If you are looking for a dish that’s hearty, vibrant, and packed with flavor, then this Ground Turkey and Sweet Potato Skillet with Salsa and Cheddar Recipe is exactly what you need. It combines the lean richness of ground turkey with the natural sweetness of tender sweet potatoes, all brightened up by tangy salsa and creamy cheddar cheese. This skillet not only delivers on taste but also on quick and easy preparation, making it a perfect weeknight dinner that feels like a special treat.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Ground Turkey and Sweet Potato Skillet with Salsa and Cheddar Recipe is in its simple, well-balanced ingredients that work together to create a dish bursting with warmth, texture, and vibrant colors.
- 1/3 cup sour cream: Adds a cool, creamy element that mellows out the spices.
- 1/3 cup salsa: Brings acidity, a fresh kick, and moisture for the sauce.
- 1 pound ground turkey: The lean protein base that absorbs all the flavors beautifully.
- 2 cups diced sweet potatoes (1 large): Offers natural sweetness and a lovely soft bite once cooked.
- 1 (15 ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed: Adds heartiness and a subtle earthiness to the skillet.
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt: Essential for enhancing every ingredient’s flavor.
- 1 teaspoon chipotle chili powder: Provides smoky heat, balancing the sweetness of the potatoes.
- 1 teaspoon cumin: Brings a warm, earthy undertone that ties the dish together.
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded: Melts over the skillet for indulgent creaminess and a sharp bite.
- 3 green onions, sliced: Adds freshness and a subtle onion crunch as a topping.
- 1 tomato, diced: Offers juiciness and bright pops of color.
How to Make Ground Turkey and Sweet Potato Skillet with Salsa and Cheddar Recipe
Step 1: Soften the Sweet Potatoes
Start by prepping your sweet potatoes for quick cooking. Place the diced sweet potatoes on a microwave-safe plate and cover them with a damp paper towel. Microwave on high for about 5 minutes. This step helps the sweet potatoes become tender so they’ll blend perfectly with the other ingredients in the skillet later on.
Step 2: Whip Up the Creamy Salsa Sauce
While the sweet potatoes are cooking, combine the sour cream and salsa in a small bowl. This simple sauce delivers a lovely tangy creaminess that complements the spices in the turkey mixture. Set it aside for serving later, so it’s ready when your skillet is piping hot.
Step 3: Brown the Ground Turkey
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the ground turkey. Cook and crumble it for about 5 minutes, until it’s just shy of fully cooked with a little pink remaining. If needed, drain any excess liquid or fat to keep the skillet from getting too watery. This browning step is key to building the savory base of flavor for the entire dish.
Step 4: Combine and Simmer the Skillet
Next, add the hot sweet potatoes, rinsed black beans, kosher salt, chipotle chili powder, and cumin to the skillet with the turkey. Stir everything together and cook for about 5 minutes, allowing the sweet potatoes to soften completely and the turkey to finish cooking through. This stage infuses each bite with smoky warmth and comforting seasoning.
Step 5: Melt the Cheddar and Add Fresh Toppings
Once the skillet mixture is fully cooked, remove it from the heat and sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese generously over the top. Let it melt into luscious ribbons of creamy cheesiness. Then garnish with sliced green onions and diced tomatoes for pops of freshness and color. Spoon on some of the creamy salsa sauce and get ready to dig in!
How to Serve Ground Turkey and Sweet Potato Skillet with Salsa and Cheddar Recipe
Garnishes
To really elevate this skillet, sprinkle extra green onions or finely chopped cilantro on top for an herbaceous lift. A dollop of sour cream or a drizzle of hot sauce can add another layer of creaminess or heat if you like. Fresh lime wedges on the side also brighten every mouthful instantly.
Side Dishes
This dish is pretty much a meal on its own, but some fresh side salads with crunchy greens and tangy vinaigrette pair wonderfully to balance the richness. Cornbread or warm flour tortillas make fun vehicles to scoop up this hearty skillet as well.
Creative Ways to Present
For a party or casual dinner, serve the Ground Turkey and Sweet Potato Skillet with Salsa and Cheddar Recipe in individual mini cast iron skillets for instant wow-factor. Another fun idea is to stuff the mixture into bell peppers or baked sweet potato skins for a satisfying handheld option.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Allow the skillet to cool completely, then transfer leftovers to an airtight container. Stored in the refrigerator, it will keep fresh for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making for a tasty second helping.
Freezing
This skillet freezes beautifully! Portion it into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. Just be sure to undercook the sweet potatoes slightly next time so they don’t get mushy after thawing.
Reheating
To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge if frozen. Warm it gently in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally. You can also microwave individual portions, adding a splash of water or broth to keep it moist as it heats.
FAQs
Can I use ground chicken instead of ground turkey?
Absolutely! Ground chicken works just as well and will give you a similar lean protein base. The spices and other ingredients will still shine through beautifully.
Is this recipe spicy?
The chipotle chili powder adds a smoky heat, but the spice level is moderate. If you prefer it milder, reduce the chili powder or omit it altogether. For more heat, add a pinch of cayenne or some chopped jalapeños.
What can I substitute for the black beans?
You can swap black beans for pinto beans or kidney beans if you prefer. If you want a bean-free version, just leave them out and maybe add extra sweet potato or some corn for texture.
Can this be made dairy-free?
Yes! Simply omit the cheddar cheese or replace it with a plant-based vegan cheese. Use a dairy-free sour cream alternative for the sauce and you will still get creamy, delicious results.
How can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Replace the ground turkey with cooked lentils, crumbled tofu, or a plant-based ground meat alternative. The spices and textures remain the star of this comforting skillet either way.
Final Thoughts
Trust me, this Ground Turkey and Sweet Potato Skillet with Salsa and Cheddar Recipe is a keeper that you’ll find yourself coming back to again and again. It’s an easy-to-love combination of flavors that feels like a hug on a plate, especially on busy nights. Give it a try and watch it become one of your favorite weeknight meals—it’s truly a dish worth sharing with your closest friends or family.
Print
Ground Turkey and Sweet Potato Skillet with Salsa and Cheddar Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
A flavorful and hearty Ground Turkey and Sweet Potato Skillet featuring tender sweet potatoes, seasoned ground turkey, black beans, and a creamy salsa-sour cream sauce. This one-pan meal is quick to prepare and perfect for a nutritious weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
For the main skillet
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 2 cups diced sweet potatoes (1 large)
- 1 (15 ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon chipotle chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
- 3 green onions, sliced
- 1 tomato, diced
For the sauce
- 1/3 cup sour cream
- 1/3 cup salsa
Instructions
- Prepare the sweet potatoes: Add the diced sweet potatoes to a microwave-safe plate and cover with a damp paper towel. Microwave on high for 5 minutes until just tender. Carefully remove and set aside until ready to use.
- Make the sauce: In a small bowl, combine the sour cream and salsa until well mixed. Set aside to serve with the finished skillet.
- Cook the ground turkey: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground turkey and cook, crumbling with a spatula, for about 5 minutes until it’s mostly cooked with just a little pink remaining. Drain any excess liquid if necessary.
- Add remaining ingredients: Stir in the microwaved sweet potatoes, black beans, kosher salt, chipotle chili powder, and cumin. Cook, stirring occasionally, for about 5 minutes until the sweet potatoes are soft and the turkey is fully cooked through. Remove the skillet from heat.
- Add cheese and toppings: Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the skillet to allow it to melt. Then top with sliced green onions, diced tomatoes, and drizzle the prepared sour cream and salsa sauce over the top. Serve immediately for best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Microwaving the sweet potatoes before adding them to the skillet helps reduce the overall cooking time.
- You can substitute ground turkey with ground chicken or lean ground beef if preferred.
- Adjust seasoning levels and chipotle chili powder to your taste for more or less heat.
- For a dairy-free option, use a vegan sour cream alternative and omit the cheese or use a plant-based cheese substitute.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated on the stovetop or microwave.
