There is something truly comforting about the Ground Turkey and Sweet Potato Bake Recipe that makes it a standout weeknight dinner favorite. Combining the lean, savory goodness of ground turkey with the natural sweetness and vibrant color of diced sweet potatoes, this bake is a harmonious balance of flavors and textures. Topped with melty cheese and infused with aromatic herbs, it’s a hassle-free dish that brings warmth and satisfaction to the table, perfect for feeding the family or entertaining friends with minimal fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this recipe is simple yet plays a crucial role in creating the perfect flavor, texture, and color blend that makes this bake so special. From hearty protein to colorful veggies and herbs, each element shines.
- Ground turkey: Choose lean ground turkey for a healthy, protein-packed base that’s mild and versatile.
- Sweet potatoes: These add a natural sweetness and creamy texture that contrasts beautifully with the savory turkey.
- Onion: Adds a subtle sweetness and depth when sautéed, forming a fragrant foundation.
- Garlic: Enhances the aroma and adds a classic flavor punch to the dish.
- Bell pepper: Provides crunch and a pop of vibrant color, plus mild sweetness.
- Diced tomatoes: Bring moisture and tanginess to balance the richness.
- Shredded cheese: Melts perfectly on top, creating a gooey, golden crust.
- Dried oregano and basil: These herbs add an earthy, Mediterranean flair to the bake.
- Salt and pepper: Essential seasonings to elevate all the other flavors.
- Olive oil: Used for sautéing and greasing the baking dish for a silky finish.
How to Make Ground Turkey and Sweet Potato Bake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Give a 9×13-inch baking dish a good greasing with olive oil to ensure your bake doesn’t stick and develops a nice crust on the bottom.
Step 2: Brown the Ground Turkey
Warm a splash of olive oil in a large skillet set over medium heat. Add the ground turkey, breaking it into crumbles with a wooden spoon as it cooks. Season generously with salt and pepper. Cooking the turkey until it’s nicely browned adds a caramelized flavor foundation to the dish.
Step 3: Cook the Sweet Potatoes
Using the same skillet, add a little more olive oil if needed, then toss in the diced sweet potatoes. Sauté them for 5 to 7 minutes, just until they start to soften but still hold a bit of bite. This step ensures they’re tender once baked without turning mushy.
Step 4: Add Aromatics and Veggies
Next, stir in your diced onion, minced garlic, and chopped bell pepper. Cook everything together for another 5 minutes or until the vegetables are tender-crisp. This layering of flavors brings delicious complexity to the bake.
Step 5: Combine Turkey and Tomatoes
Return the browned turkey to the skillet and mix in the drained diced tomatoes along with the dried oregano, basil, and extra seasoning if needed. Letting the ingredients meld here infuses each bite with herbaceous, savory goodness.
Step 6: Assemble and Bake
Transfer your mixture evenly into the greased baking dish. Sprinkle shredded cheese lavishly over the top. Cover the dish securely with foil and bake for 20 to 25 minutes. This step lets all the flavors come together while the cheese begins to melt perfectly.
Step 7: Melt the Cheese and Finish Baking
Remove the foil and continue baking for another 10 minutes, allowing the cheese to turn golden and bubbly. This final touch makes the dish irresistibly cheesy and satisfying.
Step 8: Rest Before Serving
Once out of the oven, let the Ground Turkey and Sweet Potato Bake Recipe rest for a few minutes to firm up slightly, making it easier to serve and enjoy without losing any of the luscious filling.
How to Serve Ground Turkey and Sweet Potato Bake Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like chopped parsley or basil sprinkled on top add brightness and a pop of fresh flavor. A dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt also complements the warm spices and cheese with a creamy finish.
Side Dishes
This bake pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad or steamed green beans to balance the heartiness with fresh, crunchy vegetables. For a little extra comfort, garlic bread or crusty rolls are perfect for soaking up any lingering sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
Feel like mixing things up? Serve this bake in individual ramekins for single servings that feel cozy and special. Alternatively, layer the mixture in a clear glass casserole to showcase the vibrant hues of sweet potatoes and veggies before baking.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Ground Turkey and Sweet Potato Bake Recipe leftovers keep beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This makes it a convenient option for quick lunches or dinners later in the week.
Freezing
You can freeze portions of the bake wrapped tightly in foil or stored in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Just thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating to maintain the best texture and flavor.
Reheating
Reheat individual servings in the microwave or warm a larger portion covered in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. Adding a splash of water before reheating helps keep the sweet potatoes from drying out.
FAQs
Can I use regular potatoes instead of sweet potatoes?
Absolutely! Regular potatoes will create a different flavor profile and texture but still make a delicious bake. Sweet potatoes add a hint of sweetness and vibrant color that’s unique.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, all the ingredients listed are naturally gluten-free. Just be sure any added ingredients like shredded cheese are labeled gluten-free to avoid cross-contamination.
Can I prepare this dish vegetarian?
Sure! Substitute the ground turkey for cooked lentils or a plant-based meat alternative, and it will still be hearty and satisfying.
What cheese works best for this bake?
Cheddar and mozzarella both melt beautifully and complement the flavors well. Feel free to experiment with your favorite melting cheese.
How spicy is this dish? Can I add heat?
The recipe is mild by default, but you can easily add crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne in step 5 to give it a nice kick.
Final Thoughts
You really can’t go wrong with the Ground Turkey and Sweet Potato Bake Recipe as a go-to for a delicious, comforting meal that feels homemade yet fuss-free. It’s one of those dishes that warms you up from the inside out and brings everyone back to the table for seconds. I hope you give it a try soon and make it a beloved recipe in your own kitchen!
Print
Ground Turkey and Sweet Potato Bake Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
A wholesome and hearty Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Bake combining lean ground turkey, nutrient-rich sweet potatoes, and vibrant vegetables, seasoned with Italian herbs and topped with melted cheese. This comforting casserole is perfect for a nutritious weeknight dinner and yields six satisfying servings.
Ingredients
Protein and Vegetables
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 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
Herbs and Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Other
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella)
- Olive oil, for cooking
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Dish: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with olive oil to prevent sticking and allow even baking.
- 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 with a spoon. Season with salt and pepper, then remove from heat and set aside.
- Sauté Sweet Potatoes: In the same skillet, add more olive oil if necessary. Add the diced sweet potatoes and sauté for 5-7 minutes until they begin to soften but are not fully cooked.
- Add Aromatics and Vegetables: Add the diced onion, minced garlic, and diced bell pepper to the skillet. Cook for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are tender-crisp.
- Combine Ingredients: Return the cooked ground turkey back to the skillet with the vegetables. Stir in the drained diced tomatoes, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly to combine all flavors.
- Assemble in Baking Dish: Transfer the turkey and vegetable mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly on top. Cover the dish with foil to retain moisture during baking.
- Bake Covered: Place the covered baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the dish to heat through.
- Finish Baking Uncovered: Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden on top.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the dish from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving to allow the bake to set and to prevent burns.
Notes
- You can substitute ground chicken or lean beef for the ground turkey.
- Feel free to use your favorite cheese variety or a blend for different flavors.
- To reduce cooking time, pre-cook the sweet potatoes in the microwave for a few minutes before sautéing.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
- This dish can be made gluten-free by ensuring the cheese and any added seasonings are gluten-free certified.
