Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Bake Recipe

Introduction

This Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Bake is a comforting, flavorful meal perfect for busy weeknights. Combining lean turkey with tender sweet potatoes and warm spices, it’s both healthy and satisfying. Topped with melted cheese, it’s sure to become a family favorite.

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground turkey
• 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/2 tsp ground cumin
• 1/2 tsp dried thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese
• Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped (optional garnish)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Step 2: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté the diced onion for 3–4 minutes until soft and translucent.
3. Step 3: Add the ground turkey to the skillet and cook until browned, about 5–6 minutes, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks.
4. Step 4: Stir in the minced garlic, diced red bell pepper, diced sweet potatoes, smoked paprika, ground cumin, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Cook for 3–5 minutes until the spices are fragrant and the vegetables begin to soften.
5. Step 5: Transfer the turkey and sweet potato mixture to the prepared baking dish. Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes, or until the sweet potatoes are fork-tender.
6. Step 6: Remove the foil, sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the top, and bake uncovered for an additional 10–15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
7. Step 7: Garnish with chopped fresh parsley or cilantro if desired, and serve hot.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, add a pinch of chili flakes or a splash of hot sauce to the turkey mixture.
• Swap sweet potatoes for butternut squash or regular potatoes if preferred.
• Use a mix of mozzarella and cheddar for a richer cheese topping.
• Leftovers make a great filling for wraps or stuffed peppers.
• Make it vegetarian by replacing turkey with cooked lentils or chickpeas.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through to keep the cheese melty and textures intact. You can also refrigerate individual portions and microwave them for a quick meal.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the mixture in the baking dish and refrigerate it covered for up to 24 hours before baking. Add the cheese topping just before baking for best results.

Can I freeze the Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Bake?

This dish freezes well without the cheese topping. Freeze the cooled turkey and sweet potato mixture in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge, then bake and add cheese as directed.

Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Bake Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 126 reviews

This Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Bake is a hearty, flavorful one-dish meal combining lean ground turkey, tender sweet potatoes, and a blend of aromatic spices. Topped with melted cheese and fresh herbs, it makes a satisfying and nutritious dinner perfect for any night of the week.

• Author: Windy
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Low Fat

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein and Vegetables

• 1 lb ground turkey
• 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced

Spices and Seasonings

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/2 tsp ground cumin
• 1/2 tsp dried thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste

Toppings and Garnish

• 1 cup shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese
• Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped (optional garnish)

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
2. Sauté Onions: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for 3–4 minutes until it becomes soft and translucent.
3. Brown the Turkey: Add the ground turkey to the skillet and cook, stirring often, until browned and fully cooked through, approximately 5–6 minutes.
4. Add Vegetables and Spices: Stir in the minced garlic, diced red bell pepper, diced sweet potatoes, smoked paprika, ground cumin, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Cook the mixture for 3–5 minutes until the spices are fragrant and the ingredients are well combined.
5. Transfer and Bake Covered: Move the turkey and vegetable mixture to the prepared baking dish, spread evenly, and cover with foil. Bake for 25 minutes or until the sweet potatoes are fork-tender.
6. Add Cheese and Finish Baking: Remove the foil, sprinkle shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese evenly over the top, then bake uncovered for an additional 10–15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
7. Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven, garnish with chopped fresh parsley or cilantro if desired, and serve hot for a comforting meal.

Notes

• You can substitute ground turkey with ground chicken or lean ground beef if preferred.
• For a spicier dish, add a pinch of red chili flakes or diced jalapeños.
• Sweet potatoes can be partially pre-cooked by microwaving for a few minutes to reduce bake time.
• Use dairy-free cheese to make this dish suitable for lactose intolerance.
• Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 3 days and can be reheated in the oven or microwave.

Keywords: ground turkey bake, sweet potato casserole, healthy one dish meal, baked turkey recipe, easy dinner