Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Bake (The Ultimate Healthy Dinner)

Are you searching for that one perfect recipe? The one that’s incredibly delicious, packed with nutrients, and surprisingly easy to whip up on a busy weeknight? Your search is over. This Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Bake is the answer. It’s a savory, satisfying, and wholesome meal all cooked in one pan, making it a true lifesaver for anyone craving comfort food without the guilt. This dish combines lean protein, complex carbs, and vibrant veggies in a harmony of flavor that will have everyone asking for seconds.

We developed this recipe to be your go-to solution for a healthy and flavorful dinner. It’s simple, efficient, and guaranteed to become a staple in your meal rotation.

Why This Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Bake is a Must-Try

This isn’t just another casserole; it’s a powerhouse of flavor and nutrition that solves the “what’s for dinner” dilemma. It’s designed for your busy lifestyle.

• Perfectly Balanced: With lean ground turkey, nutrient-dense sweet potatoes, and a rainbow of vegetables, you get a complete meal in every single bite.
• Incredibly Flavorful: A custom blend of smoked paprika, cumin, and chili powder gives the dish a warm, smoky flavor that perfectly complements the sweetness of the potatoes.
• Effortlessly Easy: This one-pan wonder means minimal cleanup. It’s a straightforward recipe that’s perfect for both novice cooks and seasoned pros. If you enjoy simple yet delicious casseroles, you’ll love our Pioneer Woman-inspired chicken and rice casserole.
• Meal-Prep Friendly: It reheats beautifully, making it an ideal choice for healthy lunches or dinners throughout the week.

The Perfect Ingredients for a Flavorful Bake

The magic of this dish lies in its simple, high-quality ingredients. Each component is chosen to contribute maximum flavor and nutritional value.

For the Bake

• Ground Turkey: We use 93/7 lean ground turkey for the perfect balance of flavor and health.
• Sweet Potatoes: Two medium-sized sweet potatoes, diced into uniform ½-inch cubes, provide a sweet, earthy base.
• Onion & Garlic: The essential aromatic duo that builds the foundation of flavor.
• Bell Pepper: We love a red bell pepper for its sweetness and vibrant color, but any color will work.
• Olive Oil: Extra virgin olive oil is used to sauté the vegetables and brown the turkey.

For the Spice Blend

• Smoked Paprika: Provides a deep, smoky flavor that is central to the dish.
• Cumin & Chili Powder: Add warmth and a mild, earthy heat.
• Garlic Powder & Onion Powder: Enhance the aromatic base.
• Salt & Black Pepper: To taste, tying all the flavors together.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create the perfect Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Bake every time. Grab a large, oven-safe skillet to get started.

1. Preheat and Prep: First, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). While it heats, wash and dice your sweet potatoes, bell pepper, and onion. Mince the garlic.
2. Sauté Vegetables: Heat the olive oil in your oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add the diced onion and bell pepper, cooking until they begin to soften, about 4-5 minutes.
3. Brown the Turkey: Add the ground turkey to the skillet. Break it apart with a spoon and cook until it’s browned all the way through. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
4. Bloom the Spices: Stir in the minced garlic, smoked paprika, cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, and onion powder. Cook for about 30 seconds, until the spices are fragrant. This step is key to unlocking their full flavor.
5. Combine and Assemble: Add the diced sweet potatoes to the skillet, along with the salt and pepper. Stir everything together until the sweet potatoes are fully coated in the spices and mixed with the turkey and vegetables.
6. Bake to Perfection: Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the sweet potatoes are tender and cooked through.

Expert Tips for the Best Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Bake

Want to elevate your bake from great to unforgettable? Here are a few insider tips from our kitchen to yours.

• Uniform Dicing: Cut your sweet potatoes into even, ½-inch cubes. This ensures they all cook at the same rate for the perfect texture.
• Don’t Crowd the Pan: Use a large enough skillet to give the ingredients space. This helps the turkey brown properly and the vegetables to sauté rather than steam.
• Let It Rest: After taking the bake out of the oven, let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together perfectly. For another great make-ahead meal, try these delicious cream cheese sausage balls.

Fun Variations and Dietary Swaps

One of the best things about this Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Bake is its versatility. You can easily adapt it to fit your taste or dietary needs.

Make it Paleo/Whole30

This recipe is already very close to being Paleo and Whole30 compliant. Simply ensure your spices are free of any added sugars or anti-caking agents, and you’re good to go!

Add More Veggies

Feel free to add other vegetables to the mix. Chopped zucchini, mushrooms, or a handful of spinach stirred in at the end are all fantastic additions.

Spice it Up

If you like a bit of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a finely diced jalapeño along with the onions and peppers.

How to Store, Freeze, and Reheat

This dish is perfect for meal prep. Allow the bake to cool completely before storing.

• To Store: Place leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days.
• To Freeze: You can freeze the bake in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
• To Reheat: Warm individual portions in the microwave or reheat the entire dish in a 350°F oven until heated through.

What to Serve with Your Bake

This Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Bake is a complete meal on its own, but it also pairs wonderfully with a few simple sides. A crisp green salad with a vinaigrette or a side of steamed green beans adds a fresh, light contrast to the heartiness of the bake. For a truly comforting meal, you could even serve it alongside some fresh 30-minute dinner rolls.

Frequently Asked Questions

The Perfect Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Bake

This recipe is more than just food; it’s a feeling of comfort, health, and satisfaction all in one. It proves that eating well doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming. Give this Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Bake a try, and you’ll see why it’s a favorite in our kitchen. We’re confident it will become one in yours, too.

FL Recipes

Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Bake (The Ultimate Healthy Dinner)

This Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Bake is a savory, satisfying, and wholesome one-pan meal. It combines lean protein, complex carbs, and vibrant veggies for a healthy and flavorful weeknight dinner that's also perfect for meal prep.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: American

Calories: 385

Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients

  

1x2x3x?

• 1 tbsp Olive Oil extra virgin
• 1 medium Yellow Onion diced
• 1 medium Red Bell Pepper diced
• 1 lb Ground Turkey 93/7 lean
• 3 cloves Garlic minced
• 2 medium Sweet Potatoes peeled and cut into 1/2-inch cubes
• 1 tsp Smoked Paprika
• 1 tsp Cumin
• 1/2 tsp Chili Powder
• 1/2 tsp Garlic Powder
• 1/2 tsp Onion Powder
• 1 tsp Salt or to taste
• 1/2 tsp Black Pepper freshly ground

Equipment

• 1 Large Oven-Safe Skillet
• 1 Cutting Board
• 1 Chef's Knife

Method

 

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Wash and dice sweet potatoes, bell pepper, and onion. Mince the garlic.
2. Heat the olive oil in a large, oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add the diced onion and bell pepper, cooking until they begin to soften, about 4-5 minutes.
3. Add the ground turkey to the skillet. Break it apart with a spoon and cook until it's browned all the way through. Drain any excess fat.
4. Stir in the minced garlic, smoked paprika, cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, and onion powder. Cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
5. Add the diced sweet potatoes, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Stir everything together until well combined.
6. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the sweet potatoes are tender.

Nutrition

Calories: 385kcalProtein: 35gFat: 15gFiber: 6g

Notes

Tip 1: For extra flavor, you can top the bake with shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese during the last 5 minutes of cooking.
Tip 2: Ensure sweet potatoes are cut into uniform ½-inch cubes for even cooking.
Tip 3: Let the bake rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.

Keyword ground turkey sweet potato,healthy casserole,one pan dinner

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