking for Doneness: To determine if your sweet potatoes are perfectly cooked, carefully insert a fork or the tip of a knife into the center. It should slide in easily with minimal resistance. If it feels firm, continue microwaving in 1-2 minute intervals until tender. Remember that cooking times can vary based on your microwave’s wattage and the size/density of the potatoes.
• Alternative Cooking Methods: If you prefer, or if you have more time, sweet potatoes can also be baked or roasted. Try our detailed guide on Baked Sweet Potatoes for a classic approach, or these Roasted Sweet Potatoes for caramelized edges and deeper flavor. Just remember to factor in the additional cooking time if you choose these methods.

Elevate Your Skillet: Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Serving Suggestions

While delicious on its own, the Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet is incredibly versatile and can be customized with various toppings and bases to suit your preferences and dietary needs. Here are some fantastic ways to serve and enjoy your skillet meal:

• Add a Creamy Sauce: For an extra layer of richness and flavor, consider adding a creamy sauce. You can skip the cheese and use the sauce recipe provided in the notes below for a dairy-free option, or, for maximum indulgence, serve it with both cheese and the sauce! A simple lime crema or a spicy aioli can truly elevate the dish.
• Boost Creaminess Naturally: Achieve a wonderfully creamy texture by incorporating fresh avocado slices or chunks. The healthy fats and smooth consistency of avocado pair perfectly with the savory elements. Alternatively, a dollop of sour cream or plain Greek yogurt can add a tangy creaminess and a boost of probiotics.
• Serve Over a Wholesome Base: The skillet meal is fantastic on its own, but it also shines when served over a complementary base. Consider serving it over fluffy white rice or nutritious brown rice. For a lighter, lower-carb option, cauliflower rice is an excellent choice, adding extra vegetables without overwhelming the dish.
• Enhance with Freshness: Brighten up the flavors with a sprinkle of fresh herbs. Chopped cilantro and/or parsley add a vibrant burst of freshness and color. A squeeze of fresh lime juice just before serving is transformative, cutting through the richness and adding a zesty, aromatic finish.
• Try Flavorful Add-Ins: Don’t hesitate to customize your skillet with additional vegetables or ingredients. Sautéed onion and minced garlic (added with the ground turkey) will build a deeper flavor base. Stir in some corn for sweetness, diced bell peppers for crunch and color, or halved cherry tomatoes for a burst of juicy acidity towards the end of cooking.
• Make it Spicy: If you love heat, sprinkle some red pepper flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce over your individual serving.
• Go Green: Serve with a simple side salad tossed in a light vinaigrette for an even more complete and refreshing meal.

Discover More Delicious 30-Minute Meals:

If you loved the speed and simplicity of this Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet, you’re in for a treat! We specialize in creating quick, healthy, and incredibly flavorful meals that fit seamlessly into your busy lifestyle. Explore some of our other favorite 30-minute recipes:

• Quick Chicken Stir Fry: A vibrant, vegetable-packed stir-fry featuring tender chicken and a simple yet irresistible homemade stir-fry sauce.
• Vegetarian Cajun Chow Mein: An easy and satisfying vegetarian recipe bursting with the bold flavors of Cajun spices and savory noodles.
• Effortless Rotisserie Chicken Tacos: Transform a store-bought rotisserie chicken into simple, flavorful taco-seasoned chicken for a super-fast taco night.
• Deconstructed Egg Roll in a Bowl: All the delicious flavors of an egg roll, served in a deconstructed bowl with plenty of fresh vegetables and savory ground meat.
• Mediterranean-Inspired Greek Beef Bowl: A fresh and healthy bowl featuring seasoned beef, creamy hummus, crisp vegetables, and a delightful dressing.

Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet

By

Chelsea Lords

Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet is your go-to for a hearty, delicious meal that’s ready fast.

Prep Time:

15 minutes

Cook Time:

15 minutes

Total Time:

30 minutes

Servings:

4 servings

Equipment

• Large non-stick skillet

Ingredients

• 1 pound sweet potatoes (2 small potatoes; see note 1)
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 pound lean ground turkey (or ground beef (93/7))
• 3/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper
• 1 (15-ounce) can black beans (drained and rinsed)
• 1 cup shredded sharp Cheddar cheese
• Toppings as desired (see note 2)
• Cooked rice (optional, for serving)

Instructions

1. Wash and pierce the sweet potatoes all over with a fork (about 9 times). Microwave for 5 minutes, flip, and microwave another 3–5 minutes until tender (a knife should slide through easily). Let cool slightly, peel, and dice into 1/2-inch pieces.
2. Measure out seasonings into a small bowl and set aside.
3. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the ground meat with salt and pepper. Add meat to the skillet and brown one side, then flip to brown the other (about 1 minute per side). Break the meat into small crumbles using a wooden spoon. Add the seasoning mix and stir until fully incorporated. Continue cooking until the meat is thoroughly browned and any excess fat has cooked off. Taste and adjust seasonings if needed.
4. Add diced sweet potatoes and drained and rinsed black beans to the skillet with the cooked turkey. Stir gently to combine all ingredients. Evenly sprinkle the shredded Cheddar cheese over the top of the mixture. Cover the skillet and let the cheese melt for 3–4 minutes over low heat. If a browner, bubbly cheese top is desired, broil for 1–2 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.
5. Garnish with fresh cilantro, lime wedges, diced avocado, or a dollop of sour cream as desired. Serve this flavorful skillet meal alone for a hearty low-carb option, or over cooked rice for a more complete and satisfying dish.

Recipe Notes

Note 1: For the quickest cooking time, select small sweet potatoes, ideally weighing around 5–6 ounces each. Larger potatoes will require longer microwave times.

Note 2: Elevate the flavors by adding fresh lime juice and chopped cilantro to individual bowls just before serving. For enhanced creaminess, consider adding diced avocado, a dollop of sour cream, plain Greek yogurt, or prepare this quick and easy sauce:

• Mix 1/2 cup mayonnaise, 1/4 teaspoon lime zest, 3 tablespoons lime juice, 1/8 teaspoon ground cumin, 1/4 teaspoon paprika, 1/2 teaspoon chili powder, 1 teaspoon hot sauce, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Drizzle this creamy sauce generously over servings.

Storage: Store any leftover Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. For longer preservation, freeze individual portions for up to 3 months. Thaw frozen portions overnight in the refrigerator, then reheat on the stovetop in a skillet or in the microwave until thoroughly warm. For best results when meal prepping, omit the cheese during the initial cooking and add it freshly shredded right before reheating to ensure optimal texture and flavor.

Nutrition

Serving: 1 serving | Calories: 294 kcal | Carbohydrates: 41.4 g | Protein: 40.6 g | Fat: 21.7 g | Cholesterol: 100.5 mg | Sodium: 760.4 mg | Fiber: 10.7 g | Sugar: 5.1 g

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.