Print

Ground Turkey and Sweet Potato Bake Recipe

4 from 54 reviews

This Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Bake is a hearty and nutritious casserole that combines lean ground turkey with sweet potatoes, bell peppers, spinach, and a blend of herbs and cheeses. Perfectly seasoned and baked to golden perfection, it offers a comforting meal packed with protein and vibrant vegetables.

Ingredients

Scale

Meat and Vegetables

  • 1.5 lbs lean ground turkey
  • 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
  • 1 large onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 red bell pepper, diced
  • 2 cups baby spinach, chopped

Cheeses

  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Liquids & Fats

  • 0.5 cup low-sodium chicken broth
  • 2 tbsp olive oil

Spices and Seasonings

  • 1 tsp dried thyme
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 0.5 tsp smoked paprika
  • 0.5 tsp ground black pepper
  • 1 tsp salt

Instructions

  1. Prepare Oven and Baking Dish: Preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or a light coating of olive oil to prevent sticking.
  2. Sauté Onions: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet placed over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until the onions become soft and translucent, enhancing their natural sweetness.
  3. Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic, cooking for about 30 seconds until it’s fragrant but not browned to avoid bitterness.
  4. Brown Turkey: Add the ground turkey to the skillet, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Cook for 5 to 6 minutes until the meat is browned thoroughly and no longer pink inside.
  5. Add Vegetables and Seasonings: Incorporate the diced red bell pepper, diced sweet potatoes, dried thyme, dried oregano, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper into the skillet. Stir to combine and cook for an additional 5 minutes to meld the flavors.
  6. Simmer with Broth: Pour in the low-sodium chicken broth and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Let it cook uncovered for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sweet potatoes are tender but still hold their shape.
  7. Incorporate Spinach: Remove the skillet from the heat and fold in the chopped baby spinach. Allow it to wilt from the residual heat, evenly distributing the greens throughout the mixture.
  8. Assemble Casserole: Transfer the turkey and vegetable mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese and grated Parmesan cheese uniformly over the top to create a delicious cheesy crust.
  9. Bake Until Golden: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 18 to 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbling, and golden brown on top.
  10. Rest Before Serving: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for about 5 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld and the dish to set slightly for easier serving.

Notes

  • Using low-sodium chicken broth helps control the overall sodium content of the dish.
  • You can substitute mozzarella with a low-fat cheese for a lighter option.
  • Ensure sweet potatoes are diced uniformly for even cooking.
  • Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • Reheat covered in the oven or microwave to maintain moisture.

Keywords: ground turkey casserole, sweet potato bake, healthy turkey dinner, baked turkey recipe, cheesy turkey bake