I love making my Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Bake. It’s a warm dish that fills the home with a comforting aroma. Not only is it delicious, but it’s also packed with nutrients from the sweet potatoes and vegetables.
This dish always reminds me of cozy family dinners at home. Mom Eva would prepare something similar, while my Dad James would help out by chopping veggies. Sister Jennifer and I eagerly waited for dinner, filling the air with laughter and chatter.
Your Ingredients List
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp ground cumin
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese
- Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped, for garnish (optional)
My Go-To Equipment
I like to use a large skillet for cooking the turkey and veggies. A 9×13-inch baking dish works great for baking this dish. Don’t forget a good set of measuring spoons for accuracy!
The Simple Steps to Follow
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the diced onion and sauté until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add the ground turkey to the skillet, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until browned, about 5-6 minutes. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
- Stir in the minced garlic, diced bell pepper, diced sweet potatoes, smoked paprika, cumin, thyme, salt, and pepper.
- Cook for an additional 3-5 minutes until the spices are fragrant and the veggies are lightly softened.
- Transfer the turkey and vegetable mixture to the prepared baking dish.
- Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes, or until the sweet potatoes are tender.
- Remove the foil, sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the top, and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!
Healthy Twists on a Classic
To make this dish even healthier, you can use ground chicken instead of turkey. You could also add in some leafy greens like spinach or kale for extra nutrition. If you want to lower the carbs, try substituting sweet potatoes with cauliflower rice.
Serving Suggestions From My Table
This bake is perfect on its own, but I love serving it with a side salad. A light vinaigrette pairs well with the flavors. You could also enjoy it with crusty bread or some steamed veggies for a balanced meal.
Getting It Just Right
For the best flavor, make sure to season well with salt and pepper. Cooking the onions until they are soft adds depth. Pay attention to browning the turkey; that step brings out a lot of flavor. If you like a kick, toss in some red pepper flakes!
How to Store Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can also freeze them for up to a month. Just make sure to reheat it thoroughly when you want to enjoy it again.
Enjoy Every Moment
Cooking is not just about the food; it’s about the moments we share. Gather your loved ones and make this Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Bake together. It’s an easy way to share joy and create memories around the table.
A Few Common Questions
What can I replace the ground turkey with in the Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Bake?
You can use ground chicken, ground beef, or even plant-based ground meat if you want a vegetarian option. Each meat will give a slightly different flavor and texture but will still work well with the other ingredients.
Can I prepare the Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Bake ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dish a day in advance. Just assemble everything in the baking dish and keep it covered in the fridge. When ready to cook, you may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
What if I don’t have smoked paprika for the Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Bake?
If you don’t have smoked paprika, regular paprika will work fine. You can also add a pinch of liquid smoke to achieve a similar flavor profile.
Print
Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Bake
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: None
Description
A warm and comforting Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Bake that is nutritious and perfect for family dinners.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp ground cumin
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese
- Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the diced onion and sauté until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add the ground turkey to the skillet, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until browned, about 5-6 minutes. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
- Stir in the minced garlic, diced bell pepper, diced sweet potatoes, smoked paprika, cumin, thyme, salt, and pepper.
- Cook for an additional 3-5 minutes until the spices are fragrant and the veggies are lightly softened.
- Transfer the turkey and vegetable mixture to the prepared baking dish.
- Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes, or until the sweet potatoes are tender.
- Remove the foil, sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the top, and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
For a healthier twist, substitute ground chicken for turkey and add leafy greens.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
Keywords: ground turkey, sweet potato, bake, comfort food, family dinner