1. Home
  2. Recipes
  3. Turkey Sweet Potato Bake

Turkey Sweet Potato Bake

Featured in: Memorable Main Dishes Worth Sharing

Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Bake offers a perfect balance of nutrition and comfort in one simple dish. This hearty casserole combines lean ground turkey with nutrient-rich sweet potatoes and zucchini, all brought together with aromatic onions, garlic, and a blend of spices. What makes this dish special is its versatility and ease - everything cooks together in one pan, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully while the sweet potatoes provide a subtle sweetness that complements the savory turkey. The finishing touch of melted cheese creates a golden, bubbly crust that adds richness to this otherwise healthy meal. Perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or feeding a family, this bake delivers a wholesome dinner with minimal effort and maximum flavor, proving that nutritious eating doesn't have to be complicated or boring.
Pin it Share it Send it Print it Jump To Recipe
marry from tastelikemagic.com
Updated on Tue, 11 Mar 2025 02:32:27 GMT
A delicious and colorful casserole with meat, vegetables, and cheese. Pin it
A delicious and colorful casserole with meat, vegetables, and cheese. | tastelikemagic.com

A wholesome, comforting, and flavor-packed dish that’s perfect for meal prep or a cozy family dinner! Featuring lean ground turkey, nutrient-rich sweet potatoes, zucchini, and melty cheese, this dish is an easy, one-pan wonder you’ll make again and again!

Ingredients

  • 1 lb ground turkey: Lean and high in protein.
  • 2 medium sweet potatoes: Peeled and diced for natural sweetness.
  • 2 medium zucchinis: Adds freshness and extra nutrients.
  • 1 medium onion: Diced for depth of flavor.
  • 2 cloves garlic: Minced for a bold taste.
  • 1 cup shredded cheese: Cheddar, mozzarella, or a blend.
  • 1 tbsp olive oil: For sautéing and added richness.
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika: Enhances flavor with a smoky touch.
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning: Balances the dish with aromatic herbs.
  • Salt & black pepper: To taste.
  • Fresh parsley: Optional garnish for color and freshness.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat & Prep:
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease a large baking dish with olive oil.
Sauté the Aromatics:
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onions & garlic and cook for 3-4 minutes until soft and fragrant.
Cook the Ground Turkey:
Add ground turkey to the skillet. Cook until browned & fully cooked (about 5-7 minutes). Drain any excess fat if necessary.
Add the Veggies & Spices:
Stir in sweet potatoes, zucchini, smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, salt & pepper. Cook for 5-7 minutes until veggies start softening.
Assemble & Bake:
Transfer the turkey-vegetable mixture to the baking dish. Spread evenly, then sprinkle shredded cheese on top. Bake for 25-30 minutes until the sweet potatoes are fork-tender and the cheese is bubbly & golden.
Serve & Enjoy:
Let cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley for extra color & freshness.
A square plate of food with a slice of meat and vegetables. Pin it
A square plate of food with a slice of meat and vegetables. | tastelikemagic.com

Serving & Storage Tips

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes or microwave in short intervals.

Creative Variations

Make it Spicy – Add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce. Vegetarian Option – Swap turkey for black beans & quinoa. Cheese Swap – Use feta, goat cheese, or dairy-free cheese. More Veggies – Add bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach for extra nutrients.

Final Thoughts

This Healthy Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Bake is a flavorful and nutritious dish that’s easy to make and perfect for meal prep. It’s a satisfying comfort food without the guilt!

A delicious meal of meat and vegetables on a plate. Pin it
A delicious meal of meat and vegetables on a plate. | tastelikemagic.com

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I make this Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Bake ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the entire dish up to the baking step, cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to serve, add an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time since the dish will be cold.
→ What can I substitute for zucchini in this recipe?
Bell peppers, spinach, kale, or broccoli would all work well as substitutes for zucchini. Just adjust cooking times slightly as needed for different vegetables.
→ Is this recipe freezer-friendly?
Yes, this dish freezes well. Prepare through the baking step, allow to cool completely, then cover tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
→ Can I use ground chicken instead of turkey?
Absolutely! Ground chicken works as a perfect substitute for ground turkey in this recipe with no other adjustments needed.
→ How can I make this dish dairy-free?
Simply omit the cheese or substitute with a dairy-free cheese alternative. The dish will still be flavorful without cheese, or you could add nutritional yeast for a cheese-like flavor.

Turkey Sweet Potato Bake

This hearty Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Bake combines lean ground turkey with sweet potatoes, zucchini, and melted cheese for a nutritious and satisfying meal.

Prep Time
15 Minutes
Cook Time
40 Minutes
Total Time
55 Minutes
By: Marry

Category: Main Courses

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: American

Yield: 4 Servings (4 generous portions)

Dietary: Gluten-Free

Ingredients

01 1 pound ground turkey
02 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
03 2 medium zucchinis, diced
04 1 medium onion, diced
05 2 cloves garlic, minced
06 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
07 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
08 Salt and pepper to taste
09 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella)
10 1 tablespoon olive oil
11 Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions

Step 01

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Grab a large baking dish and give it a light coating of olive oil to prevent sticking. This will be the cozy home for your delicious creation!

Step 02

Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once it's shimmering, toss in your diced onion and minced garlic. Let them dance together until the onion becomes translucent and aromatic, about 3-4 minutes. This flavor foundation will make your whole kitchen smell incredible.

Step 03

Add the ground turkey to your fragrant onion-garlic mixture. Use a wooden spoon to break it apart as it cooks, creating bite-sized pieces rather than large chunks. Let it brown completely, which typically takes 5-7 minutes. If you notice excess fat pooling in the pan, carefully drain it off to keep your final dish from becoming greasy.

Step 04

Now for the colorful additions! Stir in your diced sweet potatoes and zucchini, creating a beautiful medley of colors. Sprinkle in the smoked paprika and Italian seasoning, along with salt and pepper to taste. Cook everything together for another 5-7 minutes, just until the vegetables begin to soften but still maintain some firmness. They'll finish cooking in the oven.

Step 05

Transfer your turkey and vegetable mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it into an even layer. Now for everyone's favorite part - cover the top with a generous blanket of shredded cheese! Pop the dish into your preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, until the sweet potatoes are fork-tender and the cheese has transformed into a bubbly, golden crust.

Step 06

Once out of the oven, let your creation cool for a few minutes - this helps the flavors settle and prevents burned mouths! Just before serving, sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color and fresh flavor. Scoop generous portions onto plates and watch as everyone digs into this hearty, healthy dinner!

Notes

  1. This ground turkey sweet potato bake is the perfect balance of protein, vegetables, and comfort food that the whole family will love.
  2. Leftovers keep beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and actually taste even better as the flavors continue to meld.
  3. This dish is naturally gluten-free and packed with nutrients from the sweet potatoes and zucchini.

Tools You'll Need

  • Large skillet
  • Baking dish
  • Wooden spoon or spatula
  • Cutting board
  • Chef's knife

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains dairy (cheese)

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 385
  • Total Fat: 18 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 28 g
  • Protein: 29 g