Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Bake Recipe
If you are looking for a hearty, comforting, and flavorful meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate, the Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Bake is exactly what you need. This dish brings together the lean, savory goodness of ground turkey with the naturally sweet, tender chunks of sweet potato, all enhanced by a vibrant mix of spices and melty cheese. It’s an all-in-one casserole that’s simple to prepare, pleasing to the eye, and perfect for cozy dinners any night of the week.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this recipe lies in its simple yet essential ingredients. Each component adds a unique layer of flavor and texture, from the soft, creamy sweet potatoes to the juicy, spiced turkey and crisp vegetables. Together, they create a colorful and delicious casserole that’s as nourishing as it is satisfying.
- Ground turkey (1 lb): A lean protein that keeps the dish light but filling and absorbs spices beautifully.
- Sweet potatoes (2 large, peeled and diced): They lend natural sweetness and a creamy texture that contrasts perfectly with the turkey.
- Onion (1, chopped): Adds a savory, aromatic base that enhances every bite.
- Red bell pepper (1, chopped): Provides a subtle sweetness and vibrant color to brighten the dish.
- Garlic (2 cloves, minced): Infuses the bake with rich, fragrant flavor.
- Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Helps sauté the vegetables to golden perfection.
- Chili powder (1 tablespoon): Brings a warm, smoky kick that livens up the turkey.
- Cumin (1 teaspoon): Adds earthiness and depth to the spice blend.
- Paprika (1 teaspoon): Contributes a mild peppery sweetness and rich color.
- Salt and pepper (to taste): Essential for balancing and enhancing all the flavors.
- Shredded cheese (1 cup, cheddar or choice): Melts over the top to create a gooey, golden crust that brings everything together.
- Fresh parsley (2 tablespoons, chopped, optional): Adds a burst of freshness and color as a garnish.
How to Make Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Bake
Step 1: Prep and Sauté the Aromatics
Start by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Toss in the chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking just until the onion softens and turns translucent. This step is key to building the base flavors that make the bake so irresistible.
Step 2: Brown the Ground Turkey
Next, add the ground turkey to the skillet. Use a spoon to break it up as it cooks, until it’s fully browned and no pink remains. This ensures every bite has that deliciously savory meatiness we’re after.
Step 3: Spice It Up
Once the turkey has browned, sprinkle in the chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir well to evenly coat the meat in that wonderful blend of spices. This step infuses the whole dish with warm, aromatic notes that elevate the simple ingredients dramatically.
Step 4: Add Red Bell Pepper
Add the chopped red bell pepper to the skillet, letting it cook just a few minutes until it softens slightly but still retains a little crunch and vibrant color. This helps balance the spices with a gentle sweetness and adds a pleasing texture.
Step 5: Cook the Sweet Potatoes
While the turkey and peppers cook, bring a pot of water to a boil and toss in the diced sweet potatoes. Boil them until tender but not mushy, about 10-12 minutes. Drain well and set aside, ready to form the base layer of the bake.
Step 6: Assemble the Bake
In a large baking dish, evenly spread the cooked sweet potatoes to create a sweet and creamy foundation. Pour the spiced turkey and pepper mixture evenly over the sweet potatoes, making sure it’s well distributed for perfect bites throughout.
Step 7: Add Cheese and Bake
Sprinkle a generous cup of shredded cheese over the top of the turkey layer. Place the dish in your preheated 375°F oven and bake for about 20 minutes, just until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and starting to turn golden around the edges.
Step 8: Garnish and Cool
Once out of the oven, sprinkle the freshly chopped parsley over the top for a pop of color and freshness. Let the bake cool slightly to set before serving—it helps the layers slice nicely and enhances the flavors melding together.
How to Serve Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Bake
Garnishes
Fresh parsley is a classic garnish that brightens the rich flavors and adds a burst of color, but you might also try a dollop of sour cream, a sprinkle of chopped green onions, or even a drizzle of hot sauce if you’re feeling adventurous. These simple touches can transform the dish into something a little extra special.
Side Dishes
This Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Bake is a complete meal on its own, but if you want to round it out, crisp green salads, roasted vegetables, or steamed broccoli are perfect. For a heartier plate, serve it alongside warm crusty bread or a side of quinoa to soak up any extra flavor.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve individual portions in small ramekins or explore layering it in clear glass casseroles to showcase the beautiful color contrast between the sweet potatoes, turkey, and cheese. You can also top each serving with avocado slices or fresh salsa for a fresh, vibrant finish.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors meld beautifully overnight, making it an even tastier lunch or dinner the next day.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, this bake freezes well. Place portions in freezer-safe containers or wrap the whole dish tightly with foil and plastic wrap. Freeze for up to 2 months and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F until warmed through and the cheese is bubbly again. You can also microwave single servings, but the oven ensures the best texture and flavor.
FAQs
Can I use ground chicken instead of turkey?
Absolutely! Ground chicken is a great substitute and will work just as well with the spices and sweet potatoes. The bake might have a slightly different flavor, but it will still be delicious.
What cheese works best for this bake?
Cheddar is wonderful for its sharp flavor and meltability, but you can also use mozzarella for a milder taste or a Mexican blend if you want some extra spice and complexity.
Can I add other vegetables?
Yes, you can! Diced zucchini, mushrooms, or spinach are fantastic additions to boost the nutrition and texture of the bake. Just add them when you cook the turkey or sauté them separately before layering.
Is this dish spicy?
The spice level is mild to moderate thanks to the chili powder and paprika, but you can always adjust the amount or add some cayenne if you like a bit more heat.
How do I make this recipe gluten-free?
It’s naturally gluten-free as long as you use gluten-free spices and cheese. Always check labels if you’re cooking for someone with gluten intolerance.
Final Thoughts
This Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Bake is truly one of those recipes that feels like home in every bite. With its perfect balance of savory and sweet, comforting textures, and wholesome ingredients, it’s sure to become a favorite in your rotation. Give it a try soon—you might just find a new go-to dish for busy weeknights or relaxed weekend dinners!
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Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Bake Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Bake is a delicious and nutritious one-dish meal combining lean ground turkey with tender sweet potatoes, vibrant vegetables, and warm spices. Topped with melted cheese and fresh parsley, this hearty bake is perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner that’s both flavorful and wholesome.
Ingredients
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Spices and Seasonings
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Toppings
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or your choice)
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the dish.
- Sauté Onions and Garlic: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant.
- Cook Ground Turkey: Add the ground turkey to the skillet and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until the meat is fully browned and cooked through.
- Season Meat: Stir in chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly to coat all the turkey with the spices for full flavor.
- Add Bell Pepper: Add the chopped red bell pepper to the skillet and cook for an additional 5 minutes until the peppers soften slightly.
- Boil Sweet Potatoes: Meanwhile, boil the diced sweet potatoes in a separate pot until tender when pierced with a fork. Drain and set aside.
- Assemble Layers: Remove the skillet from heat. In a baking dish, spread the cooked sweet potatoes evenly as the base layer.
- Add Turkey Mixture: Pour the ground turkey and pepper mixture on top of the sweet potato layer, spreading it out evenly.
- Top with Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the turkey mixture to create a delicious cheesy crust when baked.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden.
- Garnish: Remove from the oven and garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired, adding a fresh, colorful touch.
- Serve: Let the bake cool for a few minutes before serving, allowing flavors to meld and making it easier to portion.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey with ground chicken or lean ground beef if preferred.
- For a dairy-free option, omit cheese or use vegan cheese alternatives.
- Adjust chili powder and paprika amounts to control spice level.
- Adding a splash of chicken broth when cooking turkey can keep it moist.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking, Sautéing, Boiling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe (about 1.5 cups)
- Calories: 340
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: ground turkey bake, sweet potato casserole, healthy turkey recipes, easy baked dishes, low fat dinner, weeknight meals
