This Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Bake is the easy, healthy, and incredibly flavorful one-pan meal you’ve been searching for. It perfectly balances savory ground turkey with the subtle sweetness of sweet potatoes, all brought together with a delicious blend of spices and melted cheese. Whether you need a quick weeknight dinner, a satisfying lunch, or a reliable meal prep option, this recipe delivers on all fronts. It’s a true crowd-pleaser that will have everyone asking for seconds.
We combine lean ground turkey, nutrient-packed sweet potatoes, and a handful of pantry staples to create a dish that’s both comforting and nourishing. It’s the kind of meal that feels like a warm hug in a casserole dish. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile, so you can easily adapt it to fit your dietary needs or whatever you have in the fridge.
Why This Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Bake Recipe Works
You are going to absolutely love this recipe, and here’s why. It’s designed for busy home cooks who don’t want to compromise on flavor or nutrition.
One-Pan Wonder: Cleanup is a breeze! Everything comes together in a single skillet or casserole dish, saving you time and effort.
Perfectly Balanced Flavors: The savory turkey, earthy spices, and naturally sweet potatoes create a taste profile that is simply irresistible.
Meal Prep Champion: This bake holds up beautifully in the refrigerator, making it an excellent choice for weekly meal prep. Portions are easy to store and reheat. For another great meal prep idea, check out this amazing Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole.
Healthy & Hearty: Packed with lean protein, complex carbs, and veggies, it’s a wholesome meal that will keep you full and satisfied for hours.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this dish lies in its simple, accessible ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need to gather:
A hearty and satisfying serving of our delicious bake.
Olive Oil: Used for sautéing the aromatics and browning the turkey.
Lean Ground Turkey: A healthy and flavorful protein base. 93/7 lean is a great option.
Onion & Garlic: The essential aromatic duo that builds the foundation of flavor.
Sweet Potatoes: The star of the show! You’ll need about two large sweet potatoes, peeled and diced into ½-inch cubes.
Black Beans: Adds extra fiber, protein, and a lovely texture. Make sure to rinse and drain them.
Diced Tomatoes: A can of fire-roasted diced tomatoes adds a wonderful smoky depth.
Spices: A warm blend of chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and oregano gives the bake its signature savory flavor.
Cheddar Cheese: Freshly shredded sharp cheddar cheese melts beautifully over the top.
Optional Garnish: Fresh cilantro or sliced green onions add a pop of color and freshness at the end.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Making this Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Bake is incredibly straightforward. Follow these simple steps for a perfect result every time.
Preheat and Prep: First, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). If you’re using an oven-safe skillet, you can use it for the entire process. Otherwise, have a 9×13 inch baking dish ready.
Sauté Aromatics: Heat the olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add the diced onion and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Brown the Turkey: Add the ground turkey to the skillet. Break it apart with a spoon and cook until it’s browned all over, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat from the skillet.
Add Spices and Veggies: Stir in the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and oregano, and season with salt and pepper. Cook for one minute to toast the spices. Then, add the diced sweet potatoes, rinsed black beans, and undrained diced tomatoes. Stir everything together until well combined.
Simmer the Mixture: Bring the mixture to a simmer. Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the skillet, and let it cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the sweet potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.
Bake with Cheese: If you’re not using an oven-safe skillet, transfer the mixture to your baking dish. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top. Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden.
Tips for the Perfect Bake
Want to ensure your Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Bake is flawless? Here are a few expert tips to guide you.
Dice Uniformly: Cut your sweet potatoes into evenly sized cubes (about ½ inch) to ensure they cook at the same rate.
Don’t Skip Toasting the Spices: Cooking the spices for a minute before adding the other ingredients awakens their flavor and adds incredible depth to the dish.
Shred Your Own Cheese: Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that prevent it from melting smoothly. For the best gooey, melted top, buy a block and shred it yourself.
Let It Rest: After taking the bake out of the oven, let it rest for 5 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld and makes it easier to serve. Speaking of serving, these 30-Minute Dinner Rolls are a perfect side.
The rich and savory filling comes together in one pan before baking.
Variations and Substitutions
This recipe is a fantastic starting point, but feel free to make it your own! Here are some delicious variations to try:
Make it Paleo/Whole30: Simply omit the black beans and cheese for a fully compliant and equally delicious meal.
Add More Veggies: Feel free to incorporate other vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or a few handfuls of fresh spinach. Stir in the spinach at the end until it wilts.
Switch Up the Protein: This recipe works well with ground chicken or ground beef too.
Adjust the Spice: If you like it spicy, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some diced jalapeños with the onion.
How to Store and Reheat
This dish is perfect for leftovers and meal prep. Follow these simple storage instructions to enjoy it later.
Storing
Allow the bake to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Freezing
You can also freeze this casserole for longer storage. Let it cool, then store it in a freezer-safe, airtight container for up to 3 months. For best results, freeze it without the cheese topping and add it fresh before baking.
Reheating
Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 2-3 minutes until warmed through. You can also reheat the entire casserole in an oven preheated to 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes, or until bubbly.
What to Serve with This Casserole
While this Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Bake is a complete meal on its own, it also pairs wonderfully with a few simple sides. A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette, a side of steamed green beans, or a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt on top are all excellent choices.
For a truly decadent holiday meal, you could even pair this with a classic dessert like a delicious pumpkin cheesecake.
Yes, it’s a very healthy and balanced meal. It contains lean protein from the turkey, complex carbohydrates and fiber from the sweet potatoes and black beans, and essential nutrients from the vegetables and spices.
Absolutely! This recipe is perfect for meal prep. You can assemble the entire casserole, cover it, and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days before baking. You may need to add 5-10 minutes to the baking time if it’s going into the oven cold.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or the entire dish in a 350°F (175°C) oven until warmed through.
Yes, this dish freezes well. For best results, let it cool completely and store it in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. We recommend freezing it without the cheese and adding it fresh when you’re ready to bake.
For a dairy-free version, simply omit the cheese or use your favorite dairy-free cheese alternative. To make it Paleo and Whole30 compliant, omit both the cheese and the black beans. The dish will still be incredibly flavorful.
This Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Bake is a true game-changer for weeknight dinners. It’s easy, healthy, and packed with so much flavor that it’s sure to become a staple in your meal rotation. Give it a try and see for yourself!
If you loved this recipe, please leave a comment below and share it on Pinterest! We love seeing your creations.
Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Bake
FL Recipes
Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Bake: The Ultimate Comfort Meal
This Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Bake is an easy, healthy, and incredibly flavorful one-pan meal, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or meal prep. It combines lean ground turkey, sweet potatoes, black beans, and a savory spice blend, all topped with melted cheddar cheese.
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Prepare a 9x13 inch baking dish or ensure you are using a large oven-safe skillet.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the diced onion and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Add the ground turkey to the skillet. Cook and break apart until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat.
Stir in the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper. Cook for one minute to toast. Add diced sweet potatoes, rinsed black beans, and undrained diced tomatoes. Stir to combine.
Bring the mixture to a simmer. Reduce heat, cover, and cook for 15-20 minutes, or until sweet potatoes are tender.
If necessary, transfer the mixture to a baking dish. Top evenly with shredded cheddar cheese. Bake for 10-15 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Nutrition
Calories: 450kcalProtein: 32gFat: 18gFiber: 10g
Notes
Dice sweet potatoes uniformly to ensure even cooking. Shred your own cheese from a block for the best melting results. For a Paleo or Whole30 version, simply omit the black beans and cheese.
Keyword ground turkey sweet potato bake,healthy casserole,one pan meal
Hi, I’m Emily Carter, and welcome to FL Recipes! I share simple, healthy recipes that make cooking easy, fun, and delicious for everyone. more about me »
