Description
A quick, healthy, and flavorful weeknight dinner that combines lean ground turkey with sweet potatoes, black beans, and aromatic spices in a single skillet. Naturally gluten-free and dairy-free, this nutrient-dense meal is perfect for busy families and meal prep.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb (450g) lean ground turkey (93% or 99% lean)
- 2 medium sweet potatoes (approx. 1 lb / 450g), peeled and cut into 1/2-inch cubes
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, freshly minced
- 1 large red bell pepper, diced
- 1 can (15 oz / 425g) black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 can (14.5 oz / 411g) diced tomatoes (fire-roasted preferred)
- 1 cup (240ml) low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 lime, juiced
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prep the vegetables: Peel and cube the sweet potatoes into 1/2-inch pieces. Dice the onion and red bell pepper. Mince the garlic.
- Brown the turkey: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground turkey, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Cook until browned and no longer pink. If there is excess liquid, drain it, but leave a little for flavor. Remove turkey to a bowl and set aside.
- Sauté aromatics: In the same pan, add diced onions and bell peppers. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Toast spices: Sprinkle cumin, chili powder, and smoked paprika over the vegetables. Stir constantly for 30-60 seconds to wake up the spices.
- Combine and simmer: Return the turkey to the pan. Add sweet potatoes, black beans, diced tomatoes (with juices), and broth. Stir well. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low. Cover and simmer.
- Cook until tender: Check potatoes after 10 minutes; they should be fork-tender. If needed, cover and cook for another 2-3 minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
- Finish and serve: Remove from heat. Stir in fresh cilantro and lime juice. Let rest for a minute before serving.
Notes
For best results, cut sweet potatoes uniformly so they cook evenly. Do not overcook the turkey to prevent it from becoming dry. Toasting the spices before adding liquid enhances flavor. This dish reheats well and tastes even better the next day. Can be substituted with ground chicken or lentils for variation.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: Approximately 1.5 cu
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 8
- Sodium: 400
- Fat: 12
- Saturated Fat: 2
- Carbohydrates: 35
- Fiber: 8
- Protein: 28
Keywords: ground turkey, sweet potato, one skillet, healthy dinner, gluten-free, dairy-free, meal prep, quick dinner, weeknight meals, high protein