Looking for a comforting, nutritious meal that’s bursting with flavor and comes together in one pan? The Sweet Potato Turkey Enchilada Skillet is your answer. This dish combines the natural sweetness of tender sweet potatoes with savory ground turkey, black beans, and a medley of spices to create a vibrant, hearty skillet meal. It’s perfect for weeknight dinners when you want something wholesome but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. Plus, it’s packed with protein, fiber, and a rainbow of nutrients to keep you satisfied and energized.

Why This Recipe Belongs in Your Rotation

This Sweet Potato Turkey Enchilada Skillet is a total game-changer for your weekly meal lineup. Here’s why:

One-skillet simplicity: Minimal cleanup means more time enjoying your meal and less time scrubbing pans.
Balanced nutrition: Ground turkey provides lean protein, sweet potatoes add complex carbs and vitamins, and black beans contribute fiber and additional protein.
Flavor-packed: Seasoned with cumin, chili powder, and garlic, every bite delivers that classic enchilada zest without needing tortillas.
Family-friendly: Mild enough for kids yet satisfying for adults, it’s a crowd-pleaser at the dinner table.
Customizable: Easily swap veggies or adjust spice levels to suit your taste preferences or what you have on hand.

This dish pairs wonderfully with a side of Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries for a full sweet potato feast, or serve it alongside some fresh greens for a lighter touch.

Your Shopping Guide

To make the Sweet Potato Turkey Enchilada Skillet, gather the following fresh and pantry staples:

Sweet Potatoes (2 medium): Choose firm, smooth-skinned sweet potatoes for the best texture.
Ground Turkey (1 lb): Look for lean ground turkey to keep the dish light but filling.
Onion (1 small): Yellow or white onion works well for a sweet and savory base.
Garlic (2 cloves): Fresh minced garlic adds essential depth and aroma.
Bell Pepper (1, any color): Adds crunch and sweetness.
Black Beans (1 can): Rinsed and drained to reduce sodium and remove excess starch.
Diced Tomatoes with Green Chilies (1 can): Provides a subtle kick and rich tomato flavor.
Corn Kernels (1 cup): Fresh, frozen, or canned—whatever you prefer.
Ground Cumin (1 tsp): Essential for authentic enchilada flavor.
Chili Powder (1 tsp): Brings warmth and complexity to the dish.
Salt and Pepper: For seasoning to taste.
Shredded Cheddar Cheese (1 cup): Melted on top for gooey goodness.
Olive Oil (2 tbsp): For sautéing and adding richness.
Fresh Cilantro: For garnish and a fresh herbal note.

If you’re planning ahead, you might want to prep some of the ingredients in advance—like dicing the sweet potatoes and chopping veggies—to speed up the cooking process.

Setup & Equipment

Before you dive in, make sure you have these kitchen tools ready:

Large Skillet or Sauté Pan: A 10-12 inch skillet with a lid works best for even cooking and melting cheese.
Sharp Knife: For dicing sweet potatoes and chopping veggies.
Cutting Board: Preferably separate boards for vegetables and meat.
Wooden Spoon or Silicone Spatula: For stirring ingredients without scratching your pan.
Measuring Spoons and Cups: To get your seasoning and ingredients just right.
Colander: For rinsing canned beans and corn if using canned.

Organizing your workspace before cooking will make the process smooth and enjoyable.

How to Prepare Sweet Potato Turkey Enchilada Skillet

Step 1: Prepare the Sweet Potatoes

Peel and dice 2 medium sweet potatoes into small, even cubes—about ½ inch pieces work best for quick cooking. Set aside.

Step 2: Cook the Ground Turkey

Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in your skillet over medium heat. Add 1 pound of ground turkey and cook, breaking it up with your spoon, until it’s no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes. Season lightly with salt and pepper. Remove the cooked turkey from the skillet and set aside.

Step 3: Sauté the Veggies

Add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil to the skillet. Toss in 1 small chopped onion, 2 minced garlic cloves, and 1 chopped bell pepper. Sauté for about 5 minutes, until the onion is translucent and the peppers soften.

Step 4: Cook the Sweet Potatoes

Add your diced sweet potatoes to the skillet with the sautéed veggies. Stir well to coat everything in oil and cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sweet potatoes are tender but not mushy.

Step 5: Add Beans, Corn, and Tomatoes

Stir in 1 can of rinsed and drained black beans, 1 cup of corn kernels, and 1 can of diced tomatoes with green chilies. Mix to combine all ingredients.

Step 6: Season the Skillet

Sprinkle 1 teaspoon of cumin, 1 teaspoon of chili powder, and additional salt and pepper to taste over the mixture. Stir well to distribute the spices evenly.

Step 7: Return Turkey and Simmer

Add the cooked ground turkey back into the skillet. Stir everything together and reduce the heat to low. Cover and let simmer for 5 minutes to allow flavors to meld.

Step 8: Add Cheese and Garnish

Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top. Cover the skillet again and cook for another 3-5 minutes until the cheese melts. Garnish with fresh chopped cilantro before serving.

This Sweet Potato Turkey Enchilada Skillet is ready to enjoy as a standalone meal or paired with simple sides like a crisp salad or warm tortillas.

Fresh Seasonal Changes

Add zucchini or summer squash: Dice and toss in during the sauté step for extra veggie goodness.
Swap corn for fresh peas in spring: For a sweeter, lighter touch.
Top with sliced avocado or a dollop of Greek yogurt: Adds creaminess and balances spices.
Use fresh diced tomatoes and roasted chilies: When tomatoes are in season for vibrant flavor.
In cooler months, add diced pumpkin or butternut squash: As a substitute for sweet potatoes for a warm, comforting twist.

These swaps keep your Sweet Potato Turkey Enchilada Skillet feeling fresh year-round.

Pro Tips & Notes

For the best results, keep these tips in mind:

Don’t skip rinsing the beans: This cuts down excess sodium and starch, improving texture and taste.
Use a non-stick skillet: It helps prevent sticking and makes cleaning easier.
Adjust spice levels: Add extra chili powder or a pinch of cayenne pepper if you like it spicy.
Make it dairy-free: Swap cheddar for a plant-based cheese or sprinkle with nutritional yeast.
Meal prep friendly: This skillet reheats beautifully and tastes even better the next day.
Try pairing with other turkey recipes like Zucchini Relish Turkey Burger Wraps or Slow Cooker Turkey Chili for a protein-packed week.

Shelf Life & Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, warm in a skillet over medium-low heat or microwave until heated through. For longer storage, freeze portions for up to 3 months—thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. The cheese may separate slightly after freezing, but stirring it back in restores the creamy texture.

Quick Questions

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Absolutely! Simply omit the ground turkey and add extra beans or lentils for protein. You could also use plant-based ground meat substitutes.

What if I don’t have diced tomatoes with green chilies?

You can use regular diced tomatoes and add a small amount of chopped fresh jalapeño or a pinch of cayenne pepper to mimic the mild heat and flavor.

Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

Yes! You can chop the veggies and dice the sweet potatoes a day in advance. The entire skillet can also be assembled and stored in the fridge before cooking to save time on busy days.

Is there a way to make this recipe spicier?

Definitely. Add extra chili powder, diced jalapeños, or a dash of hot sauce while cooking to turn up the heat to your liking.

Keep Cooking

Slow Cooker Turkey Chili – Another comforting turkey dish perfect for busy nights.
Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries – Crispy, healthy fries to complement your skillet meal.
Zucchini Relish Turkey Burger Wraps – A fresh, flavorful turkey option for lunch or dinner.

Final Thoughts

The Sweet Potato Turkey Enchilada Skillet is a vibrant, nourishing dish that checks all the boxes: easy to make, packed with wholesome ingredients, and bursting with bold flavors. Whether you’re feeding a family or meal prepping for the week, it’s a versatile recipe that delivers satisfaction in every bite. The marriage of sweet potatoes and seasoned turkey with black beans and corn makes this skillet a hearty, wholesome meal that never gets boring. Give it a try tonight, and you might just find your new favorite go-to dinner!

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