Imagine a dish that’s hearty and wholesome, with the comforting sweetness of potatoes mingling alongside tender turkey and vibrant veggies, all tied together with a subtle touch of spice. That’s exactly what you get with this Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Bake—a weeknight wonder that brings both nutrition and flavor to your table. This recipe is incredibly versatile, easy enough for busy days, and feels like the kind of meal that always delivers a warm welcome at dinnertime.

Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Bake Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s talk about simple ingredients that pack a ton of punch—each one plays a unique part in building wonderful taste, texture, and color in this Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Bake. This dish is proof you don’t need anything fancy for something truly delicious!

Olive oil: For sautéing your meat and veggies, adding flavor and helping everything cook nicely.
Ground turkey: A lean protein that soaks up seasonings and keeps the bake moist yet hearty.
Yellow onion, diced: Brings classic sweetness and depth—don’t skip this one!
Garlic, minced: Delivers irresistible aroma and that little bit of zing the dish craves.
Sweet potatoes, peeled and diced: The star ingredient for subtle sweetness, vibrant color, and creamy texture.
Red bell pepper, diced: Adds color and a pop of fresh flavor to every bite.
Zucchini, diced: Makes the bake moist and sneaks in extra veggies without being overwhelming.
Smoked paprika: Offers gentle smokiness and rounds out the savory notes.
Dried oregano: Infuses the dish with an earthy, herby undertone.
Salt: Essential for pulling all the flavors together, so season thoughtfully!
Black pepper: Balances the sweetness and adds a hint of warmth.
Crushed red pepper flakes (optional): Perfect if you like just a pinch of heat with your dinner.
Shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese (optional): A creamy, melty finish to top it all off—choose your favorite or skip for dairy-free.
Fresh parsley for garnish (optional): A sprinkle of herby freshness and color right before serving.

How to Make Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Bake

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures everything bakes evenly, locking in all those wonderful flavors and giving the sweet potatoes time to tenderize to perfection. Trust me, it’s worth the wait!

Step 2: Sauté the Turkey and Aromatics

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground turkey, breaking it up with a spoon as it browns. Once the turkey is mostly cooked and no longer pink, toss in your diced onion and minced garlic. Let them sizzle together for another 2–3 minutes—your kitchen will start to smell incredible!

Step 3: Add the Veggies & Spices

Stir in the sweet potatoes, red bell pepper, and zucchini. Sprinkle on the smoked paprika, oregano, salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes if you want a little extra zing. Let everything cook for 5–7 minutes, just until the vegetables are starting to soften—this builds the flavor base for your Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Bake and helps everything cook up evenly in the oven.

Step 4: Transfer & Bake

Carefully transfer your skillet mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, then cover it with foil. Bake for 25–30 minutes, until the sweet potatoes are fork-tender and everything has melded together beautifully. This is the step where all the delicious flavors really get cozy!

Step 5: Add Cheese & Finish Baking

If you’re using cheese, remove the foil and sprinkle the mozzarella or cheddar generously over the top. Slide the dish back into the oven for another 5 minutes so the cheese can get perfectly melty and a little bubbly. Finish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a burst of color and freshness.

How to Serve Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Bake

Garnishes

Right before serving, sprinkle on a handful of fresh chopped parsley. It’s a simple touch that brings brightness and a pop of color. If you’re feeling extra, a dollop of Greek yogurt or sour cream adds a delicious creamy tang that pairs beautifully with the warm bake.

Side Dishes

This dish shines alongside a crisp green salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette, or a simple serving of steamed broccoli or green beans. If you want to round out your meal even further, a slice of crusty bread is a great way to catch every last morsel of this Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Bake.

Creative Ways to Present

Try scooping the bake into individual ramekins or oven-safe bowls for a fun, personal touch. Or, top portions with a fried egg for a brunch-worthy twist! You could even wrap leftovers in a tortilla or stuff into a roasted bell pepper for a playful, portable lunch the next day.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Cover any remaining Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Bake tightly and refrigerate for up to 4 days. The flavors actually deepen as it rests, making the leftovers just as satisfying—if not even better—than the first night!

Freezing

To freeze, allow the bake to cool completely, then portion it into airtight containers. Store in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge for an easy, ready-to-go meal on busy nights.

Reheating

Reheat individual portions in the microwave until hot throughout, or warm a larger amount in a covered baking dish at 350°F. Add a splash of water or broth if it seems a bit dry, and finish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley to brighten up the flavors once again.

FAQs

Can I substitute ground chicken or beef for turkey?

Absolutely! While ground turkey keeps the dish light and lean, ground chicken or ground beef will work just as well—just be sure to drain any excess fat if using a fattier cut.

What cheeses work best for this bake?

Mozzarella and cheddar are both delicious, but you can try Monterey Jack, pepper jack for a hint of heat, or even a dairy-free cheese if you want a lactose-free version. Choose what you love or have on hand!

Can I add greens like spinach or kale?

Definitely! Stir in a couple handfuls of fresh spinach or chopped kale during the last 10 minutes of baking. They wilt beautifully and add vibrant color and even more nutrients.

Do I have to peel the sweet potatoes?

Not at all—the peel on sweet potatoes is full of nutrients and won’t affect the bake negatively, especially if you give them a good scrub before dicing. It adds a rustic note and a bit of extra fiber.

How can I meal prep with Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Bake?

This bake is a meal prep superstar. Portion it into containers for the week, or freeze single servings for busy days. It’s satisfying, reheats like a dream, and holds up beautifully for lunches or quick weeknight meals.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a dish that’s nourishing, flavorful, and absolutely satisfying, give this Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Bake a try. It’s comfort food with a healthy twist and is sure to become a staple in your home just like it has in mine—here’s to second helpings and happy faces around your table!

Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Bake Recipe

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4.7 from 5 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 55 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Bake is a delicious and nutritious one-pan meal that’s perfect for a cozy dinner. Packed with lean ground turkey, colorful vegetables, and flavorful seasonings, this gluten-free dish is easy to make and great for meal prep.

Ingredients

Scale

Ground Turkey Mixture:

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 lb ground turkey
1 small yellow onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
1 red bell pepper, diced
1 zucchini, diced
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

Optional Toppings:

1/2 cup shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese
fresh parsley for garnish

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Instructions

Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
Cook the Turkey Mixture: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground turkey and cook until no longer pink. Add onion and garlic, cook until fragrant. Stir in sweet potatoes, bell pepper, and zucchini. Season with spices and cook until vegetables soften.
Bake: Transfer the mixture to a baking dish. Bake covered for 25–30 minutes until sweet potatoes are tender. Uncover, add cheese if desired, and bake for an additional 5 minutes.
Serve: Garnish with parsley before serving.