Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet
This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Read our full disclosure statement.
This Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet is a nourishing, flavourful meal that comes together in about 30 minutes! Made with ground turkey, sweet potato, black beans and a delicious spice blend, you’ll love this easy dinner.
You may also like our vegan Southwest Sweet Potato, Kale & Black Bean Skillet!

Why we love this recipe
Colourful meals with lean protein are my go-to when I’m trying to eat well. I think you’ll love this turkey and veggie skillet too because it’s
Ingredients needed
Find the complete recipe with measurements in the recipe card below.
- Sweet potato – the quickest option is to microwave, but you can also use leftover roasted diced sweet potato
- Ground turkey – can sub ground chicken or extra lean ground beef
- Olive or avocado oil – for sautéing
- Onion and garlic – for savoury depth of flavour
- Red bell pepper – for colour, texture and added nutrition
- Spice blend – chili powder, ground cumin, paprika, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper
- Canned black beans
- Shredded cheese – a Mexican blend or regular cheddar; omit the cheese to make this a dairy-free meal
- Cilantro – totally fine to leave this out if you’re not on team cilantro!
How to make it
First, get the sweet potatoes cooking while you prepare the rest of the dish. Poke several holes in each sweet potato using a fork. For medium-sized sweet potatoes (about 8-ounces each) microwave for 5 minutes, then in 30 second intervals until fork tender. Set aside until cool enough to handle.
Next, sauté the veggies. Heat oil in the skillet over medium heat, then add the diced onion and cook until translucent. Add the bell pepper and continue to sauté for 3 minutes, then add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
Add the ground turkey and continue to sauté until almost fully cooked through, breaking it into smaller pieces with the spatula.
While the turkey is cooking, remove the peel from the sweet potato and dice into ¾-inch pieces.
Add the seasoning and water to the skillet with the turkey and mix until well combined. Continue to cook for about 3 minutes.
Finally, add in the sweet potato, black beans, cheese and cilantro. Stir well to combine and continue cooking until cheese is melted. Turn heat down to low, if needed.
Tips for Success
More easy dinner recipes
- Chicken Ramen Stir Fry
- Taco-Stuffed Spaghetti Squash
- Instant Pot Pumpkin Turkey Chili
- Stuffed Pepper Skillet
- Air Fryer Chicken Fajitas
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ If you enjoyed this recipe, please leave a review below! You can also subscribe to my newsletter and follow on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok to see the latest recipes and meal inspiration!
Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet
Click stars to rate now! ↑
Ingredients
- 1 lb sweet potatoes (~2 medium sweet potatoes; can use leftover roasted diced sweet potato)
- 2 tablespoons olive or avocado oil
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 lb ground turkey
- ½ cup water
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika (smoked or sweet)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 15oz can black beans (drained and rinsed)
- 1 cup shredded mexican blend or cheddar cheese (+ more for topping)
- ¼ cup chopped cilantro
- Optional garnishes: sliced avocado, guacamole, sour cream, pickled jalapeños, hot sauce
Instructions
- Cook the sweet potato. Poke several holes in each sweet potato using a fork. Microwave each potato (individually) for 5 minutes, then in 30 second intervals until fork tender. Set aside until cool enough to handle.
- Sauté the veggies. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion and sauté for 3-5 minutes, until softened. Add the bell pepper and cook for another 3 minutes. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds.
- Add the turkey. Add the ground turkey, breaking it apart with a spatula. Continue to cook until lightly browned, about 8 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Dice the sweet potato. While the turkey is cooking, peel the skin off the cooked sweet potatoes and dice them into ¾-inch pieces.
- Season the turkey. Add all the spices and water to the skillet, stirring well to coat the meat. Continue to cook for 2-3 more minutes.
- Bring it all together. Add in the sweet potato, black beans, cheese and cilantro. Stir well to combine and continue cooking until cheese is melted. Turn heat down to low, if needed.
- Remove from heat and serve. You can serve it plain, over rice with toppings, or in warmed tortillas. We like to serve ours topped with avocado or guacamole, sour cream and more cheese.
Notes
- To store: place in an airtight container and refrigerate. Eat leftovers within 4 days.
- To reheat:
- Microwave – heat an individual portion for 2-3 minutes (stirring once halfway) until fully warmed through to an internal temperature of 165 °F.
- Stovetop – reheat in a non-stick skillet until fully warmed through to an internal temperature of 165 °F. Add a splash of water, if needed.
Nutrition Estimate
Did you make this recipe?
Please leave a review below and share your results!
Absolutely delicious!! So easy to whip up – healthy! Itโs got everything you want and need! Keep โem coming!
Thrilled to hear you enjoyed the recipe, Mary!