This ground turkey sweet potato bake is a satisfying one dish dinner that mixes lean turkey, sweet potato cubes, bell peppers, onion, and spinach under a blanket of melted mozzarella. It is colorful, filling, and easy to prep ahead, which makes it ideal for busy weeknights.
The spices, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, and paprika, give it a warm, slightly smoky flavor. Everything bakes in a 9×13 inch dish, so you can portion leftovers for lunches. Here is how to make the ground turkey sweet potato bake tender in the middle and bubbly on top.
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Why This Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Bake Recipe Works
This ground turkey sweet potato bake works because the cooking is staged. The turkey and vegetables are browned in a skillet first, which builds flavor, and then everything is baked with a little broth so the sweet potatoes steam until tender.
Covering the dish with foil is key. It traps steam so the potato cubes soften all the way through, and removing the foil at the end lets the cheese melt and brown.
Ingredients for Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Bake
- 1 lb ground turkey (93% lean)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 large sweet potatoes, cut into 1/2 inch cubes
- 2 medium bell peppers, diced
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cups fresh baby spinach
- 1 1/2 cups shredded part skim mozzarella
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1/2 cup low sodium chicken broth
Ground turkey: 93% lean keeps the dish light. Ground chicken works too.
Sweet potatoes: cut them evenly, no bigger than 1/2 inch, so they cook through in the time given.
Mozzarella: melts well and tastes mild. Cheddar or gouda are good swaps.
Spinach: wilts into the dish. Kale works if you chop it finely.
Spices: chili powder and cumin give a Tex Mex feel, and smoked paprika adds depth.
How to Make Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Bake
1. Preheat. Heat the oven to 375 degrees F and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
2. Brown the turkey. Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium high heat. Add the turkey, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper, and cook for 5 to 7 minutes until no pink remains. Transfer to a large bowl.
3. Cook the vegetables. In the same skillet, saute the onion and bell peppers for 3 to 4 minutes until slightly softened. Add to the bowl.
4. Combine. Add the sweet potatoes and spinach to the bowl and toss together.
5. Assemble. Spread the mixture in the baking dish and pour the broth over the top.
6. Bake covered. Cover tightly with foil and bake for 30 minutes, until the sweet potatoes are almost tender.
7. Add cheese. Remove the foil, sprinkle the mozzarella over the top, and bake uncovered for 10 minutes more, until the cheese is bubbly and a fork slides easily into the potatoes.
How to Serve Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Bake
Serve the bake hot, straight from the dish, with a simple green salad or steamed broccoli. A spoonful of sour cream or salsa on top adds a cool contrast.
If you like turkey recipes, also try the cheesy ground turkey taco pasta, the ground turkey teriyaki stir fry, the wholesome chicken and sweet potato dinner, or the ground turkey broccoli stir fry.
How to Store and Reheat Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Bake
Cool the bake within 2 hours of cooking, then cover and refrigerate for 3 to 4 days. Reheat portions in the microwave until steaming hot, or cover the dish with foil and warm it in a hot oven at 350 degrees F for about 20 minutes, until it reaches 165 degrees F.
For freezing, portion cooled leftovers into containers and freeze, then thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Tips and Variations for Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Bake
Cut potatoes evenly. Even cubes cook at the same pace.
Cover tightly. Foil traps steam so the potatoes soften.
Use smoked paprika. It adds a hint of smoke without extra effort.
Change the cheese. Cheddar, pepper jack, or gouda also work well.
Make it meatless. Replace the turkey with cooked lentils or a meat substitute.
Add beans. Black beans make the bake bigger.
Check temperature. The FDA recommends cooking ground poultry to 165 degrees F.
Frequently Asked Questions About Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Bake
Can I make a ground turkey sweet potato bake ahead of time?
Yes. Assemble the dish, cover, and refrigerate for up to a day, then bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes.
Do I need to peel the sweet potatoes?
Peeling is optional. The skin is edible and adds fiber, but it can be slightly chewy.
Can I use frozen sweet potato cubes?
Yes. They cook a little faster, so check them after 25 minutes.
How do I make this ground turkey sweet potato bake dairy free?
Leave out the cheese or use a plant based shredded cheese.
Can I swap the turkey?
Yes. Ground chicken or beef work well.
Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Bake
Equipment
- Large skillet
- 9×13 inch baking dish
- Aluminum foil
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb ground turkey 93% lean
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 large sweet potatoes cut into 1/2 inch cubes
- 2 medium bell peppers diced
- 1 medium onion diced
- 2 cup fresh baby spinach
- 1 ½ cup shredded part skim mozzarella
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp paprika
- ½ tsp salt plus black pepper to taste
- ½ cup low sodium chicken broth
Instructions
Cooking
- Preheat. Heat the oven to 375 degrees F and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Brown the turkey. Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium high heat. Add the turkey, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper and cook 5 to 7 minutes until no pink remains. Transfer to a large bowl.
- Cook the vegetables. In the same skillet, saute the onion and peppers 3 to 4 minutes until slightly softened. Add to the bowl.
- Combine. Add the sweet potatoes and spinach to the bowl and toss, then spread in the baking dish and pour the broth over the top.
- Bake covered. Cover tightly with foil and bake 30 minutes until the sweet potatoes are almost tender.
- Add cheese. Remove the foil, top with the mozzarella, and bake uncovered about 10 minutes until bubbly and a fork slides easily into the potatoes. Check that it reaches 165 degrees F.
