If you’re looking for a hearty, wholesome meal that combines coziness and nutrition in one casserole dish, this Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Bake is just the thing. It’s got everything you could want: juicy ground turkey for protein, sweet potatoes for satisfying sweetness, colorful veggies for freshness, and a gooey layer of melted cheese on top. This recipe is a weeknight lifesaver—and yet it’s totally worthy of dinner guests, too. The best part? Most of the prep is hands-off, so you can let your oven work its magic while you go about your busy evening. Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Bake truly shines as both an easy family dinner and a meal-prep favorite!

Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Bake Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Bake is all in the simple, accessible ingredients. Each one is picked for maximum flavor, color, and comfort—right down to the hint of paprika and bubbly, golden cheese finishing things off. Here’s what you’ll need and why:

Olive oil: Adds richness and helps everything sauté up nicely.
Ground turkey: Lean, juicy protein that keeps the bake hearty without being heavy.
Onion: Brings natural sweetness and depth as the veggie base.
Garlic: Essential for its savory, aromatic punch—don’t skip!
Dried oregano: Offers herby, Mediterranean flavor that pairs perfectly with turkey and veggies.
Smoked paprika: Infuses gentle warmth and a hint of smokiness for extra dimension.
Salt and black pepper: Simple seasonings that bring all the flavors together.
Sweet potatoes: Creamy, sweet, and full of color—they form the backbone of the dish.
Red bell pepper: Adds crunch, sweetness, and a burst of sunshine to every bite.
Zucchini: Tender green veggies that soak up the savory flavors while adding bulk.
Shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese: Melts into a golden, gooey topper that ties it all together.
Fresh parsley (optional): A sprinkle of color and freshness just before serving.

How to Make Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Bake

Step 1: Prep and Sauté Aromatics

Start off by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Meanwhile, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Toss in the diced onion and minced garlic, and let them sizzle for about 3–4 minutes. You want them soft and fragrant—they’re going to infuse the entire bake with sweet and savory flavor right from the beginning.

Step 2: Brown the Turkey

Add your pound of ground turkey to the skillet along with oregano, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Break up the meat with a spatula as it cooks for another few minutes, until there’s no pink left and it’s beautifully browned. This base is what makes Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Bake so craveable, giving every forkful that tender, seasoned goodness.

Step 3: Veggie Medley Time

Stir in your diced sweet potatoes, chopped bell pepper, and zucchini. Cook this vibrant mixture for about 5–6 minutes, just until the veggies start to soften. You’re not looking to fully cook them yet—just enough to start releasing their flavors so they’ll bake up perfectly in the oven.

Step 4: Layer and Bake

Lightly grease a 9×9-inch baking dish and pour in your skillet mixture, spreading it out in an even layer. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes, letting the flavors meld while the sweet potatoes become tender. This step infuses the entire casserole with savory depth, making Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Bake taste like it simmered all day.

Step 5: Cheese & Final Bake

Carefully remove the foil, sprinkle on your mozzarella or cheddar cheese, and pop the dish back in the oven uncovered for 10–15 more minutes. That last stretch is pure magic—the cheese melts and bubbles, the sweet potatoes are fork-tender, and you’re left with irresistible, golden perfection.

How to Serve Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Bake

Garnishes

A simple finish of chopped fresh parsley adds a pop of color and brightness just before serving. Don’t underestimate what a sprinkle of herbs can do—they make your Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Bake feel instantly fresher and more inviting. For extra flair, try a little cracked black pepper or even a few red chili flakes for heat.

Side Dishes

This casserole is hearty enough to stand alone, but it also plays well with others. Pair it with a crisp green salad tossed in lemon vinaigrette, a side of garlic sautéed green beans, or some crusty gluten-free bread to soak up all the savory juices. The key is to balance the richness and round out the plate.

Creative Ways to Present

Looking to switch things up? Try baking and serving Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Bake in individual mini ramekins for dinner parties. You can also stuff the filling into halved bell peppers and bake for a stunning twist. Or take leftovers, scoop them onto baby spinach for a protein-packed lunch bowl!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Bake keeps beautifully! Let the casserole cool to room temperature, then cover it tightly or transfer to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days—perfect for meal prepping or easy lunches all week.

Freezing

This bake is freezer-friendly, making it a no-stress option for future you. Once cooled, cut into portions and wrap tightly in plastic wrap or add to freezer-safe containers. It’ll keep for up to three months. For best results, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, simply place servings in a microwave-safe dish and heat until warmed through, or reheat in a 350°F oven covered with foil for 15–20 minutes. If you want the cheese to get crispy again, uncover for the last few minutes. The melted cheese and tender veggies taste just as delicious as fresh!

FAQs

Can I make Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Bake dairy-free?

Absolutely! Swap in your favorite dairy-free cheese shreds or simply leave off the cheese altogether. The bake will still be flavorful and satisfying thanks to all the herbs and veggies.

What other vegetables can I use?

This recipe is a great canvas for whatever’s in your fridge—spinach, mushrooms, chopped kale, or even frozen peas work wonderfully. Just keep the ratios in mind so everything cooks evenly.

Can I use ground chicken or beef instead of turkey?

Definitely! Ground chicken is a tasty, lean substitute, while ground beef will make the dish even heartier and richer. Adjust cook times as needed based on fat content, but otherwise follow the same steps.

Do I need to boil the sweet potatoes before baking?

No pre-boiling required! The sweet potatoes will cook through beautifully in the oven as the casserole bakes, making preparation easier and saving a dish to wash.

Is Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Bake meal prep friendly?

It’s ideal for meal prep! You can make it ahead, portion it out for the week, and reheat servings as needed. The flavors even seem to get better as they meld in the fridge.

Final Thoughts

Trust me, if you’re craving a comforting, healthy bake that delivers every single time, this Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Bake has your back. It’s easy, versatile, and sure to win over anyone at the table. Give it a try—you might just find yourself adding it to your regular rotation!

Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Bake Recipe

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4.6 from 6 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 55 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Bake is a delicious and nutritious one-pan meal that is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. Packed with lean protein, colorful veggies, and flavorful spices, this gluten-free dish is sure to be a family favorite.

Ingredients

Scale

Ground Turkey Mixture:

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 pound ground turkey
1 small onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
Salt and black pepper to taste

Veggies and Toppings:

2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
1 red bell pepper, chopped
1 zucchini, chopped
1/2 cup shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)

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Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
Cook Ground Turkey: In a skillet, sauté onion and garlic. Add ground turkey, oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook until browned.
Add Veggies: Stir in sweet potatoes, bell pepper, and zucchini. Cook until tender.
Bake: Transfer mixture to a baking dish. Bake covered for 25 minutes, then uncover, add cheese, and bake for another 10–15 minutes.
Serve: Garnish with parsley and serve warm.