If you’re craving a vibrant, cozy, and healthy dinner that comes together in one skillet, you’re going to fall completely in love with this Ground Turkey Skillet with Sweet Potatoes and Black Beans! It’s a colorful, protein-packed, veggie-forward meal that bursts with spicy Southwest flavor and irresistible comfort—with minimal cleanup required.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Fast and Fuss-Free: Everything cooks in one pan in just 30 minutes, making dinner a snap and cleanup seriously easy.
- Big, Bright Flavors: The combo of sweet potatoes, black beans, cumin, and a pop of jalapeño delivers layers of Southwestern comfort and gentle heat.
- Nutritious Comfort Food: Protein-packed ground turkey, fiber-rich beans, and antioxidant-filled sweet potatoes create a filling, feel-good meal.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: This skillet is as delicious the next day and holds up beautifully for healthy lunches and busy weeknights.
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of my favorite things about this Ground Turkey Skillet with Sweet Potatoes and Black Beans is how simple, familiar ingredients turn into something so colorful and satisfying. Each component brings its own unique punch—whether that’s sweetness, savoriness, warmth, or crunch—and together, they create absolute magic!
- Sweet Potatoes: Diced small for speedy cooking and a mellow, natural sweetness that soaks up all the skillet flavors.
- Lean Ground Turkey (93% lean): Adds lean protein and a hearty, savory base—lighter than beef, but still super satisfying!
- Chopped Onion: Sautéed to build that deep, savory foundation for the entire dish.
- Tomato Paste: Brings a hit of rich, umami depth; it’s a secret weapon for thickening the sauce, too.
- Black Beans (canned, rinsed and drained): Creamy, earthy and packed with fiber and plant-based protein.
- Corn Kernels (fresh or frozen): Add juicy pops of texture and a whisper of golden, summery sweetness.
- Diced Tomato: Brings a burst of freshness and balances the flavors with lively acidity.
- Jalapeño (diced): Kicks things up with a customizable level of heat—keep the seeds for spice, remove for mild.
- Garlic (minced): Fragrant and essential for that homey, savory depth you crave in a skillet meal.
- Cilantro (plus more for garnish): Adds bright, herbal notes and a gorgeous, verdant finish.
- Cumin: Warm, earthy, and totally essential for that classic Southwestern skillet flavor.
- Kosher Salt: Pulls all the flavors together and punches up each layer of taste.
- Chicken Broth: Helps everything simmer together and draws out all those lovely flavors while keeping things saucy.
- Avocado (for serving): Sliced on top for creaminess and luscious, cool contrast.
- Lime Wedges (for serving): A squeeze at the end brightens up every bite!
Variations
This Ground Turkey Skillet with Sweet Potatoes and Black Beans is endlessly flexible, so don’t be afraid to put your own spin on it. You can swap ingredients to suit dietary needs, make it spicier or milder, or toss in whatever veggies you have in your fridge for a zero-waste dinner win!
- Make It Vegetarian: Swap the ground turkey for crumbled tofu or more beans, and use veggie broth to keep it 100% plant-based.
- Add Extra Veggies: Bell peppers, zucchini, spinach, or kale can all be tossed in to amp up the nutrition and color.
- Cheesy Twist: Top your finished skillet with shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack, then cover and let it melt in for kid-friendly, gooey deliciousness.
- Spice Level: Dial up the heat by adding an extra jalapeño or some chipotle powder—or keep it mild by omitting the jalapeño seeds entirely.
- Low-Carb Swap: Substitute diced butternut squash for the sweet potatoes for a lower-carb, but still delicious, skillet.
How to Make Ground Turkey Skillet with Sweet Potatoes and Black Beans
Step 1: Brown the Turkey
Begin by spraying your largest skillet with a bit of oil and heating it up over high heat. Add the ground turkey, then sprinkle on the first dose of salt and cumin for maximum flavor right from the start! Use a wooden spoon to break up the turkey as it cooks—it’ll take about 5 minutes for it to brown and become fully cooked through.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
Push the cooked turkey to one side of the pan (no need to remove it!). Give the other side a quick spritz with oil, and add the chopped onion and tomato paste. Let these cook for just a minute—this quick sauté brings out their natural sweetness and deepens the overall flavor profile.
Step 3: Add Everything Else
Now comes the fun! Toss in your sweet potatoes, black beans, corn, diced tomato, jalapeño, garlic, and fresh chopped cilantro. Pour in the chicken broth, plus the remaining salt and cumin, and stir everything together until beautifully combined and evenly coated.
Step 4: Simmer and Serve
Lower the heat, cover the skillet, and let everything simmer for 12 to 14 minutes—just long enough for the sweet potatoes to become perfectly tender but not mushy. Give it a final taste for seasoning, then spoon the skillet into bowls and top with creamy avocado slices, extra cilantro, and a squeeze of fresh lime. Dinner, done!
Pro Tips for Making Ground Turkey Skillet with Sweet Potatoes and Black Beans
- Sweet Potato Magic: Dice your sweet potatoes on the small side (about 1/2 inch) to ensure they cook quickly and evenly, so every forkful is tender.
- Flavor Layering: Brown the turkey with spice and salt at the very start—this infuses the meat with flavor that’ll carry through the whole dish.
- Don’t Skip the Simmer: Let the skillet bubble away (covered!) just until the sweet potatoes yield to a fork, which keeps your veggies vibrant and not mushy.
- Topping Time: Avocado, cilantro, and lime at the end aren’t just pretty—they balance the spicy, smoky flavors and make every bowl a feast for the senses.
How to Serve Ground Turkey Skillet with Sweet Potatoes and Black Beans
Garnishes
This skillet is practically begging for a swirl of creamy avocado, a sprinkle of fresh cilantro, and bright lime wedges on the side. If you want to dress it up, a few thinly sliced jalapeños or a spoonful of salsa add even more depth and a beautiful pop of color!
Side Dishes
I love to pair Ground Turkey Skillet with Sweet Potatoes and Black Beans with warm tortillas or a side of fluffy rice for soaking up every last bit. It’s also delicious with a crisp green salad, tangy coleslaw, or even classic tortilla chips for added crunch.
Creative Ways to Present
You can serve the skillet straight from the pan family style, fill taco shells or wraps for a twist on taco night, or even spoon it over baked sweet potatoes for an extra hearty and colorful meal—totally Instagram-worthy!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Ground Turkey Skillet with Sweet Potatoes and Black Beans keeps like a dream! Spoon any extras into an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days—it’s fantastic for easy lunches or a no-stress dinner later in the week.
Freezing
This recipe is freezer-friendly, too. Let your skillet cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container (leave a little room at the top). It’ll stay fresh for up to 3 months—simply thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat your leftovers either in a skillet over medium heat (add a splash of broth if needed) or just pop a serving in the microwave until hot throughout. The flavors only get better after a day or two, so leftovers are truly a treat!
FAQs
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Can I use ground chicken or beef instead of ground turkey?
Absolutely! Ground chicken works just as well for a lighter touch, and beef will add a richer, deeper flavor. Just be sure to adjust the seasoning if needed, and drain any extra fat from beef before adding your veggies.
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Do I need to peel the sweet potatoes first?
Peeled sweet potatoes give this skillet a softer texture and more unified flavor, but you can leave the skins on if you like a little rustic chew and extra nutrients. Just scrub them well before dicing!
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How spicy does this skillet get with the jalapeño?
The level of heat depends on the jalapeño and whether you include the seeds. For a milder dish, remove the seeds and membranes, or leave out the jalapeño entirely. Want it spicier? Add more or toss in a pinch of red pepper flakes!
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Can I make Ground Turkey Skillet with Sweet Potatoes and Black Beans ahead of time?
Yes—this is a fantastic make-ahead meal! You can prep the whole dish up to 2 days early and store it in the fridge, or freeze portions for longer storage. Just reheat and add your fresh toppings before serving.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a simple, colorful way to end the day, this Ground Turkey Skillet with Sweet Potatoes and Black Beans will absolutely win over your table. I hope you treat yourself to its cozy flavors and healthy comfort soon—don’t forget those zesty toppings and share the love with someone you care about!
Print
Ground Turkey Skillet with Sweet Potatoes and Black Beans Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Stovetop
- Method: Stovetop
Description
This Ground Turkey Skillet with Sweet Potatoes and Black Beans is a flavorful and hearty one-pan meal that is quick and easy to make. Loaded with lean ground turkey, sweet potatoes, black beans, and a variety of seasonings, this dish is perfect for a nutritious weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Ingredients:
- 14 ounces sweet potato (peeled and diced 1/2 inch, from 2 medium)
- 1 pound 93% lean ground turkey
- 1/4 cup chopped onion
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 3/4 cups canned black beans (rinsed and drained)
- 3/4 cups corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
- 1 large diced tomato
- 1 jalapeño (diced)
- 1 clove garlic (minced)
- 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro (plus more for garnish)
- 1 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- lime wedges (for serving)
- 4 ounces avocado (sliced)
Instructions
- Brown the Turkey: Spray a large skillet over high heat with oil and brown the turkey, seasoning with 1 teaspoon salt and 1 teaspoon cumin.
- Cook the Turkey: Cook, breaking the meat up until the turkey is cooked through, about 5 minutes.
- Sauté Onion and Tomato Paste: Push the meat to the side, spray the other side with oil and add the onion and tomato paste, cooking for 1 minute.
- Add Remaining Ingredients: Add the sweet potato, black beans, corn, tomato, jalapeño pepper, garlic, cilantro, and chicken broth. Season with salt and cumin.
- Cover and Cook: Mix everything, cover, and cook on low for 12 to 14 minutes or until the sweet potatoes are tender.
- Serve: Serve the skillet with avocado slices, lime wedges, and additional cilantro.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 380 kcal
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 790mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 9g
- Protein: 27g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
