This Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Bake is a delicious and wholesome comfort food recipe that doesn’t skimp on flavor. It’s gluten-free, high in protein, and naturally sweet from the roasted sweet potatoes. The ground turkey brings a lean and meaty base, while garlic, onion, and bell peppers add layers of savory flavor. This dish is great for feeding a crowd or making ahead for healthy lunches all week!
🧾 Ingredients (Serves 4–6)
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 3 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and diced (about 4 cups)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon chili powder (optional, for heat)
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese (optional)
- 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
- Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
👩🍳 Instructions
1. Preheat & Prep:
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper.
2. Cook the Sweet Potatoes:
In a large skillet over medium heat, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Add the diced sweet potatoes and cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they begin to soften. (They’ll finish cooking in the oven.)
3. Sauté the Veggies & Turkey:
In the same skillet, push the sweet potatoes to one side or remove temporarily. Add the ground turkey, onion, bell peppers, and garlic. Cook for about 7–9 minutes, until the turkey is browned and fully cooked through. Break up the turkey as it cooks.
4. Season the Mixture:
Add the smoked paprika, cumin, chili powder, oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir well to coat the meat and vegetables with the spices.
5. Assemble the Bake:
Transfer the turkey and sweet potato mixture to the prepared baking dish. Spread evenly. Sprinkle with shredded cheese (if using).
6. Bake:
Bake for 15–20 minutes, or until the sweet potatoes are fork-tender and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
7. Garnish & Serve:
Remove from the oven and sprinkle with chopped green onions and fresh parsley or cilantro. Serve hot!
📊 Nutrition Facts (Per Serving – Based on 6 servings)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~360 kcal |
| Protein | 28g |
| Carbohydrates | 25g |
| Fiber | 4g |
| Total Fat | 18g |
| Saturated Fat | 5g |
| Sugar | 7g |
| Sodium | 420mg |
Note: Nutrition values are approximate and may vary based on specific brands and ingredients used.
💡 Tips & Tricks
- Meal prep-friendly: This dish stores well in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave for a quick, healthy meal.
- Make it spicy: Add diced jalapeños or extra chili powder if you like a kick.
- Add greens: Toss in chopped spinach or kale at the end of cooking for an added veggie boost.
- Make it dairy-free: Simply omit the cheese or use a dairy-free alternative.
✨ From My Kitchen to Yours
This recipe is one of my go-to dishes when I want something healthy, hearty, and easy to whip up. The natural sweetness of the roasted sweet potatoes balances perfectly with the savory turkey and smoky spices. It’s also endlessly flexible — sometimes I add black beans or top it with a fried egg for extra protein. Whether you’re cooking for a family or just feeding yourself for the week, this dish has you covered!
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