Name: Ground Turkey and Sweet Potato Skillet
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 large sweet potato, diced (about 2 cups); 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed; 1 medium tomato, diced; 3 green onions, sliced (for garnish); 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese; ⅓ cup sour cream (or Greek yogurt); ⅓ cup salsa; 2 tbsp olive oil; 1 tsp kosher salt; 1 tsp chipotle chili powder; 1 tsp cumin

Some meals just hit the sweet spot between healthy, delicious, and easy to make, and this Ground Turkey and Sweet Potato Skillet is exactly that. Whether you’re looking for a quick dinner option, meal-prep inspiration, or a nutritious weeknight meal, this dish delivers on all fronts. It’s packed with lean protein, fiber-rich sweet potatoes, and bold flavors from chipotle chili, cumin, and melted cheddar cheese. Plus, it comes together in just 30 minutes with minimal prep.

There’s something deeply satisfying about the combination of savory ground turkey and naturally sweet, caramelized sweet potatoes. They balance each other out perfectly, while the black beans add a hearty texture and a boost of fiber. The whole dish is topped with cheddar cheese, fresh tomatoes, and green onions, then drizzled with a simple sour cream and salsa sauce that ties everything together beautifully.

This skillet meal is one-pan cooking at its best. No need to juggle multiple pots and pans—just toss everything into a large skillet, cook it up, and enjoy. It’s the kind of recipe that makes busy weeknights stress-free, yet feels special enough to serve when you’re having friends over. And if you’re a fan of meal prep, this dish stores well and tastes just as good the next day.

If you’re trying to eat healthier but still crave comforting, flavorful meals, this recipe is for you. It’s naturally gluten-free, loaded with nutrients, and completely customizable. You can make it spicy or mild, cheesy or dairy-free, high-carb or low-carb, depending on your preferences. Let’s dive into why this dish deserves a spot in your recipe rotation.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Ground Turkey and Sweet Potato Skillet is more than just another healthy meal. It’s a dish that combines the best of both worlds: rich, satisfying flavors and wholesome, nourishing ingredients. Here’s why you’ll absolutely love it:

Quick & Easy – This meal is ready in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights. With just one skillet and a handful of ingredients, you can have dinner on the table fast.
One-Pan Wonder – No need for multiple dishes or complicated steps. Everything cooks in one skillet, which means less cleanup and more time to enjoy your meal.
Balanced & Nutritious – This dish provides a healthy mix of protein, fiber, and complex carbs to keep you full and satisfied. The lean turkey offers high-quality protein, while sweet potatoes add vitamins and minerals.
Great for Meal Prep – Make a big batch, store leftovers in the fridge, and enjoy a delicious, ready-to-eat meal for the next few days. It reheats beautifully and is just as tasty the next day.
Customizable – Whether you like it spicy, cheesy, or dairy-free, this recipe is flexible. Swap out ingredients, adjust seasonings, and make it your own.
Kid-Friendly – The mild sweetness from the sweet potatoes and the cheesy topping make it a hit with kids. You can even let them add their favorite toppings for a fun meal.
Naturally Gluten-Free – No need to worry about gluten—this dish is naturally gluten-free, making it a great option for those with dietary restrictions.

With all these benefits, it’s no surprise that this meal has become a household favorite. Now, let’s talk about the health benefits that make this dish even more appealing.

Health Benefits

This skillet meal isn’t just tasty—it’s packed with nutrients that support overall health. Here’s why this dish is a nutritional powerhouse:

High in Lean Protein – Ground turkey is an excellent source of protein, which helps build and repair muscles. It also keeps you full and supports metabolism.
Rich in Fiber – The combination of sweet potatoes and black beans provides a great source of dietary fiber, which promotes healthy digestion, regulates blood sugar levels, and keeps you full longer.
Loaded with Vitamins & Minerals – Sweet potatoes are packed with vitamin A, vitamin C, potassium, and antioxidants that support immune function and eye health.
Good for Heart Health – The fiber, potassium, and antioxidants in this dish contribute to heart health by lowering cholesterol and reducing inflammation.
Naturally Low in Carbs & Gluten-Free – If you’re watching your carb intake, you can easily adjust the black beans or sweet potatoes to fit your needs. The dish is naturally gluten-free, making it a great option for those with sensitivities.

Preparation Time, Servings, and Nutritional Information

Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 610 kcal
Protein: 42g
Carbohydrates: 37g
Fiber: 8g
Fat: 34g (13g saturated)
Sodium: 813mg

Ingredients List

Ground turkey – 1 pound (any fat content works)
Sweet potatoes – 1 large, about 2 cups diced
Black beans – 1 can (15 oz), drained and rinsed
Tomato – 1 medium-large, diced
Green onions – 3 stalks, sliced (for garnish)
Cheddar cheese – 1 cup, shredded
Sour cream – ⅓ cup (or substitute with Greek yogurt)
Salsa – ⅓ cup (any variety)
Olive oil – 2 tablespoons
Kosher salt – 1 teaspoon
Chipotle chili powder – 1 teaspoon (for smoky spice)
Cumin – 1 teaspoon (for a Southwest flavor)

Step-By-Step Cooking Instructions

Pre-Cook the Sweet Potatoes
- Dice the sweet potatoes into ½-inch cubes to ensure they cook evenly.
- Place them on a microwave-safe plate and cover with a damp paper towel.
- Microwave on high for 5 minutes, until slightly tender. Set aside.
Prepare the Sauce
- In a small bowl, mix sour cream and salsa until smooth.
- This will be used as a drizzle for extra flavor when serving.
Cook the Ground Turkey
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add 2 tablespoons of olive oil.
- Add ground turkey and cook for about 5 minutes, breaking it up with a spatula as it browns.
Add Seasonings & Vegetables
- Stir in chipotle chili powder, cumin, and salt.
- Add the pre-cooked sweet potatoes and black beans, stirring everything together.
- Cook for another 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
Add Cheese & Finish Cooking
- Remove the skillet from heat and sprinkle cheddar cheese over the top.
- Let it melt for 1-2 minutes before serving.
Garnish & Serve
- Top with diced tomatoes and green onions.
- Drizzle with the sour cream-salsa sauce for extra flavor.
- Enjoy immediately!

How to Serve

This meal is incredibly versatile. You can serve it:

On its own for a simple, one-pan meal.
Over rice or quinoa for a heartier option.
In tacos or lettuce wraps for a fun variation.
With a side salad for a lighter pairing.

Pairing Suggestions

Side Dish: A crisp arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette.
Drink: Fresh lime-infused water or a light herbal tea.
Extra Toppings: Avocado slices or pickled onions for added depth.

Storage, Freezing & Reheating Instructions

Store: In an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Freeze: Portion into meal-sized containers and freeze for up to 3 months.
Reheat: Warm in a skillet over medium heat or microwave for 2 minutes.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even though this Ground Turkey and Sweet Potato Skillet is simple to make, a few common mistakes can affect the final result. By keeping these in mind, you’ll end up with a dish that is flavorful, well-balanced, and cooked to perfection.

One of the most frequent mistakes is not pre-cooking the sweet potatoes. Since sweet potatoes take longer to cook than ground turkey, skipping this step can leave you with undercooked, hard pieces in your dish. Pre-cooking them in the microwave for five minutes ensures they become tender while still holding their shape when mixed into the skillet.

Another common issue is overcooking the ground turkey. Because turkey is leaner than other meats, it can dry out quickly if cooked for too long or at too high a heat. To prevent this, cook it over medium-high heat for about five minutes, breaking it up as it browns. If the skillet starts to look dry, adding a splash of broth or water can help maintain moisture.

Overcrowding the skillet is another mistake to watch out for. When too many ingredients are added at once, they can steam instead of sear, leading to a mushy texture instead of a flavorful, slightly crispy finish. Using a large skillet and stirring occasionally ensures even cooking and better flavor development.

Lastly, some people melt the cheese too soon. If you add cheese too early while the skillet is still cooking, it may clump together or get overly greasy. For the best results, remove the skillet from heat, sprinkle the cheese on top, and let it melt naturally from the residual heat. This creates a perfectly gooey, cheesy layer without making the dish oily.

Pro Tips

To make this Ground Turkey and Sweet Potato Skillet even better, here are some expert tips that will help you achieve the best texture, flavor, and overall success with this recipe.

Dice the sweet potatoes evenly so they cook consistently. Cutting them into ½-inch cubes ensures that they cook through quickly while still keeping their shape in the skillet. Uneven pieces can lead to some being too soft while others remain undercooked.

If you want a crispy texture on the sweet potatoes, try pan-searing them instead of microwaving. After dicing, heat a little olive oil in the skillet and cook them over medium heat for about 8-10 minutes before adding the turkey. This adds a delicious golden-brown crust to the potatoes.

For extra flavor, consider browning the ground turkey before adding the seasonings. Let it cook undisturbed for a minute or two before stirring. This allows some caramelization to develop, which enhances the overall depth of flavor.

For an extra creamy twist, stir in ¼ cup of Greek yogurt or sour cream at the end of cooking. This makes the dish even richer and adds a slight tang that pairs well with the smoky spices.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use ground chicken instead of ground turkey?
Yes! Ground chicken works just as well in this recipe. It has a similar lean texture and will absorb the seasonings beautifully. Just be mindful of cooking time, as chicken can also dry out if overcooked.

How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat or microwave for about 2 minutes, stirring halfway through.

Can I freeze this dish?
Yes, this recipe freezes well! Allow it to cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and warm in a skillet over medium heat.

What can I serve this with?
This dish is great on its own but pairs well with rice, quinoa, a simple side salad, or warm tortillas for a more filling meal.

Conclusion & Call to Action

This Ground Turkey and Sweet Potato Skillet is the perfect combination of healthy, flavorful, and easy-to-make. With minimal ingredients and a one-pan cooking method, it’s an ideal choice for busy weeknights, meal prep, or a quick nutritious dinner. The balance of lean protein, fiber-rich sweet potatoes, and a touch of spice makes every bite satisfying and delicious.

What makes this recipe even better is its customizability. Whether you want to add extra veggies, adjust the spice level, or swap ingredients based on dietary preferences, it’s easy to make this dish your own. Plus, it’s naturally gluten-free, making it a great option for anyone avoiding gluten.

If you’ve been searching for a go-to meal that’s both healthy and comforting, this is it. Not only does it taste amazing fresh out of the skillet, but it also stores and reheats well, making it perfect for leftovers. Whether you enjoy it on its own, with a side of rice, or wrapped in a tortilla, this dish will quickly become a favorite in your household.

Now, it’s your turn! Try this recipe today and let me know how it turns out. I’d love to hear your thoughts, so be sure to leave a comment below with any tips, customizations, or feedback. And if you love this recipe, share it with friends and family—or snap a picture and tag me on social media! I can’t wait to see your delicious creations. Happy cooking!