Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Bake Recipe

Name: Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Bake
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb ground turkey; 2 medium sweet potatoes, diced; 1 medium onion, chopped; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 bell pepper, chopped; 2 cups fresh spinach; 2 tbsp olive oil; 1 tsp cumin; 1 tsp paprika

Posted on March 13, 2025

This delightful dish has an irresistible aroma that fills your kitchen and promises comfort in every bite. Imagine the savory scent of seasoned ground turkey mingling with the earthy sweetness of roasted sweet potatoes—it’s enough to make your mouth water just thinking about it.

The first time I made this Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Bake was during a particularly chilly autumn evening. My friends were having a “bring your favorite fall dish” gathering, and I thought this would be a hit. Spoiler alert: they practically licked the dish clean! It’s perfect for cozy gatherings or a simple weeknight dinner that feels like a warm hug.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Bake is not only quick to prepare but also packs a punch of flavor
The vibrant colors and textures make it visually appealing on any table
It’s versatile enough to serve as a hearty main or side dish for various occasions
You can easily customize it with your favorite vegetables and spices for added flair

Creating this dish always brings back fond memories of laughter around the dinner table as my friends enjoyed every last bite.

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

Ground Turkey: Lean ground turkey is ideal for balancing flavor and healthiness; you can use thighs or breasts based on preference.
Sweet Potatoes: Choose firm, unblemished sweet potatoes; they provide natural sweetness and great texture when baked.
Onion: Yellow onions work best here for their balanced sweetness; finely chop them to enhance the flavor base.
Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves add aromatic depth—don’t skimp on these little flavor bombs!
Bell Peppers: Any color works; chopped bell peppers offer crunch and vibrant color to your bake.
Spinach: Fresh spinach wilts beautifully into the mixture adding color and nutrients; frozen works too if you’re in a pinch.
Olive Oil: Use extra virgin olive oil for sautéing; it adds richness without overpowering other flavors.
Spices (Cumin & Paprika): These spices elevate the entire profile with warmth; feel free to adjust based on taste preferences.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it Together

Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C). While it’s heating up, grease a baking dish lightly with some olive oil to prevent sticking.

Sauté the Base Ingredients: In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil. Once hot, toss in chopped onions and garlic until they become soft and fragrant—about 3-4 minutes should do.

Add Ground Turkey: Stir in the ground turkey into your skillet. Cook until browned and no longer pink—this usually takes about 5-7 minutes. Season generously with salt, pepper, cumin, and paprika for that extra kick!

Mix in Vegetables: Once the turkey is fully cooked through, fold in diced sweet potatoes, bell peppers, and spinach. Cook until everything is well combined—around 5-10 minutes more will help everything meld beautifully together.

Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour your hearty mixture into the greased baking dish evenly spreading it out so each bite gets some of that goodness.

Bake Until Tender: Pop it into your preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes or until the sweet potatoes are fork-tender and slightly caramelized on top—your kitchen will smell divine during this time!

Serve hot straight from the oven! You can garnish with fresh herbs or cheese if you’re feeling fancy. Enjoy every comforting bite of this Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Bake while relishing how simple yet satisfying it is!

This recipe not only warms your heart but also feeds your soul with its burst of flavors and textures. Whether you’re sharing it with loved ones or enjoying it solo during a cozy night in front of Netflix, it’s bound to become one of your go-to favorites!

You Must Know

This Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Bake not only packs a nutritional punch but is also a one-pan wonder
The aroma of sweet potatoes mingling with savory turkey creates a mouthwatering experience that makes dinner time feel special, even on busy weeknights

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F. Brown the ground turkey in a skillet, then mix in seasonings before layering it with sweet potatoes in a baking dish. Cover and bake for about 30-35 minutes until everything is tender and flavorful.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap sweet potatoes for butternut squash or add some black beans for extra protein. You can also sprinkle cheese on top during the last few minutes of baking for a gooey finish that will make your taste buds sing.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. To reheat, pop it back into the oven at 350°F for about 15 minutes or microwave until heated through, ensuring you enjoy every comforting bite.

Chef's Helpful Tips

For perfect results, be sure to chop the sweet potatoes evenly so they cook uniformly
Season the ground turkey generously; lack of flavor can dull this dish
Lastly, don’t skip covering while baking; it locks in moisture and flavor

Sharing my first attempt at this recipe brings back fond memories of my friend’s dinner party where I accidentally confused cayenne pepper with paprika. It turned out spicy but delicious, sparking laughter and great conversation all night long.

FAQ

Can I use ground chicken instead of turkey?

Absolutely! Ground chicken works just as well and offers a lighter flavor profile.

What can I serve with the Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Bake?

Pair it with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal.

How do I know when the sweet potatoes are cooked?

They should be fork-tender; if you can easily pierce them, they are ready!