Hearty & Healthy Cheesy Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet: Your Ultimate Weeknight Meal
Discover your new favorite weeknight meal with this incredibly flavorful and easy-to-make Cheesy Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet. This vibrant dish masterfully blends lean ground turkey with an assortment of fresh vegetables and rich, aromatic spices, all baked to perfection under a blanket of melted, bubbly cheese. It’s a complete meal in one pan, designed for those busy evenings when you crave something satisfying, nutritious, and absolutely delicious.
This Southwest-inspired skillet features tender sweet potato chunks, diced red onion, vibrant red bell pepper, sweet corn, hearty black beans, and a hint of diced green chilis. These ingredients are sautéed with ground turkey and a robust blend of chili powder, paprika, and cumin, creating a depth of flavor that is both comforting and exciting. The grand finale? A generous topping of sharp cheddar, creamy pepper jack, and melty mozzarella cheese, baked until golden and irresistibly gooey.
In our household, we are constantly on the lookout for meals that are not only easy to prepare but also satisfying, packed with lean protein, and bursting with flavor. This Cheesy Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet perfectly hits all those notes and more!
The American Dairy Association Mideast and I are excited to collaborate today to bring you this fantastic Cheesy Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet recipe. It truly embodies the ideal combination of convenience, nutrition, and incredible taste, making it a staple for busy families and health-conscious foodies alike.
This dish starts its journey on the stovetop, where the savory ground turkey and vibrant vegetables are cooked to tender perfection. The magic then moves to the oven, transforming the skillet with a generous layer of cheese that melts into a warm, bubbly, golden-brown crust. This oven finish is what takes this dish from good to absolutely glorious, adding that irresistible cheesy goodness everyone loves.
Garnishes are more than just an afterthought; they are the key to elevating a good meal to a great one. We recommend a refreshing medley of diced red onion, creamy diced avocado, vibrant fresh cilantro, and crisp green onion. These toppings add a burst of freshness, healthy fats, and contrasting textures that perfectly complement the rich flavors of the skillet. Of course, feel free to customize with your own favorite garnishes!
One of the best aspects of this Cheesy Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet is its incredible versatility. It stands proudly as a complete meal on its own, offering a balanced combination of protein, carbohydrates, and vegetables. However, if you’re looking to stretch it further or add another layer of flavor and texture, it pairs wonderfully with fluffy brown rice, protein-rich quinoa, or even a side of crunchy tortilla chips for scooping up every last bit of that delicious cheesy turkey mixture.
If you’re anything like us, you appreciate the comfort and convenience of cheesy dishes for those busy weeknights. This skillet is a testament to that. For more cheesy inspiration, be sure to explore other comforting recipes like this Baked Mac and Cheese with Bread Crumbs, the creamy Instant Pot Broccoli Cheese Soup, the rich Three Cheese Beef Enchiladas, or this easy Instant Pot Vegetable Mac and Cheese. Each offers a unique way to enjoy the delightful goodness of dairy in your meals.
The Nutritional Power of Dairy in Your Daily Diet
Speaking of cheese, we are big cheese lovers in my house! It’s a delicious way to incorporate essential nutrients into our meals. The amount of dairy foods you need each day varies depending on your age and activity level.
For individuals aged 9 years and older, the USDA recommends consuming three daily servings of low-fat or fat-free milk, cheese, and yogurt. This recommendation is crucial for meeting dairy food group guidelines, closing key nutrient gaps that are common in many diets, and contributing to overall nutritious and healthy eating patterns. This Cheesy Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet, rich with a blend of cheeses, offers an excellent and flavorful way to incorporate one of those vital dairy servings into your weekly menu.
Beyond being delicious, dairy foods provide a wealth of nutrients that people of all ages require to foster and maintain strong bodies and sharp minds. As my children grow and engage actively in sports and other activities, I am keenly aware of the importance of continuously incorporating dairy into their daily meals. Dairy is a cornerstone for their development, providing the building blocks they need.
One of the standout benefits of dairy is its protein content – specifically whey and casein. These proteins are renowned for keeping you feeling full longer, which can aid in weight management and prevent unnecessary snacking. They also provide sustained energy to fuel your day, whether you’re tackling work, school, or a workout. Furthermore, dairy proteins play a critical role in muscle recovery, making them an ideal choice for active individuals. Healthy eating patterns that include dairy foods are also linked to a reduced risk of chronic diseases, such as cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes. Moreover, dairy is well-known for its benefits to bone health, especially in young people during crucial growth periods, thanks to its rich content of calcium and Vitamin D.
Essential Ingredients for Your Turkey Skillet
Crafting this hearty skillet requires a thoughtful selection of fresh, flavorful ingredients that come together to create a symphony of tastes and textures. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need:
- Ground Turkey: The star protein of this dish. I prefer using lean ground turkey for its light flavor and health benefits, allowing the rich spices and vegetables to shine through. It’s an excellent source of protein, making this meal incredibly filling without being heavy.
- Vegetables: This Southwest skillet is absolutely brimming with colorful and nutrient-dense vegetables. We’re using naturally sweet and fibrous sweet potato chunks, crisp red bell pepper for a touch of sweetness and crunch, pungent red onion, sweet corn, and diced tomatoes. Together, they add essential vitamins, fiber, and a vibrant medley of flavors that make this dish incredibly satisfying.
- Beans: Black beans are my go-to for this recipe, adding earthy flavor, substantial fiber, and additional plant-based protein. Always remember to drain and rinse your canned beans thoroughly before adding them to the skillet to reduce excess sodium and liquid, ensuring the perfect consistency.
- Spices: The heart of the Southwest flavor profile lies in our spice blend. A carefully balanced mixture of robust chili powder, earthy cumin, and smoky paprika creates a warm, rich, and deeply aromatic foundation for the entire dish. These spices complement the turkey and vegetables beautifully.
- Cheese: What’s a “cheesy skillet” without a fantastic cheese blend? We layer a decadent combination of sharp cheddar for its robust flavor, pepper jack for a subtle spicy kick, and mozzarella for its incredible meltiness and stretch. This trio creates a warm, bubbly, and utterly irresistible topping when baked.
- Garnishes: The finishing touches truly elevate this recipe. Fresh garnishes are key to adding brightness and contrasting textures. Diced red onion provides a sharp bite, creamy diced avocado offers healthy fats and a cooling element, fresh cilantro brings an herbaceous, citrusy note, and sliced green onion adds a mild, fresh onion flavor. These additions transform the dish into a culinary masterpiece.
Exciting Recipe Variations to Try
This Cheesy Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet is wonderfully adaptable, allowing you to customize it based on your preferences or whatever you have on hand. Don’t be afraid to get creative and make it your own!
- Beans: While black beans are a classic, many other types of beans would be delicious in this dish. Consider using protein-packed white beans, robust red beans, creamy kidney beans, or even earthy pinto beans for a different flavor and texture profile. Each variety will absorb the rich spices beautifully.
- Cheese: Almost any good melting cheese will work well here! If you’re looking for convenience, a pre-shredded Mexican blend from the store is an excellent choice. For a more authentic touch, try adding crumbled cotija cheese after baking for a salty, tangy finish, or Monterey Jack for extra creaminess. Gouda or even a smoked cheddar could add unique depth.
- Vegetables: Boost the nutritional content and customize the flavors by adding more vegetables. Try incorporating quick-cooking zucchini or yellow squash, wilted fresh spinach, finely diced carrots, or even some frozen peas. These can be added during the simmering stage to ensure they cook through.
- Spices: Want to tweak the flavor profile? Experiment with other warm and inviting spices. A pinch of ground coriander can add a citrusy note, a touch of cinnamon can bring a subtle warmth, smoked paprika will intensify the smoky depth, or chipotle chili powder can provide a more pronounced heat and smokiness.
- Meat: If ground turkey isn’t your preference, you have plenty of options. You could swap it for ground beef (make sure to thoroughly drain any excess fat after cooking for a lighter dish), ground chicken for a similar lean protein, or even a spicy ground sausage for an extra kick and robust flavor.
- Sauce: The enchilada sauce provides a fantastic base, but feel free to change it up. Replace it with your favorite red or green salsa for a brighter, tangier flavor. For a milder version or to control the sodium, you can simply use chicken or vegetable broth, which will still allow the spices to create a rich sauce.
Step-by-Step: How to Make This Delicious Ground Turkey Skillet
Creating this flavorful and satisfying skillet is straightforward, making it perfect for both novice and experienced cooks. Follow these simple steps for a truly delightful meal:
Step 1: Brown the Ground Turkey and Sauté Aromatics: Begin by preheating your oven to 350 degrees F, ensuring it’s ready for the final cheesy finish. In a large, oven-safe skillet (cast iron works wonderfully for this), heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 2 minutes until fragrant and lightly golden, being careful not to burn it. Next, add the diced red onion to the skillet and continue to sauté until it begins to soften, usually another 3-5 minutes. Then, add the ground turkey, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until it’s thoroughly browned and no longer pink. Once the turkey is cooked, drain any excess fat if necessary, though lean ground turkey often requires minimal draining. Stir in the chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and black pepper, ensuring the spices are well distributed and coat the turkey and onions, creating a rich aromatic base.
Step 2: Simmer the Skillet for Flavor Infusion: Now it’s time to bring all the wonderful flavors together. Add the diced green chilis, rinsed black beans, drained corn, diced tomatoes, diced red bell pepper, and the sweet potato chunks to the skillet. Pour in the enchilada sauce (or chicken/vegetable broth, if substituting). Mix all the ingredients thoroughly to ensure everything is well combined and evenly coated with the sauce and spices. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the skillet, and let it cook for 15-20 minutes. During this time, the sweet potatoes will become tender, and all the flavors will meld beautifully. Stir the mixture 2 or 3 times throughout the simmering process to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
Step 3: Bake to Cheesy, Bubbly Perfection: Once the sweet potatoes are tender, remove the skillet from the stovetop heat. Generously sprinkle your chosen blend of shredded cheeses – sharp cheddar, pepper jack, and mozzarella – evenly over the ground turkey and vegetable mixture. Transfer the oven-safe skillet to your preheated oven and bake for approximately 5-10 minutes. Keep a close eye on it until the cheese is completely melted, warm, and wonderfully bubbly with a slight golden crust. This step is crucial for achieving that irresistible cheesy topping.
Step 4: Garnish and Serve with Zest: Once the skillet emerges from the oven, remove it and prepare for serving. This is where you add that final flourish of freshness and color. Generously garnish the top with fresh cilantro, diced red onion, sliced green onion, and creamy diced avocado. These garnishes not only add beautiful presentation but also introduce a refreshing contrast to the warm, savory skillet. Serve this delightful Cheesy Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet on its own as a hearty meal, alongside a bed of fluffy brown rice for extra carbohydrates, or with a side of crunchy tortilla chips, perfect for scooping up every last bit of the cheesy, flavorful mixture. Enjoy this wholesome, easy, and incredibly tasty dish!
More Delicious Weeknight Dinner Ideas:
If you loved this skillet recipe, be sure to explore these other fantastic dinner options that are perfect for any night of the week:
- SKILLET PIE RECIPE: A comforting and unique twist on classic pasta.
- SKILLET BEEF LASAGNA: All the flavors of lasagna, made easier in one pan.
- SAUSAGE AND BEAN CASSEROLE: A hearty and flavorful dish, perfect for feeding a crowd.
- BEEF ENCHILADA CASSEROLE: Layers of flavor without the fuss of rolling individual enchiladas.
- SOUTHWEST CHICKEN CASSEROLE: Another fantastic Southwest-inspired meal, bursting with vibrant ingredients.
- MEXICAN PIZZA: Fun, customizable, and always a family favorite.
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Cheesy Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet
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Ingredients
- 2 tbsps. olive oil
- 3 garlic cloves,, minced
- 1/4 cup red onion,, diced
- 1 lb. ground turkey
- 1 tsp. chili powder
- 1 tsp. cumin
- 1/2 tsp. paprika
- 1/4 tsp. salt
- 1/8 tsp. black pepper
- 1 – 4 oz. can of diced green chilis
- 1 – 15 ounce can of black beans,, drained and rinsed
- 1 – 15 ounce can of corn,, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup of diced tomatoes,, drained
- 1/2 of a red bell pepper,, seeds removed, diced
- 1 medium sweet potato,, peeled and cut into small chunks
- 1/2 cup enchilada sauce {or you can use chicken or vegetable broth}
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup pepper jack cheese
- 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
- Red onion for garnish
- Green onion for garnish
- Avocado for garnish
Instructions
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Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
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Heat olive oil in a large oven safe skillet over medium heat. Add the garlic and saute for 2 minutes. Add the red onion and continue to sauté.
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Add in the ground turkey and continue to cook until the turkey is browned. Add in the chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt and pepper and stir well.
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Add in the green chilis, black beans, corn, tomatoes, bell pepper, sweet potato and enchilada sauce. Mix well, cover and simmer on medium-low for 15- 20 minutes or until the sweet potato is tender stirring 2 or 3 times throughout cooking.
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Once the sweet potato is tender remove from the heat. Sprinkle cheese over the ground turkey mixture and bake in the oven for about 5 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
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Remove from the oven and garnish with fresh cilantro, red onion, green onion and avocado. Serve on its own, over brown rice or with chips.
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Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Notes
- To reheat: You can reheat in the oven at 300 for about 15 to 20 minutes or until heated through. You can also heat in the microwave for about 3 minutes, stirring a couple of times throughout cooking.
- If you find the turkey becomes a bit dry after being in the fridge add some salsa to help give it some flavor.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Today’s post is sponsored by ADA Mideast. As always, all opinions are 100% my own. Thanks for supporting the brands that allow me to create new and exciting recipes for you.