If you’re looking for a quick, balanced meal that brings both flavor and nutrition to the table, this Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet is about to become your new go-to recipe. It’s protein-packed, veggie-loaded, and comes together in one pan—making it perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep days.
This skillet meal features lean ground turkey, roasted-style sweet potatoes, hearty black beans, and melty cheddar cheese all seasoned with bold spices like cumin, chili powder, and paprika. The result? A deeply satisfying, nourishing dish that hits every craving without compromising your health goals.
Why You’ll Love This Skillet Recipe
- One-Pan Wonder: Easy to make and even easier to clean up.
- Nutritious & Filling: Packed with protein, fiber, and complex carbs.
- Quick & Convenient: Ready in under 30 minutes with just a handful of ingredients.
- Versatile: Great for lunch, dinner, or even meal prep.
- Customizable: Add rice, avocado, or hot sauce for your perfect bowl.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound sweet potatoes (about 2 small potatoes)
- 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 (93/7)
- 3/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
Optional Toppings
- Chopped cilantro
- Fresh lime wedges
- Diced avocado
- Sour cream
- Cooked rice (for serving)
Instructions
Step 1: Prep the Sweet Potatoes
Wash and pierce the sweet potatoes all over with a fork (about 9 times total). Microwave for 5 minutes, flip, then microwave for another 3–5 minutes until fork-tender. Let cool slightly, then peel and dice into 1/2-inch cubes.
Step 2: Mix the Seasonings
In a small bowl, mix together the chili powder, paprika, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne (if using). Set aside.
Step 3: Cook the Turkey
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Season the ground turkey with salt and pepper. Add it to the skillet and let it sear—about 1 minute on each side. Break the turkey into crumbles with a wooden spoon and cook until fully browned.
Add the seasoning mix to the turkey and stir until well combined. Continue cooking for another 2–3 minutes to let the spices bloom and any remaining moisture cook off.
Step 4: Combine & Melt
Add the diced sweet potatoes and drained black beans to the skillet. Stir to combine. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top, cover the skillet, and let the cheese melt for 3–4 minutes. For a golden cheesy top, pop the skillet under a broiler for 1–2 minutes.
Step 5: Serve & Top
Serve the skillet hot, topped with fresh cilantro, lime juice, avocado, or sour cream. You can also scoop it over cooked rice for an extra-filling bowl.
Recipe Tips & Variations
- Sweet Potato Shortcut: Use pre-diced or frozen sweet potatoes to save time.
- Add Greens: Toss in a handful of baby spinach or kale at the end for added color and nutrients.
- Try Different Beans: Swap black beans with pinto beans or chickpeas.
- Make It Spicy: Use hot paprika or more cayenne to dial up the heat.
- Switch the Protein: Ground chicken or lean beef work equally well here.
Storage & Meal Prep
This Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet is perfect for leftovers. The flavors meld even better the next day, making it a great meal prep option.
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze in portioned containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stove or microwave.
Serving Suggestions
While this skillet meal is a complete dish on its own, you can easily dress it up for a heartier meal or stretch it into more servings:
- Serve over brown rice, cauliflower rice, or quinoa.
- Wrap it in tortillas for quick tacos or burritos.
- Top with a fried egg for a protein-packed breakfast.
Join the Conversation
Have you made this Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet? What toppings did you try, or how did you spice it up? Share your photos and twists with #TurkeySweetPotatoSkillet on social media—I’d love to see your creations!
Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound sweet potatoes about 2 small potatoes
- 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 93/7
- 3/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 15-ounce can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
Optional Toppings
- Chopped cilantro
- Fresh lime wedges
- Diced avocado
- Sour cream
- Cooked rice for serving
Instructions
Step 1: Prep the Sweet Potatoes
- Wash and pierce the sweet potatoes all over with a fork (about 9 times total). Microwave for 5 minutes, flip, then microwave for another 3–5 minutes until fork-tender. Let cool slightly, then peel and dice into 1/2-inch cubes.
Step 2: Mix the Seasonings
- In a small bowl, mix together the chili powder, paprika, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne (if using). Set aside.
Step 3: Cook the Turkey
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Season the ground turkey with salt and pepper. Add it to the skillet and let it sear—about 1 minute on each side. Break the turkey into crumbles with a wooden spoon and cook until fully browned.
- Add the seasoning mix to the turkey and stir until well combined. Continue cooking for another 2–3 minutes to let the spices bloom and any remaining moisture cook off.
Step 4: Combine & Melt
- Add the diced sweet potatoes and drained black beans to the skillet. Stir to combine. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top, cover the skillet, and let the cheese melt for 3–4 minutes. For a golden cheesy top, pop the skillet under a broiler for 1–2 minutes.
Step 5: Serve & Top
- Serve the skillet hot, topped with fresh cilantro, lime juice, avocado, or sour cream. You can also scoop it over cooked rice for an extra-filling bowl.
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