Ground Turkey Skillet with Sweet Potatoes and Black Beans
Bursting with flavor, this Ground Turkey Skillet with Sweet Potatoes and Black Beans combines wholesome ingredients into a hearty, nourishing meal. Lean ground turkey is seasoned and browned to perfection, bringing a robust taste to each bite.
Sweet potatoes, black beans, and corn create a balanced, nutrient-packed base, while tomatoes and jalapeño add a hint of warmth and freshness. The dish is perfect for meal prep, providing lasting satisfaction throughout the week.
Finished with creamy avocado and a squeeze of lime, this skillet meal is vibrant and filling—a deliciously simple choice for busy weeknights.
Ground Turkey Skillet Ingredients: Key Flavors and Elements
- Lean Ground Turkey – Provides a hearty, protein-rich base with a mild flavor that pairs beautifully with spices and vegetables.
- Sweet Potatoes – Adds a subtle sweetness and soft texture, balancing the savory elements and adding a nutrient-dense layer.
- Black Beans – Offers a satisfying, creamy bite and earthy flavor, enhancing both the texture and heartiness of the dish.
- Fresh Corn – Adds a pop of sweetness and color, creating contrast and depth with each bite.
- Ripe Tomato – Introduces a juicy freshness and slight acidity, melding with the spices for a balanced finish.
- Jalapeño – Adds just a hint of heat, elevating the flavor without overpowering other ingredients.
- Avocado – Creamy and smooth, it complements the warm spices and rounds out the dish with a satisfying richness.
These ingredients come together in a delightful harmony, blending flavors and textures to make this Ground Turkey Skillet a filling and flavorful meal.
Recipe Tips
- Perfectly Tender Sweet Potatoes
To ensure the sweet potatoes cook evenly, dice them into ½-inch cubes. This size allows them to soften within the cooking time without turning mushy. You can even steam them for a few minutes before adding them to the skillet if you prefer extra softness. Covering the skillet during cooking also helps trap steam, which accelerates the cooking process and infuses flavor throughout. - Customize Your Spice Level
The jalapeño in this recipe brings a mild heat, but you can adjust the spice level according to your preference. For a spicier kick, leave in some jalapeño seeds or add a dash of cayenne pepper. If you’re serving a crowd that prefers milder flavors, you can omit the jalapeño entirely or replace it with bell pepper for added sweetness and crunch. - Meal Prep-Friendly and Freezer-Ready
This dish is ideal for meal prep as it stores well and reheats beautifully. You can prepare a large batch and refrigerate it for up to four days, or freeze it in airtight containers for up to three months. When reheating, add a splash of chicken broth or water to keep it moist and flavorful. For best results, add fresh cilantro and avocado after reheating.
What to Serve with Ground Turkey Skillet
- Simple Green Salad
A light, crisp salad with mixed greens, cucumbers, and a tangy vinaigrette complements the warm, hearty flavors of the skillet. The acidity from the dressing brightens up the dish and balances the rich, creamy texture of the avocado and sweet potatoes. - Warm Tortillas or Rice
Serving this skillet dish with warm tortillas or a side of rice makes it even heartier. You can scoop the mixture into tortillas for a taco-style experience or spoon it over rice for a complete, satisfying meal. - Roasted Veggies
Pairing the skillet with roasted vegetables, like bell peppers, zucchini, or cauliflower, adds an extra boost of nutrients and variety to your plate. Their caramelized flavors and tender textures provide a delightful contrast to the main dish.
FAQ
- Can I use ground beef instead of ground turkey?
Yes, you can substitute ground beef for ground turkey in this recipe. Ground beef will add a richer flavor, but it may increase the fat content slightly. Adjust the seasoning to taste if you switch meats. - Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! To make a vegetarian version, omit the ground turkey and replace it with more black beans, chickpeas, or your favorite meat substitute. Add extra vegetables or tofu for added protein. - How spicy is this recipe?
This recipe is mildly spicy due to the jalapeño. For a milder version, omit the jalapeño or replace it with bell pepper. To increase the heat, keep the jalapeño seeds or add a sprinkle of cayenne pepper. - Can I prepare this dish in advance?
Yes, this recipe is great for meal prep! You can store it in the refrigerator for up to four days or freeze it for up to three months. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth if needed to keep it moist.
Ground Turkey Skillet with Sweet Potatoes and Black Beans
Sweet potatoes, black beans, and corn create a balanced, nutrient-packed base, while tomatoes and jalapeño add a hint of warmth and freshness. The dish is perfect for meal prep, providing lasting satisfaction throughout the week.
Ingredients
- 1 pound lean ground turkey 93% lean
- 14 ounces sweet potatoes peeled and diced into ½-inch pieces (from 2 medium sweet potatoes)
- 1 large tomato diced
- ¾ cup canned black beans rinsed and drained
- ¾ cup corn kernels fresh or frozen
- ¼ cup onion chopped
- 1 jalapeño finely diced
- 1 clove garlic minced
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 tablespoons cilantro chopped, plus additional for garnish
- 1 ½ teaspoons cumin
- 1 ¼ teaspoons kosher salt
- ½ cup chicken broth
- 4 ounces avocado sliced
- Lime wedges for serving
Instructions
- In a large skillet, spray a light layer of oil and heat over high temperature. Add the ground turkey, season it with 1 teaspoon of salt and 1 teaspoon of cumin, and cook while breaking up the meat until fully browned and cooked through, approximately 5 minutes.
- Shift the browned turkey to one side of the skillet. Spray the other side with a little more oil, add the chopped onion and tomato paste, and sauté for about 1 minute, stirring occasionally.
- Stir in the sweet potatoes, black beans, corn, diced tomato, jalapeño, minced garlic, and chopped cilantro. Pour in the chicken broth and add the remaining ¼ teaspoon salt and ½ teaspoon cumin, adjusting to taste if desired.
- Mix all ingredients thoroughly, cover the skillet, reduce the heat to low, and cook for 12 to 14 minutes or until the sweet potatoes become tender.
- Serve the skillet mixture with sliced avocado, lime wedges, and additional cilantro for garnish if desired.
