Ground Turkey Skillet with Sweet Potatoes, Black Beans, and Corn Recipe

If you’re looking for a wholesome, colorful meal that’s as satisfying as it is nutritious, this Ground Turkey Skillet with Sweet Potatoes, Black Beans, and Corn Recipe is an absolute winner. I love this dish because it’s packed with vibrant flavors and textures—from the tender sweet potatoes to the juicy black beans and the subtle heat from jalapeño. Plus, it all comes together in just one skillet, which makes cleanup super easy.

This recipe shines on busy weeknights when you want something hearty but straightforward. You’ll find that the balance of protein, fiber, and veggies keeps you full and energized, and the combination of spices makes it feel like a little fiesta in your mouth. Once you try this Ground Turkey Skillet with Sweet Potatoes, Black Beans, and Corn Recipe, I bet it’ll become one of your go-to dinners too!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients come together perfectly to create a rich and colorful skillet meal. When picking your sweet potatoes, opt for firm ones without any soft spots, and fresh jalapeños make a big difference for that perfect mild heat.

• Sweet Potato: Peeled and diced, they add natural sweetness and a tender bite that pairs beautifully with the savory turkey.
• Ground Turkey: 93% lean keeps it moist yet healthy; be sure to break it up well as it browns.
• Onion: Adds a subtle sweetness and depth when cooked with tomato paste.
• Tomato Paste: Concentrated flavor that enhances the tomato elements without watering down the skillet.
• Black Beans: Rinsed and drained, these bring fiber and a creamy texture.
• Corn Kernels: Fresh or frozen, they add a pop of sweetness and color.
• Diced Tomato: Fresh tomato chunks introduce juiciness and freshness.
• Jalapeño: Just enough heat to keep things interesting without overpowering.
• Garlic: Minced for that aromatic hint that makes everything taste more hearty and homey.
• Cilantro: Freshly chopped to brighten the whole dish—don’t skip the garnish either!
• Cumin: The spice star here, giving a warm, earthy background note.
• Kosher Salt: Enhances all the flavors naturally.
• Chicken Broth: Keeps the sweet potatoes moist and adds umami.
• Lime Wedges: Essential for that zesty finish when serving.
• Avocado: Creamy slices to top it off, balancing the spice and adding richness.

Variations

I love playing around with this recipe to keep it exciting and tailor it to whatever’s in my fridge or dietary preferences. Feel free to swap out ingredients or add your favorite twists to make the recipe your own.

• Spice Level: When I want a milder dish, I leave the jalapeño seeds out or swap for a poblano. For extra heat, adding a pinch of chili powder or diced serrano peppers works wonders.
• Vegetarian Option: I’ve tried replacing ground turkey with firm tofu crumbles or extra beans for a meatless version that’s still hearty.
• Seasonal Veggies: Throw in diced zucchini or bell peppers if they’re in season—it adds freshness and color.
• Grain Bowl Style: Serve this skillet over quinoa or brown rice for an extra filling meal.

How to Make Ground Turkey Skillet with Sweet Potatoes, Black Beans, and Corn Recipe

Step 1: Brown the Ground Turkey

Start by heating a large skillet over high heat with a quick spray of oil. Add the ground turkey, seasoning it with about 1 teaspoon salt and 1 teaspoon cumin right away. Use a spatula to break the meat into small pieces while it cooks—this helps it brown evenly. It usually takes about 5 minutes until all the pink is gone and the turkey gets a nice golden color. This step gives you a flavorful base, so don’t rush it!

Step 2: Sauté Onion and Tomato Paste

Push the cooked turkey to one side of your skillet and give the other side another spray of oil. Toss in chopped onions and the tomato paste. Cook and stir these for about a minute—this helps caramelize the onions and deepens that rich tomato flavor. The aroma at this point will have you practically drooling.

Step 3: Add Vegetables and Spices

Now add your diced sweet potatoes, canned black beans, corn kernels, diced tomato, diced jalapeño, minced garlic, and chopped cilantro to the skillet. Pour in the chicken broth to help everything cook together and add moisture. Sprinkle on the remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt and another 1/4 teaspoon of cumin—or adjust these seasonings to taste. Give it all a good stir to combine evenly before covering the skillet.

Step 4: Simmer Until Tender

Turn the heat down to low, cover the skillet, and let everything simmer for 12 to 14 minutes. You want the sweet potatoes to be fork-tender but not mushy. This is the magic where flavors meld and the whole dish develops that deep, comforting goodness.

Step 5: Serve and Garnish

Once the sweet potatoes are perfectly tender, serve the skillet hot topped with slices of creamy avocado, extra cilantro, and lime wedges for squeezing over the top. The lime adds brightness that really lifts the dish and makes it taste fresh. From my experience, it’s these little touches that turn a simple skillet meal into something memorable.

How to Serve Ground Turkey Skillet with Sweet Potatoes, Black Beans, and Corn Recipe

Garnishes

I always top mine with fresh cilantro leaves and sliced avocado—it adds a creamy contrast and fresh herbaceousness that’s just irresistible. A generous squeeze of lime juice just before eating brightens every bite and balances the flavors perfectly.

Side Dishes

This skillet is fantastic on its own, but if you want to round out the meal, I like serving it with warm corn tortillas or a simple green salad tossed with lemon vinaigrette. Sometimes I add a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt for extra creaminess.

Creative Ways to Present

For family dinners or casual gatherings, I’ve served this skillet straight in a rustic cast iron pan right at the table, garnished with lime wedges and avocado slices for guests to help themselves. Another fun idea is using it as a filling for stuffed bell peppers or warming up tortillas to make quick tacos.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually cool the leftovers to room temperature, then transfer them into airtight containers. They keep well in the fridge for up to 4 days, and the flavors actually deepen overnight. Just be sure to add avocado and lime fresh when reheating to keep things tasty.

Freezing

This recipe freezes beautifully—I portion it out in freezer-safe containers or bags. When you thaw it in the fridge overnight, it reheats evenly without losing texture. Just add any creamy toppings after reheating to keep them fresh.

Reheating

I like reheating leftovers gently in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen it up if needed. Microwaving works too but stirring occasionally helps maintain even warmth. Avoid overcooking during reheating so the sweet potatoes stay tender but not mushy.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Ground Turkey Skillet with Sweet Potatoes, Black Beans, and Corn Recipe has quickly become one of my favorite weeknight dishes to share with family and friends. It’s packed with comfort, nutrition, and bold flavors, yet comes together in less than 30 minutes. I think you’ll love how simple it is to make but how rich and vibrant it tastes every single time. So go ahead, give it a try—you might just have a new dinner staple for busy nights and meal prep alike!

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