Name: Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Bake
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb ground turkey (lean or extra lean); 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and diced; 1 tbsp olive oil (plus more for drizzling); 1 small onion, diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 bell pepper, chopped; 2 cups spinach or kale (optional); 1 tsp smoked paprika; 1 tsp chili powder; 1/2 tsp ground cumin; 1/2 tsp dried oregano; Salt and black pepper, to taste; 1/2 cup shredded cheese (optional, for topping); Fresh parsley or green onions, for garnish

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Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Bake is a hearty, wholesome, and flavor-packed casserole that layers lean ground turkey, tender sweet potatoes, and savory spices into one cozy dish. It’s a nutritious, all-in-one meal that I love making for easy dinners, meal prep, or anytime I want a warm, satisfying bite without a ton of cleanup.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how this bake combines simple ingredients into a balanced, filling meal. The ground turkey keeps it lean and high in protein, while the sweet potatoes add natural sweetness, fiber, and comfort. It’s budget-friendly, easy to prep ahead, and incredibly versatile depending on what’s in my fridge. Plus, everything cooks in one pan and makes delicious leftovers.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Ground turkey (lean or extra lean)
Sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
Olive oil
Onion, diced
Garlic, minced
Bell peppers, chopped
Spinach or kale (optional)
Smoked paprika
Chili powder
Ground cumin
Dried oregano
Salt and black pepper
Shredded cheese (optional, for topping)
Fresh parsley or green onions for garnish

Directions

I preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and grease a large baking dish.
In a skillet, I heat olive oil over medium heat and sauté the onion and garlic until soft.
I add the ground turkey and cook until browned, breaking it up as it cooks. I stir in the bell peppers, spinach (if using), and season with paprika, chili powder, cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper.
In a large bowl, I toss the diced sweet potatoes with a drizzle of olive oil and a pinch of salt.
I spread the sweet potatoes in the bottom of the baking dish, then top with the cooked turkey mixture.
I cover with foil and bake for 25–30 minutes, then uncover, sprinkle with cheese if using, and bake another 10–15 minutes until the potatoes are tender and the top is golden.
I let it cool for a few minutes before serving and garnish with fresh herbs.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 4–6 servings. It takes 15 minutes to prep and 40–45 minutes to bake, so I usually have it ready in about an hour.

Variations

I use ground chicken or beef instead of turkey depending on what I have.
For a dairy-free version, I skip the cheese or use a plant-based alternative.
Sometimes I add black beans or corn for extra fiber and flavor.
I’ve spiced it up with cayenne or jalapeños when I want some heat.
A fried egg on top makes this a great breakfast-for-dinner option too.

storage/reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. It reheats well in the microwave or oven. I also freeze portions for up to 2 months—just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

FAQs

Can I use raw sweet potatoes?

Yes. I dice them small so they cook through during baking. No need to pre-cook.

Is this recipe good for meal prep?

Definitely. I portion it into containers and enjoy it throughout the week for lunch or dinner.

Can I make this in advance?

Yes. I assemble it fully, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. It may need a few extra minutes in the oven if baking from cold.

What’s the best cheese for topping?

I like using shredded cheddar, mozzarella, or a Mexican blend. It adds flavor and helps everything come together.

Can I make this low-carb?

You can swap the sweet potatoes for cauliflower or zucchini, but it’ll have a different texture and less natural sweetness.

Conclusion

Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Bake is one of my favorite all-in-one meals—simple, nourishing, and packed with flavor. It’s perfect for cozy nights, busy weeks, or feeding the whole family without much effort. Whether I’m eating it fresh or enjoying the leftovers, this casserole never fails to satisfy.