Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Bake Recipe
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.
- 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
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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
