Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet Recipe

If you’re after a dinner that’s hearty, vibrant, and just plain fun to cook, look no further than this Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet. With a rainbow of vegetables, perfectly seasoned turkey, melty cheese, and the natural sweetness of sweet potatoes, this one-pan wonder brings weeknight magic to your table—no complicated steps or mysterious ingredients. Whether you’re making it for family, for meal prep, or for a hungry group of friends, this recipe delivers big, bold flavor, nourishing ingredients, and a warm, satisfying bite every time. And trust me, you’ll be coming back to this Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet long after that first forkful.

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the best things about a Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet is just how straightforward the ingredient list is. Each component is picked for its role—some add savoriness, others a pop of color or a subtle heat, and together, they make dinner complete.

• Avocado oil: Offers a high smoke point for sautéing and keeps everything tender and flavorful.
• Ground turkey: Lean, protein-packed, and takes on spices beautifully—perfect for this skillet meal.
• Sweet potatoes: The sweet, creamy backbone, diced for quick, even cooking and a subtle caramel flavor.
• Garlic: Freshly minced for big, aromatic depth that pairs with the savory notes.
• Sweet onion: Adds delicate sweetness and softens for a silky texture in every bite.
• Red bell pepper: For bright color and a crisp, juicy crunch when cooked.
• Campari tomatoes: Their juicy, slightly tangy flavor balances the sweetness of potatoes—don’t skip them!
• Paprika: Warm, earthy undertones that tie the flavors together so well.
• Cumin: Adds a hint of smoky, nutty flavor and depth to the skillet.
• Salt: Essential for seasoning all those gorgeous veggies and turkey just right.
• Black pepper: Brings gentle heat and complexity, not just spice.
• Cayenne pepper: For a bit of a kick—use more or less to match your spice preference.
• Canned corn: Sweet, chewy bursts that complement the savory and spicy notes.
• Black beans: Creamy texture and extra protein for a truly filling skillet dinner.
• Fresh cilantro: Chopped for brightness and a fresh, herbal finish both cooked in and as a garnish.
• Shredded Monterrey Jack cheese: The indulgent melty topping that brings the whole skillet together—feel free to sub with white cheddar.

How to Make Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet

Step 1: Brown the Turkey

Begin by heating half of your avocado oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground turkey and break it up with a spatula as it cooks. You’re aiming for golden brown, crumbly bits—about 7 to 8 minutes. Once there’s no pink left, scoop the turkey into a clean plate and set it aside. This step helps develop deep, savory flavor for your Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet, and pre-cooking the turkey ensures it stays juicy and tender.

Step 2: Sauté the Veggies

In the same skillet (don’t rinse it—you want all those tasty brown bits), pour in the rest of the avocado oil, then swirl in the minced garlic. Let it sizzle for just 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in the diced sweet potatoes, sweet onion, red bell pepper, plus your paprika, cumin, salt, black pepper, and cayenne. Give everything a good toss so the spices and oil coat every morsel. Cover, drop the heat to medium-low, and let the mixture cook for 15 to 20 minutes, stirring halfway—until the potatoes are fork-tender and the aromas are downright irresistible.

Step 3: Bring It All Together

Now for the real skillet magic. Return the browned turkey to the pan, then add the corn, black beans, and diced Campari tomatoes. Scatter in your chopped fresh cilantro (don’t be shy!). Stir gently so everything is mixed and cozy. Cover again and cook for 5 to 7 minutes. This lets the flavors meld and the tomatoes soften slightly, making the mix juicy, hearty, and colorful.

Step 4: Finish with Cheese and Cilantro

With everything piping hot, sprinkle shredded Monterrey Jack cheese all over the top of your skillet. The cheese will melt into a gooey layer that ties together the sweet, spicy, and savory elements. Finish with a shower of fresh cilantro. The Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet is officially ready—grab a big spoon!

How to Serve Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet

Garnishes

For a fresh finish, top your skillet with extra chopped cilantro or finely sliced green onions. For a creamy contrast, add a dollop of Greek yogurt or sour cream, or a splash of hot sauce for those who love heat. A squeeze of lime over the top just before serving amplifies all those vibrant flavors and makes them pop.

Side Dishes

While this Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet is hearty enough to stand alone, pairing it is always fun. Serve with warm, crusty bread, fluffy rice, or even quinoa to soak up all the juices. A crisp green salad or roasted broccoli brings extra freshness and crunch to the table.

Creative Ways to Present

You can scoop the skillet filling into halved roasted bell peppers for a stunning stuffed pepper presentation. Or, fill large lettuce leaves to make flavorful lettuce wraps—a lighter, crunchy twist. Turn leftovers into taco or burrito fillings, or pile them onto baked sweet potatoes for a double-sweet treat.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let your leftovers cool to room temperature, then transfer them to an airtight container. The Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to 4 days—the flavors even deepen as they mingle!

Freezing

Want to stock your freezer? Let the skillet cool completely before portioning into freezer-safe containers. It’ll stay delicious for 3 to 4 months. Just thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating, and you’re ready for a speedy, wholesome meal any time.

Reheating

To reheat, simply warm the skillet on the stove over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. You can also microwave single servings—just add a splash of water or broth if it looks a bit dry, and cover loosely so it reheats evenly.

FAQs

Can I use a different protein instead of ground turkey?

Absolutely! Ground chicken, beef, or pork all work well and take on the flavors of the spices beautifully. The skillet is a great way to use whatever you have on hand—just keep an eye on cooking times and fat content.

How do I make my Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet spicier?

To dial up the heat, simply increase the cayenne pepper or toss in a diced jalapeño with the bell pepper. A few dashes of your favorite hot sauce added near the end is also a quick way to enjoy more spice.

What’s the best way to dice sweet potatoes quickly and evenly?

A sharp chef’s knife and a stable cutting board are your best friends here. Peel the sweet potatoes, cut them into planks, then stack and dice into half-inch cubes. Keeping the pieces uniform means everything will cook evenly and no one gets a crunchy bite!

Can this dish be made dairy-free?

Yes! Simply skip the shredded cheese topping or use your favorite dairy-free cheese alternative. The rest of the Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet is naturally dairy-free, hearty, and delicious.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

It sure is. Every ingredient in this Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet is naturally gluten-free, so it’s perfect for feeding guests with dietary restrictions—just always double-check specific packaged ingredients like beans or corn for cross-contamination.

Final Thoughts

This Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet might just become your new go-to for weeknights or meal prep. It’s cozy, packed with flavor and color, and just as fun to eat as it is to make. Give it a try—you’ll love how easy and satisfying this one-skillet wonder really is!

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