Ground Turkey and Sweet Potato Taco Skillet Recipe

This Ground Turkey and Sweet Potato Taco Skillet is the perfect one-pan meal for a quick and healthy dinner. Packed with lean protein from ground turkey, the natural sweetness of sweet potatoes, and all the delicious taco seasonings you love, this dish is a wholesome take on classic taco flavors. The skillet recipe is incredibly versatile, as you can serve it as is, stuff it into tacos, or use it as a filling for burritos. Plus, it comes together in about 30 minutes, making it a great option for busy weeknights!

Instructions:

1. Cook the Sweet Potatoes:

• Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the diced sweet potatoes and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they begin to soften. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper. If the sweet potatoes are browning too quickly but are still hard, add 1-2 tablespoons of water to help them steam and soften. Once tender, remove from the skillet and set aside.

2. Brown the Ground Turkey:

• In the same skillet, add the ground turkey. Cook for 5-6 minutes over medium-high heat, breaking it up with a spatula as it cooks, until browned and cooked through. If there’s excess fat, drain it off.

3. Sauté the Vegetables:

• Once the turkey is cooked, add the diced onion, bell pepper, and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté for 3-4 minutes, or until the vegetables have softened and the onions become translucent.

4. Add the Seasoning and Sweet Potatoes:

• Sprinkle the taco seasoning over the turkey and vegetables. Stir everything together until the meat and veggies are evenly coated with the seasoning. Pour in the water or chicken broth to help the flavors blend and prevent sticking.

5. Add the Beans and Tomatoes:

• Add the black beans, diced tomatoes with green chilies, and the cooked sweet potatoes back into the skillet. Stir to combine everything well. Lower the heat and simmer for 5-7 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together and the mixture to thicken slightly. If it seems too dry, add a little more water or broth.

6. Taste and Adjust:

• Taste the skillet mixture and adjust the seasonings as needed. You can add more taco seasoning, salt, or pepper if desired. If you want more spice, a dash of hot sauce or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper can be added at this point.

7. Garnish and Serve:

• Remove the skillet from heat and garnish with freshly chopped cilantro. Serve the ground turkey and sweet potato taco mixture as is or with your favorite toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, avocado, or salsa. For extra crunch, you can also top with crushed tortilla chips.

Serving Suggestions:

• Taco Bowls: Serve the ground turkey and sweet potato taco mixture over rice or quinoa for a hearty taco bowl.
• Taco Night: Use the mixture as a filling for soft or hard shell tacos. Add your favorite toppings for a complete taco night.
• Burrito Filling: Wrap the skillet mixture in a large flour tortilla with cheese, salsa, and a dollop of sour cream for an easy and delicious burrito.
• Stuffed Peppers: For a low-carb option, stuff the mixture into halved bell peppers and bake in the oven until the peppers are tender.

Tips for Success:

1. Cut Sweet Potatoes Evenly:
   • To ensure that the sweet potatoes cook evenly, dice them into small, uniform pieces. This will help them cook faster and avoid uneven doneness in the skillet.
2. Homemade Taco Seasoning:
   • If you prefer to make your own taco seasoning, simply mix together 1 tablespoon chili powder, 1 teaspoon cumin, 1 teaspoon paprika, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, ½ teaspoon onion powder, ½ teaspoon oregano, ½ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon black pepper. You can also add a pinch of cayenne pepper for extra heat.
3. Add Some Heat:
   • If you like your taco dishes spicy, consider adding diced jalapeños, a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes, or a drizzle of hot sauce.
4. Make It Vegetarian:
   • You can easily make this recipe vegetarian by swapping the ground turkey for a plant-based meat alternative or increasing the amount of black beans.

Variations:

1. Southwest Taco Skillet:

• Add 1 cup of frozen corn and ½ teaspoon of smoked paprika to the mixture for a more Southwest-inspired flavor. Serve with a dollop of guacamole for added creaminess.

2. Cheesy Taco Skillet:

• For a cheesy version, stir in 1 cup of shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese right before serving. Allow the cheese to melt into the mixture for a rich, comforting dish.

3. Sweet and Spicy Taco Skillet:

• Add a tablespoon of honey or maple syrup along with a pinch of cayenne pepper for a sweet and spicy twist. The sweetness complements the savory taco seasoning and the natural sweetness of the sweet potatoes.

4. Low-Carb Taco Skillet:

• Skip the beans and tomatoes, and instead add chopped zucchini, spinach, or cauliflower rice to keep the dish low-carb while still being filling and flavorful.

Nutritional Information (per serving):

• Calories: 350
• Protein: 26g
• Carbohydrates: 38g
• Fat: 12g
• Fiber: 8g
• Sugars: 8g
• Sodium: 700mg

(Note: Nutritional values are approximate and depend on specific ingredients used.)

Frequently Asked Questions:

1. Can I use ground beef instead of ground turkey?

• Yes! Ground beef can easily be substituted for ground turkey in this recipe. However, if you use beef, it may add a richer flavor and slightly higher fat content.

2. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

• Absolutely! This skillet reheats well, making it a great meal prep option. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop before serving.

3. Can I freeze this dish?

• Yes, you can freeze the ground turkey and sweet potato taco skillet for up to 3 months. Allow it to cool completely, then store in a freezer-safe container or resealable freezer bag. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat before serving.

4. What can I serve with this dish?

• This dish is a complete meal on its own, but you can serve it with rice, tortillas, or a side salad for extra variety. It also pairs well with homemade guacamole or a simple avocado salad.

Conclusion:

This Ground Turkey and Sweet Potato Taco Skillet is a flavorful and healthy dinner that comes together in just one pan. It’s the perfect mix of lean protein, wholesome vegetables, and savory spices, making it a balanced and satisfying meal. Whether you serve it as a taco filling, in a bowl, or as a topping for nachos, this versatile skillet recipe is sure to become a family favorite. Plus, with easy substitutions and customizable options, you can make it your own!

Yield: 4

Ground Turkey and Sweet Potato Taco Skillet Recipe

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This Ground Turkey and Sweet Potato Taco Skillet is the perfect one-pan meal for a quick and healthy dinner. Packed with lean protein from ground turkey, the natural sweetness of sweet potatoes, and all the delicious taco seasonings you love, this dish is a wholesome take on classic taco flavors. The skillet recipe is incredibly versatile, as you can serve it as is, stuff it into tacos, or use it as a filling for burritos. Plus, it comes together in about 30 minutes, making it a great option for busy weeknights!

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 25 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground turkey
• 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and diced into small cubes
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 small onion, diced
• 1 bell pepper, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (14.5 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 (10 oz) can diced tomatoes with green chilies (like Rotel)
• 1 packet taco seasoning (or homemade taco seasoning)
• 1/4 cup water
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese (optional)
• Fresh cilantro, chopped (optional, for garnish)
• Lime wedges, for serving

Instructions

1. Cook Sweet Potatoes:

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced sweet potatoes and cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they begin to soften. Remove the sweet potatoes from the skillet and set aside.

2. Cook Ground Turkey:

In the same skillet, add the ground turkey and diced onion. Cook over medium heat until the turkey is browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Break up the turkey with a spatula as it cooks.

3. Add Veggies and Seasoning:

Add the bell pepper and minced garlic to the skillet with the turkey and onions. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the bell pepper begins to soften. Stir in the taco seasoning and 1/4 cup of water.

4. Combine Ingredients:

Add the cooked sweet potatoes, black beans, and diced tomatoes with green chilies to the skillet. Stir to combine everything and let it simmer for another 5-7 minutes until the sweet potatoes are fully tender and the flavors have melded together.

5. Add Cheese (Optional):

If using, sprinkle shredded cheese over the top of the skillet. Cover and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

6. Serve:

Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve with lime wedges. You can also enjoy this dish with tortillas, tortilla chips, or over rice.

Notes

• Sweet Potatoes: Make sure to dice the sweet potatoes into small cubes so they cook evenly and soften quickly.
• Customizable: Feel free to add in your favorite taco toppings like avocado, sour cream, or salsa.
• Leftovers: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. This dish also reheats well, making it great for meal prep.
• Gluten-Free: This recipe is naturally gluten-free, just ensure your taco seasoning and canned ingredients are certified gluten-free if needed.