Name: Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Bake Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb ground turkey; 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and diced; 1 medium onion, diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 red bell pepper, diced; 1 tbsp olive oil; 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 (optional garnish)

Jump to Recipe

Introduction

This Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Bake is a comforting and wholesome dish perfect for a nutritious weeknight dinner. Combining lean ground turkey with hearty sweet potatoes and flavorful spices, it’s easy to prepare and satisfying for the whole family.

A close-up view of a glass baking dish filled with a baked dish showing three layers: the bottom layer is a mixture of brown ground meat and vegetables, the middle layer consists of bright orange chunks of butternut squash, and the top layer is melted white cheese with a bubbly texture sprinkled with small chopped green herbs evenly spread across the surface. The dish is placed on a white marbled texture background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

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 (optional garnish)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Step 2: Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté the diced onion for 3–4 minutes until soft and translucent.
Step 3: Add the ground turkey to the skillet and cook, stirring occasionally, until browned, about 5–6 minutes.
Step 4: Stir in the minced garlic, red bell pepper, diced sweet potatoes, smoked paprika, ground cumin, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Cook for another 3–5 minutes until the mixture is fragrant and well combined.
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 when pierced with a fork.
Step 6: Remove the foil and evenly sprinkle the shredded cheese on top. Return the dish to the oven and bake uncovered for 10–15 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden.
Step 7: Garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro if desired, and serve hot.

Tips & Variations

For a dairy-free version, omit the cheese or use a plant-based cheese alternative.
Feel free to swap ground turkey with ground chicken or beef depending on your preference.
If you want to prepare in advance, freeze the bake before adding the cheese layer. When ready to serve, thaw and bake with cheese topping for fresh flavor.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm individual portions in the microwave or in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. Avoid reheating more than once for best texture and flavor.

How to Serve

A clear glass baking dish filled with a layered baked dish. The bottom layer has a mix of cooked orange chunks, likely squash or sweet potatoes, with a slightly soft texture. On top, there are scattered browned pieces of ground meat mixed evenly. The top layer is melted cheese, white and slightly bubbly, covering the whole dish with some herbs sprinkled across, adding green spots for color. The dish looks warm and gooey, resting on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use regular potatoes instead of sweet potatoes?

Yes, you can substitute with regular potatoes, but the flavor and sweetness will differ. Yukon Gold or red potatoes work well and will take a similar cooking time.

How can I make this recipe spicier?

Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some crushed red pepper flakes along with the other spices to give the bake a nice kick.