Savory Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Bake Recipe: Cozy Comfort

My kitchen always buzzes with excitement when I prepare this hearty ground turkey sweet potato bake that combines comfort and nutrition perfectly.

Warm spices dance through tender meat and caramelized vegetables, creating a delightful harmony of flavors.

Lean protein from turkey meets the creamy richness of sweet potatoes in this balanced meal.

Colorful ingredients promise a nutritious dinner that feels like a warm hug on a chilly evening.

Simple preparation means you can assemble this dish quickly without complicated techniques or hard-to-find ingredients.

Weeknight dinners just got a serious upgrade with this satisfying one-pan wonder that everyone will love.

Dive into this delicious recipe and watch your family request seconds!

Why Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Bake Works

• A one-pan marvel that transforms simple ingredients into a delicious, nutritious meal perfect for busy families.
• Minimal chopping and straightforward mixing mean you can have dinner ready in under an hour, making it ideal for hectic schedules.
• Lean ground turkey provides protein while sweet potatoes deliver vitamins and fiber, creating a balanced dish that supports healthy eating without sacrificing flavor.
• The casserole-style bake appeals to kids and adults alike, with familiar flavors and a satisfying texture that encourages everyone to clean their plates.

Ingredients for Turkey Sweet Potato Bake

• Ground Turkey: Lean meat that provides a healthy protein foundation for the dish.
• Eggs: Binding agent that helps hold the mixture together.

• Sweet Potato: Naturally sweet root vegetable that adds nutrition and texture.
• Onion: Provides depth of flavor and aromatic base for the dish.
• Garlic: Adds robust, savory undertones to the overall flavor profile.

• Salt: Essential for enhancing overall taste.
• Black Pepper: Adds a mild heat and warmth to the dish.
• Dried Thyme: Herbal note that complements the turkey and sweet potato.
• Olive Oil: Helps with moisture and provides a smooth cooking surface.
• Chicken Broth: Adds moisture and prevents the dish from becoming dry.
• Parsley: Fresh herb for garnish and bright, clean flavor finish.

Directions for a Balanced Turkey Sweet Potato Dish

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and lightly coat it with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Prepare Vegetables

• Sweet potatoes
• Onions
• Bell peppers
• Garlic cloves

Step 3: Brown The Ground Turkey

• Salt
• Black pepper
• Dried thyme
• Paprika

Step 4: Combine Ingredients

Transfer browned turkey to the prepared baking dish. Mix in the diced vegetables, ensuring even distribution.

Step 5: Create Sauce

• Chicken broth
• Tomato sauce
• Olive oil
• Worcestershire sauce

Pour the sauce evenly over the turkey and vegetable mixture.

Step 6: Add Cheese Topping

Sprinkle shredded cheese across the top of the casserole.

Step 7: Bake To Perfection

Slide the baking dish into the preheated oven. Bake for 25-30 minutes until sweet potatoes are tender and cheese is melted and bubbly.

Step 8: Rest And Serve

Remove from oven and let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.

Cooking Tips for Sweet Potato & Turkey Harmony

• Swap Meat Options: Replace ground turkey with ground chicken, lean beef, or plant-based crumbles for diverse protein alternatives.
• Boost Veggie Power: Add extra vegetables like spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers to increase nutritional value and create more texture.
• Prevent Dryness: Cover the baking dish with foil during the first half of cooking to lock in moisture and keep the dish tender.
• Customize Seasoning: Experiment with different herb blends like Italian, Cajun, or Mediterranean spices to personalize the flavor profile.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the entire dish in advance and refrigerate, then bake when ready to serve for convenient meal planning.

Storage Tips for Leftovers

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Properly sealed, the dish stays fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Transfer portions to freezer-safe containers or freezer bags. Freeze up to 2 months for later enjoyment. Label containers with date and contents.
• Preheat oven to 350°F. Cover baking dish with foil to prevent drying. Warm for 15-20 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
• Place individual servings on microwave-safe plate. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until thoroughly warmed and steaming.

Side Suggestions for Sweet Potato Bake

• Pair this hearty ground turkey sweet potato bake with a crisp amber ale that complements the richness of the meat and brings out the sweet caramelized notes of the potato.
• Serve alongside a bright citrus-forward salad with mixed greens, orange segments, and a light vinaigrette to cut through the dish's dense flavors and add refreshing contrast.
• Select a medium-bodied red like pinot noir or zinfandel, which matches the ground turkey's mild flavor and stands up to the robust sweet potato's earthy sweetness.
• Garnish with fresh chopped parsley or cilantro to add a vibrant green accent that introduces a clean, peppery undertone to the entire meal.

Variations for Ground Turkey Casseroles

• Low-Carb Cauliflower Swap: Replace sweet potatoes with riced cauliflower for a keto-friendly version that reduces carbohydrate content while maintaining similar texture and flavors.
• Vegetarian Bean Alternative: Substitute ground turkey with black beans or lentils, adding plant-based protein and creating a meat-free option that keeps the dish nutritious and satisfying.
• Dairy-Free Modification: Use coconut milk instead of traditional dairy and swap cheese with nutritional yeast to accommodate lactose-intolerant or dairy-sensitive individuals while preserving creamy richness.
• Spicy Mexican Remix: Add diced jalapeños, cumin, and chili powder to transform the basic recipe into a zesty southwestern-style casserole with enhanced flavor complexity.

Turkey Sweet Potato Q&A

• Is ground turkey a healthy protein choice?

Ground turkey is an excellent lean protein source, lower in fat compared to ground beef. It provides essential nutrients like protein, vitamin B6, and selenium while being heart-healthy and diet-friendly.

• Can I make this dish gluten-free?

Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free. Just ensure all your seasonings and ingredients are certified gluten-free. Double-check labels of spices and any additional ingredients you add.

• What nutritional benefits do sweet potatoes offer?

Sweet potatoes are packed with vitamins A and C, fiber, and antioxidants. They support eye health, boost immune function, and provide complex carbohydrates for sustained energy. They’re also lower on the glycemic index compared to white potatoes.

• How can I add more vegetables to this dish?

You can easily incorporate additional vegetables like diced bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach directly into the ground turkey mixture before baking. This increases nutrient density and adds more flavor and texture to the dish.

Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Bake Recipe

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4.8 from 26 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Hearty ground turkey sweet potato bake brings comfort and nutrition to your dinner table. Packed with lean protein and wholesome vegetables, this simple casserole delivers satisfying flavors you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Proteins:

• 1 pound (454 grams) ground turkey

Vegetables:

• 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
• 1 small onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 zucchini, diced
• 1 (14.5 ounces) can diced tomatoes (with juice)

Spices and Additional Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil (divided)
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• ½ teaspoon chili powder (optional)
• ½ teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese (optional)
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Warm the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.
2. In a large skillet, brown the ground turkey over medium-high heat, breaking it into small crumbles until no pink remains and the meat is fully cooked.
3. Add diced onions and minced garlic to the skillet, sautéing with the turkey until the vegetables become translucent and fragrant.
4. Incorporate dried herbs, salt, and pepper into the meat mixture, stirring thoroughly to distribute the seasonings evenly.
5. Layer the diced sweet potatoes across the bottom of the prepared baking dish, creating an even base for the turkey mixture.
6. Spread the seasoned ground turkey and onion mixture uniformly over the sweet potato layer, ensuring complete coverage.
7. Pour tomato sauce or diced tomatoes across the top, allowing the liquid to seep between the layers.
8. Sprinkle shredded cheese over the entire casserole, creating a golden melting top layer.
9. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and slide into the preheated oven.
10. Bake for 30-35 minutes, then remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese turns golden and bubbly.
11. Remove from the oven and let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before serving to allow the layers to set.

Notes

• Swap ground turkey for plant-based crumbles to create a vegetarian version that’s equally delicious and protein-packed.
• Use sweet potatoes with consistent sizing to ensure even cooking and a perfectly uniform texture throughout the bake.
• Consider adding extra spices like smoked paprika or cumin to boost flavor complexity and create a more dynamic taste profile.
• Prep vegetables in advance and store in the refrigerator to streamline meal preparation and save time during busy weeknights.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 400 mg
• Fat: 16 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 5 g
• Protein: 24 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg