Ground Turkey, Sweet Potato & White Bean Skillet

Name: Ground Turkey, Sweet Potato & White Bean Skillet
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 medium yellow onion, diced; 1 pound 93% lean ground turkey; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 large sweet potato, peeled and cut into approximately 1/2-inch cubes; 1 15-ounce can Great Northern beans, drained and rinsed; 3/4 cup low-sodium chicken broth; 2 packed cups chopped kale; 1 teaspoon dried thyme; 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika; 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar; chopped fresh parsley (optional); Up to 1/4 cup crumbled feta (optional)

Author:: Kristina Recipes
Published:: October 9, 2026
Prep Time:: 15 min
Cook Time:: 25 min
Total Time:: 40 min
Servings:: 4

Ground turkey, tender sweet potatoes, creamy white beans, and kale come together in one cozy skillet with warm, savory seasonings.

The sweet potatoes cook right in the pan with a little broth, while the beans and kale are added toward the end so they keep their texture. A splash of apple cider vinegar brightens the finished skillet.

It’s a simple one-pan dinner built around familiar ingredients, with no separate pot needed for the sweet potatoes.

Jump to Recipe

Ground turkey sweet potato white bean skillet with kale

Why This Skillet Works

Ground turkey makes the savory base, while the sweet potato adds color and natural sweetness. Great Northern beans bring a creamy texture, and kale adds color and texture.

The covered stage helps the sweet potatoes cook in the broth. Finishing uncovered softens the kale and reduces excess liquid.

For another way to use ground turkey and sweet potatoes, try the Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Bowl with Hot Honey. It uses the same familiar ingredient pairing in a different format with a sweet-savory hot honey finish.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Ground turkey: Use 1 pound of 93% lean ground turkey for the savory skillet base.

Sweet potato: Peel one large sweet potato and cut it into approximately 1/2-inch cubes so the pieces cook evenly.

White beans: Drain and rinse one 15-ounce can of Great Northern beans. They are added near the end because they are already cooked.

Kale: Two packed cups of chopped kale soften during the uncovered finish.

Onion and garlic: Cook the diced onion first, then briefly cook the minced garlic with the seasonings.

Seasonings: Dried thyme, smoked paprika, cinnamon, kosher salt, and black pepper give the skillet its warm savory flavor.

Chicken broth: Use 3/4 cup of low-sodium broth to help the sweet potatoes cook under the lid.

Apple cider vinegar: Stir in one tablespoon at the end to brighten the finished skillet.

Ground turkey, sweet potato, white beans, kale, and seasonings for the skillet

How to Make Ground Turkey, Sweet Potato & White Bean Skillet

Heat the olive oil over medium heat, then cook the onion for 4 to 5 minutes until softened. Add the ground turkey, break it into crumbles, and cook for 6 to 8 minutes until fully cooked. It should reach 165°F / 74°C.

Stir in the garlic, thyme, smoked paprika, cinnamon, salt, and pepper for about 30 seconds. Add the sweet potato and chicken broth, cover, and reduce the heat to medium-low. Cook for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring once or twice, until the potato is almost fork-tender.

Add the drained beans and chopped kale. Cook uncovered for another 3 to 5 minutes until the kale softens, the potatoes are tender, and excess liquid reduces. Stir in the apple cider vinegar, then taste and adjust salt and pepper only if needed.

Finish with the optional parsley and crumbled feta if using. The recipe card below has the full ingredient list and step-by-step method.

Ground turkey, sweet potatoes, white beans, and kale cooking in a skillet

Tips for the Best Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet

Cut the sweet potato into even, approximately 1/2-inch cubes. Keep the skillet covered during the first sweet-potato cooking stage.

Add the canned beans later because they are already cooked. Finish uncovered so extra liquid can reduce.

If the pan becomes dry before the sweet potatoes are tender, add a small splash of broth rather than starting with extra liquid. Stir in the apple cider vinegar at the end.

Easy Ingredient Swap

Great Northern beans can be replaced with cannellini beans. Both are mild white beans with a creamy texture that works well with ground turkey.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do ground turkey and sweet potatoes go together?

Yes. Ground turkey has a mild savory flavor that pairs naturally with sweet potatoes. In this skillet, white beans, kale, thyme, smoked paprika, and a little apple cider vinegar add savory depth.

How long does ground turkey take to cook in a skillet?

For this recipe, 1 pound of ground turkey cooks for about 6 to 8 minutes over medium heat while being broken into crumbles. It should reach 165°F / 74°C before serving.

What beans go best with ground turkey?

Mild white beans work well because they do not overpower the turkey. This recipe uses Great Northern beans, with cannellini beans as the approved alternative.

Can I use canned white beans?

Yes. Drain and rinse the canned beans before adding them. Since they are already cooked, they are added near the end.

Do I need to cook the sweet potatoes before adding them to the skillet?

No. The approximately 1/2-inch sweet potato cubes cook directly in the skillet with chicken broth during the covered cooking stage.