Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Bake Recipe

Introduction

This Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Bake is a hearty and flavorful dish that combines tender roasted sweet potatoes with seasoned ground turkey and fresh spinach. It’s a simple, wholesome meal perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep.

Ingredients

• 3 medium sweet potatoes (about 1.5 lbs, peeled and diced)
• 1 medium onion (chopped)
• 1 large bell pepper (chopped, any color)
• 2 cups fresh spinach
• 1 lb ground turkey (lean or extra-lean)
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (divided)
• ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Peel and dice the sweet potatoes into bite-sized pieces. Chop the onion, bell pepper, and prepare the spinach.
2. Step 2: Toss the diced sweet potatoes with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Spread them on a baking sheet in a single layer and roast for 20-25 minutes, or until tender and golden brown.
3. Step 3: Heat the remaining tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and bell pepper, sautéing until softened. Stir in the ground turkey, breaking it apart with a spoon, and cook until browned and fully cooked, about 6-8 minutes. Season with cumin, and add a pinch of salt and pepper.
4. Step 4: In a baking dish, layer the roasted sweet potatoes, cooked turkey mixture, and fresh spinach. Top with shredded cheddar cheese if using. Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, add a splash of hot sauce or a sprinkle of chili flakes to the turkey mixture.
• You can swap fresh spinach for kale or Swiss chard if preferred.
• Use ground chicken or beef instead of turkey for a different twist.
• To keep it dairy-free, omit the cheese or use a plant-based alternative.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through. This dish can also be frozen for up to 2 months; thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the turkey mixture and roast the sweet potatoes in advance. Assemble and bake when ready to serve to save time.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely. This bake stores well and provides balanced nutrition, making it a great option for meal prepping lunches or dinners.

Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Bake Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 127 reviews

This Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Bake is a hearty and nutritious one-dish meal combining roasted sweet potatoes, savory ground turkey, and fresh spinach, all baked together with warming spices and optional melted cheddar cheese. Perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner, this recipe is packed with flavor and easy to prepare.

• Author: Rita
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Low Fat

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Vegetables

• 3 medium sweet potatoes (about 1.5 lbs, peeled and diced)
• 1 medium onion (chopped)
• 1 large bell pepper (chopped, any color)
• 2 cups fresh spinach

Protein

• 1 lb ground turkey (lean or extra-lean)

Spices and Seasonings

• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper

Oils and Others

• 2 tablespoons olive oil (divided)
• ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Ingredients: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Peel and dice the sweet potatoes into bite-sized pieces. Chop the onion, bell pepper, and spinach to have all components ready.
2. Roast the Sweet Potatoes: Toss the diced sweet potatoes with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper until evenly coated. Spread them out on a baking sheet in a single layer and roast in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes until they are tender and golden brown.
3. Cook the Ground Turkey: While the sweet potatoes roast, heat the remaining tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and bell pepper, sautéing until they soften, about 3-5 minutes. Add the ground turkey, breaking it apart with a spoon, and cook until browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Season the mixture with cumin, and adjust salt and pepper to taste.
4. Combine and Bake: In a baking dish, layer the roasted sweet potatoes, the cooked ground turkey mixture, and fresh spinach. If desired, top everything with shredded cheddar cheese. Return the dish to the oven and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden.

Notes

• For a vegetarian version, substitute ground turkey with cooked lentils or a plant-based meat alternative.
• Use any color bell pepper according to your preference or what you have on hand.
• The shredded cheddar cheese is optional but adds a nice creamy, melty texture; consider using a reduced-fat cheese for a lighter option.
• Roasting the sweet potatoes ahead of time can help shorten final baking time.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Keywords: ground turkey sweet potato bake, healthy one dish meal, roasted sweet potatoes, easy dinner recipe, baked ground turkey casserole