If you're looking for a healthy, one-pan meal that's packed with flavor, this Sweet Potato Taco Skillet is a must-try. It's a simple, nutritious twist on taco night, made with ground turkey, sweet potatoes, salsa, taco seasoning, and melty cheese, all topped with creamy avocado for the perfect finishing touch.
This skillet meal comes together in under 30 minutes and is packed with fiber, protein, and healthy fats, making it a balanced meal that keeps you full and satisfied. As a dietitian, I love this dish because it's easy, realistic, and packed with nourishing ingredients that don't sacrifice flavor. Plus, everything cooks in one pan, so cleanup is a breeze! It's a meal the whole family will love.
If you're looking for easy, satisfying dinners, my meat lovers gnocchi skillet, baked chicken tortellini skillet, and high protein chicken enchiladas are all crowd-pleasers. They're the kind of cozy, weeknight meals you'll want to make on repeat!
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Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Quick & Easy: Everything comes together in one skillet in 30 minutes or less.
- Healthy & Balanced: Packed with fiber, protein, and healthy fats for a satisfying meal.
- Family-Friendly & Customizable: Easily adjust the ingredients based on what you have on hand.
Craving more Tex-Mex comfort? Try my crockpot chicken enchilada casserole next for a flavorful, high-protein dinner idea.
Ingredients
This recipe keeps things simple with real, wholesome ingredients that add tons of flavor.
- Sweet potatoes - A fiber-rich, naturally sweet base that pairs perfectly with savory taco seasoning.
- Lean ground turkey - A lean, protein-packed option that absorbs all those delicious spices.
- Taco seasoning - You can use store-bought or make your own for a cleaner option.
- Salsa - Adds moisture, flavor, and a bit of spice-pick your heat level!
- Shredded cheese - Melts into the skillet for a creamy, cheesy bite in every spoonful. I like using Mexican cheese blend, but feel free to use your favorite variety!
- Diced onion - Enhances the flavor and gives a little extra texture.
- Avocado - A creamy, heart-healthy topping that ties everything together.
See the recipe card for the full list of ingredients and measurements.
If you love bold flavors, you'll also love my dutch oven chili, a hearty, cozy pot that's perfect for game day or busy weeknights.
Substitutions & Variations
If you want to switch things up, here are some easy substitutions and variations to customize this skillet!
- Swap the turkey for extra black beans or lentils to make this recipe vegetarian while keeping the protein high.
- Use ground chicken or beef instead of turkey if that's what you have on hand.
- Add some heat by tossing in diced jalapeños, a pinch of cayenne, or extra hot sauce
- Make it dairy-free by skipping the cheese or using a dairy-free shredded cheese alternative.
- Try fun salsa flavors like pineapple chipotle or peach habanero for a unique twist.
- Add your favorite toppings like sour cream, fresh cilantro, hot sauce, or crushed tortilla strips.
How to Make Sweet Potato Taco Skillet
This one-skillet meal is as easy as sauté, simmer, and serve!
Step 1: Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onions and cook until softened. Stir in the ground turkey and half of the taco seasoning, breaking up the meat as it cooks. Cook until browned, then remove the turkey from the skillet and set aside.
Step 2: In the same skillet, add the diced sweet potatoes and the remaining taco seasoning. Stir well to coat the potatoes in the seasoning, then cook for about 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are fork-tender.
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Step 3: Pour in the salsa, black beans, and the cooked ground turkey. Stir everything together and let it simmer for 5-10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
Step 4: Sprinkle shredded cheese over the top, cover the skillet, and let it melt for a minute or two. Remove from heat, top with sliced avocado, and serve with tortilla chips, in lettuce wraps, or over rice.
Storage & Meal Prep
Here's how to store and reheat your sweet potato taco skillet for easy meals later!
- To store: Let the skillet cool completely before transferring leftovers to an airtight container. Store in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- To freeze: Leave out the cheese, store in freezer-safe containers, and freeze for up to 3 months.
- To reheat: Warm in the microwave for 1-2 minutes or heat in a skillet with a splash of water.
- To meal prep: Portion the skillet into containers with rice, quinoa, or extra greens for a simple, balanced grab-and-go meal.
Tips for the Best Healthy Taco Skillet
Keep these simple tips in mind to make your taco skillet even more flavorful, perfectly cooked, and easy to prepare!
- Cut the sweet potatoes evenly to ensure they cook at the same rate.
- If your skillet is dry, add a splash of water or broth to help the sweet potatoes cook evenly without burning.
- Use a cast iron skillet for the best results! Cast iron holds heat evenly, helping the sweet potatoes cook more consistently while adding a light caramelization that enhances the flavor.
FAQ
Yes! This skillet is great for meal prep and reheats well. You can portion it into containers and store it in the fridge for quick lunches or dinners.
This dish is filling on its own, but you can serve it with tortilla chips, rice, cauliflower rice, lettuce wraps, or a side of guacamole for extra flavor.
Yes, but sweet potatoes add natural sweetness that balances the spices. If you use white potatoes, the dish will have a more traditional taco flavor.
More Dinners You'll Love!
Looking for other easy dinners like this? Try these:
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Thank you!
Jessie
Sweet Potato Taco Skillet (With Ground Turkey)
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ cup diced onion
- 1 lb. lean ground turkey
- 1 tablespoon taco seasoning divided
- 3 large sweet potato diced into ½-inch cubes
- 1 cup salsa
- 1 15 oz. can black beans drained and rinsed
- ½ cup shredded Mexican cheese blend
- 1 avocado sliced
- Fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onions and cook until softened. Stir in the ground turkey and half of the taco seasoning, breaking up the meat as it cooks. Cook until browned, then remove the turkey from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the diced sweet potatoes and the remaining taco seasoning. Stir well to coat the potatoes in the seasoning, then cook for about 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are fork-tender.
- Pour in the salsa, black beans, and the cooked ground turkey. Stir everything together and let it simmer for 5-10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Sprinkle shredded cheese over the top, cover the skillet, and let it melt for a minute or two. Remove from heat, top with sliced avocado, and serve with tortilla chips, in lettuce wraps, or over rice.
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