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
- Preheat oven – Set to 375°F (190°C) and grease a baking dish.
- 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.
- Sauté vegetables – Add onions, bell peppers, and garlic. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened.
- Assemble the bake – In a large bowl, combine cooked turkey mixture, diced sweet potatoes, drained tomatoes, and spinach (if using). Stir well.
- Transfer to baking dish – Spread the mixture evenly in the dish and cover with foil.
- Bake – Cook for 30-35 minutes, or until sweet potatoes are fork-tender.
- Add cheese (optional) – Remove foil, sprinkle shredded cheese on top, and bake uncovered for an additional 5 minutes until melted.
- 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!
PrintGround Turkey Sweet Potato Bake
Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Bake is a hearty and wholesome casserole featuring lean ground turkey, tender sweet potatoes, and savory spices. It’s a nutritious, family-friendly meal perfect for meal prep or weeknight dinners.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) ground turkey
- 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese (optional)
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking dish.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, add 1 tablespoon olive oil. Sauté onions and garlic until fragrant, about 2 minutes.
- Add ground turkey and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon, about 5-7 minutes. Season with paprika, cumin, thyme, salt, and pepper.
- In a separate pan or microwave, partially cook sweet potatoes with 1 tablespoon olive oil until just tender, about 5-7 minutes.
- In the baking dish, combine cooked turkey mixture, sweet potatoes, and bell peppers. Mix well.
- Top with shredded cheese if using.
- Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes, until the top is golden and everything is heated through.
- Garnish with chopped parsley and serve hot.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey with ground chicken or beef.
- Add spinach or kale for extra greens.
- This dish stores well and makes great leftovers.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 340
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 380mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 80mg