Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Bake is a flavorful and nutritious meal that combines lean ground turkey with sweet potatoes, vegetables, and savory seasonings.
This comforting casserole is not only easy to prepare, but it’s also packed with protein and fiber, making it perfect for a balanced dinner. With its rich flavors and satisfying textures, it’s an ideal dish for meal prepping or feeding the whole family.
Kitchen Equipment Needed
- Large skillet
- Baking dish (9×13-inch or similar size)
- Knife and cutting board
- Mixing spoon
- Measuring spoons
- Potato peeler
Ingredients
1 lb ground turkey
2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
1 tbsp olive oil
1 onion, diced
1 bell pepper, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
1 tsp ground cumin
1/2 tsp chili powder
Salt and pepper to taste
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
Chopped cilantro (for garnish)
Directions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the Sweet Potatoes: In a large pot, bring water to a boil and add the diced sweet potatoes. Cook for 10-12 minutes, or until tender. Drain and set aside.
- Cook the Ground Turkey: While the sweet potatoes cook, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground turkey and cook for 5-7 minutes, breaking it apart with a spoon until browned and cooked through.
- Add Vegetables: Add the diced onion, bell pepper, and minced garlic to the skillet with the turkey. Cook for an additional 3-4 minutes, or until the vegetables have softened.
- Add Tomatoes and Seasonings: Stir in the diced tomatoes, ground cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Cook for 3-4 more minutes, allowing the flavors to combine.
- Assemble the Bake: In a greased baking dish, layer the cooked sweet potatoes on the bottom. Top with the turkey and vegetable mixture, spreading it evenly over the sweet potatoes.
- Bake: If using cheese, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese on top of the casserole. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the casserole is heated through.
- Serve: Garnish with chopped cilantro and serve hot.
Prep Time
10 minutes
Cook Time
30 minutes
Total Time
40 minutes
Nutrition (Per Serving)
Calories: 350
Protein: 30g
Carbohydrates: 40g
Fat: 12g
Sugar: 10g
Expert Tips
Add More Veggies: Feel free to add other vegetables like zucchini, spinach, or corn to increase the nutrient content and flavor.
Make It Spicy: Add some diced jalapeños or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the turkey mixture for an extra kick of heat.
Use Sweet Potato Mash: If you prefer a smoother texture, mash the cooked sweet potatoes before layering them in the casserole.
FAQs
Can I use ground beef instead of turkey?
Yes, ground beef can be used in place of ground turkey, though it will add more fat to the dish. Lean ground beef is a good alternative if you prefer red meat.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the casserole the day before, cover it with plastic wrap, and refrigerate it. Bake it the next day for 20-25 minutes, or until fully heated through.
Can I freeze the casserole?
Yes, this casserole freezes well. Once it cools, store it in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven until heated through.
Storing & Reheating
Room Temperature: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer: Store in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes to reheat.
Substitutions & Variations
Gluten-Free: This recipe is naturally gluten-free, but make sure any seasonings or canned products used are certified gluten-free.
Dairy-Free: Omit the cheese or use dairy-free cheese to make this dish dairy-free.
Vegetarian: Replace the ground turkey with a plant-based protein like lentils or crumbled tofu for a vegetarian version.
Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Bake – A Healthy and Hearty One-Dish Meal
Equipment
- - Large skillet
- - Baking dish (9x13-inch or similar size)
- Knife and cutting board
- - Mixing spoon
- - Measuring spoons
- - Potato peeler
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 2 large sweet potatoes peeled and diced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 onion diced
- 1 bell pepper diced
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 can 14.5 oz diced tomatoes, drained
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1/2 tsp chili powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese optional
- Chopped cilantro for garnish
Instructions
- **Preheat the Oven:** Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- **Cook the Sweet Potatoes:** In a large pot, bring water to a boil and add the diced sweet potatoes. Cook for 10-12 minutes, or until tender. Drain and set aside.
- **Cook the Ground Turkey:** While the sweet potatoes cook, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground turkey and cook for 5-7 minutes, breaking it apart with a spoon until browned and cooked through.
- **Add Vegetables:** Add the diced onion, bell pepper, and minced garlic to the skillet with the turkey. Cook for an additional 3-4 minutes, or until the vegetables have softened.
- **Add Tomatoes and Seasonings:** Stir in the diced tomatoes, ground cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Cook for 3-4 more minutes, allowing the flavors to combine.
- **Assemble the Bake:** In a greased baking dish, layer the cooked sweet potatoes on the bottom. Top with the turkey and vegetable mixture, spreading it evenly over the sweet potatoes.
- **Bake:** If using cheese, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese on top of the casserole. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the casserole is heated through.
- **Serve:** Garnish with chopped cilantro and serve hot.
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