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

If you’re looking for a wholesome, satisfying dinner that’s bursting with flavor and comes together in about 30 minutes, you’ve got to try this Ground Turkey Skillet with Sweet Potatoes, Black Beans, and Corn Recipe. I absolutely love this dish because it combines hearty protein with sweet, tender vegetables and a kick of spice—all in one pan. When I first made it, my family went crazy for the cozy, vibrant flavors and the ease of cleanup was just the cherry on top. Stick with me here, I’ll walk you through everything so you can nail it on your first try!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this Ground Turkey Skillet with Sweet Potatoes, Black Beans, and Corn Recipe plays a starring role to create a hearty, colorful dish. Sweet potatoes bring natural sweetness and hold their shape beautifully, while black beans and corn add texture and protein. Here’s a rundown of the key players and a few shopping tips to keep your cooking smooth.

• Sweet Potatoes: Make sure they’re firm, without soft spots. Peeled and diced into ½-inch cubes so they cook evenly.
• Ground Turkey (93% lean): Lean but still juicy. Avoid very lean types, as they can dry out during cooking.
• Chopped Onion: Yellow or white onions give sweetness and depth.
• Tomato Paste: Adds a rich, concentrated tomato flavor without extra liquid.
• Canned Black Beans: Rinsed well to reduce sodium and avoid any canny taste.
• Corn Kernels: Fresh or frozen works fine—just thaw frozen before adding.
• Large Diced Tomato: Fresh is best for brightness; canned diced tomatoes can work in a pinch.
• Jalapeño: Dice finely, adjust to your heat preference or omit if you want milder flavors.
• Garlic: Freshly minced garlic is a must for that fragrant punch.
• Chopped Cilantro: Stirred in and used for garnish. Adds freshness and a little zing.
• Cumin & Kosher Salt: Essential spices for warming and seasoning the dish.
• Chicken Broth: Gives moisture and depth; low sodium options keep it healthy.
• Lime Wedges and Avocado: Served on top to brighten and add creaminess.

Variations

I love how flexible this Ground Turkey Skillet with Sweet Potatoes, Black Beans, and Corn Recipe is. Once you get comfortable with the base, feel free to mix things up depending on what you’ve got in your kitchen or what you’re craving.

• Spice it Up: When I want more heat, I add extra jalapeño or a pinch of cayenne. My husband adores this fiery twist!
• Vegetarian Version: Swap ground turkey for firm tofu or tempeh crumbles — it’s still hearty and just as delicious.
• Seasonal Veggies: In cooler months, I swap corn for diced bell peppers or zucchini for a different texture and flavor.
• Make it a Bowl: Serve over quinoa or brown rice for a filling, grain-full meal.

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

Step 1: Brown the Turkey to Juicy Perfection

Start by preheating a large skillet on high heat and spraying it with a little oil. Add the ground turkey, seasoning it right away with 1 teaspoon kosher salt and 1 teaspoon cumin. Breaking it up as you cook helps it brown evenly — aim for around 5 minutes until it’s no longer pink and looking nicely caramelized in spots. This step is key because a good browning adds rich, savory flavor to the whole dish.

Step 2: Cook the Aromatics and Build the Base

Push the turkey to one side of the skillet and spray the empty space again with oil. Toss in your chopped onion and tomato paste, cooking them together for about a minute. This helps develop that wonderful tomatoey depth that complements the spices and sweet potatoes later on.

Step 3: Add the Veggies and Simmer Away

Now, add the diced sweet potatoes, rinsed black beans, corn kernels, diced tomato, jalapeño, minced garlic, chopped cilantro, and pour in the chicken broth. Sprinkle in the remaining ¼ teaspoon salt (or adjust to your taste) and the rest of the cumin. Give everything a good stir so those flavors start mingling, then cover and reduce heat to low. Let it cook gently for 12 to 14 minutes, checking that the sweet potatoes become tender but not mushy. The smell at this point will probably have you hovering over the stove.

Step 4: Finish and Serve with Fresh Toppings

Once the sweet potatoes are perfectly tender, it’s time to serve. Spoon the skillet mixture onto plates, then garnish with slices of creamy avocado, fresh cilantro, and a generous squeeze of lime juice. This last touch brightens all the flavors and makes every bite sing.

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

Garnishes

I never skip the avocado slices—its creamy texture beautifully contrasts the warm, spiced turkey and veggies. A handful of fresh cilantro leaves on top adds a bright, herbaceous note. Of course, lime wedges are essential for squeezing over the skillet just before eating; the citrus cuts through the richness and wakes up the flavors.

Side Dishes

This skillet is a complete meal, but I love pairing it with a light green salad or some crusty bread to soak up the juices. On busier days, a side of guacamole and chips makes it feel like a fiesta without extra cooking.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist during gatherings, I’ve served this Ground Turkey Skillet filling inside warm tortillas for quick tacos, topped with shredded cheese and a drizzle of sour cream. It’s always a crowd-pleaser! You can also scoop it over roasted cauliflower rice for a low-carb option that still delivers big flavor.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge, and they usually last me about 3 to 4 days. The flavors actually deepen after sitting overnight, making for even tastier lunches the next day!

Freezing

This Ground Turkey Skillet with Sweet Potatoes, Black Beans, and Corn Recipe freezes really well. I portion it out into freezer-safe containers and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. Just be sure to add fresh avocado and lime wedges after reheating for the best texture and flavor.

Reheating

I gently reheat leftovers on the stovetop over medium-low heat with a splash of water or broth to keep it moist. Microwaves work too, but keep the time short and check that everything’s heated through without drying out.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Ground Turkey Skillet with Sweet Potatoes, Black Beans, and Corn Recipe has become a go-to in my kitchen for busy weeknights or meal prepping for the week ahead. It’s comforting, nutritious, and packed with vibrant colors and flavors that even picky eaters tend to love. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do—once you get the hang of the steps and the perfect spice balance, you’ll be reaching for it time and again. Trust me, your family will be thanking you!

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