Sweet Potato and Ground Turkey Bake

There’s something undeniably comforting about layers of tender sweet potatoes mingling with savory ground turkey, all under a blanket of gooey mozzarella cheese. This Sweet Potato and Ground Turkey Bake is exactly that kind of heartwarming, feel-good dinner that welcomes you home after a long day. Savor the delightful layers of sweet potatoes and savory ground turkey in this comforting baked dish! It strikes the perfect balance between healthy and indulgent: vibrant orange sweet potatoes rich in vitamins A and C, lean ground turkey seasoned to perfection, and just enough cheese to make everyone at the table smile.

Wholesome sweet potatoes meet seasoned ground turkey, topped with melted mozzarella, creating a hearty meal perfect for any night of the week. As a beginner-friendly recipe, you’ll appreciate how straightforward it is—just 15 minutes of prep, 40 minutes of cooking, and a brief 5-minute rest before digging in. At around 380 calories per serving, it’s a satisfying option that doesn’t tip the scale. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or feeding a hungry family, this dish stores beautifully and reheats like a dream. Let’s dive into the key ingredients and step-by-step magic that makes this bake a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

KEY INGREDIENTS IN SWEET POTATO AND GROUND TURKEY BAKE

Before you head to the kitchen, let’s explore the superstar ingredients that make this bake shine. Each element plays a crucial role in building layers of flavor, texture, and nutrition.

• Sweet potatoes

Naturally sweet and creamy, they form a hearty base that contrasts beautifully with the savory turkey. Rich in beta-carotene, they add vibrant color and subtle sweetness.

• Ground turkey

Lean and protein-packed, it soaks up spices and provides a satisfying, meaty texture without the heaviness of red meat.

• Olive oil

A healthy fat that helps sauté aromatics and keeps the turkey moist while infusing a light fruity undertone.

• Onion

When finely chopped and softened, it adds sweetness and depth, creating a flavor foundation that complements the turkey.

• Garlic

Minced for maximum punch, garlic brings pungent warmth and aromatic complexity to every bite.

• Red bell pepper

Adds a pop of color and a hint of sweetness, along with vitamin C and a satisfying crunch when cooked just right.

• Ground cumin

Earthy and smoky, it adds warmth and a subtle Middle Eastern flair that pairs wonderfully with the sweet potatoes.

• Paprika

Whether sweet or smoky, it intensifies color and delivers a gentle touch of heat and complexity.

• Chili powder

Provides mild spice and a southwestern kick to keep the flavor profile lively and exciting.

• Salt and pepper

Essential seasonings that elevate and balance all the other ingredients, ensuring the perfect taste in every forkful.

• Baby spinach

Lightly wilted, it contributes freshness, a boost of iron, and a delicate green hue that complements the overall bake.

• Shredded mozzarella cheese

Melts into a golden, bubbly layer that ties everything together with creamy, cheesy goodness.

• Chicken broth or water

Poured over the mixture before baking to keep the dish moist and prevent any dryness as it cooks.

HOW TO MAKE SWEET POTATO AND GROUND TURKEY BAKE

Let’s roll up our sleeves and bring this comforting bake to life! These step-by-step instructions will guide you through transforming simple ingredients into a soul-satisfying dinner. Follow along and watch how the flavors develop from stovetop to oven perfection.

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Ensuring the oven is at the right temperature from the start helps the sweet potatoes cook evenly and the cheese to crisp just right.

2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic, then sauté for 2–3 minutes until the onions are translucent and fragrant, creating a savory aroma that sets the stage for the rest of the dish.

3. Add the ground turkey to the skillet and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon into bite-sized pieces, about 6–8 minutes. This browning step builds a rich flavor base that resonates through every layer.

4. Stir in the red bell pepper, ground cumin, paprika, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Cook for another 2 minutes, allowing the spices to bloom and release their full-bodied taste into the turkey mixture.

5. Add the chopped spinach to the skillet, stirring until wilted, then remove the skillet from the heat. The spinach will cook in the residual heat, preserving its bright color and tender texture.

6. Place the diced sweet potatoes in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Pour in the cooked turkey mixture and evenly distribute it over the sweet potatoes for balanced bites.

7. Pour the chicken broth (or water) over the mixture. This extra moisture helps the sweet potatoes soften and melds the layers together during baking.

8. Sprinkle the mozzarella cheese evenly on top, ensuring every corner gets a cheesy finish that will turn golden and bubbly.

9. Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. The foil traps steam, cooking the sweet potatoes through without drying out the top.

10. After 30 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes to allow the cheese to develop a golden, slightly crisp crust.

11. Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes before serving. This brief rest time helps the layers set so each slice holds together beautifully.

SERVING SUGGESTIONS FOR SWEET POTATO AND GROUND TURKEY BAKE

When it comes to serving this hearty bake, little touches can elevate your meal from simple dinner to memorable feast. Here are some creative ways to present and pair your Sweet Potato and Ground Turkey Bake so it shines on the table and delights every palate.

• Garnish with fresh herbs

Sprinkle chopped cilantro or parsley over each serving to add a burst of color and fresh, herbal brightness that contrasts nicely with the rich cheese and spices.

• Creamy dollop

Serve with a spoonful of Greek yogurt or sour cream on top. The cool, tangy creaminess balances the warmth of the spices and adds a luscious mouthfeel.

• Side salad

Accompany the bake with a crisp mixed-green salad tossed in a light vinaigrette. The acidity cuts through the richness and refreshes the palate between bites.

• Warm flatbread or pita

Offer soft, toasted flatbread for scooping up every last bit. It’s a fun, interactive way to enjoy the layers and ensures no cheesy corner goes to waste.

HOW TO STORE SWEET POTATO AND GROUND TURKEY BAKE

One of the best advantages of this bake is how well it keeps, making it ideal for meal prep and busy weeknights. Proper storage not only preserves taste and texture but also ensures food safety. Read on for tips that will keep your leftovers just as delightful as the first night.

• Refrigerate in an airtight container

Once cooled to room temperature, transfer leftover portions into a sealed container. Stored in the fridge, it stays fresh for up to 3 days without losing moisture or flavor.

• Freeze for longer storage

If you want to keep servings for a couple of weeks, wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then place them in a freezer-safe bag. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

• Reheat gently

Whether microwaving or using the oven, reheat on medium power or at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through. Adding a splash of water or broth before reheating prevents dryness and keeps the sweet potatoes tender.

• Avoid repeated temperature swings

Only reheat the portions you plan to eat to maintain optimal taste and reduce the risk of bacterial growth. This ensures each serving is as inviting as the first.

CONCLUSION

This Sweet Potato and Ground Turkey Bake is all about wholesome ingredients, straightforward steps, and big, satisfying flavors. We’ve walked through the key elements—from sweet potatoes rich in beta-carotene to a melty mozzarella finish—and elaborated on every step, ensuring your first attempt (or fifteenth!) turns out perfectly. With its beginner-friendly difficulty, quick 15-minute prep, and only 40 minutes in the oven, it’s a weeknight winner that feels downright luxurious without any fuss. Plus, at roughly 380 calories per serving and packed with vitamins A and C, it’s a healthy, comforting option that everyone can feel good about.

Feel free to print this article and save it for later reference, bookmark it in your recipe binder, or jot it down in your favorite cooking journal. You can also scroll down to find a FAQ section below with answers to common questions. If you decide to give this recipe a whirl—or if you have questions, comments, or tweaks you want to share—please leave your feedback. I’d love to hear how your bake turned out, any personal twists you added, or tips for first-timers. Happy cooking and here’s to many cozy, flavor-packed dinners ahead!

Print Recipe

Sweet Potato and Ground Turkey Bake

Author: Laura Mitchell Courses: Dinner

Difficulty: Beginner Prep Time 15 mins Cook Time 40 mins Rest Time 5 mins Total Time 1 hr

Calories: 380

Description

Wholesome sweet potatoes meet seasoned ground turkey, topped with melted mozzarella, creating a hearty meal perfect for any night of the week.

Ingredients

Scale

1/2x 1x 2x 3x

• 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and diced

• 1 pound ground turkey

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1 onion, finely chopped

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 red bell pepper, chopped

• 1 teaspoon ground cumin

• 1 teaspoon paprika

• ¹⁄₂ teaspoon chili powder

• Salt and pepper to taste

• 1 cup baby spinach, roughly chopped

• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

• ¹⁄₄ cup chicken broth or water

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic, sauté for 2-3 minutes until the onions are translucent.
3. Add the ground turkey to the skillet and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon, about 6-8 minutes.
4. Stir in the red bell pepper, cumin, paprika, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Cook for another 2 minutes, allowing the spices to bloom.
5. Add the chopped spinach to the skillet, stir until wilted, then remove the skillet from the heat.
6. Place the diced sweet potatoes in a greased 9x13-inch baking dish. Pour in the cooked turkey mixture and evenly distribute over the sweet potatoes.
7. Pour the chicken broth over the mixture to add moisture during baking.
8. Sprinkle the mozzarella cheese evenly on top of the mixture.
9. Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.
10. After 30 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes to allow the cheese to turn golden and bubbly.
11. Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes before serving.

Note

• This dish is an excellent meal prep option as it stores well in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• You can substitute ground turkey with ground chicken or beef if preferred.
• Add chopped jalapenos if you prefer a spicier flavor.
• Serve with a dollop of Greek yogurt or sour cream for a creamy contrast.
• This recipe is rich in vitamins A and C from the sweet potatoes and bell peppers.

Keywords: sweet potato, ground turkey, healthy bake, dinner recipe, savory, comfort food