Homestyle Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Bake: Easy Dinner (Print Version)
A comforting Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Bake recipe. Quick to assemble, full of flavor, and perfect for weeknights. My family's favorite!
# Recipe Info:
Prep Time: 20 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 30 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Servings: 4 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: American Comfort
Dietary: Gluten-Free, High-Protein
# Ingredients:
→ Main Ingredients
01 -
Lean Ground Turkey (1 lb)
02 -
Sweet Potatoes (2 large, about 2 lbs), peeled and diced
03 -
Yellow Onion (1 medium), chopped
04 -
Garlic (3 cloves), minced
05 -
Diced Tomatoes (1 can, 14.5 oz), undrained
06 -
Chicken Broth (1 cup)
→ Flavor Boosters
07 -
Olive Oil (1 tbsp)
08 -
Smoked Paprika (1 tsp)
09 -
Ground Cumin (1/2 tsp)
10 -
Dried Thyme (1/2 tsp)
11 -
Salt (to taste)
12 -
Black Pepper (to taste)
→ Optional Extras
13 -
Fresh Spinach (2 cups)
→ Garnish & Toppings
14 -
Fresh Parsley (for garnish)
# Instructions:
01 -
First things first, let’s get those sweet potatoes peeled and diced into about ½-inch cubes. You want them pretty uniform so they cook evenly, or you'll end up with some mushy and some firm bits—oops! Chop your onion and mince your garlic too. Get your oven preheated to 375°F (190°C) and grab a sturdy 9x13 inch baking dish. I always grease mine a little, just to be safe, because scrubbing baked-on sweet potato bits is no fun, believe me.
02 -
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once it’s shimmering, add your ground turkey. Break it up with a spoon and cook until it's nicely browned and no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes. This is where you get those good savory bits! Drain any excess fat – lean turkey usually doesn't have much, but it’s a good habit. Now, toss in your chopped onion and cook until it starts to soften and turn translucent, about 3-5 minutes. The smell right now? Honestly, it's already making my kitchen smell amazing.
03 -
Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for just about 1 minute until fragrant. Don't let it burn, that's a mistake I made once, and it tasted bitter, ugh! Stir in the smoked paprika, cumin, and dried thyme. Let them cook for another minute, letting those spices bloom and release their incredible aromas. You'll feel the warmth in your kitchen, I promise! This step is key for that deep, comforting flavor we're going for.
04 -
Pour in the can of undrained diced tomatoes and the chicken broth. Give it a good stir, making sure to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan – that's pure flavor right there! Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and let it cook for about 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully. This is where the sauce for your bake really starts to develop its character. Taste it! Adjust salt and pepper as needed.
05 -
Now for the assembly! If you're using spinach, stir it into the turkey mixture now; it will wilt down quickly. Pour the entire turkey and sauce mixture into your prepared baking dish. Spread it out evenly. Arrange the diced sweet potatoes over the top of the turkey mixture. You can layer them neatly or just scatter them, whatever feels right. I usually try for a single layer so they all get a chance to tenderize nicely in the oven.
06 -
Cover the baking dish loosely with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Then, remove the foil and continue baking for another 10-15 minutes, or until the sweet potatoes are fork-tender and the top is lightly golden. You'll know it's ready when your kitchen smells absolutely divine and the sweet potatoes are soft and slightly caramelized. Let it rest for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley if you're feeling fancy, and dig into this delicious bake!
# Notes:
01 -
Don't overcrowd the pan when browning turkey; it's a game-changer for flavor.
02 -
This bake keeps great in the fridge for up to 3-4 days, perfect for meal prep.
03 -
Ground chicken is a fantastic swap for turkey if you're out, I've tried it!
04 -
A dollop of plain Greek yogurt on top adds a surprising, lovely tang.
# Equipment Needed:
01 -
Large skillet
02 -
9x13 inch baking dish
03 -
cutting board
04 -
knife
# Nutrition (Per Serving):
Calories: 350-400 kcal
Total Fat: 10-15g
Total Carbohydrate: 30-35g
Protein: 30-35g