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

I absolutely love sharing this Ground Turkey Skillet with Sweet Potatoes, Black Beans, and Corn Recipe because it’s one of those meals that feels like a warm, comforting hug after a long day. The mix of hearty ground turkey with sweet potatoes, vibrant black beans, and golden corn creates this beautiful balance of flavors and textures that’s both satisfying and nourishing. Whether you’re whipping this up for a quick weeknight dinner or doing some meal prep for the week ahead, you’ll find it hits the spot every single time.

What makes this recipe truly special is how easy it is to customize and how well the ingredients play off each other. I remember the first time I tried this combo—I was blown away by how the sweetness of the potatoes paired with the slight heat from jalapeño and the fresh zing of lime made everything pop. Plus, it’s incredibly healthy, packed with protein, fiber, and plenty of vitamins. Trust me, once you try this Ground Turkey Skillet with Sweet Potatoes, Black Beans, and Corn Recipe, it’ll become a staple in your kitchen too.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient brings its own magic to this recipe, and when combined, they create a wholesome, flavorful dish. I always keep these basics handy because they mix well, and it’s easy to swap out some items depending on what’s in your pantry.

• Sweet potatoes: I prefer peeling and dicing them to about 1/2 inch so they cook evenly and absorb all those lovely spices.
• Ground turkey: I use 93% lean for that perfect balance of flavor and less grease.
• Chopped onion: Adds a great savory depth; yellow onion works best for me.
• Tomato paste: This boosts a rich umami flavor — don’t skip it!
• Black beans: Canned, rinsed, and drained to keep things quick and easy.
• Corn kernels: Fresh or frozen works fine — frozen helps year-round.
• Diced tomato: Fresh tomato brightens the dish with juiciness and acidity.
• Jalapeño: Adds that subtle heat; adjust the amount to your spice preference.
• Garlic: Minced for that aromatic punch.
• Chopped cilantro: Brings a fresh, herbaceous note; save extra for garnish.
• Cumin: Essential for that warm, earthy flavor.
• Kosher salt: Seasoning is key — I always recommend tasting and adjusting.
• Chicken broth: For moisture and flavor, making sure nothing dries out.
• Lime wedges: Serve on the side to add brightness at the table.
• Avocado: Creamy slices provide a perfect cooling contrast to the spices.

Variations

I love tweaking this Ground Turkey Skillet with Sweet Potatoes, Black Beans, and Corn Recipe to keep it exciting. You can easily swap or add ingredients based on what you’re craving or what’s in season.

• Vegetarian version: I’ve replaced ground turkey with diced tofu or tempeh, and it turns out just as satisfying!
• Extra veggies: Sometimes, I add bell peppers or zucchini for more color and nutrients.
• Heat level: If you want more kick, I double the jalapeño or throw in some smoked chipotle powder.
• Cheesy topping: Whenever I’m feeling indulgent, a sprinkle of shredded cheddar or queso fresco on top is perfect.

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

Step 1: Brown the turkey with spices

Heat a large skillet over high heat and spray it lightly with oil. Toss in the ground turkey, seasoning it with 1 teaspoon kosher salt and 1 teaspoon cumin. As it cooks, break it up with your spatula. This step only takes about 5 minutes, just until the turkey is cooked through and starting to brown. I like to keep the turkey moist, so avoid overcooking here.

Step 2: Sauté onions and tomato paste

Push the browned turkey to one side of the skillet. Spray the empty side with a bit more oil, then add your chopped onion and tomato paste. Cook this mixture for about a minute until fragrant and the onions soften. This base helps deepen the flavor, so don’t rush it!

Step 3: Add sweet potatoes and other ingredients

Now, stir in the diced sweet potatoes, rinsed black beans, corn, diced tomato, jalapeño, minced garlic, and chopped cilantro. Pour in the chicken broth, which helps everything simmer to perfection. Season with the remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt and cumin, then give it a good stir to combine.

Step 4: Simmer until tender

Reduce the heat to low and cover the skillet. Let everything cook for about 12 to 14 minutes, or until the sweet potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork. Don’t skip tasting here — adjust seasoning with a pinch more salt or cumin if needed. The flavors really meld during this time.

Step 5: Serve with fresh toppings

Once cooked, serve the skillet topped with sliced avocado, a squeeze of lime, and extra chopped cilantro. The creaminess of avocado and brightness of lime brighten the whole dish and make it feel special. I love this finishing touch—it always gets compliments!

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

Garnishes

I always top this skillet with slices of creamy avocado for that luscious texture, a generous squeeze of fresh lime to brighten the flavors, and chopped cilantro for a refreshing herbal note. If I’m feeling fancy, a dollop of Greek yogurt or sour cream adds a lovely cooling effect as well.

Side Dishes

This Ground Turkey Skillet pairs so well with a simple green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette or some warm, crusty bread to scoop up every last bite. Sometimes I serve it alongside Mexican-style rice to turn it into a full fiesta of flavors and textures.

Creative Ways to Present

For special gatherings, I like to turn this skillet into stuffed bell peppers or warm corn tortillas for tacos topped with fresh garnishes. It’s fun to present it “family style” right from the skillet so everyone can serve themselves and pile on toppings.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, I transfer leftovers to airtight containers and keep them in the fridge. The flavors actually deepen after sitting overnight, and it tastes fantastic reheated for lunch or dinner the next day.

Freezing

This recipe freezes really well! I portion it into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently on the stove or in the microwave.

Reheating

I reheat leftovers over medium heat on the stove, adding a splash of broth or water if things feel dry. This keeps the sweet potatoes tender and prevents the turkey from drying out. A quick squeeze of lime after reheating freshens it right back up.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Ground Turkey Skillet with Sweet Potatoes, Black Beans, and Corn Recipe truly feels like a winner in my kitchen. It’s one of those meals I keep coming back to when I want something practical, tasty, and healthy all in one. I love how it’s easy enough for busy weeknights but flavorful enough to impress company. You’re going to enjoy how simple it is to throw together and how deeply satisfying every bite is. Give it a try—I promise it’ll be a new family favorite you’ll want to make again and again.

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