If you’re looking for a meal that hits all the right notes—simple, tasty, and packed with nutrition—you’ve got to try my ground turkey sweet potato bake recipe. I love how this dish brings together lean protein and the natural sweetness of sweet potatoes in one easy bake. I first stumbled upon this combo when I needed a comforting dinner that didn’t take forever to prepare. It quickly became my go-to for busy weeknights and comfort meals alike.
This recipe balances flavors and textures beautifully: the savory ground turkey mingles perfectly with the creamy, subtly sweet roasted sweet potatoes. The best part is how the flavors deepen as it cooks, giving you a cozy, satisfying dish that’s more than just meat and potatoes. I’m here to walk you through every step, so you get it right on your first try.
Ingredients List
This section lays out clear, straightforward ingredients for your ground turkey sweet potato bake recipe. Each item includes exact measurements and preparation details you’ll need for smooth cooking.
- 1 pound lean ground turkey
- 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and diced into 1/2-inch cubes
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chopped bell peppers (any color you prefer)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/4 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish (optional)
Make sure your sweet potatoes are diced evenly so they cook uniformly. The ground turkey should be lean, around 93% or higher, to keep the dish healthy but flavorful. Keep your garlic minced finely so the flavor spreads evenly throughout the bake. And yeah, shredded cheese on top is non-negotiable in my book—it melts and browns perfectly.
PrintGround Turkey Sweet Potato Bake Recipe
Try this Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Bake Recipe with 3 layers that satisfy hunger and bring comfort in every bite
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 pound lean ground turkey
- 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and diced into 1/2-inch cubes
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chopped bell peppers (any color you prefer)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/4 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (205°C).
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until soft, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute, stirring constantly to avoid burning.
- Add the ground turkey to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spatula. Cook until no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes.
- Season the turkey mixture with smoked paprika, cumin, thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine all the flavors.
- Stir in the chopped bell peppers, then pour in the chicken broth. Let this simmer for 2-3 minutes until the mixture slightly reduces and the vegetables soften.
- Toss the diced sweet potatoes with a little olive oil, salt, and pepper, then spread them evenly in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Pour the turkey mixture over the top of the sweet potatoes, spreading it out evenly.
- Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese liberally on top.
- Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until the cheese is melted and golden and the sweet potatoes are fork-tender.
- Remove from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
A simple, tasty, and nutritious ground turkey sweet potato bake recipe that combines lean protein and the natural sweetness of sweet potatoes in one easy bake.
How to Prepare Instructions
Follow these steps to make your ground turkey sweet potato bake a hit. Each step is broken down to avoid confusion and help you nail it every time.
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (205°C). This high heat will help the sweet potatoes get tender and slightly caramelized.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until soft, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute, stirring constantly to avoid burning.
- Add the ground turkey to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spatula. Cook until no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes.
- Season the turkey mixture with smoked paprika, cumin, thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine all the flavors.
- Stir in the chopped bell peppers, then pour in the chicken broth. Let this simmer for 2-3 minutes until the mixture slightly reduces and the vegetables soften.
- While the turkey mixture cooks, toss the diced sweet potatoes with a little olive oil, salt, and pepper, then spread them evenly in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Pour the turkey mixture over the top of the sweet potatoes, spreading it out evenly.
- Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese liberally on top.
- Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until the cheese is melted and golden and the sweet potatoes are fork-tender. If you want extra crisp edges on the sweet potatoes, you can broil for the last 2-3 minutes—just watch closely.
- Remove from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. The resting time lets the flavors settle and makes it easier to portion out.
You’ll find cooking this bake straightforward, but keep an eye on those sweet potatoes so they don’t get mushy. Also, random tip: if your cheese starts browning too fast, loosely tent the dish with foil to cook everything through without burning the top.
Why You’ll Love This Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Bake Recipe
- Quick and easy to make on busy nights.
- Uses wholesome, simple ingredients you likely already have.
- Combines lean protein with complex carbs for a balanced meal.
- Flavorful spices add depth without overwhelming the dish.
- Can be customized with your favorite veggies or cheese.
- Leftovers reheat well, making it great for meal prep.
For me, this dish came about when juggling hectic weekdays. It’s a reliable recipe that delivers both nutrition and comfort. Trust me, you’re going to want to keep this one in your regular rotation.
Tips for Success with Your Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Bake
- Use fresh sweet potatoes—they have better texture and sweetness. Avoid ones that are soft or shriveled.
- Don’t skip browning the turkey correctly. It builds the base flavor that makes the whole bake taste richer.
- Adjust spices to your preference. If you like a little heat, a pinch of cayenne pepper goes great with this.
- To save prep time, chop the veggies the night before and store them in the fridge.
- Try different cheeses! Pepper jack adds a kick, while mozzarella offers gooey meltiness.
Nutritional Information Disclaimer
The nutritional content of this ground turkey sweet potato bake recipe varies widely depending on the exact brands and amounts of ingredients you use. Because of these variations, I’m not able to provide precise nutritional data here. If tracking calories or macros is important to you, I recommend using a nutrition calculator with your specific ingredients for the most accurate details.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen sweet potatoes for this recipe?
Frozen diced sweet potatoes work in a pinch, but fresh ones roast better and retain texture. If you use frozen, thaw and pat them dry first to avoid excess moisture making the bake soggy.
Is ground turkey a good substitute for ground beef in casseroles?
Absolutely. Ground turkey is leaner and cooks well in casseroles like this bake. Just be mindful that turkey is leaner, so consider adding a bit of olive oil or broth to keep it moist.
Can I prepare this bake in advance?
Yes! You can assemble it and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time to make sure it’s heated through.
What sides go well with ground turkey sweet potato bake?
This bake is a complete meal on its own, but a simple green salad or steamed veggies freshen it up nicely. A side of crusty bread is great for soaking up any leftover juices.
How do I store and reheat leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes or in the microwave until warmed through. Stir gently to redistribute toppings if needed.
