Ground Turkey and Sweet Potato Skillet – Easy & Healthy One-Pan Meal

There is something so comforting about a warm, flavorful skillet meal that comes together quickly with minimal effort. This Ground Turkey and Sweet Potato Skillet is one of those go-to recipes that never disappoints. It is packed with lean protein, fiber-rich vegetables, and bold southwest flavors, making it both nutritious and satisfying. The best part? It is made in just one pan, which means less cleanup and more time to enjoy your meal.

If you are looking for an easy weeknight dinner that is both healthy and delicious, this dish is perfect. It has the perfect balance of flavors: the savory turkey, the natural sweetness of the sweet potatoes, and the smokiness from the chipotle chili powder. A finishing touch of melted cheddar cheese and fresh toppings like tomatoes and green onions brings everything together beautifully.

Whether you are meal-prepping for the week, feeding a hungry family, or just craving something warm and satisfying, this Ground Turkey and Sweet Potato Skillet will become a new staple in your kitchen. It is healthy, filling, and bursting with flavor. Plus, it is gluten-free and can easily be made dairy-free, making it a great option for different dietary needs.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

There are so many reasons to love this dish, from its ease of preparation to its incredible flavors. Here are just a few:

• Quick & Easy: This entire dish comes together in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you do not have a lot of time to cook.
• One-Pan Meal: Nobody likes washing a sink full of dishes. This meal is cooked in a single skillet, which means minimal cleanup.
• Healthy & Nutritious: This recipe is high in protein, fiber, and essential nutrients, making it a well-balanced meal. Sweet potatoes provide slow-digesting carbs, while ground turkey offers lean protein.
• Family-Friendly: Even picky eaters love this dish because of its comforting texture and mild yet flavorful seasoning. You can also customize the spice level to suit everyone’s preferences.
• Meal-Prep Friendly: This skillet meal tastes just as good the next day, making it great for leftovers and meal prepping.
• Customizable: You can easily swap ingredients based on what you have on hand. Try using ground chicken, beef, or even plant-based crumbles. You can also add extra veggies like bell peppers, spinach, or zucchini for more nutrition.

Health Benefits

This Ground Turkey and Sweet Potato Skillet is not just delicious—it is also packed with nutrients that support overall health. Here is a closer look at the key health benefits of this meal:

1. High in Lean Protein

Ground turkey is an excellent source of lean protein, which is essential for muscle growth, repair, and overall energy levels. Protein also keeps you feeling full longer, helping with appetite control and weight management.

2. Rich in Fiber

Sweet potatoes and black beans provide a great amount of fiber, which is essential for digestive health and helps keep blood sugar levels stable. Fiber also supports heart health by reducing cholesterol levels.

3. Packed with Vitamins and Minerals

Sweet potatoes are a powerhouse of vitamin A, vitamin C, and potassium. Vitamin A is crucial for eye health and immune function, while potassium helps regulate blood pressure and muscle contractions.

4. Supports Heart Health

Ground turkey is lower in saturated fat compared to beef, making it a heart-friendly protein choice. Additionally, black beans contain antioxidants and plant-based compounds that promote cardiovascular health.

5. Balanced Macronutrients

This dish has the perfect balance of protein, healthy fats, and complex carbohydrates, making it a great option for those looking for a well-rounded and satisfying meal.

Preparation Time, Servings, and Nutritional Information

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
• Total Time: 25-30 minutes
• Servings: 4

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

• Calories: 610
• Total Fat: 34g
• Carbohydrates: 37g
• Fiber: 8g
• Sugar: 9g
• Protein: 42g

This dish is rich in protein and fiber, making it incredibly filling and nutritious. If you are looking to reduce the calories, you can use reduced-fat cheese or omit it altogether, and substitute Greek yogurt for the sour cream.

Ingredients List

Main Ingredients

• 1 lb ground turkey (93% lean recommended)
• 2 cups diced sweet potatoes (about 1 large sweet potato)
• 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed

Seasonings & Spices

• 1 tsp kosher salt
• 1 tsp chipotle chili powder (for a smoky, mild heat)
• 1 tsp cumin (enhances southwest flavors)

Toppings

• 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded (or substitute with pepper jack for extra spice)
• 3 green onions, sliced
• 1 tomato, diced

Sauce

• ⅓ cup sour cream (or Greek yogurt for a healthier option)
• ⅓ cup salsa (any variety you like)

This simple ingredient list creates a flavorful, well-balanced meal that is easy to prepare. You can also add extra vegetables, swap proteins, or adjust the spice levels to make it your own.

Step-By-Step Cooking Instructions

Pre-Cook the Sweet Potatoes

• Place the diced sweet potatoes on a microwave-safe plate.
• Cover them with a damp paper towel to keep them from drying out.
• Microwave on high for 5 minutes or until they are slightly soft. Set aside.

Prepare the Sauce

• In a small bowl, mix sour cream and salsa until smooth.
• Set aside until ready to use.

Cook the Ground Turkey

• Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.
• Add the ground turkey and cook for about 5 minutes, breaking it apart with a spatula.
• Once the turkey is mostly cooked through, drain excess fat if needed.

Add the Remaining Ingredients

• Stir in sweet potatoes, black beans, salt, chipotle chili powder, and cumin.
• Cook for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sweet potatoes are soft and the turkey is fully cooked.

Melt the Cheese & Finish the Dish

• Remove the skillet from the heat and sprinkle shredded cheese over the top.
• Let the cheese melt naturally from the heat of the skillet.
• Garnish with green onions, diced tomatoes, and a drizzle of the salsa-sour cream sauce.

Serve immediately and enjoy!

How to Serve

This Ground Turkey and Sweet Potato Skillet is a complete meal on its own, but there are plenty of ways to serve it to enhance its flavors and textures. Whether you prefer a light and fresh meal or a heartier option, here are some great serving ideas.

Serve it as a Bowl

Scoop a generous portion of the skillet mixture into a bowl and top it with extra fresh tomatoes, avocado slices, a dollop of Greek yogurt, and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro. The creamy avocado balances the smoky and slightly spicy flavors beautifully.

Pair it with Rice or Quinoa

For an even more filling meal, serve the skillet over steamed brown rice, white rice, or fluffy quinoa. These grains absorb the seasoning and add a nutty, wholesome texture.

Make Tacos or Wraps

Spoon the mixture into warm tortillas to make quick and easy tacos or burritos. Add shredded lettuce, salsa, and a drizzle of lime juice for extra freshness. If you prefer a low-carb option, use lettuce wraps or low-carb tortillas instead.

Stuff it into Bell Peppers

For a creative twist, cut bell peppers in half, remove the seeds, and stuff them with the turkey-sweet potato mixture. Bake at 375°F for about 15 minutes until the peppers are soft. Top with cheese and broil for a minute or two for a crispy, melted topping.

Add a Side Salad

Pair this dish with a simple green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette. A side of roasted vegetables like zucchini, broccoli, or Brussels sprouts also works beautifully to add extra fiber and nutrients.

No matter how you serve it, this skillet meal remains delicious, versatile, and easy to customize based on what you have on hand.

Pairing Suggestions

Pairing this dish with the right sides or beverages can take the meal to the next level. Here are some great pairing ideas that complement the flavors of this Ground Turkey and Sweet Potato Skillet.

Side Dish Pairings

A light and refreshing cucumber or avocado salad helps balance out the rich and smoky flavors of the dish. You can also serve it with grilled vegetables, roasted asparagus, or a citrusy slaw for a crisp and tangy contrast.

If you want something heartier, try a side of warm cornbread or whole-grain toast. The slight sweetness of cornbread pairs perfectly with the seasoned turkey and sweet potatoes.

Beverage Pairings

A cold glass of homemade lemonade, iced tea, or a fruit-infused water makes a refreshing companion to this dish. If you prefer something warm, herbal teas like chamomile or mint can be soothing and complement the spices nicely.

For a creamy and cooling option, serve this meal with a homemade yogurt smoothie made with bananas, berries, and a dash of cinnamon.

Storage, Freezing & Reheating Instructions

One of the best things about this dish is that it stores and reheats beautifully, making it ideal for meal prep.

Storing Leftovers

Once the skillet has cooled, transfer any leftovers to an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors continue to develop, making it even tastier the next day.

Freezing Instructions

This dish is freezer-friendly, so you can make extra and save some for later. To freeze:

1. Allow the skillet to cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag.
2. Label with the date and store in the freezer for up to 3 months.

How to Reheat

For best results, reheat the meal in a skillet over medium heat for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. If reheating from frozen, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

You can also reheat in the microwave by placing a portion in a microwave-safe dish, covering it with a damp paper towel, and heating in 30-second intervals until hot.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even though this recipe is simple, a few common mistakes can affect the final outcome. Here are the most important things to watch out for.

1. Overcooking the Ground Turkey

Ground turkey can become dry and tough if overcooked. To prevent this, cook it just until no pink remains, then remove it from the heat immediately.

2. Not Pre-Cooking the Sweet Potatoes

Sweet potatoes take longer to cook than ground turkey, so if you skip pre-cooking them in the microwave, they may remain too firm. This step ensures they become soft and tender without extending the overall cooking time.

3. Adding Too Much Liquid

Since sweet potatoes and beans naturally release moisture as they cook, you do not need to add extra liquid. If the skillet looks too wet, let it cook for another minute or two to reduce excess moisture.

4. Skipping the Seasoning

Ground turkey is lean and mild in flavor, so it needs bold seasoning to make it delicious. Do not skip the chipotle chili powder, cumin, and salt—these give the dish its signature southwest taste.

Pro Tips

To make this recipe even better, here are some expert tips that will ensure success every time you make it.

1. Use a Cast-Iron Skillet

A cast-iron skillet helps develop a beautiful sear on the turkey and enhances the overall depth of flavor. If you do not have one, use a heavy-bottomed pan for the best results.

2. Roast the Sweet Potatoes for Extra Flavor

If you have extra time, roast the sweet potatoes instead of microwaving them. This will add a deeper caramelized flavor to the dish. Simply toss them with olive oil, spread them on a baking sheet, and roast at 400°F for 15-20 minutes before adding them to the skillet.

3. Add More Vegetables for Extra Nutrition

This recipe is easy to customize with additional vegetables. Try adding diced bell peppers, mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini for extra color and nutrients.

4. Adjust the Spice Level to Your Preference

If you prefer a milder dish, reduce or omit the chipotle chili powder. For extra heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I use ground chicken instead of ground turkey?

Yes! Ground chicken works just as well and has a similar lean texture. You can also use ground beef or plant-based crumbles for a vegetarian version.

2. Can I use canned sweet potatoes instead of fresh?

Fresh sweet potatoes work best, but in a pinch, you can use canned sweet potatoes. Just be sure to drain and rinse them thoroughly before adding them to the skillet.

3. How do I store leftovers for meal prep?

Divide the cooled skillet mixture into individual meal prep containers and refrigerate for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop for a quick and healthy meal.

4. Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes! You can fully cook the skillet in advance and store it in the refrigerator until ready to eat. Reheat when needed and add fresh toppings just before serving.

Conclusion & Call to Action

This Ground Turkey and Sweet Potato Skillet is the ultimate healthy, flavorful, and easy-to-make meal that is perfect for any day of the week. It is packed with protein, fiber, and rich, smoky flavors that will keep you coming back for more. Whether you enjoy it on its own, in a taco, or over rice, this dish is guaranteed to become a staple in your kitchen.

Try this recipe today, and let me know how it turns out! Share your experience in the comments, and if you make it, tag me on social media so I can see your delicious creations. Happy cooking!

Print