Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Bake Recipe
Make this easy Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Bake for a wholesome, protein-packed dinner. Lean ground turkey, sweet potatoes, and veggies are baked with savory spices and cheese for a healthy turkey sweet potato casserole that’s perfect for meal prep and weeknight meals.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 2 large sweet potatoes peeled and diced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion diced
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 red bell pepper diced
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese
For Serving (Optional)
- Fresh parsley or cilantro chopped, for garnish
Instructions
Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or a thin coating of olive oil.
Cook the Ground Turkey
- In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the diced onion and sauté for 3–4 minutes, until softened.
- Add the ground turkey, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook for 5–6 minutes, until browned and cooked through.
- If needed, drain any excess fat.
Add Vegetables and Seasonings
- Stir in the minced garlic, diced red bell pepper, and diced sweet potatoes.
- Add smoked paprika, ground cumin, dried thyme, salt, and pepper.
- Cook for 3–5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the spices are fragrant and the vegetables start to soften.
Assemble and Bake
- Transfer the turkey and vegetable mixture to the prepared baking dish and spread it into an even layer.
- Cover the dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes, or until the sweet potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.
Add Cheese and Finish Baking
- Remove the foil and sprinkle the shredded mozzarella or cheddar evenly over the top.
- Return the dish to the oven and bake for an additional 10–15 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the edges are lightly golden.
Garnish and Serve
- Remove from the oven and let the Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Bake rest for a few minutes.
- Garnish with chopped fresh parsley or cilantro, if desired.
- Serve hot as a complete meal or with a simple side salad, rice, or crusty bread.
Notes
Dice sweet potatoes evenly: Small, even cubes ensure the sweet potatoes cook through at the same time and become tender.
Season generously: Ground turkey is very lean, so be sure to season well with salt, pepper, and spices for maximum flavor.
Check for doneness: If your sweet potato cubes are larger, you may need a few extra minutes in the oven until they are fully tender.
Cheese options: Use cheddar for a sharper flavor, mozzarella for a milder melt, or a blend of both for extra richness.