Ground Turkey Skillet with Sweet Potatoes and Black Bean Recipe

If you’re searching for a mouthwatering meal that’s hearty yet healthy, Ground Turkey Skillet with Sweet Potatoes and Black Bean is about to become your new favorite dinner MVP! This one-pan wonder brings together lean turkey, creamy sweet potatoes, and bold black beans for a crowd-pleasing meal that tastes like comfort but feels downright nourishing.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

Every component in this Ground Turkey Skillet with Sweet Potatoes and Black Bean recipe plays a starring role, delivering flavor, color, and wholesome goodness. These easy-to-find ingredients team up to create a balanced, satisfying meal that comes together in just one pan—talk about weeknight magic!

• Sweet potatoes (peeled and diced): Naturally creamy and a little sweet, these cubes become beautifully tender and add cheerful color to the skillet.
• 93% lean ground turkey: This lighter protein browns up perfectly, soaks in all the seasonings, and keeps the meal filling without being heavy.
• Chopped onion: A quick sauté brings out sweetness and irresistible aroma, making the whole dish fragrant.
• Tomato paste: This concentrate boosts umami and gives the sauce rich depth.
• Canned black beans (rinsed and drained): Fiber-packed, creamy, and earthy—they’re the heart and soul of our skillet.
• Corn kernels (fresh or frozen): Adds pops of sweetness and a little crunch for texture contrast.
• Large diced tomato: Offers juicy freshness and brings everything together in a light sauce.
• Jalapeño (diced): Amp up the flavor and add a customizable kick—control the heat by using more or less, or seeding.
• Garlic (minced): Spicy-sweet garlic elevates every savory note.
• Chopped cilantro (plus more for garnish): Lends brightness and a pop of color at the end; essential for that fresh finish.
• Cumin: The warm, earthy backbone of these Southwestern-inspired flavors.
• Kosher salt: Makes every ingredient shine and all the flavors sing.
• Chicken broth: Helps the sweet potatoes steam and keeps the skillet moist and saucy.
• Lime wedges (for serving): A squirt of lime at the table perks up every bite.
• Avocado (sliced): Creamy, cooling, and the ultimate topper for richness.

Variations

This Ground Turkey Skillet with Sweet Potatoes and Black Bean is endlessly adaptable—consider this recipe your delicious canvas for experimentation! Mix and match with what you have, or tweak for your family’s preferences. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

• Make it Veggie: Skip the ground turkey and add in extra beans, bell peppers, or zucchini for a hearty vegetarian version.
• Pump Up the Heat: Love it spicy? Leave the seeds in your jalapeño or toss in a pinch of chili flakes while sautéing.
• Switch Up the Beans: Try kidney or pinto beans instead of black beans for a new twist on flavor and texture.
• Different Greens: Stir in a handful of baby spinach or kale during the last two minutes of cooking for bonus color and nutrients.
• Swap the Protein: Ground chicken or even leftover shredded rotisserie chicken works beautifully here if you don’t have ground turkey on hand.

How to Make Ground Turkey Skillet with Sweet Potatoes and Black Bean

Step 1: Brown the Turkey and Build the Flavor Base

Start by heating a large skillet over high heat and giving it a quick spritz of oil. Add the ground turkey; season it with a generous pinch of salt and cumin right away. As it cooks, break up the meat with a spatula so it browns all over and turns crumbly and aromatic—about five minutes is perfect. Don’t rush this step; browning adds so much savory flavor and forms the backbone of the dish.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatics for Extra Depth

Push the turkey mixture to one side of the skillet and spritz the open space with a little more oil. Toss in the chopped onion and the tomato paste, stirring just until the onions are soft and a bit golden and the tomato paste is darkened. This super-quick sauté intensifies the sweetness of the onions and brings out the full, concentrated flavor in the tomato paste.

Step 3: Add Sweet Potatoes and Veggies

Now add the sweet potato cubes, black beans, corn kernels, diced tomato, jalapeño, garlic, and chopped cilantro, all at once. Pour in the chicken broth and sprinkle over the remaining salt and cumin. Give everything a thorough mix so the veggies and meat mingle, and those gorgeous colors are distributed throughout the skillet.

Step 4: Steam and Simmer to Perfection

Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let it simmer for 12 to 14 minutes. The sweet potatoes will steam in the broth and tomato juices until lush and fork-tender, while the flavors blend into a colorful, hearty medley. Peek in and stir once or twice to make sure nothing is sticking, and breathe in those fabulous aromas!

Step 5: Finish and Serve

Once the sweet potatoes are soft and everything is bubbling, remove from heat. Spoon into bowls and top with creamy avocado slices, a handful of fresh cilantro, and plenty of lime wedges on the side for squeezing. The Ground Turkey Skillet with Sweet Potatoes and Black Bean is now ready to wow!

How to Serve Ground Turkey Skillet with Sweet Potatoes and Black Bean

Garnishes

Top your Ground Turkey Skillet with Sweet Potatoes and Black Bean with plenty of creamy avocado slices, a flurry of chopped cilantro, and a squeeze of fresh lime for brightness. If you love a hint of heat, scatter on a few extra diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce. These finishing touches add both color and irresistible freshness.

Side Dishes

This skillet is a meal in itself, but it also pairs beautifully with warm corn tortillas, a simple green salad with lime vinaigrette, or a side of rice (regular or cauliflower for a lighter option). If you’re feeling extra festive, serve with tortilla chips for scooping up every last flavorful bite.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun family dinner, set out bowls of all the garnishes and let everyone customize their own plate. Looking to impress? Spoon the skillet mixture over toasted sweet potato “boats,” stuff it into halved bell peppers and bake for a few minutes, or serve it as a taco or burrito bowl with extra toppings for a colorful DIY spread!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers of Ground Turkey Skillet with Sweet Potatoes and Black Bean are a dream for busy days! Transfer cooled portions to airtight containers and refrigerate for up to 4 days. Keeping the garnishes separate ensures everything stays fresh and vibrant.

Freezing

This skillet freezes exceptionally well. Let it cool completely, spoon into freezer-safe containers, and freeze for up to 2 months. Just remember: skip freezing the avocado and any fresh herbs, and add those after thawing and reheating for best texture.

Reheating

For quick meals, reheat leftovers in the microwave (covered, with a splash of broth if needed) or warm gently on the stovetop until heated through. Give everything a good stir so the flavors meld again, then add your avocado, cilantro, and lime just before serving for peak deliciousness.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I can’t wait for you to experience just how satisfying and vibrant a weeknight dinner can be with this Ground Turkey Skillet with Sweet Potatoes and Black Bean. It’s comforting, colorful, and wonderfully adaptable—just the thing to share with the people you love. Give it a try this week, and don’t forget those extra lime wedges!

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