Ground Turkey and Sweet Potato Taco Skillet Recipe

This Sweet Potato Taco Skillet with ground turkey and black beans is a hearty one-pan weeknight dinner that comes together in about 30 minutes with minimal cleanup. Each serving delivers roughly 35 grams of protein and 8 grams of fiber, making it a satisfying, nutritious meal to add to your regular rotation.

Skillet dinners like this are perfect for busy evenings: everything cooks in one pan and the result tastes like you put in much more effort than you did. This version went viral on the Choosing Chia Instagram page and has become a weekly favorite. It works well for dinner, meal prep, and leftovers reheat nicely.

Serve it straight from the skillet, spooned over rice or quinoa, or wrapped in tortillas for an easy, flexible meal.

Key Ingredients & Substitutions

• Ground turkey: A lean 1-pound package works well. Swap with ground beef for a richer flavor, or use crumbled tofu for a vegetarian version.
• Sweet potato: One large, peeled and cut into even ½-inch cubes. You can also use butternut squash.
• Salsa: The main flavor base—choose a salsa you enjoy. Medium heat is a good default.
• Black beans: One 15 oz can, drained and rinsed. Pinto beans are a fine substitute.
• Spinach: Two cups chopped—wilts quickly. Kale can be used but may need more cooking time.
• Cheese: Optional but tasty—use a Tex-Mex blend or sharp cheddar. For dairy-free, omit or use a plant-based shreds.

How To Make A Sweet Potato Skillet

Step 1: Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground turkey and cook, breaking it up, until browned.

Step 2: Add the chopped onion and seasonings, and cook a couple more minutes until softened.

Step 3: Add the sweet potato, black beans, salsa, and chicken broth. Stir, bring to a light boil, cover, and simmer for about 20 minutes until the sweet potato is tender.

Step 4: Stir in the chopped spinach until wilted, then top with shredded cheese if using.

Step 5: Broil for 1–2 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and lightly golden, then serve immediately.

Recipe Variations

• Use ground beef: Swap turkey for beef for a richer flavor—same method.
• Make it dairy-free: Omit the cheese or use a dairy-free alternative.
• Add more veggies: Bell pepper, corn, or zucchini can be added with the sweet potato at step 3.
• Turn up the heat: Use hot salsa or add cayenne with the spices for more spice.

How To Store

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat or in the microwave. It freezes well for up to 3 months—leave off the cheese before freezing and add it when reheating.

Jess’s Tips

• Use an oven-safe skillet: You can finish the dish under the broiler. If your skillet isn’t oven-safe, transfer to a baking dish before adding cheese.
• Cut the sweet potato evenly: Aim for ½-inch cubes so everything cooks uniformly.
• Keep the lid on during simmering: Let it steam undisturbed for at least 15 minutes to cook the sweet potato through.
• Pick a salsa you enjoy: It forms the main flavor, so choose one you’d happily eat with chips.
• Watch the broiler: Broilers vary—1–2 minutes is usually enough. Remove when the cheese is bubbly and just golden.

Frequently Asked Questions