Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Bake Recipe
This Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Bake is a wholesome and flavorful dish combining lean ground turkey with nutrient-rich sweet potatoes and aromatic spices. Sautéed onions, garlic, and bell peppers blend beautifully with paprika and cumin, simmered in chicken broth for depth of flavor, then topped with melted cheese and baked to perfection. It’s a comforting, protein-packed meal perfect for family dinners that balances taste and nutrition.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Ingredients
Scale
Protein and Vegetables
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
Spices and Seasoning
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
Liquids and Toppings
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or your choice)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure it’s hot and ready for baking.
- Sauté Onions and Garlic: In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing until the onion is translucent, about 3-4 minutes, releasing a wonderful aroma.
- Brownground Turkey: Add the ground turkey to the skillet. Break it apart with a spoon and cook until it’s browned and no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add Vegetables and Spices: Stir in diced sweet potatoes, chopped bell pepper, paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper. Mix well to evenly combine all ingredients.
- Simmer with Broth: Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a simmer. Cook for about 10 minutes until sweet potatoes begin to soften and the flavors meld together.
- Transfer to Baking Dish: Carefully move the turkey and vegetable mixture into a baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
- Add Cheese: Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheese over the top, ensuring full coverage for a gooey, golden finish.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven. Bake for 25-30 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden, and the sweet potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from oven and let cool slightly. Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color and serve warm.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey with ground chicken or lean ground beef if preferred.
- For a spicy kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili flakes with the paprika and cumin.
- Use any cheese you prefer, such as mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or a blend.
- To make this dish lower in fat, reduce the olive oil to 1 tablespoon or use a non-stick spray for sautéing.
- Sweet potatoes can be pre-cooked slightly to reduce baking time if desired.
- This recipe can be prepared ahead and refrigerated before baking; increase baking time slightly if baking cold.
Keywords: ground turkey sweet potato bake, baked turkey and sweet potato casserole, healthy turkey dinner, easy weeknight bake, gluten-free turkey recipe
