If you’re on the hunt for a dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate, look no further than this Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Bake Recipe. It’s the perfect blend of hearty ground turkey, sweet and tender sweet potatoes, and vibrant veggies all baked together into a cozy, flavorful casserole. What makes this dish truly shine is its effortless balance of savory spices and comforting textures, making it a crowd-pleaser for weeknight dinners or meal prep. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it’s going to become one of your favorite go-to nourishing meals.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Bake Recipe calls for simple, wholesome ingredients that each play a vital role in creating its delicious harmony. From the naturally sweet potatoes to the aromatic spices and fresh veggies, every component is essential for the layers of flavor, texture, and color that make this dish special.
- 1 pound ground turkey: A lean protein option that keeps the bake hearty but light.
- 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and diced: Adds a natural sweetness and creamy texture that complements the turkey perfectly.
- 1 cup bell peppers, diced (any color): Provides a pop of color and a subtle crunch to balance the softness.
- 1 cup onion, diced: Brings a savory depth that enhances the overall flavor.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Adds aromatic warmth with every bite.
- 1 teaspoon paprika: Gives a mild smoky undertone that enriches the dish.
- 1 teaspoon cumin: Adds an earthy spice that ties the flavors together beautifully.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Essential to highlight all the natural flavors.
- ½ teaspoon pepper: Adds just the right amount of subtle heat.
- 1 cup chicken broth: Keeps the bake moist and infuses extra flavor.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: For sautéing and bringing everything to life.
- ½ cup shredded cheese (optional): Creates a melty, golden topping that adds richness.
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional): Adds a burst of color and freshness.
How to Make Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Bake Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Set your oven to 400°F (200°C). This temperature is just right to bake the dish until everything is tender, bubbly, and golden on top.
Step 2: Prepare the Sweet Potatoes
Start by boiling the diced sweet potatoes in a large pot for about 10 minutes until they are just slightly tender. This step ensures they finish cooking perfectly in the oven without turning mushy.
Step 3: Cook the Ground Turkey
In a large oven-safe skillet or frying pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground turkey, breaking it apart as it browns evenly. Cooking the turkey first builds the savory base for the bake.
Step 4: Add Vegetables and Aromatics
Stir in the diced onions, garlic, and bell peppers. Let everything cook together for about 5 minutes until the vegetables soften and release their wonderful aromas.
Step 5: Season and Mix
Add the boiled sweet potatoes back into the skillet. Sprinkle in the paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper, then stir to combine all the flavors beautifully.
Step 6: Pour in Chicken Broth
Gently pour the chicken broth into the skillet and mix. Bringing the mixture to a simmer allows the flavors to meld while keeping the bake moist and juicy.
Step 7: Add Cheese and Bake
If you love a cheesy top, now is the time to sprinkle the shredded cheese over the mixture. Transfer the skillet to your preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, until the cheese is melted and everything is piping hot.
Step 8: Garnish and Enjoy
Once out of the oven, sprinkle with fresh parsley if you like a little green brightness on top. Allow the bake to cool for a few minutes before serving — it’s worth the wait!
How to Serve Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Bake Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley is a perfect garnish to add a pop of color and fresh herbal notes that brighten the richness of the bake. You could also try a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of chopped green onions for extra flair.
Side Dishes
This bake is pretty much a one-pan meal, but pairing it with a crisp green salad or sautéed greens like spinach or kale adds a refreshing contrast. For something heartier, steamed green beans or roasted Brussels sprouts work beautifully alongside.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun presentation, serve the bake straight from the skillet for a rustic vibe. Or portion it into individual ramekins for a charming, personalized touch at dinner parties. Adding a colorful side of roasted vegetables on the plate can really make this dish shine.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Bake Recipe keeps wonderfully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors even continue to develop as it rests, making for tasty next-day meals.
Freezing
This dish freezes well! Let the bake cool completely, then store it in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 2-3 minutes or until heated through. If reheating a larger portion, cover with foil and warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until hot and bubbly again.
FAQs
Can I use ground chicken instead of ground turkey?
Absolutely! Ground chicken is a fine substitute and will keep your bake nice and lean while offering a slightly milder taste.
What can I use if I don’t have chicken broth?
Vegetable broth or even water can be used in a pinch. Just keep in mind the flavor will be less rich, so you might want to adjust the seasoning accordingly.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, this Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Bake Recipe is naturally gluten-free, making it a great option if you’re avoiding gluten.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
You can swap out the ground turkey for sautéed mushrooms or a plant-based ground meat alternative to keep it vegetarian-friendly and still delicious.
How spicy is this recipe?
This bake is mildly spiced with paprika and cumin, so it’s flavorful without being spicy hot. You can always add a pinch of cayenne if you like a bit more kick!
Final Thoughts
This Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Bake Recipe is a total winner in my book — it’s wholesome, bursting with flavor, and comforting enough to satisfy any craving. Whether you’re cooking for your family or meal prepping for the week, it’s an approachable dish that never fails to impress. Give it a try and see how this simple lower-carb meal wins you over too.
Print
Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Bake Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Bake is a flavorful and wholesome dish combining lean ground turkey, tender sweet potatoes, and vibrant vegetables, all seasoned with warm spices and baked to perfection. It’s a one-pan meal that’s easy to prepare and perfect for a nutritious weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 cup bell peppers, diced (any color)
- 1 cup onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon pepper
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ cup shredded cheese (optional)
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to preheat at 400°F (200°C) to prepare for baking the dish later.
- Boil Sweet Potatoes: In a large pot, boil the diced sweet potatoes for about 10 minutes until they are slightly tender. Drain and set them aside for combining.
- Cook Ground Turkey: Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet or frying pan over medium heat. Add the ground turkey and cook it until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks.
- Add Vegetables: Stir in the diced onions, minced garlic, and bell peppers into the skillet. Cook these together for about 5 minutes until the vegetables soften.
- Season the Mixture: Add the boiled sweet potatoes to the skillet. Sprinkle the paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper evenly over the ingredients and mix well to combine flavors.
- Add Broth and Simmer: Pour in the chicken broth and stir to integrate with the rest of the mixture. Allow it to come to a gentle simmer.
- Top with Cheese: If using, sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly on top of the mixture to add a melty layer of flavor.
- Bake the Dish: Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes until the dish is heated through and the cheese has melted completely.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the skillet from the oven, garnish with fresh parsley if desired, let it cool slightly, and serve warm for a hearty and delicious meal.
Notes
- Boiling the sweet potatoes prior to baking ensures they cook evenly and become tender without drying out in the oven.
- If you prefer a vegetarian version, substitute ground turkey with plant-based meat alternatives and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
- The cheese topping is optional and can be omitted or replaced with a vegan cheese for lactose-free options.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated before serving.
- To add more spice, consider adding a pinch of chili flakes or cayenne pepper during seasoning.
