Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Bake Recipe
If you’re craving a cozy, nourishing meal that’s equal parts comforting and energizing, you need this Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Bake in your weekly rotation! Sweet potatoes and lean ground turkey create a satisfying, healthy base, while vibrant veggies and bubbly cheese take every bite up a notch. This dish is all about big flavors with minimal fuss: a colorful, protein-packed casserole that’s surprisingly easy to make, packed with wholesome goodness, and destined to win over even the pickiest eaters. Whether you’re prepping ahead for busy nights or want a crowd-pleasing table centerpiece, this Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Bake will always deliver.
Ingredients You’ll Need
At its heart, this dish celebrates simple, fresh ingredients that come together in the most delicious way. Each one plays a unique role in developing the texture, color, and irresistible flavor of the finished bake, making every mouthful special.
- Olive Oil: Adds richness and helps everything brown beautifully for maximum flavor.
- Ground Turkey: Lean, protein-packed, and the perfect mild base to soak up those herbs and spices.
- Onion: Diced for mellow sweetness and a touch of aromatic complexity.
- Garlic: Minced finely for that signature savory zing in every bite.
- Dried Oregano: Lends earthy, Mediterranean warmth that’s subtle but unmistakable.
- Smoked Paprika: Infuses a gentle smokiness and beautiful color throughout the bake.
- Salt and Black Pepper: Essential for bringing all the flavors to life—taste and adjust as you go!
- Sweet Potatoes: Peeled and diced for bursts of naturally sweet, creamy goodness that tie the whole casserole together.
- Red Bell Pepper: Adds juicy sweetness and a burst of gorgeous red color.
- Zucchini: Gives a juicy, tender bite and soaks up all the pan flavors.
- Shredded Mozzarella or Cheddar Cheese: Melts into a gooey, golden topping that finishes the bake perfectly—choose your favorite!
- Chopped Fresh Parsley (optional): Sprinkled on top for a pop of fresh, vibrant color and a gentle herbal note.
How to Make Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Bake
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) so it’s ready when you finish the stovetop steps. Preheating gives you perfectly even baking and makes sure your cheese melts into golden, bubbly bliss.
Step 2: Sauté Onion and Garlic
Grab your trusty large skillet and warm the olive oil over medium heat. Sauté the diced onion and minced garlic for 3-4 minutes—just until they’re soft and fragrant. This is where all those cozy, mouthwatering aromas begin!
Step 3: Brown the Ground Turkey
Add the ground turkey to the skillet along with dried oregano, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Break up the meat with your spoon, and cook until it’s browned and cooked through, soaking up all those herbs and spices for deep flavor.
Step 4: Add Sweet Potatoes and Vegetables
Now, scatter in your diced sweet potatoes, red bell pepper, and zucchini. Give everything a good stir so the veggies get cozy with the flavorful turkey. Let them cook together for 5-6 minutes until the sweet potatoes start to soften and absorb the savory notes in the pan.
Step 5: Transfer and Bake
Spoon the mixture into a greased 9×9-inch baking dish, spreading it into an even layer. Cover tightly with foil, and slide it into the oven for 25 minutes. The foil helps seal in moisture so your veggies turn out tender and your sweet potatoes get perfectly creamy.
Step 6: Add Cheese and Finish Baking
After 25 minutes, remove the foil, sprinkle your shredded mozzarella or cheddar generously on top, and return the dish to the oven uncovered. Bake for another 10-15 minutes, just until the cheese is beautifully golden and bubbly and the sweet potatoes are fork-tender.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
If you love a bit of fresh color, scatter chopped parsley over the hot bake right before serving. Then dig in and savor your homemade Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Bake while it’s warm and melty!
How to Serve Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Bake
Garnishes
A finishing sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley instantly brightens up the casserole and balances the rich, cheesy top with a bit of herbaceous freshness. For a flavorful twist, you could try a dusting of smoked paprika, extra black pepper, or even a little crumbled feta for a tangy punch!
Side Dishes
This bake is hearty enough to stand on its own, but it pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad tossed in a zesty vinaigrette or some steamed green beans for added crunch. Warm, crusty whole-grain bread is also fabulous for scooping up every last saucy morsel.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist on weeknight dinner, portion your Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Bake into individual ramekins before baking for a personalized touch. You can also spoon it into sturdy lettuce leaves or serve over a bed of cooked quinoa or brown rice for extra heartiness and a pop of color on your plate.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Transfer cooled Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Bake into airtight containers and refrigerate for up to 4 days. It keeps its freshness and flavor well, making it perfect for meal prep or quick lunches throughout the week.
Freezing
If you want to stash some away for later, let the bake cool completely, then wrap the dish tightly in foil and plastic wrap or portion into freezer-safe containers. You can freeze it for up to 2 months. It’s best to freeze before adding the cheese topping, then finish with cheese during reheating for optimum meltiness.
Reheating
To reheat, simply cover and warm portions in the microwave until piping hot, or pop the baking dish into a 350°F oven covered with foil until heated through. If you saved the cheese for later, sprinkle it on and broil for a couple of minutes at the end for that gorgeous bubbly finish.
FAQs
Can I use ground chicken instead of turkey?
Absolutely! Ground chicken works wonderfully as a substitute in this recipe. It has a similar mild flavor that pairs beautifully with the veggies and seasonings, making your Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Bake just as irresistible.
What other vegetables can I add?
Feel free to toss in mushrooms, spinach, kale, or even chopped broccoli. The bake is flexible and forgiving—use up whatever’s in your crisper for a custom version that keeps things fresh every time.
Is Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Bake gluten-free?
Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free since it doesn’t use any wheat-based ingredients. Just double-check your cheese and spice brands if you have extreme sensitivities, but everything listed here is typically safe.
Can I make Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Bake dairy-free?
You sure can! Simply leave out the cheese or use your favorite dairy-free cheese shreds. The comforting flavors and hearty texture will still shine through beautifully.
How do I know when the sweet potatoes are fully cooked?
The best way to check is by piercing a piece with a fork—it should glide in smoothly with no resistance. If the sweet potatoes are still a bit firm after baking, simply cover and continue to cook for a few more minutes until they’re tender to your liking.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve been searching for a crave-worthy, family-friendly dish that’s as easy to whip up as it is to devour, Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Bake will absolutely hit the spot. Give it a try—you’ll love how colorful, wholesome, and satisfying this bake is, and it just might become your new weeknight staple!
Print
Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Bake Recipe
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Bake is a wholesome and satisfying one-pan meal that combines lean ground turkey with nutritious sweet potatoes and an array of flavorful veggies, all baked to perfection with a cheesy topping.
Ingredients
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
Vegetables:
- 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 zucchini, chopped
Additional:
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook Ground Turkey: In a skillet, heat olive oil and cook onion, garlic, and ground turkey with seasonings until browned.
- Add Vegetables: Stir in sweet potatoes, bell pepper, and zucchini, cooking until slightly tender.
- Bake: Transfer mixture to a baking dish, bake covered, then uncover, sprinkle with cheese, and bake until bubbly.
- Serve: Garnish with parsley and serve warm.
Notes
- This dish is great for meal prep and can be reheated for quick weeknight dinners.
- Experiment with different vegetables like spinach or mushrooms for variety.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 380mg
- Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 27g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
