Description
This 35 Minute Ground Turkey & Sweet Potato Taco Skillet is a flavorful, wholesome one-pan meal perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. Featuring lean ground turkey, tender sweet potatoes, black beans, and vibrant spices, this dish brings together hearty nutrition with simple preparation. The skillet method results in a deliciously seasoned, comforting taco-inspired dish topped with melting cheddar cheese and fresh spinach for added greens.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium finely diced white onion
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- ½ teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder, or to taste
- ½ teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ 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, medium, or hot based on preference)
- 2 cups loosely packed baby spinach
- ½ cup cheddar cheese (optional, to taste)
Instructions
- Heat the oil and spices: In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the finely diced onion, kosher salt, chili powder, garlic powder, ground cumin, dried oregano, and tomato paste. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onions are translucent, about 2 minutes.
- Cook the ground turkey: Add 1 pound of ground turkey to the skillet. Use a wooden spoon to break it up while cooking. Continue to cook until the turkey is mostly browned, approximately 5 to 7 minutes.
- Add sweet potatoes, beans, and salsa: Stir in 2 cups of ½-inch cubed sweet potatoes, 15 ounces of drained and rinsed black beans, and 15 ounces of chunky salsa. Mix well to combine all ingredients evenly in the skillet.
- Simmer until tender: Cover the skillet with a lid and cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sweet potatoes are tender. This should take about 12 to 14 minutes.
- Wilt the spinach and melt the cheese: Once the sweet potatoes are soft, add 2 cups of loosely packed baby spinach and stir until wilted. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Sprinkle ½ cup of cheddar cheese on top, cover the skillet again, and cook until the cheese is melted, about 3 minutes.
- Serve: Serve the skillet hot. Optionally, top with additional cheddar cheese, diced avocado, fresh cilantro, a squeeze of lime juice, sour cream, or enjoy as is for a hearty taco-inspired meal.
Notes
- If you don’t prefer sweet potatoes, substitute with Yukon gold or peeled Russet potatoes.
- Add more vegetables such as corn, bell peppers, or chopped mushrooms to boost nutritional content and flavor.
- To keep it dairy-free, simply omit the cheese.
- Increase the heat level by using hot salsa or adding diced jalapeño to the skillet.
- Enhance the spices for a more intense flavor profile according to taste.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican-inspired
