Go Back
Adam

Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Bake: A Weeknight Winner!

When weeknights get busy, we all crave meals that are simple, wholesome, and satisfying. This Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Bake checks every box—it’s hearty, flavorful, and made with everyday ingredients. Tender ground turkey combines with naturally sweet roasted potatoes, onions, and melty cheese, creating a meal that feels indulgent while still being nutritious. This recipe is a family-friendly favorite because it’s packed with lean protein, complex carbs, and veggies, making it a balanced one-dish dinner. The best part? It’s versatile—you can add extra vegetables, switch up the seasonings, or make it spicy depending on your mood. Baked until golden and bubbly, this casserole-style dish is the kind of weeknight winner you’ll make over and over again.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 6 portions
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Protein & Base:
  • 1 lb 450g ground turkey
  • 2 large sweet potatoes peeled and diced into small cubes
Vegetables & Aromatics:
  • 1 small onion diced
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 red bell pepper diced
  • 1 tsp olive oil
Seasonings:
  • 1 tsp chili powder
  • ½ tsp paprika
  • ½ tsp ground cumin
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ¼ tsp black pepper
Dairy & Toppings:
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese or cheddar
  • ¼ cup grated parmesan cheese
  • Fresh parsley or green onions chopped (for garnish)

Equipment

  • 9x13 inch casserole dish
  • Large skillet
  • Cutting board and sharp knife
  • Wooden spoon or spatula
  • Mixing bowls
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Cheese grater

Method
 

Step 1: Prepare Ingredients
  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Peel and dice sweet potatoes into small cubes for quicker baking.
  3. Dice onion and red pepper; mince garlic.
Step 2: Cook Sweet Potatoes
  1. Heat a skillet over medium heat with 1 tsp olive oil.
  2. Add diced sweet potatoes and cook for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until just starting to soften.
  3. Remove from skillet and set aside.
Step 3: Cook Ground Turkey
  1. In the same skillet, add ground turkey.
  2. Cook for 6–7 minutes, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned and fully cooked.
  3. Drain excess liquid if needed.
Step 4: Add Aromatics & Spices
  1. Stir in onion, garlic, and red bell pepper.
  2. Cook for 3–4 minutes until vegetables soften.
  3. Add chili powder, paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine.
Step 5: Assemble the Bake
  1. In a greased 9x13-inch casserole dish, spread cooked sweet potatoes evenly.
  2. Top with the seasoned turkey mixture.
  3. Sprinkle mozzarella and parmesan cheese over the top.
Step 6: Bake
  1. Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes until cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden.
Step 7: Serve
  1. Remove from oven, let rest 5 minutes.
  2. Garnish with fresh parsley or green onions.
  3. Serve hot as a complete meal.

Notes

🧊 Storage & Reheating
Refrigerator: Store in airtight containers for up to 4 days.
Freezer: Freeze baked portions for up to 2 months.
Reheating: Warm in oven at 350°F until heated through, or microwave individual servings.
🥄 Variations
Spicy Kick: Add diced jalapeños or extra chili flakes.
Veggie Boost: Stir in spinach, zucchini, or broccoli before baking.
Low-Carb Option: Swap sweet potatoes for cauliflower florets.
Dairy-Free: Use a plant-based cheese alternative.
Tex-Mex Style: Add black beans, corn, and top with avocado slices.
❓ 10 FAQs
Can I use ground chicken instead of turkey?
Yes, ground chicken works perfectly in this recipe.
Do I need to pre-cook the sweet potatoes?
Yes, cooking them slightly ensures they bake evenly in the casserole.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Definitely! Assemble it, cover, and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.
Can I use white potatoes instead of sweet potatoes?
Yes, but the flavor will be less sweet and more traditional.
What cheese works best?
Mozzarella melts beautifully, but cheddar gives a sharper flavor.
Can I add grains like rice or quinoa?
Yes, stir in cooked grains for extra bulk and nutrition.
Is this freezer-friendly?
Absolutely! Freeze leftovers for easy reheated meals.
Can I make it vegetarian?
Yes, replace turkey with black beans, lentils, or tofu crumbles.
Can I double this recipe?
Yes, bake in two dishes if needed—perfect for meal prep or feeding a crowd.
How do I prevent the casserole from drying out?
Don’t overbake, and cover loosely with foil if cheese browns too quickly.
🏁 Conclusion
This Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Bake is the perfect weeknight dinner—nutritious, hearty, and deliciously satisfying. With lean turkey, wholesome sweet potatoes, and gooey cheese, it’s a meal your family will love. It’s versatile enough for customization, freezer-friendly, and quick to throw together after a busy day.
One bite and you’ll see why it truly deserves the title: A Weeknight Winner!