Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Bake Recipe

Introduction

Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Bake is a hearty and healthy one-dish meal perfect for busy weeknights. Packed with nutritious vegetables and seasoned ground turkey, it delivers comforting flavors with minimal effort. This bake is both satisfying and easy to customize.

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground turkey
• 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
• 2 medium zucchinis, diced
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and grease a large baking dish with olive oil to prevent sticking.
2. Step 2: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion and minced garlic, sautéing for 3-4 minutes until the onion is translucent and fragrant.
3. Step 3: Add ground turkey to the skillet. Cook for 5-7 minutes, breaking it apart with a spoon until browned. Drain any excess fat.
4. Step 4: Stir in diced sweet potatoes, zucchini, smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook for another 5-7 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften.
5. Step 5: Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
6. Step 6: Sprinkle shredded cheese evenly over the top of the turkey and vegetable mixture.
7. Step 7: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, until the sweet potatoes are tender and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
8. Step 8: Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving, if desired.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes when cooking the turkey.
• Swap zucchini for bell peppers or mushrooms to vary the vegetable mix.
• Use turkey breast for a leaner option, or ground chicken as a mild substitute.
• If you prefer a creamier bake, stir in a half cup of sour cream or Greek yogurt before baking.
• Try topping with Parmesan cheese for a sharper flavor twist.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through. This bake also freezes well; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this dish gluten-free?

Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free as it does not contain any wheat-based ingredients. Just make sure your seasoning blends and cheese are gluten-free.

Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

Absolutely. You can prepare the mixture up to the point of baking, cover it, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Then, add the cheese topping and bake just before serving.

Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Bake Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 50 reviews

A hearty and nutritious Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Bake combining lean ground turkey, sweet potatoes, and seasonal vegetables, topped with melted cheese for a wholesome family-friendly meal. This easy-to-make baked dish offers a perfect balance of protein, fiber, and flavors, ideal for a cozy dinner or meal prep.

• Author: Elias
• 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 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients

• 1 pound ground turkey
• 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
• 2 medium zucchinis, diced
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) and grease a large baking dish with olive oil to ensure even cooking and prevent sticking.
2. Sauté the Veggies: In a large skillet over medium heat, heat the olive oil. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, sautéing for about 3-4 minutes until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant.
3. Cook the Ground Turkey: Add the ground turkey to the skillet, cooking for 5-7 minutes while breaking it apart with a spoon until browned. Drain any excess fat to keep the dish lean.
4. Add the Sweet Potatoes & Zucchini: Stir in the diced sweet potatoes, zucchini, smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Continue cooking for another 5-7 minutes until the vegetables start to soften.
5. Transfer to Baking Dish: Move the cooked turkey and vegetable mixture into the greased baking dish, spreading it out evenly for uniform baking.
6. Top with Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the top of the mixture to create a deliciously cheesy crust.
7. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the sweet potatoes are tender and the cheese is melted and bubbly, signifying the dish is ready.
8. Garnish & Serve: Remove the bake from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired, then serve warm for a comforting meal.

Notes

• For a dairy-free option, omit the cheese or use a plant-based cheese substitute.
• You can substitute ground turkey with ground chicken or lean ground beef if preferred.
• Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers or spinach to enhance the nutritional profile.
• Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Make sure to dice the sweet potatoes into small pieces to ensure they cook thoroughly during baking.

Keywords: ground turkey, sweet potato bake, healthy dinner, baked turkey recipe, low fat meal, easy family dinner