Healthy Turkey Skillet Dinner
Hola, friend! If there’s one thing my Florida kitchen has taught me, it’s how to make magic with just one skillet. This Ground Turkey Skillet with Sweet Potatoes and Black Beans is a weeknight hero, filled with hearty flavors and bright colors that remind me of warm family dinners back home.
It’s a blend of wholesome American comfort and a little Mexican spice, the kind that makes your kitchen smell irresistible.
Whether you’re meal-prepping for the week or craving something quick and nourishing, this healthy turkey recipe is about to become your new favorite.
Quick Recipe Overview
| Prep Time: | 5 minutes |
|---|---|
| Cook Time: | 25 minutes |
| Total Time: | 30 minutes |
| Servings: | 4 |
| Serving Size: | 1 ½ cups |
| Difficulty: | Easy |
| Cuisine Type: | American |
| Best Season to Serve: | All year round |
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- One-pan wonder: Everything cooks in one skillet, saving you time on dishes and making cleanup a breeze.
- Packed with nutrients: Sweet potatoes, lean turkey, and black beans make this dish rich in protein and fiber, keeping you full longer.
- Perfect for meal prep: This skillet reheats beautifully, so it’s ideal for weekday lunches or quick grab-and-go dinners.
- Family-friendly flavor: Mild spices with a touch of jalapeño make it flavorful but not overwhelming, so everyone can enjoy it.
- Versatile and customizable: Swap the beans, add more veggies, or turn leftovers into tacos or quesadillas.
Ground Turkey Skillet with Sweet Potatoes and Black Beans
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This quick and easy Ground Turkey Skillet with Sweet Potatoes and Black Beans is loaded with flavor, packed with protein, and perfect for meal prep. Filled with tender sweet potatoes, lean turkey, corn, and black beans, it’s a colorful and satisfying one-pan dinner that’s ready in just 30 minutes.
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 cup canned black beans, rinsed and drained
- 3/4 cup 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 teaspoons cumin
- 1 1/4 teaspoons kosher salt
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- lime wedges, for serving
- 4 ounces avocado, sliced
Instructions
1. Spray a large skillet with oil and heat on high. Add ground turkey, season with 1 teaspoon salt and 1 teaspoon cumin, and cook for about 5 minutes until browned and cooked through.
2. Push the turkey to one side, spray the other side with oil, and add onion and tomato paste. Stir and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
3. Add the sweet potato, black beans, corn, tomato, jalapeño, garlic, and cilantro. Stir everything together with the chicken broth.
4. Add the remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt and extra cumin to taste. Mix well, then cover and cook on low for 12 to 14 minutes until the sweet potatoes are tender.
5. Remove from heat, top with avocado slices, lime wedges, and more cilantro before serving.
Notes
Use 93% lean ground turkey for juicy yet healthy results.
Cut sweet potatoes small for faster cooking.
Add more or less jalapeño to adjust spice level.
Squeeze lime over the top before serving for extra brightness.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch, Meal Prep
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 394
- Sugar: 7.5
- Sodium: 635
- Fat: 14.5
- Saturated Fat: 3
- Carbohydrates: 41
- Fiber: 10
- Protein: 28
- Cholesterol: 84
Ingredients
- 14 ounces sweet potato, peeled and diced ½ inch (from 2 medium)
- 1 pound 93% lean ground turkey
- ¼ cup chopped onion
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- ¾ cup canned black beans, rinsed and drained
- ¾ cup corn kernels, fresh or frozen
- 1 large diced tomato
- 1 jalapeño, diced
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro, plus more for garnish
- 1½ teaspoons cumin
- 1¼ teaspoons kosher salt
- ½ cup chicken broth
- Lime wedges, for serving
- 4 ounces avocado, sliced
Ingredient Tips Table
| Ingredient | Tip |
|---|---|
| Sweet potatoes | Dice evenly for faster cooking and perfect tenderness. |
| Ground turkey | Use 93% lean for juicy yet light results. |
| Black beans | Rinse thoroughly to reduce sodium and enhance flavor. |
| Corn | Frozen works great, no need to thaw first. |
| Tomato paste | Adds richness and depth, do not skip it. |
| Jalapeño | Remove seeds for less heat, keep them for extra spice. |
| Garlic | Freshly minced garlic brings out authentic flavor. |
| Cilantro | Stir some in fresh at the end for a burst of color. |
| Chicken broth | Keeps everything moist while infusing flavor. |
| Avocado | Slice just before serving to prevent browning. |
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Brown the turkey: Spray a large skillet with oil and heat on high. Add the ground turkey, seasoning with 1 teaspoon salt and 1 teaspoon cumin. Cook for about 5 minutes, breaking it up until browned and cooked through.
- Sauté aromatics: Push the turkey to one side, spray the empty side with oil, then add onion and tomato paste. Stir and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add veggies: Toss in the diced sweet potato, black beans, corn, tomato, jalapeño, garlic, and cilantro. Stir everything together with the chicken broth.
- Season and simmer: Add the remaining ¼ teaspoon salt and extra cumin to taste. Mix well, then cover and cook on low for 12 to 14 minutes until the sweet potatoes are fork-tender.
- Finish and serve: Remove from heat, top with avocado slices, lime wedges, and more cilantro. Serve warm and enjoy the colorful, hearty flavors.
Helpful Tips
- Use a nonstick skillet for easy cooking and cleaning.
- Cut the sweet potatoes small to ensure they cook evenly.
- Adjust spice levels by adding more or less jalapeño.
- Squeeze fresh lime over the skillet before serving for brightness.
Expert Tips for the Best Results
- Do not overcrowd the skillet: Give the turkey room to brown for maximum flavor.
- Layer flavors: Cook the tomato paste briefly to caramelize it before mixing with other ingredients.
- Meal prep smart: Divide portions into airtight containers, it keeps beautifully for up to 4 days.
- Top creatively: Add crumbled queso fresco or a dollop of Greek yogurt for extra creaminess.
Recipe Variations
- Tex-Mex twist: Add taco seasoning and top with shredded cheddar.
- Vegan version: Skip the turkey and use tofu crumbles or extra beans.
- Breakfast hash: Add a fried egg on top for a protein-packed morning meal.
- Quesadilla filling: Use leftovers between tortillas for quick healthy quesadillas.
Make Ahead & Freezer Tips
Store in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 4 days. To freeze, cool completely and transfer to freezer-safe bags or containers. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave until warmed through, adding a splash of broth if needed.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this healthy turkey skillet straight from the pan with lime wedges and avocado slices. Garnish with extra cilantro for a fresh pop of green. It pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad or warm corn tortillas for a complete dinner.
If you love easy, crowd-pleasing dishes, you’ll definitely want to try my Easy Jalapeño Popper Dip Recipe. It’s creamy, spicy, and the perfect appetizer to pair with your Ground Turkey Skillet for a complete party-style meal.
Pairing Ideas
Pair with a chilled glass of sparkling water with lime or a light Sauvignon Blanc. It also goes great with side dishes like cilantro rice, roasted peppers, or a small bowl of guacamole.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of broth to refresh the texture. Microwave single servings for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring halfway through for even heating.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use ground chicken instead of turkey?
Yes, ground chicken works just as well. Just make sure it’s not too lean so it stays juicy.
Can I use canned sweet potatoes?
Fresh is best for texture, but canned can work in a pinch. Just drain and add them near the end so they don’t get mushy.
Is this recipe spicy?
Only mildly. You can control the heat by adjusting the jalapeño amount or omitting it entirely.
Can I make this ahead for meal prep?
Absolutely! It stores and reheats beautifully, making it perfect for lunches all week.
What sides go well with this dish?
Try it with brown rice, quinoa, or wrapped in a warm tortilla.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, simply double the ingredients and use a larger skillet to avoid overcrowding.
How do I make it dairy-free?
It already is, just skip any cheese toppings and you’re good to go.
Nutrition Info
| Serving Size: | 1 ½ cups |
|---|---|
| Calories: | 394 kcal |
| Protein: | 28 g |
| Carbohydrates: | 41 g |
| Fat: | 14.5 g |
| Fiber: | 10 g |
| Sugar: | 7.5 g |
| Cholesterol: | 84 mg |
| Sodium: | 635 mg |
Disclaimer: Nutrition facts are estimated using online tools and may vary based on your ingredients and preparation. Please consult a nutritionist for precise dietary advice.
Conclusion
This Ground Turkey Skillet with Sweet Potatoes and Black Beans brings together everything I love: flavor, color, and simplicity. It’s healthy, hearty, and perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekends. Give it a try tonight, and don’t forget to rate and share your experience, it truly helps this little kitchen keep cooking up more delicious recipes for you!
