Description
A hearty and flavorful Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Bake combining lean ground turkey, tender sweet potatoes, and a medley of vegetables, all topped with melted cheese and baked to perfection. This comforting casserole is perfect for a nutritious weeknight dinner that the whole family will enjoy.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat
- 1 pound ground turkey
Vegetables
- 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and diced (about 4 cups)
- 1 onion, diced (about 1 cup)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bell pepper (any color), diced (about 1 cup)
Canned Goods
- 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
Dairy
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella)
Spices and Oils
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Olive oil, for cooking
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with olive oil to prepare for baking.
- Cook Ground Turkey: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground turkey, season with salt and pepper, and cook until browned and crumbled. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Sauté Sweet Potatoes: In the same skillet, add more olive oil if needed and sauté the diced sweet potatoes for 5-7 minutes until they begin to soften.
- Add Aromatics: Add diced onion, minced garlic, and diced bell pepper to the skillet. Cook together for about 5 minutes until the vegetables are tender-crisp.
- Combine Ingredients: Return the cooked ground turkey to the skillet. Stir in the drained diced tomatoes, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and pepper, mixing everything thoroughly.
- Assemble Bake: Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the top. Cover the dish with foil.
- Bake Covered: Place the baking dish in the oven and bake covered with foil for 20-25 minutes.
- Bake Uncovered: Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes to allow the cheese to melt fully and become bubbly and golden.
- Cool and Serve: Let the bake cool for a few minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld and for easier portioning.
Notes
- For a vegetarian version, substitute ground turkey with cooked lentils or plant-based meat alternatives.
- Feel free to use any cheese you prefer or have on hand, such as Monterey Jack or gouda.
- You can prepare this dish ahead and refrigerate before baking to save time on busy days.
- Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
- To make it spicier, add a pinch of chili flakes or diced jalapeños when cooking the vegetables.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
