This healthy ground turkey sweet potato bake is a satisfying and nutritious meal that combines lean ground turkey, sweet potatoes, and an array of flavorful vegetables into one delicious casserole. It’s the perfect dish for a cozy dinner or for meal prepping, offering a balance of protein, fiber, and vitamins. The best part? It’s easy to make, so you can enjoy a wholesome meal without much effort!
Ingredients
1 lb ground turkey
2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 bell pepper, chopped
1 zucchini, chopped
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon paprika
Salt and pepper to taste
1/2 cup shredded cheese (optional)
Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground turkey and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned, about 5-7 minutes.
Add the chopped onion, garlic, bell pepper, and zucchini to the skillet. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until the vegetables soften.
Season the mixture with cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir everything to combine and cook for another minute.
In a separate pot, cook the diced sweet potatoes in boiling water for 10-12 minutes, or until they are tender when pierced with a fork.
Drain the sweet potatoes and add them to the turkey and vegetable mixture. Stir to combine all the ingredients well.
Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish and top with shredded cheese, if desired.
Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.
Garnish with fresh parsley before serving, if desired.
Servings and Timing
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Variations
Vegetarian version: Substitute the ground turkey with a plant-based protein like lentils or quinoa.
Add extra veggies: Feel free to toss in some spinach, kale, or even mushrooms to boost the nutrient content.
Spicy kick: Add some red pepper flakes or a chopped jalapeño for a bit of heat.
Dairy-free: Skip the cheese on top, or use a dairy-free alternative to keep it suitable for those with dietary restrictions.
Sweet potato alternatives: You can use butternut squash or regular potatoes for a different flavor profile.
Storage/Reheating
This turkey sweet potato bake can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. It also reheats wonderfully in the microwave or oven. To reheat in the oven, cover it with foil and bake at 350°F for 15-20 minutes until heated through. If you’re in a hurry, simply microwave individual portions for 1-2 minutes.
FAQs
How can I make this recipe spicier?
To add some spice, I like to throw in a chopped jalapeño or sprinkle in some red pepper flakes during cooking. You can adjust the spice level according to your preference.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! This recipe is perfect for meal prep. I like to prepare it a day in advance and store it in the fridge. It reheats beautifully, making it an easy grab-and-go option for busy days.
Can I freeze the leftovers?
Absolutely! If you have leftovers, you can freeze them in an airtight container for up to 2-3 months. Just reheat thoroughly in the microwave or oven when ready to serve.
Can I use other types of meat instead of ground turkey?
Yes, you can substitute ground turkey with chicken, lean beef, or even a plant-based meat substitute for a different flavor and texture.
Is this recipe suitable for a low-carb diet?
If you’re following a low-carb diet, you can reduce the amount of sweet potatoes or replace them with a lower-carb vegetable like cauliflower.
Conclusion
This healthy ground turkey sweet potato bake is a delicious and nutritious meal that satisfies both your taste buds and your hunger. Whether I’m looking for a comforting dinner or planning meals for the week, this dish never disappoints. With the combination of lean turkey, sweet potatoes, and a variety of vegetables, it’s a complete meal that’s full of flavor and easy to make. I love how customizable it is too, so I can make it exactly the way I like.
Recipe:
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Healthy Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Bake
This healthy Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Bake is a satisfying and nutritious meal, packed with lean protein, fiber, and vitamins. With ground turkey, sweet potatoes, and colorful vegetables, it’s a perfect choice for meal prepping or a comforting dinner. Easy to make, customizable, and full of flavor, this one-pan dish is perfect for anyone looking for a wholesome, low-effort recipe.
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients
1 lb ground turkey
2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 bell pepper, chopped
1 zucchini, chopped
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon paprika
Salt and pepper to taste
1/2 cup shredded cheese (optional)
Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
-
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
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Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground turkey and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned, about 5-7 minutes.
-
Add the chopped onion, garlic, bell pepper, and zucchini to the skillet. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until the vegetables soften.
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Season the mixture with cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir everything to combine and cook for another minute.
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In a separate pot, cook the diced sweet potatoes in boiling water for 10-12 minutes, or until tender when pierced with a fork.
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Drain the sweet potatoes and add them to the turkey and vegetable mixture. Stir to combine.
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Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish and top with shredded cheese, if desired.
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Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.
-
Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
For a spicier version, add red pepper flakes or a chopped jalapeño to the dish.
You can substitute the ground turkey with other meats or plant-based protein options.
This dish is perfect for meal prep and can be stored in the fridge for 3-4 days or frozen for up to 2-3 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking, Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 servings
- Calories: 330 kcal