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Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Bake Recipe

4.8 from 126 reviews

A hearty and flavorful Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Bake combining lean ground turkey, tender sweet potatoes, and aromatic spices, topped with melted cheese and fresh herbs for a comforting and nutritious American dinner.

Ingredients

Scale

Meat and Vegetables

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

Spices and Oils

  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/2 tsp ground cumin
  • 1/2 tsp dried thyme
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Dairy

  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese

Garnish

  • Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped (optional garnish)

Instructions

  1. Preheat and prepare baking dish: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
  2. Sauté aromatics: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion and sauté for 3–4 minutes until softened and translucent.
  3. Cook ground turkey: Add the ground turkey to the skillet and cook it, stirring frequently, until fully browned, about 5–6 minutes, breaking it apart as it cooks.
  4. Add vegetables and spices: Stir in the minced garlic, diced red bell pepper, diced sweet potatoes, smoked paprika, ground cumin, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Cook together for 3–5 minutes to blend flavors and slightly soften the sweet potatoes.
  5. Transfer and bake covered: Transfer the turkey and vegetable mixture into the prepared baking dish, cover it with foil, and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes or until the sweet potatoes are fork-tender.
  6. Add cheese and finish baking: Remove the foil from the baking dish, sprinkle shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese evenly on top, then return to the oven and bake uncovered for another 10–15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
  7. Garnish and serve: Once baked, garnish with fresh chopped parsley or cilantro if desired, and serve the bake hot for a delicious dinner.

Notes

  • Make it dairy-free by skipping the cheese or using plant-based alternatives.
  • You can substitute ground chicken or beef for the turkey depending on preference.
  • For meal prep, freeze the dish before adding the cheese layer, then reheat and finish baking in the oven for a fresh flavor and melted cheese topping.

Keywords: ground turkey sweet potato bake, turkey sweet potato casserole, healthy baked turkey, one dish dinner, American comfort food