The Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Bake is everything you want in a comforting dinner, with juicy ground turkey, naturally sweet roasted sweet potatoes, vibrant veggies, and a crown of bubbly melted cheese. This one-dish wonder brings together wholesome flavors with a nod toward a lighter, guilt-free classic casserole. It’s colorful, hearty, and endlessly satisfying—the kind of recipe you’ll come back to when you need a fuss-free meal that makes you feel good from the inside out.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Let’s celebrate how a handful of everyday ingredients can transform into something truly special. Each one in this Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Bake has its own delicious role, whether it’s adding moisture, color, or irresistible savoriness. Here’s what you’ll need—and why.
- Olive oil: Adds richness and helps to sauté the veggies, coaxing out all their best flavors.
- Ground turkey: A lean protein that’s tasty, filling, and soaks up savory herbs beautifully.
- Onion: Offers a sweet and mellow base that anchors all the other flavors together.
- Garlic: Aromatic and punchy, garlic is essential for irresistible depth.
- Dried oregano: Brings a gentle earthy note and that familiar, comforting herby taste.
- Smoked paprika: Just a pinch transforms the dish with subtle smokiness and warmth.
- Salt and black pepper: Season everything to perfection—never skip these basics!
- Sweet potatoes: Slightly sweet, perfectly creamy when baked, and the star of the show for color and nutrition.
- Red bell pepper: Pops of sweetness and crunch with every bite.
- Zucchini: Mild and tender, zucchini bulks up the bake while soaking in all the flavors.
- Shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese: Melts into a crave-worthy topping that brings everything together.
- Fresh parsley (optional): For a final flourish of freshness and a little burst of green.
How to Make Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Bake
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Skillet
Start things off right by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). As it heats, set a large skillet over medium and drizzle in the olive oil. This gets the stage set for all those incredible flavors to mingle.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
Once your oil is shimmering, toss in the diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring often, until the onion looks translucent and everything smells heavenly. This creates a savory foundation for your Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Bake.
Step 3: Brown the Ground Turkey
Add in the ground turkey, along with dried oregano, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Use your spoon to break the turkey up and cook until it’s browned and no longer pink, making sure to soak up all those aromatic flavors.
Step 4: Toss in the Veggies
Now for a colorful boost! Stir in your diced sweet potatoes, red bell pepper, and chopped zucchini. Let everything cook for about 5 to 6 minutes, just until the veggies start to soften. This gives your bake that perfect balance of textures.
Step 5: Assemble and Bake
Transfer the savory turkey and veggie mixture to a greased 9×9-inch baking dish. Cover it snugly with foil and bake for 25 minutes, letting the sweet potatoes get tender and all the flavors meld together for one irresistible dish.
Step 6: Add Cheesy Goodness
Remove the foil, sprinkle your shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese all over that golden casserole, and slide it back into the oven. Bake uncovered for another 10 to 15 minutes, until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Take your Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Bake out of the oven, scatter fresh parsley on top (if you like), and serve it warm. The aroma alone will draw everyone to the kitchen!
How to Serve Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Bake
Garnishes
A little fresh parsley sprinkled on top is the perfect finishing touch, but you can also try a dollop of Greek yogurt, a light drizzle of hot sauce, or even a quick swirl of sriracha for some gentle heat. Each garnish adds a pop of color or a splash of flavor to really make the Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Bake pop.
Side Dishes
While this bake has everything you need in one pan, it also loves good company. Pair it with a crisp green salad, some simple roasted broccoli, or a slice of crusty gluten-free bread to soak up all those savory juices. The balance of light and hearty makes for a plate that’s totally satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
Transform your Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Bake into individual servings by baking it in ramekins—perfect for a cozy dinner party. Or, scoop leftovers into tortillas for a protein-packed wrap lunch the next day. For brunch, top a serving with a fried egg and watch everyone’s faces light up!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store any leftover Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Bake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors deepen and meld, making the leftovers incredibly moist and delicious for lunch or dinner the next day.
Freezing
You can freeze this dish for long-term storage! Simply transfer cooled portions into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. Let it thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in a microwave-safe dish for 2-3 minutes, or pop them into a 350°F oven for about 15 minutes until warmed through. A sprinkle of extra cheese before reheating is always a good idea for melty magic.
FAQs
Can I substitute ground chicken or beef for the turkey?
Definitely! Ground chicken or beef both work wonderfully in this recipe. Just keep in mind that they’ll add their unique flavors and may be a bit richer or juicier, so adjust seasonings as you like.
What if I don’t have smoked paprika?
Regular paprika or a pinch of chili powder will still add some warmth. Smoked paprika just gives an extra layer of savory depth, but the Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Bake will still shine with a substitute.
Do I have to peel the sweet potatoes?
Peeling is optional! The skin adds extra fiber and a rustic texture. Just scrub the sweet potatoes well if you decide to leave the skin on.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Absolutely! Skip the cheese or use your favorite dairy-free cheese alternative. The bake will still be hearty and satisfying, with all those beautiful baked flavors.
Is this Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Bake meal prep friendly?
Yes, it’s one of the best meal-prep options out there! Make a batch, portion it out, and enjoy healthy, ready-to-heat meals throughout the week without any fuss.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a meal that brings warmth, comfort, and plenty of flavor to the table, this Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Bake truly delivers. I hope you’ll give it a try and watch it quickly become a staple in your weeknight routine!
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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 delicious and nutritious one-pan meal that combines the flavors of ground turkey, sweet potatoes, and a variety of vegetables, all baked to perfection with melty cheese on top. It’s a perfect dish for a cozy dinner or meal prep option.
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
Veggies:
- 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 large skillet, heat olive oil. Add onion and garlic, cook until soft. Add ground turkey, oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook until browned.
- Add Veggies: Stir in sweet potatoes, bell pepper, and zucchini. Cook until slightly tender.
- Bake: Transfer mixture to a greased baking dish. Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil, sprinkle with cheese, and bake uncovered for 10-15 minutes.
- Finish: Garnish with parsley if desired. Serve warm.
Notes
- This dish can be made ahead and reheated for easy weeknight meals.
- Feel free to swap in other veggies like spinach or mushrooms.
- 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
