Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Bake for a Quick Weeknight Dinner 🍠🍗✨
1. Introduction
If you’re searching for a nutritious, flavorful, and easy-to-make ground turkey sweet potato bake recipe, you’ve come to the right place! This comforting dish combines lean ground turkey with sweet potatoes — creating a nourishing sweet potato casserole-like meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights. With minimal prep and quick cooking, this bake is a fantastic addition to your weeknight dinner lineup. Whether you’re aiming to eat healthier or simply need a satisfying meal, this dish will surely become a household favorite.
2. Ingredients for the Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Bake
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 3 large sweet potatoes, peeled and sliced
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme or rosemary
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: chopped fresh parsley for garnish
3. How to Make the Perfect Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Bake
Preparation of Ingredients
Begin by peeling and slicing the sweet potatoes into thin, even rounds. Dice the onion and mince the garlic for the most flavorful results. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Sautéing the Turkey and Aromatics
In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until translucent. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for another minute. Add the ground turkey to the skillet, season with salt, pepper, paprika, and thyme, and cook until browned and cooked through.
Assembling the Sweet Potato Layers
Lightly grease a baking dish with olive oil. Arrange a layer of sweet potato slices at the bottom. Spread the cooked ground turkey mixture evenly over the sweet potatoes. Add another layer of sweet potatoes on top. Sprinkle shredded cheese evenly over the top layer.
Baking the Dish
Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired.
4. Storage Tips for Your Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Bake
This quick weeknight dinner can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave until heated through or re-bake in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15 minutes. For longer storage, freeze in portions for up to 3 months. Amaze your family with this wholesome dish even on busy days!
5. Serving Suggestions for the Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Bake
This dish pairs wonderfully with a fresh green salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal. For added flavor, serve with a dollop of Greek yogurt or a splash of hot sauce. If you want to make it more filling, consider adding some cooked quinoa or rice on top of the layers before baking.
6. Variations and Substitutions
- Replace ground turkey with ground chicken, beef, or plant-based alternatives for dietary preferences.
- Use different cheeses like feta or pepper jack for a flavor twist.
- Incorporate chopped spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms into the turkey mixture for extra nutrition and flavor.
7. Related Recipes for Your Inspiration
Looking for more quick and delicious healthy pasta dishes or savory skillet meals? Check out our cheesy meat and potato skillet or other one-pan wonders to elevate your weeknight dinner game.
8. Kitchen tools that you might need for this recipe
- Fullstar Ultimate Veggie Prep Master — Make quick work of slicing and chopping sweet potatoes and vegetables. This tool saves prep time and ensures uniform slices.
- Ninja Air Fryer Pro Crisp & Roast 4-in-1 — Want a crispy topping? Finish the bake in an air fryer for perfectly browned cheese and sweet potatoes.
- Ninja SLUSHi Pro RapidChill Drink Maker — Serve refreshing beverages alongside your hearty bake, making every meal complete.
9. Conclusion
This ground turkey sweet potato bake offers a wholesome, easy solution for busy weeknights. Combining lean protein, healthy carbs, and cheesy goodness, it’s a comforting dish that everyone in the family will love. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can have this nutritious sweet potato casserole-style dinner on the table in under an hour. Give this recipe a try and enjoy a delicious, healthy meal made with love — and the minimal effort you desire!
Frequently Asked Questions about the Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Bake
Can I use other types of meat?
Yes! You can substitute ground turkey with ground chicken, beef, or even plant-based protein options. Each will bring a slightly different flavor and texture to the dish.
How long does it take to prepare?
Overall, expect around 10-15 minutes of prep time and 45 minutes of baking — making it an ideal quick weeknight dinner.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely! Assemble the dish and keep it in the refrigerator until ready to bake. It can be stored for up to 24 hours beforehand for added convenience.
Is this suitable for gluten-free or keto diets?
This recipe is naturally gluten-free. To make it keto-friendly, use a cheese with low carbs and consider adding leafy greens or cauliflower rice as a side.
Enjoy crafting this hearty and healthy ground turkey sweet potato bake, perfect for satisfying your weeknight dinner craving with minimal fuss!
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Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Bake for a Quick Weeknight Dinner
A nutritious and satisfying ground turkey and sweet potato bake that comes together quickly, combining lean protein with hearty vegetables.
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup shredded cheese (optional)
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a skillet, cook ground turkey over medium heat until browned; season with salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder.
- In a baking dish, toss sweet potatoes with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Spread cooked turkey evenly over the sweet potatoes.
- If using, sprinkle shredded cheese on top.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until sweet potatoes are tender and top is golden.
- Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
- Feel free to add chopped vegetables like bell peppers or spinach for extra nutrition.
- You can substitute cheese with dairy-free options for a vegan version.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Method: Baking, sautéing
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low-carb, high-protein
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate (approximately 1/4 of the dish)
- Calories: 320 kcal Kcal
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 6 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg