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Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Bake – Healthy, Hearty & Easy to Make

Adam
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.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings 6 people

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 (9x13 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 9x13 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