Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Bake – Healthy, Hearty & Easy to Make
Looking for a dinner that’s wholesome, satisfying, and easy to throw together? This Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Bake is everything you want in a weeknight meal: one-pan, nutrient-rich, packed with protein and veggies, and loaded with melty cheese and smoky spices. 🍠🧀🦃It’s a flavor-forward, comforting dish that brings together lean ground turkey, sweet roasted potatoes, colorful bell peppers, and cheesy goodness — all in a hearty, satisfying casserole-style bake. Plus, it’s naturally gluten-free, meal-prep friendly, and totally customizable.If you love easy, feel-good meals, you’ll also enjoy Turkey Taco Skillet or this Sweet Potato Shepherd’s Pie.
Equipment
- Large skillet or sauté pan – for cooking the turkey and vegetables
- Cutting board & knife – for prepping veggies
- Vegetable peeler – for sweet potatoes (if desired)
- Large baking dish or casserole dish (9×13 inches works well)
- Spatula or wooden spoon – for stirring
- Measuring cups & spoons
- Cheese grater (if shredding your own cheese)
- Aluminum foil – for covering while baking
Ingredients
Meat:
- 1 lb ground turkey
Produce:
- 2 large sweet potatoes peeled and cubed
- 1 red bell pepper diced
- 1 medium onion diced
- 2 garlic cloves minced
- Fresh parsley or cilantro chopped for garnish
Dairy:
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese
Oils & Vinegars:
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Spices & Herbs:
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp ground cumin
- ½ tsp dried thyme
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
Step 1: Prep & Roast the Sweet Potatoes
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Peel and cube the sweet potatoes into ½-inch pieces.
- Toss with ½ tbsp olive oil, salt, pepper, and a pinch of paprika.
- Spread on a baking sheet and roast for 20–25 minutes, until tender and slightly crispy.
🔁 Shortcut: You can skip this step and add raw sweet potatoes to the bake — just increase total bake time to ensure they’re tender.
Step 2: Cook the Turkey & Veggies
- While sweet potatoes roast, heat ½ tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add ground turkey, season with salt, pepper, cumin, and paprika. Cook until browned (6–8 minutes).
- Stir in onion, bell pepper, thyme, and garlic. Cook for another 4–5 minutes, until veggies are softened and fragrant.
Step 3: Assemble the Bake
- Lightly grease a 9×13 baking dish.
- Add the roasted sweet potatoes and turkey mixture, stirring to combine.
- Top evenly with shredded cheese.
Step 4: Bake & Serve
- Cover with foil and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 10–15 minutes until hot and bubbly.
- Uncover and broil for 2–3 minutes to brown the cheese (optional).
- Remove from oven and top with chopped parsley or cilantro before serving.
- 🍽️ Serve with a simple salad, crusty bread, or a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt.
Notes
🔁 Variations
1. Southwest Style
Add black beans, corn, and a sprinkle of taco seasoning for a Tex-Mex twist. 2. Greek-Inspired
Stir in kalamata olives, feta cheese, and oregano. 3. Low-Carb Option
Swap sweet potatoes with cauliflower florets or zucchini slices. 4. Make it Spicy
Add chili flakes, jalapeños, or a dash of hot sauce. 5. Plant-Based Version
Replace turkey with lentils, chickpeas, or plant-based crumbles. 🧊 Storage & Reheating
Refrigerator:
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Freezer:
Freeze in portions for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. Reheat:
Microwave individual portions or bake at 350°F until heated through. ❓ 10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Do I have to pre-roast the sweet potatoes?
No — you can add them raw, just increase the bake time by about 15–20 minutes. 2. Can I use ground beef or chicken instead of turkey?
Yes! This recipe works well with any ground meat — just adjust seasonings to your taste. 3. Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely! Assemble the bake, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. 4. Can I add extra veggies?
Yes — try spinach, zucchini, mushrooms, or shredded carrots. 5. Is this gluten-free?
Yes — all ingredients are naturally gluten-free, just double-check your spice blends. 6. Can I use pre-shredded cheese?
Yes, but freshly grated melts better and has no added anti-caking agents. 7. Can I make it dairy-free?
Yes — use dairy-free cheese or omit the cheese topping. 8. What goes well with this dish?
Serve with a side salad, coleslaw, or warm tortillas. 9. Can I double the recipe?
Yes! Use a larger casserole dish or two pans and increase baking time slightly. 10. Can I freeze it before baking?
It’s best to freeze after baking — pre-freezing raw meat and potatoes can affect texture. ✅ Conclusion
This Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Bake is everything you want in a go-to recipe: easy, comforting, budget-friendly, and full of flavor. With roasted sweet potatoes, lean turkey, aromatic spices, and melted cheese, it’s a one-pan dish that checks all the boxes. Whether you’re feeding a family, meal prepping for the week, or just need a cozy dinner, this recipe will leave everyone full and happy. Want more feel-good meals? Turkey Zucchini Enchilada Bake Sweet Potato Black Bean Skillet Cheesy Ground Chicken & Broccoli Bake
1. Southwest Style
Add black beans, corn, and a sprinkle of taco seasoning for a Tex-Mex twist. 2. Greek-Inspired
Stir in kalamata olives, feta cheese, and oregano. 3. Low-Carb Option
Swap sweet potatoes with cauliflower florets or zucchini slices. 4. Make it Spicy
Add chili flakes, jalapeños, or a dash of hot sauce. 5. Plant-Based Version
Replace turkey with lentils, chickpeas, or plant-based crumbles. 🧊 Storage & Reheating
Refrigerator:
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Freezer:
Freeze in portions for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. Reheat:
Microwave individual portions or bake at 350°F until heated through. ❓ 10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Do I have to pre-roast the sweet potatoes?
No — you can add them raw, just increase the bake time by about 15–20 minutes. 2. Can I use ground beef or chicken instead of turkey?
Yes! This recipe works well with any ground meat — just adjust seasonings to your taste. 3. Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely! Assemble the bake, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. 4. Can I add extra veggies?
Yes — try spinach, zucchini, mushrooms, or shredded carrots. 5. Is this gluten-free?
Yes — all ingredients are naturally gluten-free, just double-check your spice blends. 6. Can I use pre-shredded cheese?
Yes, but freshly grated melts better and has no added anti-caking agents. 7. Can I make it dairy-free?
Yes — use dairy-free cheese or omit the cheese topping. 8. What goes well with this dish?
Serve with a side salad, coleslaw, or warm tortillas. 9. Can I double the recipe?
Yes! Use a larger casserole dish or two pans and increase baking time slightly. 10. Can I freeze it before baking?
It’s best to freeze after baking — pre-freezing raw meat and potatoes can affect texture. ✅ Conclusion
This Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Bake is everything you want in a go-to recipe: easy, comforting, budget-friendly, and full of flavor. With roasted sweet potatoes, lean turkey, aromatic spices, and melted cheese, it’s a one-pan dish that checks all the boxes. Whether you’re feeding a family, meal prepping for the week, or just need a cozy dinner, this recipe will leave everyone full and happy. Want more feel-good meals? Turkey Zucchini Enchilada Bake Sweet Potato Black Bean Skillet Cheesy Ground Chicken & Broccoli Bake