Why Make This Recipe

Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Bake is a delicious and healthy dish packed with flavor. It’s great for meal prep or a family dinner. The sweet potatoes add a natural sweetness, while the ground turkey provides lean protein. Plus, it’s easy to make, and you can customize it to your taste.

How to Make Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Bake

Ingredients:

1 lb ground turkey
2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
1 tbsp olive oil
1 medium onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 red bell pepper, diced
1 tsp smoked paprika
1/2 tsp ground cumin
1/2 tsp dried thyme
Salt and pepper to taste
1 cup shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese
Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped, for garnish (optional)

Directions:

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Cook the Ground Turkey: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Add the ground turkey to the skillet, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until browned, about 5-6 minutes. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
Add the Vegetables and Seasonings: Stir in the minced garlic, diced bell pepper, sweet potatoes, smoked paprika, cumin, thyme, salt, and pepper. Cook for an additional 3-5 minutes until the spices are fragrant and the veggies are lightly softened.
Assemble and Bake: Transfer the turkey and vegetable mixture to the prepared baking dish. Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes, or until the sweet potatoes are tender.
Add Cheese and Finish Baking: Remove the foil, sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the top, and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!

How to Serve Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Bake

This bake can be served as a main dish on its own or alongside a fresh green salad. It also pairs well with simple sides such as rice or quinoa.

How to Store Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Bake

After the bake has cooled, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze portions for later use. Just be sure to thaw in the fridge before reheating.

Tips to Make Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Bake

Make sure to dice the sweet potatoes evenly for even cooking.
You can add other vegetables like spinach or zucchini for extra nutrition.
Adjust the spices to your taste; add cayenne for heat or more herbs for flavor.

Variation

You can swap ground turkey for ground chicken or beef if desired. Additionally, try using different cheeses like pepper jack for a bit of spice or feta for a tangy flavor.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen sweet potatoes?
Yes, you can use frozen diced sweet potatoes. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time.

2. Can I make it in advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dish a day ahead of time, store it in the fridge, and bake when ready to serve.

3. Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, all the ingredients are gluten-free, making this a safe option for those with gluten sensitivities.