Easy Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Bake Recipe for Cozy Nights

Comfort meets nutrition in this delectable ground turkey sweet potato bake that promises a wholesome dinner solution.

Packed with lean protein and vibrant vegetables, this recipe delivers robust flavors in every single bite.

The combination of seasoned ground turkey and roasted sweet potatoes creates a harmonious meal that feels both indulgent and healthy.

Perfectly balanced spices dance through the dish, ensuring each forkful is memorable and satisfying.

Weeknight cooking just got easier with this simple yet impressive one-pan wonder.

Home cooks seeking a nutritious and delicious meal will adore this straightforward recipe that comes together quickly and feeds hungry families with ease.

Prepare to savor a meal that nourishes both body and soul.

Ingredients for Sweet Potato Turkey Bake

• Sweet Potatoes: A delicious and nutritious root vegetable that adds natural sweetness and hearty texture to the dish.
• Ground Turkey: A lean protein that provides a flavorful and healthy base for the bake.
• Zucchini: A light and fresh vegetable that brings moisture and additional nutrition to the recipe.

• Garlic Powder, Rosemary, Salt, Pepper: These classic seasonings enhance the overall flavor profile of the dish and complement the main ingredients.
• Olive Oil: A versatile cooking oil that helps roast the vegetables and adds richness to the bake.

• Parmesan Cheese: A sharp and salty cheese that melts beautifully and creates a golden, crispy top layer for the bake.

Bake Instructions for Turkey Sweet Potato Dish

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Fire up your oven to a sizzling 400F (200C).

Let it heat while you get ready to create something delicious.

Step 2: Prepare Sweet Potato Magic

• Sweet potatoes
• Olive oil
• Garlic powder
• Rosemary
• Salt
• Pepper

Peel and chop sweet potatoes into chunky pieces.

Toss them in a baking dish with olive oil and seasonings.

Make sure each potato piece gets a loving coat of flavor.

Step 3: Roast the Potatoes

Slide the sweet potato dish into the hot oven.

Let them bake for 30 minutes until they turn golden and tender.

Step 4: Brown the Turkey

• Ground turkey
• Olive oil
• Garlic powder
• Rosemary
• Salt
• Pepper

Heat a pan and cook ground turkey over medium heat.

Drizzle olive oil and sprinkle seasonings.

Stir occasionally until the meat is fully cooked and packed with flavor.

Step 5: Slice the Zucchini

Chop zucchini into small quarters.

This ensures every bite has a perfect zucchini crunch.

Step 6: Mix Everything Together

Pull sweet potatoes from the oven.

Fold in the cooked turkey and zucchini pieces.

Stir thoroughly to create a beautiful flavor blend.

Step 7: Second Bake

Return the mixed dish to the oven for 10 minutes.

This helps ingredients mingle and zucchini soften.

Step 8: Add Cheese Topping

• Olive oil
• Parmesan cheese

Remove from oven and drizzle olive oil.

Sprinkle parmesan cheese generously across the top.

Step 9: Final Melt

Bake for a final 10 minutes.

Watch the cheese transform into a bubbly, golden blanket of deliciousness.

Step 10: Serve and Savor

Pull out your masterpiece.

Let it cool slightly.

Scoop onto plates and enjoy the incredible combination of flavors you’ve created.

Turkey Sweet Potato Bake Tips

• Ensure even cooking by cutting sweet potatoes into uniform, bite-sized pieces to prevent some chunks from burning while others remain undercooked.
• Allow ground turkey to brown slowly and develop a rich, caramelized exterior by avoiding constant stirring and letting it sit briefly in the pan.
• Quarter zucchini pieces to prevent excess water release, which could make your bake soggy and dilute the overall flavor profile.
• Grate fresh parmesan for superior melting and more intense flavor compared to pre-shredded varieties, creating a more luxurious final texture.
• Swap ground turkey for ground chicken or plant-based protein crumbles to accommodate different dietary preferences without compromising the dish's core flavor structure.

Store and Reheat Sweet Potato Turkey Bake

• Store leftover turkey sweet potato bake in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Seal tightly and keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Transfer cooled bake to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Remove excess air, label with date, and freeze for up to 2-3 months.
• Place individual portions in microwave-safe dish. Cover with damp paper towel to prevent drying. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through for even warming.
• Preheat oven to 350F. Place leftovers in oven-safe dish, cover with foil to retain moisture. Warm for 15-20 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165F, adding a sprinkle of extra cheese for renewed flavor.

What Pairs with Sweet Potato Turkey Bake

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Select a light, zesty sauvignon blanc or pinot grigio to complement the rich turkey and sweet potato flavors, cutting through the dish's heartiness with its bright acidity.
• Refresh with Herbal Cucumber Mocktail: Create a refreshing non-alcoholic drink using muddled cucumber, mint leaves, sparkling water, and a splash of lime to balance the bake's warm, savory profile.
• Match with Tangy Greek Salad: Prepare a simple side salad with cucumber, tomatoes, red onion, feta cheese, and a light olive oil dressing to add brightness and crunch to the main dish.
• Serve with Citrus-Infused Water: Combine sliced lemons, oranges, and a few sprigs of rosemary in cold water to create a light, aromatic beverage that echoes the herb notes in the bake.

Sweet Potato Turkey Bake Options

• Vegetarian Swap: Replace ground turkey with plant-based protein like crumbled tofu, lentils, or chickpeas. Season with same spices for a protein-packed meatless version.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Substitute sweet potatoes with cauliflower or butternut squash. These options provide similar texture and nutritional benefits while reducing carbohydrate content.
• Dairy-Free Option: Omit parmesan cheese or use nutritional yeast as a cheese alternative. Sprinkle dairy-free cheese or skip cheese topping completely for those avoiding dairy products.
• Keto-Friendly Adaptation: Use cauliflower instead of sweet potatoes. Choose high-fat ground turkey or add extra olive oil. Replace parmesan with full-fat cheese like aged cheddar to maintain ketogenic macronutrient ratios.

FAQs

• Why use sweet potatoes in this recipe?

Sweet potatoes provide a nutritious base packed with vitamins, fiber, and a natural sweetness that complements the ground turkey perfectly. They also add a beautiful golden color and creamy texture to the dish.

• Can I substitute ground turkey with another protein?

Absolutely! Ground chicken or lean ground beef work great as alternatives. Each protein will bring its own unique flavor profile while maintaining the recipe’s core cooking method.

• Is this recipe considered healthy?

Yes, this ground turkey sweet potato bake is a nutritious meal. It’s high in protein from the turkey, loaded with vitamins from sweet potatoes and zucchini, and uses minimal oil. The dish offers a balanced combination of lean protein, complex carbohydrates, and vegetables.

• How can I make this recipe more spicy?

To add heat, sprinkle some red pepper flakes before the final bake, or mix in a bit of cayenne pepper with the seasonings. You could also add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to give the dish an extra kick.

Sweet Potato Turkey Bake Taste Profile

• Minimal chopping and simple seasoning make this recipe a breeze for home cooks of all skill levels. Toss ingredients together with minimal fuss and maximum flavor.
• Ground turkey provides lean protein, sweet potatoes offer complex carbohydrates, and zucchini adds extra vegetables. A complete balanced meal that nourishes without complicated cooking techniques.
• Perfect for family dinners, meal prep, or casual gatherings. This bake adapts easily to different tastes and can be customized with additional herbs or vegetables you have on hand.
• Using a single baking dish means fewer pots and pans to wash. Enjoy a delicious meal without dreading the post-cooking kitchen cleanup, making this recipe a weeknight savior.

Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Bake Recipe

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4.8 from 28 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Hearty Mediterranean-inspired ground turkey sweet potato bake delivers rich, comforting flavors in one delightful casserole. Mediterranean herbs and spices elevate this simple dish, letting you savor a wholesome meal that satisfies both hunger and culinary curiosity.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 pound (454 grams) ground turkey

Vegetables:

• 2 medium sweet potatoes
• 2 small zucchini

Seasonings and Cheese:

• 2/3 cup (160 milliliters) shredded parmesan cheese
• 1 1/2 teaspoons garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon rosemary
• 1 tablespoon salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 5 tablespoons (75 milliliters) olive oil

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C), allowing sufficient time for thorough heating before cooking.
2. Prepare sweet potatoes by peeling and cutting into uniform bite-sized cubes, then toss with olive oil, garlic powder, rosemary, salt, and pepper in a large baking dish, ensuring even coating.
3. Roast sweet potatoes in the preheated oven for 30 minutes until they become tender and develop a golden exterior.
4. Meanwhile, heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat and cook ground turkey, seasoning with garlic powder, rosemary, salt, and pepper, stirring occasionally until completely cooked through.
5. While turkey cooks, slice zucchini into rounds and then quarter each round to create smaller, evenly distributed pieces.
6. Remove sweet potatoes from the oven and mix in the cooked ground turkey and prepared zucchini, stirring to distribute ingredients uniformly across the baking dish.
7. Return the dish to the oven for an additional 10 minutes, allowing flavors to meld and zucchini to soften slightly.
8. Drizzle an extra layer of olive oil over the mixture, gently stirring to ensure even coverage.
9. Sprinkle shredded parmesan cheese generously across the top of the dish.
10. Bake for a final 10 minutes until cheese melts and becomes golden and bubbly.
11. Remove from oven, let cool briefly, and serve warm, enjoying the harmonious blend of flavors and textures.

Notes

• Swap ground turkey for plant-based alternatives like crumbled tofu or lentils to create a vegetarian version that maintains the protein-packed essence of the dish.
• Cut sweet potatoes into uniform sizes to guarantee even roasting and prevent some pieces from burning while others remain undercooked.
• Use fresh herbs like thyme or oregano instead of dried rosemary to elevate the flavor profile and add a brighter, more vibrant taste to the bake.
• Consider adding red pepper flakes or smoked paprika for an extra kick of heat and depth, transforming the dish from simple to spectacularly seasoned.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 50 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 380
• Sugar: 5g
• Sodium: 400mg
• Fat: 24g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Unsaturated Fat: 18g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 28g
• Fiber: 4g
• Protein: 24g
• Cholesterol: 90mg