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Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Bake 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.

Ingredients

Scale

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