Description
A flavorful and healthy Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet packed with ground turkey, sweet potatoes, black beans, corn, and spices. Perfect for a quick and easy weeknight meal!
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 large sweet potato, peeled and diced into ½-inch cubes
- 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 (15-ounce) can corn, drained
- 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Avocado, diced
- Cilantro, chopped
- Sour cream or Greek yogurt
- Shredded cheddar cheese
- Lime wedges
- Hot sauce
Instructions
- Sauté the Aromatics: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet (preferably cast iron) over medium heat. Add the chopped yellow onion and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until softened and translucent, stirring occasionally.
- Brown the Turkey: Add the ground turkey to the skillet and break it up with a spoon. Cook until the turkey is browned, about 7-10 minutes. Drain off any excess grease.
- Add Garlic and Bell Pepper: Stir in the minced garlic and chopped red bell pepper. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, until the garlic is fragrant and the bell pepper is slightly softened.
- Incorporate the Sweet Potato: Add the diced sweet potato to the skillet. Stir well to combine it with the turkey and vegetables.
- Add Beans, Corn, and Tomatoes: Pour in the rinsed and drained black beans, drained corn, and undrained diced tomatoes. Stir everything together.
- Season with Spices: Add the chicken broth, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, dried oregano, and cayenne pepper (if using). Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Stir well to combine.
- Bring to a Simmer: Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat. Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let it cook for 20-25 minutes, or until the sweet potatoes are tender. Stir occasionally.
- Check for Doneness: After 20 minutes, check the sweet potatoes for tenderness. If they’re still firm, continue to cook for another 5-10 minutes.
- Adjust Consistency (if needed): If the skillet seems too dry, add a little more chicken broth. If it seems too watery, remove the lid and let it simmer for a few more minutes.
- Taste and Adjust Seasoning: Give the skillet a taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.
- Serve Hot: Serve the Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet hot, straight from the skillet.
- Add Your Favorite Toppings: Top with your favorite toppings, such as diced avocado, chopped cilantro, sour cream or Greek yogurt, shredded cheddar cheese, lime wedges, and hot sauce.
Notes
- Spice Level: Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper to control the heat level.
- Vegetarian Option: Substitute the ground turkey with plant-based ground meat or lentils.
- Add Greens: Stir in a handful of spinach or kale during the last few minutes of cooking.
- Different Beans: Feel free to substitute the black beans with pinto beans, kidney beans, or any other type of bean you prefer.
- Sweet Potato Variety: While I prefer the classic orange sweet potato, you can also use white or purple sweet potatoes.
- Make it Ahead: This skillet can be made ahead of time and reheated. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezing Instructions: Let the skillet cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Reheating Instructions: Reheat the skillet in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You can also reheat it in the microwave.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve the skillet as a main course, or as a side dish with grilled chicken or fish. It’s also great served over rice or quinoa.
- Skillet Size: A 12-inch cast iron skillet works best for this recipe, but any large skillet will do.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes