Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Bake Recipe

Introduction

This Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Bake is a hearty and flavorful one-dish meal perfect for busy weeknights. Combining lean turkey, sweet potatoes, and warm spices, it’s both nutritious and comforting. The melted cheese topping adds a delicious finishing touch.

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 slightly 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 extra flavor, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili flakes when cooking the vegetables.
• You can substitute ground turkey with ground chicken or lean ground beef if preferred.
• Use sweet potatoes with orange flesh for a sweeter taste or white sweet potatoes for a milder flavor.
• Try topping with a sprinkle of parmesan cheese before baking for a different cheesy twist.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through. This dish can also be frozen for up to 1 month; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes, you can replace the ground turkey with cooked lentils, crumbled tofu, or a plant-based meat substitute to keep it vegetarian while maintaining protein content.

How can I tell when the sweet potatoes are done?

The sweet potatoes are tender when a fork easily pierces through them during baking. If they need more time, continue baking covered and check every 5 minutes.

Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Bake Recipe

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4.6 from 51 reviews

This Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Bake is a hearty and flavorful one-dish meal combining lean ground turkey with tender sweet potatoes, bell peppers, and aromatic spices, all topped with melted cheese. Perfect for an easy weeknight dinner that’s both nutritious and comforting.

• Author: Daniel
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Low Fat

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat and Vegetables

• 1 lb ground turkey
• 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced

Seasonings and Oils

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 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 prevent sticking during baking.
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. Then add the ground turkey, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until browned thoroughly, about 5-6 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed to keep the dish lean.
3. Add the Vegetables and Seasonings: Stir in the minced garlic, diced bell pepper, sweet potatoes, smoked paprika, cumin, thyme, salt, and pepper. Cook this mixture for 3-5 minutes until the spices release their aroma and the vegetables soften slightly.
4. Assemble and Bake: Transfer the turkey and vegetable mixture to your prepared baking dish. Cover it with foil and bake in the oven for 25 minutes or until the sweet potatoes are fork-tender.
5. Add Cheese and Finish Baking: Remove the foil carefully, sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly on top, and return the dish to the oven. Bake uncovered for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden.
6. Serve: Optionally garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro for a burst of color and fresh flavor. Serve the bake hot and enjoy this nutritious, comforting meal.

Notes

• You can substitute mozzarella with cheddar or any melting cheese of your choice for different flavors.
• To make it spicier, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red chili flakes when adding the spices.
• This dish can be prepared ahead of time and refrigerated for up to 2 days before baking.
• For a lower-fat option, use ground turkey breast and reduce the amount of olive oil used.
• Leftovers store well and can be reheated in the oven or microwave.

Keywords: ground turkey sweet potato bake, healthy turkey casserole, easy baked dinner, one dish meal, low fat ground turkey recipe