Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Bake Recipe
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.
- 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
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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
