Do Share Recipe

35-Minute Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Taco Skillet Recipe

I just finished making this for dinner, and my whole family devoured it straight from the pan. This one-skillet meal has become my go-to for busy weeknights when I need something satisfying without a lot of effort.

It’s packed with ground turkey, sweet potatoes, black beans, and spinach, all simmered in a savory taco-seasoned salsa.

The combination of flavors is just perfect, and I love that it’s a complete, veggie-loaded meal that comes together in about 35 minutes. It’s cozy, hearty, and an absolute lifesaver after a long day.

Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Taco Skillet Recipe

Ingredients

Here are the simple ingredients you’ll need to create this delicious one-pan meal.

1 tablespoon olive oil: Used for sautéing the onions and browning the turkey, creating a flavorful base.
1 medium white onion, finely diced: This aromatic adds a foundational layer of savory flavor.
1 tablespoon tomato paste: This provides a concentrated, rich tomato flavor that deepens the sauce.
½ teaspoon chili powder: Adds a classic taco warmth and smokiness.
½ teaspoon garlic powder: A convenient way to add garlic flavor that distributes evenly.
½ teaspoon ground cumin: Provides an earthy, nutty flavor essential to taco seasoning.
½ teaspoon dried oregano: Lends a peppery, slightly bitter note that balances the other spices.
1 teaspoon kosher salt: Enhances all the other flavors in the dish. Adjust to your taste.
1 pound ground turkey: A lean protein that makes the skillet hearty and satisfying.
2 cups sweet potato, cut into ½-inch pieces: Their natural sweetness perfectly complements the savory and spicy flavors.
15 ounces canned black beans, drained and rinsed: Adds plant-based protein, fiber, and a creamy texture.
15 ounces chunky salsa: This is a shortcut to big flavor, acting as the sauce and seasoning base.
2 cups loosely packed baby spinach: It wilts down beautifully, adding nutrients without overpowering the dish. Pro-tip: Use fresh, not frozen, for the best texture.
½ cup cheddar cheese, shredded: An optional but delicious topping that adds a melty, savory finish. Grating your own cheese from a block will result in a much better melt.

Note: The quantities listed will yield approximately six servings.

Variations

One of the best parts about this skillet is how easily you can adapt it to your taste or what you have on hand.

Make it Dairy-Free: Simply skip the cheese topping at the end. The dish is still incredibly flavorful without it.
Swap the Potato: If you’re not a fan of sweet potatoes, you can substitute them with Yukon gold or peeled Russet potatoes. Butternut squash also works well but may cook a bit faster.
Add More Veggies: Feel free to load this up even more. Corn, diced bell peppers, or chopped mushrooms would be fantastic additions. Sauté them with the onions for the best flavor.
Turn Up the Heat: If you like things spicy, use a medium or hot salsa. You can also add diced jalapeños along with the onions or a pinch of cayenne pepper with the other spices.
Change the Protein: Ground beef or ground chicken would work just as well as turkey in this recipe. For a vegetarian version, you could use a plant-based ground “meat” or add an extra can of beans.

For a similar hearty dish, you might enjoy this chicken taco tortellini skillet recipe, which also combines bold flavors in a single pan.

Cooking Time

This recipe is designed to be quick and easy, perfect for a weeknight.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes

Equipment You Need

You don’t need any fancy tools to make this skillet dinner happen.

Large Skillet: A 12-inch skillet with a lid is ideal for cooking everything together without crowding the pan.
Knife and Cutting Board: For dicing the onion and sweet potatoes.
Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Perfect for breaking up the ground turkey and stirring the ingredients.
Measuring Spoons and Cups: For accurately measuring the spices, veggies, and other components.

How to Make Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Taco Skillet?

This recipe comes together in just a few simple stages right in one pan. Follow these steps for a perfect skillet dinner every time.

Sauté Aromatics and Spices

First, heat the olive oil in your large skillet over medium-high heat. Once it’s hot, add the diced onion, tomato paste, chili powder, garlic powder, cumin, oregano, and salt. Stir everything together and cook for about two minutes, just until the onions start to soften and become translucent.

Brown the Turkey

Next, add the ground turkey to the skillet with the seasoned onions. Use your wooden spoon to break the meat apart as it cooks. Continue cooking for about 5 to 7 minutes, or until the turkey is mostly browned and cooked through.

Simmer with Veggies and Salsa

Now it’s time to add the diced sweet potatoes, rinsed black beans, and salsa to the skillet. Stir everything well to combine all the ingredients evenly. Cover the skillet with a lid and let it cook for 12 to 14 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sweet potatoes are tender enough to be easily pierced with a fork.

Wilt the Spinach and Melt the Cheese

Once the sweet potatoes are tender, add the fresh spinach to the skillet. Stir it in until it has completely wilted, which should only take a minute or two. At this point, I like to taste it and adjust the seasoning if needed, adding more salt or spices to my liking.

Add the Finishing Touches

If you’re using cheese, sprinkle it evenly over the top of the skillet mixture. Place the lid back on the skillet for about three more minutes, or until the cheese is beautifully melted and gooey. Your delicious one-pan meal is now ready to serve.

Additional Tips for Making this Recipe Better

Over the many times I’ve made this dish, I’ve picked up a few tricks that take it from great to amazing.

Cut Sweet Potatoes Uniformly: I make sure to cut my sweet potatoes into small, uniform ½-inch cubes. This ensures they cook evenly and become tender at the same rate as the other ingredients, so you don’t end up with some hard and some mushy pieces.
Don’t Drain the Turkey Fat (Unless Excessive): If you use lean ground turkey (93/7), there won’t be much excess fat. I find that leaving that small amount in the pan adds a lot of flavor to the final dish. If you use a higher-fat turkey, you might want to drain some of it off before adding the other ingredients.
Bloom the Spices: Cooking the spices and tomato paste with the onions for a minute or two before adding the turkey really “blooms” them. I’ve noticed this small step makes their flavors more vibrant and aromatic throughout the skillet.
Let It Rest: After the cheese melts, I turn off the heat and let the skillet sit for about 5 minutes with the lid on. This allows the flavors to meld together even more, and I find it makes the dish even more delicious.

For some added crunch, serve it with a side of tortilla chips for scooping. If you’re looking for a comforting soup to pair with this, try this crock pot corn chowder recipe for a cozy addition to your meal.

How to Serve Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Taco Skillet

This skillet is a complete meal on its own, but the right garnishes can elevate it into something special. You can serve it straight from the skillet for a rustic, family-style meal. For a nicer presentation, spoon individual portions into bowls. The real fun comes with the toppings.

Set up a small topping bar with bowls of diced avocado, fresh cilantro, a dollop of sour cream or plain Greek yogurt, and extra shredded cheese.

A squeeze of fresh lime juice over the top just before eating brightens all the flavors wonderfully. For some added crunch, serve it with a side of tortilla chips for scooping.

Nutritional Information

Here is an estimated nutritional breakdown per serving for this recipe.

Please note that these values are an approximation and can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use.

Calories: 310 kcal
Protein: 29g
Carbohydrates: 34g
Fat: 8g

Make Ahead and Storage

This recipe is fantastic for meal prep and stores beautifully, making it perfect for future meals.

Storing: To store leftovers, allow the skillet to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, with the flavors often tasting even better the next day.

Freezing: This dish freezes very well. Let it cool completely, then place it in a freezer-safe container or bag. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. To serve, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating: You can reheat individual portions in the microwave for a couple of minutes until hot. Alternatively, you can reheat the skillet on the stovetop over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to prevent it from drying out.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

There are so many reasons this ground turkey and sweet potato skillet will become a staple in your meal rotation.

Quick and Easy: This entire meal comes together in one pan in just about 35 minutes. With minimal prep and even less cleanup, it’s the perfect solution for a hectic weeknight dinner.
Packed with Flavor and Nutrients: It’s a well-rounded meal that doesn’t sacrifice flavor for health. You get lean protein from the turkey, complex carbs and vitamins from the sweet potatoes, and extra fiber and nutrients from the black beans and spinach.
Highly Versatile: You can easily customize this recipe based on your dietary needs or preferences. Make it dairy-free, add extra vegetables, or swap the protein to make it your own.
Perfect for Meal Prep: This recipe tastes just as good, if not better, the next day. It holds up well in the refrigerator and freezer, making it an excellent choice for planning your meals for the week.

Ben Carraoli