Sweet Potato and Ground Turkey Bake is a wholesome, hearty, and healthy casserole that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep. With tender roasted sweet potatoes, seasoned ground turkey, and a blend of vegetables layered with melted cheese, this dish is satisfying without being heavy.
Unlike traditional casseroles loaded with cream sauces, this version leans lighter and more nutrient-dense, making it ideal for families looking for a healthier comfort food option. Sweet potatoes bring natural sweetness and vitamins, while turkey adds lean protein, resulting in a balanced meal that’s both delicious and nourishing.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ lbs ground turkey
- 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 zucchini, diced
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon cumin
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (or cheddar)
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Preparation
Step 1: Prep Sweet Potatoes
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Toss diced sweet potatoes with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread on a baking sheet and roast for 20–25 minutes, until tender.
Step 2: Cook Turkey Mixture
- In a large skillet, cook ground turkey over medium heat until browned.
- Add onion, garlic, bell pepper, and zucchini. Cook 5–6 minutes until softened.
- Stir in paprika, chili powder, oregano, cumin, salt, and pepper.
Step 3: Assemble the Bake
- Reduce oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, layer roasted sweet potatoes and ground turkey mixture.
- Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheese evenly over the top.
Step 4: Bake
- Bake uncovered for 20 minutes, until cheese is melted and bubbly.
Step 5: Serve
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.
Variations
- Tex-Mex Style: Add black beans, corn, and top with salsa.
- Italian Twist: Replace spices with Italian seasoning and use mozzarella + ricotta.
- Low-Carb Option: Swap half of the sweet potatoes with cauliflower.
- Dairy-Free: Skip cheese or use a dairy-free cheese alternative.
Cooking Notes
- Roasting sweet potatoes first deepens their flavor and prevents sogginess.
- Use lean ground turkey to keep the dish lighter.
- Freshly grated cheese melts better than pre-shredded.
- Can be prepped ahead and baked later.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair with a side salad for a balanced dinner.
- Serve with whole-grain rolls or garlic bread.
- Add avocado slices or a dollop of Greek yogurt for creaminess.
Tips
- Dice sweet potatoes into even cubes for even cooking.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan when roasting, they need space to caramelize.
- Let casserole cool 5 minutes before serving so it sets.
- Leftovers keep in fridge up to 4 days and reheat well.
Timing
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
Nutritional Information (per serving, 6 servings)
- Calories: 380
- Protein: 29g
- Sodium: 660mg
FAQs
Q1: Can I make sweet potato and ground turkey bake ahead of time?
- Yes, assemble the casserole up to the baking step, refrigerate, and bake when ready.
Q2: Can I freeze this casserole?
- Yes, bake first, cool completely, then freeze up to 2 months. Thaw and reheat before serving.
Q3: Can I use ground chicken instead of turkey?
- Yes, ground chicken works just as well.
Q4: Can I add more vegetables?
- Absolutely, spinach, broccoli, or mushrooms are great additions.
Q5: How do I make it spicier?
- Add diced jalapeños or increase chili powder.
Conclusion
Sweet Potato and Ground Turkey Bake is a healthy, hearty, and flavorful casserole that’s as comforting as it is nourishing. With roasted sweet potatoes, lean turkey, and veggies baked under melted cheese, it’s perfect for family dinners, meal prep, or even potlucks. Easy to customize, freezer-friendly, and packed with wholesome ingredients, this dish is sure to become a weeknight staple in your kitchen.