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If you’re looking for a dish that brings comfort, flavor, and a burst of color all in one pan, the Ground Turkey and Sweet Potato Skillet Recipe is your new go-to. With tender ground turkey mingling perfectly with sweet, caramelized sweet potatoes and hearty black beans, this skillet delivers satisfying textures and a beautiful balance of smoky spices and creamy toppings. Whether you’re after a quick weeknight dinner or something crowd-pleasing for casual gatherings, this recipe combines wholesome ingredients with simple steps for a delicious meal that feels like a warm hug.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to success, and for this recipe, it’s all about quality and simplicity. Each component plays a key role in building layers of flavor, texture, and color that make the Ground Turkey and Sweet Potato Skillet Recipe so irresistible.
- 1 lb ground turkey: Choose lean turkey for a healthy, tender protein base that absorbs spices beautifully.
- 2 cups diced sweet potatoes: These bring natural sweetness and a lovely orange hue, plus a satisfying bite when cooked just right.
- 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed: Adds creaminess and protein, boosting the dish’s heartiness with ease.
- 1 tsp kosher salt: Enhances every flavor without overpowering, ensuring a balanced taste.
- 1 tsp chipotle chili powder: Brings a smoky warmth that makes this skillet truly special.
- 1 tsp cumin: Offers an earthy depth that ties all the ingredients together.
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Melts into gooey pockets of richness that elevate the whole meal.
- 3 green onions, sliced: Adds a fresh, mild sharpness and a pop of green color.
- 1 tomato, diced: Brings juicy brightness and a slight tang to keep things lively.
- ⅓ cup sour cream: Provides creamy cooling to balance spicy and smoky elements.
- ⅓ cup salsa: Injects zest and freshness, tying every bite together delightfully.
How to Make Ground Turkey and Sweet Potato Skillet Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Turkey
Start by heating a large skillet over medium heat and cooking the ground turkey until it’s beautifully browned and cooked through. This step is all about developing rich, savory flavor and a lovely texture that forms the hearty foundation of your skillet. Once cooked, set the turkey aside so you can tend to the sweet potatoes next.
Step 2: Cook the Sweet Potatoes
Using the same skillet, add the diced sweet potatoes. Cook them gently for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally so they soften evenly and start to caramelize. If you notice they’re sticking or drying out, add a small splash of water and cover the skillet—this helps steam the potatoes perfectly tender without losing their shape.
Step 3: Combine Turkey and Add Seasonings
Return the browned turkey to the skillet with the sweet potatoes. Now stir in the drained black beans along with kosher salt, chipotle chili powder, and cumin. These seasonings add smoky, earthy layers that make this skillet exciting and comforting all at once. Let everything cook together for around 5 minutes so the flavors mingle beautifully.
Step 4: Melt the Cheese
Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the mixture, then cover the skillet with a lid to allow the cheese to melt into luscious pockets of gooey goodness. This step adds a creamy, indulgent texture that ties the smoky, savory flavors perfectly.
Step 5: Prepare the Sauce
While the cheese melts, whip up a simple, tangy sauce by combining the sour cream and salsa in a small bowl. This creates a fresh, cooling balance that complements the warm spices and adds a bright finishing touch.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Once the cheese is beautifully melted, top the skillet with sliced green onions, diced tomato, and a generous drizzle of your sour cream and salsa sauce. Serve immediately while warm to enjoy the contrast of creamy, fresh, and smoky flavors all in every bite.
How to Serve Ground Turkey and Sweet Potato Skillet Recipe
Garnishes
The beauty of this Ground Turkey and Sweet Potato Skillet Recipe is how well it welcomes fresh garnishes. Green onions add a crisp bite and color contrast, while juicy diced tomatoes bring a refreshing brightness. Don’t skip the creamy sour cream and salsa drizzle—it’s the perfect finishing touch that brings all the flavors together with a lovely tang and richness.
Side Dishes
While this skillet is great on its own, pair it with a simple green salad dressed with lime vinaigrette or serve with warm, crusty bread to soak up every last bit of cheesy, spicy goodness. You can also add a side of steamed veggies or rice to round out the meal with extra texture and nutrition.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve this ground turkey and sweet potato skillet topped with a fried egg for added richness and a bit of luxury. You can also spoon it into warmed tortillas for quick tacos or stuff it inside bell peppers and bake for an eye-catching presentation that’s perfect for guests or meal prep.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This skillet holds up wonderfully in the fridge. Just transfer any leftovers to an airtight container and store them for up to 3 days. The flavors will even deepen, making your next servings just as delicious as the first.
Freezing
If you want to make this Ground Turkey and Sweet Potato Skillet Recipe in advance, freezing is a great option. Portion the cooled skillet into freezer-safe containers or bags and freeze for up to 2 months. Just be sure to reheat gently to maintain the texture of the sweet potatoes and avoid overcooking the turkey.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in a skillet over low to medium heat until warmed through. Covering the pan helps the cheese stay melty and the dish heat evenly. You can also microwave individual portions, but be mindful to avoid drying out the sweet potatoes by covering the dish with a lid or damp towel.
FAQs
Can I use white beans instead of black beans?
Absolutely! White beans like cannellini or great northern beans offer a milder flavor and creamy texture that also work beautifully in this recipe.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! All the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, making this skillet a safe and tasty meal for anyone avoiding gluten.
Can I substitute ground turkey with another protein?
You can swap ground turkey with ground chicken, beef, or even plant-based crumbles for a vegetarian option. Just adjust cooking times accordingly to ensure proper doneness.
How spicy is this dish?
The chipotle chili powder adds a gentle smoky heat that’s flavorful but not overwhelming. You can adjust the amount or leave it out if you prefer a milder dish.
What if I don’t have chipotle chili powder?
You can substitute with smoked paprika combined with a pinch of cayenne pepper for similar smoky notes and a bit of heat that keeps the dish vibrant.
Final Thoughts
I hope you’re as excited to make the Ground Turkey and Sweet Potato Skillet Recipe as I am to share it with you. This dish truly hits all the marks—simple ingredients, quick preparation, and a satisfying, flavorful result that feels just like home-cooked comfort food. Give it a try, and I promise it’ll become a staple in your dinner rotation in no time!
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Ground Turkey and Sweet Potato Skillet Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
A hearty and flavorful Ground Turkey and Sweet Potato Skillet that combines lean ground turkey, tender sweet potatoes, black beans, and a blend of spices. Topped with melted cheddar cheese, fresh green onions, diced tomato, and a creamy salsa-sour cream sauce, this one-pan meal is perfect for a quick and nutritious weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 2 cups diced sweet potatoes (about 1 large potato)
- 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- 1 tsp chipotle chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 3 green onions, sliced
- 1 tomato, diced
Sauce
- ⅓ cup sour cream
- ⅓ cup salsa
Instructions
- Cook the Ground Turkey: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground turkey until it is browned and fully cooked, breaking it up with a spatula as it cooks. Once done, remove the turkey from the skillet and set it aside.
- Cook the Sweet Potatoes: Using the same skillet, add the diced sweet potatoes and cook them for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally until they become fork-tender. If needed, add a splash of water and cover the skillet to help soften the potatoes.
- Combine Ingredients: Return the cooked ground turkey to the skillet. Stir in the black beans, kosher salt, chipotle chili powder, and cumin. Continue cooking the mixture for an additional 5 minutes to allow flavors to meld and ingredients to heat through.
- Melt the Cheese: Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the skillet mixture. Cover the skillet and allow the cheese to melt for 2 to 3 minutes.
- Prepare the Sauce: In a small bowl, mix together the sour cream and salsa until well combined to create a creamy sauce.
- Garnish and Serve: Top the skillet with sliced green onions, diced tomato, and generously drizzle the prepared sour cream and salsa sauce over everything. Serve the dish warm.
Notes
- If you prefer, you can substitute the ground turkey with ground chicken or lean ground beef.
- Adjust the chipotle chili powder to control the heat level—reduce for a milder dish or increase for more spice.
- For a dairy-free option, use a plant-based cheese and replace sour cream with a dairy-free yogurt.
- Adding a splash of water when cooking sweet potatoes helps prevent them from sticking and promotes even cooking.
- This dish can be easily doubled to serve a larger group.
