I recently made this Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Bake Recipe, and I have to tell you—it quickly became a favorite in my kitchen. The combination of lean turkey, sweet potatoes, and warm spices makes it comforting yet healthy. I love how simple it is to prepare, yet it feels like a dish that took hours to make.
Every bite is flavorful, and it’s perfect for family dinners or meal prep. Honestly, I couldn’t stop going back for seconds! You can also enjoy similar flavors in a Tandoori Chicken Kebabs Recipe if you want a spicier twist.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need for this delicious bake. I like to choose fresh ingredients whenever possible to really make the flavors pop.
- 1 pound ground turkey – I prefer lean turkey; it keeps the dish light but still hearty.
- 2 medium sweet potatoes – peeled and diced; they add natural sweetness and creaminess.
- 1 small onion – finely chopped; I always use yellow onion for its subtle sweetness.
- 2 cloves garlic – minced; fresh garlic is a must for flavor depth.
- 1 cup spinach – chopped; fresh works best as frozen can release too much water.
- 1 teaspoon paprika – adds a gentle smokiness.
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin – complements the turkey without overpowering.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt – adjust to taste; I prefer a little less and season later if needed.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper – freshly ground enhances the overall flavor.
- 1/2 cup shredded cheese – I grate mine fresh for the best melt and taste.
- 1/4 cup chicken or vegetable broth – keeps the bake moist while cooking.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil – for sautéing the onion and garlic.
Note: Several servings
Variations
I love making this recipe my own, depending on what I have in the fridge. Here are some alternatives:
- Dairy-free: Swap cheese for a vegan cheese or nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor.
- Low-carb: Replace sweet potatoes with cauliflower or turnips.
- Extra flavor: Add fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary for a fragrant twist.
- Spicy kick: Sprinkle some red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce. You might also like trying a Muffuletta Pizza Rolls Recipe for another fun, flavorful meal idea.
Cooking Time
Here’s how long you’ll spend in the kitchen making this dish:
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
Equipment You Need
Here’s what I usually grab before starting:
- Large skillet – for browning the turkey and sautéing veggies.
- Baking dish – to assemble and bake the dish.
- Knife and cutting board – for chopping vegetables.
- Measuring cups and spoons – for precise ingredient amounts.
- Spatula or wooden spoon – to mix everything evenly.
How to Make Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Bake Recipe?
Prepare the Ingredients
Start by washing, peeling, and dicing the sweet potatoes into small cubes. Chop the onion, garlic, and spinach. Having everything ready makes cooking much smoother, and you won’t feel rushed.
Cook the Turkey
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the ground turkey and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula. Season with salt, pepper, paprika, and cumin while cooking to let the flavors fully develop.
Sauté Vegetables
Add the onion and garlic to the skillet and cook until fragrant and soft. Stir in the spinach and cook for another minute. This ensures your vegetables stay tender but still vibrant.
Assemble the Bake
In a greased baking dish, layer the cooked turkey and vegetable mixture. Spread the diced sweet potatoes evenly over the top. Pour the broth lightly to keep the bake moist during cooking.
Bake Until Golden
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake for 30–35 minutes until the sweet potatoes are tender and slightly caramelized. Sprinkle shredded cheese on top during the last 5 minutes if desired.
Serve and Enjoy
Let the bake cool slightly before slicing. This allows it to set, making it easier to serve. I love seeing the layers and the cheesy top golden-brown.
Additional Tips for Making this Recipe Better
After making this bake a few times, I’ve discovered some tricks to make it even better:
- I always dice the sweet potatoes small; it helps them cook evenly.
- For more flavor, I sometimes sauté the sweet potatoes briefly before baking.
- Adding a splash of broth while baking keeps everything moist.
- Freshly grated cheese melts better and adds a creamier texture.
- I like to sprinkle fresh parsley or green onions before serving for color and freshness.
How to Serve Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Bake Recipe?
Serving this bake can be as simple or fancy as you like. I usually serve it straight from the baking dish for a cozy feel, but you can also plate individual portions. Add a sprinkle of fresh herbs or a drizzle of olive oil for presentation. It pairs well with a side salad or steamed green vegetables for a complete meal.
Nutritional Information
This dish is hearty yet healthy, providing protein and essential nutrients. Here’s what you get per serving:
- Calories: 320–350 kcal
- Protein: 28g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fat: 12g
Make Ahead and Storage
Making this dish in advance is a lifesaver for busy weeks.
Storing: You can refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days.
Freezing: It freezes well; just portion into freezer-safe containers. Defrost overnight before reheating.
Reheating: Warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10–15 minutes, or microwave individual portions for 2–3 minutes.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
There are so many reasons I keep coming back to this bake:
- It’s easy to prepare – minimal ingredients and straightforward steps.
- Versatile – you can adjust vegetables, spices, or cheese to your taste.
- Healthy – lean turkey and sweet potatoes make it protein-rich and nutritious.
- Family-friendly – everyone in my household enjoys it, from kids to adults.
- Great for meal prep – leftovers store well and taste just as good the next day.
Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Bake Recipe
Ingredients
Method
- Start by washing, peeling, and dicing the sweet potatoes into small cubes. Chop the onion, garlic, and spinach. Having everything ready makes cooking much smoother, and you won’t feel rushed.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the ground turkey and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula. Season with salt, pepper, paprika, and cumin while cooking to let the flavors fully develop.
- Add the onion and garlic to the skillet and cook until fragrant and soft. Stir in the spinach and cook for another minute. This ensures your vegetables stay tender but still vibrant.
- In a greased baking dish, layer the cooked turkey and vegetable mixture. Spread the diced sweet potatoes evenly over the top. Pour the broth lightly to keep the bake moist during cooking.
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake for 30–35 minutes until the sweet potatoes are tender and slightly caramelized. Sprinkle shredded cheese on top during the last 5 minutes if desired.
- Let the bake cool slightly before slicing. This allows it to set, making it easier to serve. I love seeing the layers and the cheesy top golden-brown.
Notes
- I always dice the sweet potatoes small; it helps them cook evenly.
- For more flavor, I sometimes sauté the sweet potatoes briefly before baking.
- Adding a splash of broth while baking keeps everything moist.
- Freshly grated cheese melts better and adds a creamier texture.
- I like to sprinkle fresh parsley or green onions before serving for color and freshness.
