35 Minute Ground Turkey & Sweet Potato Taco Skillet

Short description

This Ground Turkey & Sweet Potato Taco Skillet is a hearty, healthy one-pan dinner featuring seasoned ground turkey, tender sweet potatoes, black beans, spinach, and salsa. Ready in just 35 minutes, it is a vibrant, satisfying meal perfect for busy weeknights.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is packed with flavor, nutrition, and convenience. It uses wholesome ingredients like lean ground turkey, fiber-rich black beans, and nutrient-dense spinach, making it both filling and good for you. The sweet potatoes add natural sweetness, balancing the savory spices perfectly. With minimal prep and only one skillet needed, clean-up is easy, making it ideal for quick family meals or meal prepping for the week.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium white onion, finely diced
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (or to taste)
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt (or to taste)
• 1 pound ground turkey
• 2 cups sweet potato, cut into ½-inch pieces
• 15 ounces canned black beans, drained and rinsed
• 15 ounces chunky salsa (mild or hot, based on preference)
• 2 cups loosely packed baby spinach
• 1/2 cup cheddar cheese (optional, to taste)

Directions

Prepare the Skillet

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

Cook the Aromatics

Once the oil is hot, add the diced onion, salt, chili powder, garlic powder, cumin, oregano, and tomato paste. Cook for about 2 minutes, until the onions are translucent and the spices are fragrant.

Brown the Turkey

Add the ground turkey to the skillet. Use a wooden spoon to break it up as it cooks. Cook for 5-7 minutes or until the turkey is mostly browned.

Add the Sweet Potatoes and Beans

Stir in the sweet potatoes, black beans, and salsa. Mix thoroughly to combine all ingredients.

Simmer and Cook the Sweet Potatoes

Cover the skillet and cook for 12-14 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sweet potatoes are tender.

Finish with Spinach and Cheese (Optional)

Once the sweet potatoes are tender, stir in the baby spinach until it wilts. If desired, sprinkle the cheddar cheese over the top, cover, and let the cheese melt for about 3 minutes.

Serve

Serve the skillet hot, optionally topped with diced avocado, fresh cilantro, a squeeze of lime juice, and a dollop of sour cream.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields approximately 6 servings.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Calories: Approximately 310 kcal per serving

Variations

• Vegetarian option: Substitute the ground turkey with crumbled tofu or additional beans.
• Spicy version: Use hot salsa and add diced jalapeños to increase the heat.
• Different cheese: Replace cheddar with pepper jack or a Mexican cheese blend.
• Low-carb version: Swap sweet potatoes for diced zucchini or cauliflower rice.
• Extra veggies: Add corn, bell peppers, or mushrooms for even more flavor and nutrients.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, warm in a skillet over medium heat until heated through or microwave individual portions for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway. This dish also freezes well for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

FAQs

Can I use ground beef instead of turkey?

Yes, ground beef, chicken, or even plant-based meat substitutes can be used in place of turkey.

Do I need to peel the sweet potatoes?

Peeling is optional. If you like the texture, you can leave the skins on after scrubbing them well.

Can I make this dish dairy-free?

Yes, simply omit the cheese or use a dairy-free cheese alternative.

What kind of salsa works best?

Chunky salsa works best for this recipe, adding both moisture and texture to the skillet.

How can I make this recipe spicier?

Add extra chili powder, cayenne pepper, or diced jalapeños to the skillet.

35 Minute Ground Turkey & Sweet Potato Taco Skillet

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• Author: Olivia
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

This Ground Turkey & Sweet Potato Taco Skillet is a hearty, healthy one-pan dinner ready in just 35 minutes! Made with ground turkey, tender sweet potatoes, black beans, spinach, and salsa, it’s packed with flavor and perfect for easy weeknight meals or meal prep.

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Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1 medium white onion, finely diced

• 1 tablespoon tomato paste

• 1/2 teaspoon chili powder

• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (or to taste)

• 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin

• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano

• 1 teaspoon kosher salt (or to taste)

• 1 pound ground turkey

• 2 cups sweet potato, cut into 1/2-inch pieces

• 15 ounces canned black beans, drained and rinsed

• 15 ounces chunky salsa (mild or hot, based on preference)

• 2 cups loosely packed baby spinach

 

• 1/2 cup cheddar cheese (optional, to taste)

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Instructions

• Prepare the Skillet:
  Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

• Cook the Aromatics:
  Add the diced onion, salt, chili powder, garlic powder, cumin, oregano, and tomato paste. Sauté for about 2 minutes, until the onions are translucent and fragrant.

• Brown the Turkey:
  Add the ground turkey. Use a wooden spoon to break it up as it cooks. Cook for 5–7 minutes until mostly browned.

• Add Sweet Potatoes and Beans:
  Stir in the sweet potatoes, black beans, and salsa. Mix everything well.

• Simmer:
  Cover the skillet and cook for 12–14 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sweet potatoes are tender.

• Finish with Spinach and Cheese:
  Stir in the baby spinach until wilted. If using, sprinkle cheddar cheese over the top, cover, and allow the cheese to melt for about 3 minutes.

 

• Serve:
  Serve hot, optionally topped with diced avocado, fresh cilantro, lime juice, and sour cream.

Notes

• Substitute ground turkey with ground chicken or beef if preferred.

• For extra spice, add diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce.

 

• This dish is meal-prep friendly and keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Sautéing, Simmering
• Cuisine: American