Ground Turkey and Sweet Potato Bake for a Delicious Weeknight Dinner 🍠🍖✨
1. Introduction
If you’re searching for a wholesome, flavorful, and easy-to-make dinner, this ground turkey sweet potato bake is the perfect choice. Combining tender ground turkey with naturally sweet roasted sweet potatoes, this dish transforms simple ingredients into a comforting casserole that’s ideal for busy weeknights. Inspired by various sweet potato recipes and hearty ground turkey casseroles, this recipe is both nutritious and delicious. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to introduce healthy, protein-packed ingredients into your weekly menu.
2. Ingredients for a Perfect Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Bake
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 3 large sweet potatoes, peeled and sliced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 cup shredded cheese (optional, for topping)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
3. Step-by-Step Instructions for Making the Best Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Bake
Prepare the Sweet Potatoes
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a baking dish with olive oil. Arrange the sliced sweet potatoes evenly across the dish, drizzling with a tablespoon of olive oil and seasoning with a pinch of salt and pepper. Roast for about 20-25 minutes until tender.
Cook the Ground Turkey Filling
In a large skillet, heat the remaining tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing until fragrant and translucent. Add the ground turkey, breaking it apart with a spoon. Season with smoked paprika, thyme, cumin, salt, and pepper. Cook until browned and cooked through, about 8-10 minutes.
Assemble the Ground Turkey and Sweet Potato Bake
Remove the sweet potatoes from the oven once they are tender. Layer the cooked ground turkey mixture over the roasted sweet potatoes in the baking dish. If desired, sprinkle shredded cheese on top for extra flavor. Return the dish to the oven and bake for an additional 10 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Serve and Garnish
Once baked, garnish with fresh parsley for a burst of freshness. Serve hot and enjoy a wholesome, protein-rich easy weeknight dinner that everyone will love.
4. Storage Tips for Your Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Bake
This dish keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave for 2-3 minutes or bake in the oven at 350°F until heated through. It’s perfect for meal prepping and enjoying leftovers throughout the week.
5. Serving Suggestions for Your Ground Turkey Casserole
Pair this ground turkey casserole with a fresh side salad, some roasted vegetables, or even a slice of crusty bread. For an extra nutritious boost, consider serving with a side of black beans and rice. This dish also goes great with a splash of hot sauce or a dollop of Greek yogurt for creaminess.
6. Kitchen tools that you might need for this recipe
- Fullstar Ultimate Veggie Prep Master — Essential for chopping your vegetables quickly and safely, making prep work effortless.
- Ninja Air Fryer Pro Crisp & Roast 4-in-1 — For roasting sweet potatoes evenly and efficiently, giving a perfect texture without turning on the oven.
- CAROTE Premium 16pc Nonstick Cookware Set — A reliable cookware set that ensures even cooking for your ground turkey and baking needs.
7. Frequently Asked Questions about Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Bake
Can I substitute ground chicken or beef for the turkey?
Yes, you can easily substitute ground chicken or beef in this recipe. Adjust cooking times as needed, especially with beef, which might take a little longer to cook thoroughly.
Is this dish suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! It stores well for up to 3 days in the fridge, making it perfect for preparing in advance and enjoying throughout the week.
How long does it take to prepare this ground turkey sweet potato bake?
The total preparation and cooking time is approximately 45-50 minutes, making it an ideal easy weeknight dinner.
8. Conclusion
With this ground turkey sweet potato bake, you get a nutritious, flavorful, and simple dish that’s perfect for busy nights. The combination of savory ground turkey and sweet, roasted potatoes creates a delightful balance of taste and texture. Plus, it’s customizable to your favorite seasonings and toppings, making it a versatile addition to your dinner rotation. Give this recipe a try and enjoy a satisfying, healthy meal that the entire family will love!
9. Final Tips & Inspiration
Feel free to add your favorite veggies like bell peppers or spinach for extra nutrients. For a cheesy twist, sprinkle your favorite shredded cheese before baking. Looking for more delicious easy weeknight dinner ideas? Explore various one-pot meals to keep your dinner table full of variety and flavor.
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Ground Turkey and Sweet Potato Bake for a Delicious Weeknight Dinner
A delicious and wholesome ground turkey sweet potato bake combining tender turkey, hearty sweet potatoes, and melty cheese, baked to perfection and ideal for busy weeknights.
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onions and garlic, sauté until fragrant. Add ground turkey, cook until browned, season with paprika, thyme, salt, and pepper.
- In a baking dish, layer sweet potato cubes, then spread cooked turkey mixture evenly over the top.
- Sprinkle shredded cheese over the casserole.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes until sweet potatoes are tender and cheese is melted and bubbly.
Notes
- You can add chopped spinach or bell peppers for extra vegetables.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Method: Bake
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Healthy, High-Protein
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 350 kcal Kcal
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 500 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 6 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg
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