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Quick Turkey Potato Skillet

This twenty minute turkey skillet has become my ultimate busy weeknight savior because it combines lean ground turkey with sweet potatoes and black beans in these incredible Mexican inspired seasonings and what makes it really special is how using the microwave for the potatoes cuts down the cooking time while still giving you perfectly tender results plus it's packed with protein and vegetables which means you get a complete healthy meal in one pan and my family actually gets excited when they see me pulling out the ingredients because they know dinner's going to be both quick and delicious.

Featured in Reliable Main Course Recipes.

Chef Zaho
Updated on Fri, 10 Jan 2025 20:13:12 GMT
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A cast iron skillet filled with sautéed ground meat, cubed butternut squash, and diced onions, garnished with fresh herbs and drizzled with sauce. Pin it
A cast iron skillet filled with sautéed ground meat, cubed butternut squash, and diced onions, garnished with fresh herbs and drizzled with sauce. | alicesrecipes.com

My 30-Minute Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet

Let me share one of my favorite quick and healthy dinners that never fails to satisfy. This colorful skillet combines lean turkey tender sweet potatoes black beans and the perfect blend of Southwest spices. Top it with melty cheese fresh tomatoes and a quick two ingredient sauce and you've got pure comfort food ready in under 30 minutes.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This is my go to meal for busy weeknights when I want something delicious but don't have hours to cook. The pre-cooked sweet potatoes are my secret time-saving trick and that creamy salsa sauce takes it to the next level.

Everything You Need

  • • Lean Turkey: 1 pound any fat content you prefer
  • • Sweet Potatoes: 1 large diced into bite sized pieces
  • • Black Beans: 1 can drained and rinsed well
  • • Kosher Salt: ½ teaspoon or to your taste
  • • Smoky Chipotle: ½ teaspoon of chili powder
  • • Ground Cumin: 1 teaspoon for that Southwest flavor
  • • Sharp Cheddar: ½ cup freshly shredded
  • • Fresh Garnishes: 2 sliced green onions and 1 diced tomato
  • • Quick Sauce: ¼ cup each sour cream and your favorite salsa
A skillet dish featuring ground meat, diced sweet potatoes, bell peppers, tomatoes, and melted cheese, garnished with fresh herbs. Pin it
A skillet dish featuring ground meat, diced sweet potatoes, bell peppers, tomatoes, and melted cheese, garnished with fresh herbs. | alicesrecipes.com

Let's Make It Together

Start With The Potatoes
Quick cook those diced sweet potatoes in the microwave with a damp paper towel cover about 5 minutes.
Mix Up Your Sauce
Stir together sour cream and salsa until smooth set it aside for later.
Cook The Turkey
Brown your turkey in a large skillet breaking it up as it cooks about 5 minutes.
Build Your Skillet
Add those tender potatoes beans and all your seasonings cook until everything's perfect about 5 more minutes.
Make It Cheesy
Kill the heat sprinkle on that cheese and let it get all melty.
Time To Serve
Top with fresh tomatoes green onions and drizzle with that creamy sauce.

Make It Your Own

  • • Heat Level: Adjust the chipotle powder more for spicy less for mild
  • • No Microwave: Bake those sweet potatoes at 400°F for 10-15 minutes
  • • Cheese Choices: Try pepper jack for heat or Monterey Jack for mild
  • • Plant Based: Use vegan meat cheese and sour cream
A skillet filled with cooked ground meat, diced butternut squash, tomatoes, and garnished with fresh herbs. Pin it
A skillet filled with cooked ground meat, diced butternut squash, tomatoes, and garnished with fresh herbs. | alicesrecipes.com

Keeping It Fresh

  • • Short Term: Keeps in the fridge for 3 days sealed tight
  • • Long Term: Freezes beautifully for up to 2 months
  • • Warm It Up: Heat in a skillet or microwave until hot through

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I prep the sweet potatoes ahead?

Yes, cook and store them in the fridge for up to 2 days. Add them to the skillet until heated through.

→ How can I make it spicier?

Add extra chipotle chili powder or use spicy salsa in the sauce.

→ Can I use ground chicken instead?

Yes, ground chicken works perfectly as a substitute for turkey.

→ Do I need to drain the beans?

Yes, drain and rinse the black beans to remove excess sodium and prevent the dish from being too wet.

→ Can I make this ahead?

While best fresh, it reheats well. Store without toppings and add fresh garnishes when serving.

Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet

A quick one-pan meal combining ground turkey with sweet potatoes, black beans, and Mexican-inspired seasonings.

Prep Time
5 Minutes
Cook Time
15 Minutes
Total Time
20 Minutes
By: Fati Zaho

Category: Main Dishes

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: American

Yield: 4 Servings (4 portions)

Dietary: Gluten-Free

Ingredients

01 1 pound ground turkey.
02 2 cups sweet potatoes, diced.
03 1 can black beans, drained.
04 1 teaspoon kosher salt.
05 1 teaspoon chipotle chili powder.
06 1 teaspoon cumin.
07 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded.
08 3 green onions, sliced.
09 1 tomato, diced.
10 1/3 cup sour cream.
11 1/3 cup salsa.

Instructions

Step 01

Microwave sweet potatoes for 5 minutes covered. Set aside.

Step 02

Mix the sour cream and salsa together. Set aside.

Step 03

Brown the ground turkey in a large skillet. Drain if necessary.

Step 04

Add the sweet potatoes, black beans, and seasonings to the skillet. Cook for 5 minutes. Top with shredded cheese to melt, then add green onions and diced tomatoes. Serve with the prepared sauce.

Notes

  1. Quick weeknight meal.
  2. Customize spice level.
  3. Can use taco sauce.
  4. One-pan dinner.
  5. Great for meal prep.
  6. Healthy protein option.

Tools You'll Need

  • Large skillet.
  • Microwave.
  • Mixing bowl.
  • Measuring spoons.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Dairy (cheese, sour cream).

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 610
  • Total Fat: 34 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 37 g
  • Protein: 42 g