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
Scale
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.
