Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Bake Recipe

Introduction

This Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Bake is a comforting and nutritious one-dish meal perfect for weeknight dinners. Packed with flavorful spices and topped with melted cheese, it combines hearty turkey and sweet potatoes for a satisfying dish everyone will love.

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground turkey
• 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/2 tsp ground cumin
• 1/2 tsp dried thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese
• Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped, for garnish (optional)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Step 2: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Step 3: Add the ground turkey to the skillet, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until browned, about 5-6 minutes. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
4. Step 4: Stir in the minced garlic, diced bell pepper, sweet potatoes, smoked paprika, cumin, thyme, salt, and pepper. Cook for an additional 3-5 minutes until the spices are fragrant and the vegetables are lightly softened.
5. Step 5: Transfer the turkey and vegetable mixture to the prepared baking dish. Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes, or until the sweet potatoes are tender.
6. Step 6: Remove the foil, sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the top, and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
7. Step 7: Garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!

Tips & Variations

• For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes when cooking the vegetables.
• Swap sweet potatoes for butternut squash or regular potatoes if you prefer a different texture.
• Use ground chicken or turkey sausage as an alternative protein.
• Try mixing in cooked black beans or corn for added fiber and nutrition.
• If dairy-free, omit the cheese or use a plant-based alternative.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through. This dish can also be frozen for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the bake a day in advance and keep it covered in the refrigerator. When ready, bake as directed, allowing a few extra minutes if the mixture is cold from the fridge.

What can I serve with this bake?

This dish pairs well with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables to round out the meal. A dollop of sour cream or a squeeze of lime can also add a fresh touch.

Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Bake Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 150 reviews

This Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Bake is a hearty and flavorful one-dish meal featuring lean ground turkey combined with diced sweet potatoes, bell peppers, and a blend of smoked paprika, cumin, and thyme. Topped with melted mozzarella or cheddar cheese, this comforting bake is perfect for a nutritious weeknight dinner or meal prep.

• Author: Sophie
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Low Fat

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

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 Oils

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/2 tsp ground cumin
• 1/2 tsp dried thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cheese and Garnish

• 1 cup shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese
• Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped, for garnish (optional)

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prepare for the casserole.
2. Cook the Ground Turkey: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Next, add the ground turkey, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until browned, about 5-6 minutes. Drain any excess fat if needed to keep the bake lean.
3. Add the Vegetables and Seasonings: 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 an additional 3-5 minutes until the spices are fragrant and the vegetables start to soften slightly.
4. Assemble and Bake: Transfer the cooked turkey and vegetable mixture into the prepared baking dish. Cover the dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes, or until the sweet potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.
5. Add Cheese and Finish Baking: Remove the foil and evenly sprinkle the shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese over the top. Return the dish to the oven and bake uncovered for another 10-15 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden.
6. Serve: Garnish with chopped fresh parsley or cilantro if desired. Serve hot as a satisfying main dish and enjoy!

Notes

• Feel free to substitute ground chicken or lean beef for turkey if preferred.
• You can use either mozzarella or cheddar cheese depending on your taste.
• For a spicier version, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red chili flakes with the spices.
• This dish reheats well and makes excellent leftovers for lunches or dinners throughout the week.
• To make it dairy-free, omit the cheese or use a vegan cheese alternative.

Keywords: ground turkey sweet potato bake, healthy turkey casserole, easy one dish meal, weeknight dinner, baked turkey and sweet potatoes