Name: Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Bake
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb ground turkey; 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and diced; 1 Tbsp olive oil; 1 medium onion, diced; 2 garlic cloves, minced; 1 red bell pepper, diced; 1 tsp smoked paprika; ½ tsp ground cumin; ½ tsp dried thyme; Salt and pepper, to taste; 1 cup shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese; Optional: chopped fresh parsley or cilantro for garnish

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Short Description

A wholesome, hearty casserole featuring seasoned ground turkey and sweet potatoes baked together and topped with melted cheese—perfect for a nourishing, hands-on dinner.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

You’ll love this dish because:

Sweet potatoes and turkey provide balanced protein and complex carbs in every bite.
Warm spices like smoked paprika, cumin, and thyme bring cozy flavor without heaviness.
Cheese topping adds gooey richness and visual appeal.
It’s simple to prep, bake, and serve—ideal for family meals or meal prep.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

1 lb ground turkey
2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
1 Tbsp olive oil
1 medium onion, diced
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 red bell pepper, diced
1 tsp smoked paprika
½ tsp ground cumin
½ tsp dried thyme
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 cup shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese
Optional: chopped fresh parsley or cilantro for garnish

Directions

1. Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 400 °F (200 °C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.

2. Cook the Ground Turkey

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook until softened, about 3–4 minutes.
Add ground turkey and break it up with a spoon. Cook until browned, about 5–6 minutes. Drain any excess fat if necessary.

3. Add Vegetables and Seasonings

Stir in minced garlic, diced bell pepper, diced sweet potatoes, smoked paprika, cumin, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Cook for another 3–5 minutes, until the spices become fragrant and the veggies begin to soften.

4. Assemble and Bake

Transfer the turkey–vegetable mixture into the prepared baking dish. Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes, or until sweet potatoes are tender.

5. Add Cheese and Finish Baking

Remove the foil and evenly sprinkle shredded cheese over the top. Return to the oven uncovered and bake for an additional 10–15 minutes, until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden.

6. Serve

Let rest a few minutes out of the oven, then garnish with chopped fresh parsley or cilantro if desired. Serve hot and enjoy.

Servings And Timing

Servings: 4–6 portions, depending on portion size
Prep Time: ~10–15 minutes (chopping and browning)
Cook Time: 35–40 minutes (baking and finishing)
Total Time: Around 50–55 minutes

Variations

Swap ground turkey for ground chicken, lean pork, or plant-based crumbles.
Stir in chopped kale or spinach after mixing the turkey and veggies to boost greens.
Replace sweet potatoes with diced butternut squash or regular potatoes.
Use pepper jack cheese for a spicy kick or sprinkle Parmesan over the top before baking for a crisp crust.
Add a can of black beans or cooked quinoa to the turkey mix for extra protein and texture variation.

Storage/Reheating

Refrigerate cooled casserole in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
To reheat: Preheat oven to 350 °F and warm until heated through, about 10–15 minutes. You can also microwave individual servings.
Freeze individual portions (without fresh herbs) in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.

FAQs

Can I Use Ground Chicken Instead Of Turkey?

Yes—ground chicken works equally well. Dark meat chicken offers more moisture and flavor, but lean breast meat is fine too.

How Do I Avoid Soggy Sweet Potatoes?

Ensure you dice them evenly and drain excess liquid before assembling. Covering during initial bake helps them soften without drying.

Can I Prep This Ahead?

Yes—you can cook the turkey mixture and dice vegetables ahead, then assemble and bake when ready. Store in the fridge for up to 8 hours.

Is This Dish Gluten-Free?

Yes—it’s naturally gluten-free if you use gluten-free cheese. No gluten-containing ingredients are required.

Can I Add Other Vegetables?

Absolutely! Add zucchini, corn, peas, or spinach—adjust cooking time slightly as needed.

Can I Make It Dairy-Free?

Yes—replace cheese with dairy-free alternatives or nutritional yeast for flavor.

How Spicy Is This Dish?

It’s mild by default. Add a pinch of cayenne, chili flakes, or diced jalapeño when seasoning for heat.

What Goes Well With This Bake?

It pairs nicely with green salad, steamed vegetables, or a side of crusty bread.

Why Simmer Turkey Before Baking?

Browning turkey ahead adds flavor and helps drain excess moisture, resulting in less liquid and more concentrated texture in the bake.

Can I Make It in a Skillet Only?

Yes—cook the turkey and vegetables fully in a large ovenproof skillet, top with cheese, then finish under the broiler until melted and golden.

Conclusion

This Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Bake is a comforting, nutritious, and easy one-dish dinner. With flavorful spices, tender sweet potatoes, and gooey melted cheese, it’s satisfying and versatile. Great for healthy family meals or make-ahead cooking—enjoy each flavorful scoop!