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Ground Turkey and Sweet Potato Skillet, Easy High Protein Fall Dinners the Whole Family Will Actually Eat
Brittany Stage

Ground Turkey and Sweet Potato Skillet

Lean ground turkey browns with diced sweet potato, black beans, and smoky cumin-chili seasoning all in one skillet in about 30 minutes. It is a filling, naturally gluten-free fall dinner that works over rice or wrapped in warm tortillas.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 410

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb lean ground turkey 93/7 recommended
  • 2 medium sweet potatoes peeled and cut into 1/2-inch cubes, about 3 cups
  • 1 can (15 oz) black beans drained and rinsed
  • 1 medium yellow onion diced
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with juices
  • 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 1/2 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp chili powder
  • 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
  • 3/4 tsp kosher salt plus more to taste
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 2 tbsp fresh cilantro chopped, for serving (optional)

Equipment

  • large skillet (12-inch) with lid
  • cutting board
  • sharp knife
  • wooden spoon or spatula

Method
 

  1. Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large 12-inch skillet over medium-high heat until it shimmers. Add the diced onion and cook for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened and starting to turn golden at the edges.
  2. Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds, just until fragrant. Then add the ground turkey. Break it apart with a wooden spoon and cook for 5 to 6 minutes, until no pink remains. The turkey should be in small crumbles, not large chunks.
  3. Sprinkle in the cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir to coat the turkey evenly with the spices and let it cook for 1 minute more so the spices toast slightly in the pan.
  4. Add the cubed sweet potatoes to the skillet along with the chicken broth. Stir everything together, then reduce heat to medium. Cover the skillet with a lid and cook for 10 to 12 minutes, stirring once halfway through, until the sweet potato cubes are fork-tender. The broth steams the potatoes so they cook through without burning.
  5. Remove the lid and stir in the drained black beans and the canned diced tomatoes with their juices. Raise the heat back to medium-high and cook uncovered for 4 to 5 minutes until the liquid reduces and the mixture thickens up slightly.
  6. Taste and adjust salt as needed. Serve hot from the skillet over steamed rice or with warm flour or corn tortillas. Top with chopped cilantro and a squeeze of lime if you like.

Notes

Cut sweet potatoes no larger than 1/2-inch cubes. Larger pieces take longer and the turkey can dry out while you wait for them to soften.