This quick and easy Ground Turkey Skillet with sweet potatoes, black beans, corn, and tomatoes is ideal for meal prep. Packed with protein and fiber, it’s satisfying, flavorful, and naturally dairy- and gluten-free.
Skillet Turkey with Sweet Potatoes and Black Beans
This warm, one-skillet dinner is a seasonal variation on a summer turkey skillet, swapping zucchini for sweet potatoes for a heartier fall and winter dish. It balances lean protein, complex carbohydrates, and healthy fats, and it reheats beautifully for lunches or dinners throughout the week. The recipe is flexible—swap or omit ingredients based on what you have on hand. Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to four days and can be frozen for up to three months.
Ingredients for Ground Turkey Skillet
- Ground turkey: 1 pound (choose 93% lean for a good balance of flavor and lower fat).
- Sweet potatoes: 14 ounces (about 2 medium), peeled and diced into 1/2-inch pieces.
- Onion: 1/4 cup, chopped (white, yellow, or red).
- Tomato paste: 2 tablespoons, sautéed briefly with the onion to deepen the flavor. Freeze any extra paste in ice cube trays for later use.
- Black beans: 3/4 cup canned, rinsed and drained.
- Corn: 3/4 cup fresh or frozen kernels.
- Tomato: 1 large, diced.
- Jalapeño: 1, diced. Keep seeds for more heat or remove them for milder flavor.
- Garlic: 1 clove, minced.
- Cilantro: 2 tablespoons chopped, plus extra for garnish (omit if you dislike cilantro).
- Spices: 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cumin and 1 1/4 teaspoons kosher salt total (split as directed below; adjust to taste).
- Chicken broth: 1/2 cup (or substitute vegetable broth for a vegetarian stock option).
- Garnishes: Lime wedges and sliced avocado for serving.
How to Make the Ground Turkey Skillet
- Brown the turkey: Heat a large skillet over high heat, add a light spray or splash of oil, and brown the ground turkey. Season with 1 teaspoon of salt and 1 teaspoon of cumin. Break the meat up as it cooks until no pink remains, about 5 minutes.
- Sauté aromatics: Push the cooked turkey to one side of the skillet. Add a little more oil if needed and sauté the chopped onion with the tomato paste for about 1 minute to release the paste’s flavor.
- Add vegetables and beans: Stir in the diced sweet potato, black beans, corn, diced tomato, jalapeño, minced garlic, and chopped cilantro. Pour in the chicken broth and stir to combine.
- Season and simmer: Add the remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt (or to taste) and the remaining cumin. Mix everything together, cover the skillet, and reduce the heat to low. Simmer for 12 to 14 minutes, or until the sweet potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.
- Serve: Serve the skillet straight from the pan with lime wedges, sliced avocado, and extra cilantro on top.
Meal Prep Tips
This skillet is excellent for meal prep. Chop the onion, sweet potato, jalapeño, and cilantro in advance so cooking time is minimal when you’re ready to assemble. Portion leftovers into airtight containers for easy weekday lunches and dinners. Refrigerate for up to four days or freeze portions for up to three months. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of water or broth if it needs loosening.
Variations and Serving Ideas
- Protein swap: Replace ground turkey with lean ground sirloin or a plant-based ground meat alternative.
- Tomato options: Use canned diced tomatoes if fresh aren’t available.
- Extra vegetables: Stir in spinach, bell pepper, or chopped zucchini for more color and nutrients.
- Add heat: Top with hot sauce, chopped pickled jalapeños, or crushed red pepper for extra spice.
- Cheesy finish: Sprinkle shredded cheddar or cotija cheese over each serving if you eat dairy.
- Serve it with: Brown rice, quinoa, cauliflower rice, or tortilla chips for a satisfying bowl or taco-style filling.
Recipe at a Glance
- Yield: 4 servings
- Serving size: About 1/2 cup per serving
- Prep time: 5 minutes
- Cook time: 25 minutes
- Total time: 30 minutes
Nutrition (per serving)
Calories: 394 kcal; Carbohydrates: 41 g; Protein: 28 g; Fat: 14.5 g; Saturated Fat: 3 g; Cholesterol: 84 mg; Sodium: 635 mg; Fiber: 10 g; Sugar: 7.5 g. Nutrition values are approximate and will vary based on specific brands and ingredient choices.
More Ground Turkey Recipe Ideas
- Skillet Ground Turkey Taco with cauliflower rice
- Turkey and black bean enchiladas
- Ground turkey chorizo-style skillet
- Turkey picadillo
- No-bean turkey and sweet potato chili
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