If you are searching for a wholesome and satisfying dinner that blends savory flavors with a touch of natural sweetness, this Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Bake Recipe is going to become your new go-to favorite. It combines lean ground turkey with tender sweet potatoes and vibrant veggies, all baked together under a golden, bubbly cheese topping. The result is a hearty, colorful dish that feels both cozy and fresh, perfect for family meals or meal prepping for the week ahead. Trust me, once you try this Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Bake Recipe, it will quickly earn a permanent spot on your recipe list.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this recipe plays a crucial role, contributing to the beautiful balance of flavors, textures, and colors that make this dish truly special. Don’t be intimidated by the ingredient list — it’s straightforward, and every item is easy to find, making this bake both accessible and delicious.
- 1 pound ground turkey: The lean protein base that keeps this dish light yet filling, perfect for a healthy meal.
- 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and diced (about 4 cups): Adds natural sweetness and creamy texture that contrasts beautifully with the savory turkey.
- 1 onion, diced (about 1 cup): Brings a rich aromatic depth and slight sweetness when sautéed.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the bake with a punch of flavor that elevates every bite.
- 1 bell pepper (any color), diced (about 1 cup): Provides vibrant color and a subtle crunch for balanced texture.
- 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes, drained: Adds juiciness and mild acidity to brighten the overall flavor.
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella): Melts to create a luscious, gooey topping that ties the dish together.
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano: Offers a warm, earthy herbaceous note that complements the turkey perfectly.
- 1 teaspoon dried basil: Adds a fresh, slightly sweet herbal flavor that enhances the tomatoes.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential seasonings to bring all the components into harmonious flavor.
- Olive oil, for cooking: A heart-healthy fat that helps sauté the ingredients and keeps everything moist.
How to Make Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Bake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) and greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish with olive oil. This simple step ensures the bake won’t stick and helps give the edges a lovely crispiness once it’s cooked through.
Step 2: Brown the Ground Turkey
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground turkey and cook it until browned, breaking it up with your spoon or spatula so it cooks evenly. Season the turkey with salt and pepper as it cooks to build the foundation of flavor early on. Once browned, set the turkey aside while you move to the veggies.
Step 3: Soften the Sweet Potatoes
In the same skillet, add a little more olive oil if needed and toss in the diced sweet potatoes. Sauté them for 5-7 minutes until they start to soften. This step helps ensure your sweet potatoes will be tender and creamy after baking without becoming mushy.
Step 4: Add Onion, Garlic, and Bell Pepper
Now add the diced onion, minced garlic, and diced bell pepper to the skillet with the sweet potatoes. Cook everything together for another 5 minutes until the veggies turn tender-crisp and fragrant. This layering of flavors will create a deliciously balanced, textured filling.
Step 5: Combine Turkey and Seasonings
Return the cooked ground turkey to your skillet, then stir in the drained diced tomatoes, oregano, basil, and a bit more salt and pepper. Mix everything thoroughly so the herbs and spices blend beautifully with the savory turkey and sweet vegetables.
Step 6: Assemble and Bake
Transfer the entire mixture into your prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the top. Cover the dish tightly with foil and place it in the oven for 20-25 minutes. This will give enough time for flavors to meld and for the ingredients to cook through.
Step 7: Melt the Cheese to Perfection
After baking covered, remove the foil and continue baking for an extra 10 minutes. This step is crucial for getting that irresistible golden and bubbling cheese layer that adds both flavor and texture to your Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Bake Recipe.
Step 8: Let It Rest Before Serving
Once out of the oven, give the bake a few minutes to cool and set before serving. This short resting time improves cutting and presentation while letting the flavors continue to settle and develop.
How to Serve Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Bake Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh garnishes like chopped parsley or green onions add a bright, fresh note and pop of color that beautifully balances the warm, hearty base of this bake. A dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt can also add creamy contrast and cooling relief if you want a little tang.
Side Dishes
This bake stands robustly on its own, but pairing it with a crisp green salad or steamed green beans brings some much-needed freshness and crunch. A light vinaigrette on the salad would complement the herbal and tomato flavors in the dish perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, consider serving your Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Bake Recipe in individual ramekins for portion control and presentation appeal. You can even add a sprinkle of your favorite chili flakes before baking if you like a touch of heat. Serve alongside crusty bread for a more filling meal that will satisfy any appetite.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Your Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Bake Recipe makes excellent leftovers. Store any uneaten portion in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The flavors deepen as it sits, making it just as delightful the next day.
Freezing
If you want to prep ahead, this bake freezes beautifully. After baking, let it cool completely, then wrap it tightly in foil or place in freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Just remember to thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To enjoy leftovers, reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, about 15-20 minutes. The cheese will regain some of its melted glory, and the dish will taste just as fresh as when first made. Microwave reheating is possible but may result in softer textures.
FAQs
Can I use ground chicken instead of ground turkey?
Absolutely! Ground chicken can be used as a substitute and will give a slightly milder flavor but still works great with the sweet potatoes and spices in this recipe.
Do I need to peel the sweet potatoes?
Peeling the sweet potatoes is recommended for the best texture in this bake, ensuring smooth, tender bites. However, if you prefer the extra fiber and rustic look, you can leave the skin on after washing them thoroughly.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, the Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Bake Recipe is naturally gluten-free as it contains no wheat or gluten ingredients, making it suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Definitely! Simply swap out the shredded cheese for a dairy-free alternative or omit it entirely. The bake will still be flavorful and satisfying thanks to the herbs and turkey.
What’s the best cheese to use for this recipe?
Cheddar and mozzarella are both fantastic options. Cheddar adds a sharper bite, while mozzarella gives a stretchy, creamy melt. You can even combine the two for extra flavor complexity!
Final Thoughts
There is something truly comforting about this Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Bake Recipe. It’s easy to make, packed with love and vibrant flavors, and versatile enough to customize to your tastes. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight or entertaining friends, this dish brings wholesome goodness and cheer to your table. Give it a try—you might just find a new family favorite that keeps everyone asking for seconds.
Print
Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Bake Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 to 8 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
A hearty and nutritious Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Bake that combines lean ground turkey with tender sweet potatoes, sautéed vegetables, and melted cheese, all baked to perfection. This comforting casserole is packed with flavors from garlic, bell peppers, and Italian herbs, making it a wholesome meal perfect for weeknights or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Ground Turkey Mixture
- 1 pound ground turkey
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Olive oil, for cooking
Vegetables
- 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and diced (about 4 cups)
- 1 onion, diced (about 1 cup)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bell pepper (any color), diced (about 1 cup)
- 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
Seasonings and Toppings
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Baking Dish: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with olive oil to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
- Cook Ground Turkey: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground turkey and cook until browned, breaking it into crumbles as it cooks. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Once cooked, set aside the turkey mixture.
- Sauté Sweet Potatoes: In the same skillet, add more olive oil if needed. Add the diced sweet potatoes and sauté for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they start to soften but are not fully cooked through.
- Add Aromatics and Bell Pepper: Add the diced onion, minced garlic, and diced bell pepper to the skillet with the sweet potatoes. Cook for an additional 5 minutes until the vegetables become tender-crisp and fragrant.
- Combine Ingredients: Return the cooked ground turkey to the skillet. Stir in the drained diced tomatoes, dried oregano, dried basil, and season with additional salt and pepper as desired. Mix everything until combined well.
- Assemble in Baking Dish: Transfer the turkey and vegetable mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the top. Cover the dish with foil to keep moisture in.
- Bake Covered: Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and ingredients to cook through.
- Bake Uncovered: Remove the foil and continue baking for another 10 minutes. This step allows the cheese to melt completely and become bubbly and slightly golden.
- Cool and Serve: Let the bake cool for a few minutes before serving to make it easier to slice and enjoy.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey with ground chicken or lean ground beef if preferred.
- For a dairy-free version, omit the cheese or use a vegan cheese alternative.
- Feel free to add other vegetables such as zucchini or mushrooms for variation.
- If you prefer a spicier dish, add crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce when cooking the turkey.
- Make sure to drain the canned diced tomatoes well to avoid excess moisture in the bake.
