Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Bake

Short Description

Ground turkey sweet potato bake is a hearty, healthy, and flavorful dish featuring lean ground turkey, tender sweet potatoes, and savory seasonings. This easy one-pan meal is perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or a wholesome family dinner.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Nutritious and balanced – Packed with protein, fiber, and vitamins.
  • One-pan meal – Easy cleanup with simple ingredients.
  • Naturally gluten-free – No processed ingredients, just wholesome foods.
  • Great for meal prep – Stores well and reheats beautifully.
  • Customizable – Add extra veggies, cheese, or spice to your liking.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

  • Ground turkey (lean)
  • Sweet potatoes (peeled and diced)
  • Onion (chopped)
  • Bell peppers (chopped)
  • Garlic (minced)
  • Olive oil
  • Spinach or kale (optional for extra greens)
  • Diced tomatoes (canned, drained)
  • Paprika
  • Cumin
  • Italian seasoning
  • Red pepper flakes (optional for spice)
  • Salt and pepper
  • Shredded cheese (optional for topping)

Directions

  1. Preheat oven – Set to 375°F (190°C) and grease a baking dish.
  2. Cook the turkey – Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add ground turkey, breaking it up as it cooks. Season with salt, pepper, paprika, and cumin. Cook until browned.
  3. Sauté vegetables – Add onions, bell peppers, and garlic. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened.
  4. Assemble the bake – In a large bowl, combine cooked turkey mixture, diced sweet potatoes, drained tomatoes, and spinach (if using). Stir well.
  5. Transfer to baking dish – Spread the mixture evenly in the dish and cover with foil.
  6. Bake – Cook for 30-35 minutes, or until sweet potatoes are fork-tender.
  7. Add cheese (optional) – Remove foil, sprinkle shredded cheese on top, and bake uncovered for an additional 5 minutes until melted.
  8. Serve and enjoy – Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.

Servings and Timing

  • Servings: 4-6
  • Prep time: 10 minutes
  • Cook time: 35 minutes
  • Total time: 45 minutes

Variations

  • Spicy version – Add extra red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños.
  • Dairy-free option – Skip the cheese or use dairy-free alternatives.
  • Extra veggies – Add zucchini, mushrooms, or corn.
  • Mexican-inspired – Use taco seasoning and top with avocado or salsa.
  • Low-carb alternative – Replace sweet potatoes with cauliflower or butternut squash.

Storage/Reheating

  • Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
  • Freezing: Freeze in portioned containers for up to 2 months. Thaw before reheating.
  • Reheating: Warm in a 350°F oven for 10 minutes or microwave for 1-2 minutes.

FAQs

Can I use ground chicken instead of turkey?

Yes! Ground chicken works just as well in this recipe.

Do I need to cook the sweet potatoes before baking?

No, they will soften while baking. Just cut them into small, even pieces.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes! Assemble everything in the baking dish, cover, and refrigerate. Bake when ready.

How do I make this dish vegetarian?

Swap ground turkey for black beans, chickpeas, or lentils.

Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?

Yes, just thaw and squeeze out excess moisture before adding.

What cheese works best for this dish?

Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or mozzarella melt beautifully on top.

How do I prevent the sweet potatoes from being too soft?

Cut them into slightly larger cubes and avoid overbaking.

Can I add quinoa for extra protein?

Yes! Stir in cooked quinoa before baking for a more filling meal.

What can I serve with this dish?

A fresh salad, roasted veggies, or a side of brown rice complement it well.

Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Yes! The natural sweetness of the sweet potatoes makes it appealing to kids.

Conclusion

Ground turkey sweet potato bake is a nutritious, flavorful, and easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for any night of the week. With tender sweet potatoes, lean turkey, and a blend of savory seasonings, this one-pan meal is sure to become a family favorite. Try it today and enjoy a healthy, comforting dinner!

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Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Bake

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  • Author: clara
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 46 servings 1x
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American, Healthy

Description

This Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Bake is a hearty, nutritious, and easy one-pan meal. Made with lean ground turkey, sweet potatoes, and a blend of savory spices, it’s packed with flavor and perfect for meal prep or a healthy family dinner.


Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 1 lb ground turkey
  • 2 tbsp olive oil (divided)
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
  • 1 red bell pepper, diced
  • 1 zucchini, diced
  • 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes (with juice)
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • 1/2 tsp chili powder (optional)
  • 1/2 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese (optional)
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped (for garnish)



Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.

Step 2: Cook the Ground Turkey

  1. Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
  2. Add onion and garlic, cooking for 2-3 minutes until softened.
  3. Add ground turkey, breaking it apart. Cook until browned (5-6 minutes). Drain excess liquid.
  4. Stir in salt, pepper, smoked paprika, cumin, chili powder, and oregano.

Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables

  1. In the same skillet, add 1 tbsp olive oil, then sauté sweet potatoes, bell pepper, and zucchini for 5 minutes.
  2. Stir in diced tomatoes and let cook for 2 minutes.

Step 4: Assemble & Bake

  1. Transfer the turkey mixture and vegetables to the baking dish.
  2. Mix everything together and spread evenly.
  3. If using, sprinkle with shredded cheese.
  4. Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
  5. Uncover and bake for another 10 minutes, until sweet potatoes are tender.

Step 5: Serve & Enjoy

  1. Remove from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes.
  2. Garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro and serve warm.

Notes

  • Make It Spicy: Add ¼ tsp cayenne pepper or ½ tsp red pepper flakes.
  • Low-Carb Version: Swap sweet potatoes for cauliflower or butternut squash.
  • Storage: Refrigerate for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.


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