Savory Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Bake Recipe

Savory Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Bake Recipe for Cozy Nights

Comfort meets nutrition in this hearty ground turkey sweet potato bake that promises to satisfy your taste buds.

Lean protein and vibrant orange vegetables dance together in a delightful culinary symphony.

The recipe combines simple ingredients with bold flavors that will make weeknight dinners extraordinary.

Home cooks seeking a nutritious and delicious meal will fall in love with this one-pan wonder.

Packed with protein and vitamins, this dish delivers a wholesome punch without compromising on taste.

Each bite offers a perfect balance of savory turkey and sweet, caramelized sweet potatoes.

Let’s find out this easy-to-make meal that brings comfort and wellness to your dinner table.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 50 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes

Calories: 370 kcal

Servings: 5

Ingredient List for Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Bake

For Protein Base:
  • Ground Turkey: Lean protein source that provides hearty texture and rich flavor, choose fresh ground turkey with minimal fat content for healthier meal.
  • Shredded Parmesan Cheese: Adds creamy, tangy depth and helps create golden crust on top of the bake, select high-quality aged Parmesan for robust taste.
For Vegetable Foundation:
  • Sweet Potatoes: Brings natural sweetness and vibrant orange color, pick firm potatoes without soft spots or sprouts for best results.
  • Zucchini: Provides moisture and subtle green freshness, select smaller zucchini with smooth, unblemished skin for tender texture.
For Flavor Enhancers:
  • Garlic Powder: Delivers concentrated savory essence without chopping fresh garlic, ensure it's fresh and fragrant.
  • Rosemary: Introduces earthy, pine-like aroma that complements turkey and sweet potatoes, use dried rosemary for consistent flavor distribution.
  • Salt and Pepper: Fundamental seasonings that balance and elevate all other ingredients, use freshly ground black pepper for maximum impact.
  • Olive Oil: Creates crispy edges and helps ingredients roast evenly, choose extra virgin olive oil for best flavor profile.

Kitchen Tools to Make Sweet Potato Turkey Bake

  • Large Baking Dish: Essential for roasting sweet potatoes and creating the final casserole.
  • Chef's Knife: Perfect for chopping sweet potatoes and zucchini into uniform pieces.
  • Cutting Board: Provides a clean surface for chopping vegetables.
  • Skillet or Frying Pan: Great for browning ground turkey with spices.
  • Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Helps mix ingredients and stir during cooking.
  • Measuring Tablespoons: Ensures accurate olive oil and seasoning amounts.
  • Cheese Grater (optional): Useful if you're grating fresh Parmesan cheese.

Cooking Instructions for Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Bake

  • Kitchen Preparation Sweet and savory ingredients come together in this comforting one-pan wonder that transforms simple components into a mouthwatering meal. Preheat your cooking space to a toasty 400°F.
  • Sweet Potato Foundation Create a base of golden-edged sweet potato cubes by tossing them with fragrant herbs and a splash of olive oil. Spread them across a spacious baking dish and let the oven work its magic for half an hour.
  • Protein Power Simultaneously, transform ground turkey into a perfectly seasoned companion. Sizzle the meat in a skillet until it develops a rich, appetizing brown color and becomes tender throughout.
  • Zucchini Adventure Slice zucchini into delicate rounds, adding a fresh and light dimension to the dish. These green gems will bring color and subtle crispness to the meal.
  • Flavor Fusion Combine the roasted sweet potatoes, seasoned turkey, and zucchini in one harmonious blend. Return the dish to the oven, allowing the ingredients to mingle and create deep, complex flavors.
  • Cheesy Finale Crown the creation with a generous sprinkle of Parmesan, letting it melt into a golden, irresistible topping that adds a creamy, tangy finish.
  • Serving Moment Bring this beautiful dish directly from oven to table, inviting everyone to dig into a warm, satisfying meal that speaks of home and comfort.

Sweet Potato Bake Tips and Flavor Changes

  • Chop vegetables and brown turkey a day ahead to slash cooking time when you're ready to assemble the dish.
  • This casserole can be fully prepared and refrigerated for up to 2 days before baking, perfect for busy weeknight dinners.
  • Try ground chicken, lean beef, or plant-based crumbles as delicious alternatives to ground turkey for variety and dietary needs.
  • Add extra nutritional punch by mixing in diced bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms during the final baking stage for more color and flavor.
  • Experiment with different cheese options like sharp cheddar, crumbled feta, or goat cheese to create unique flavor profiles that match your taste preferences.

Serve Ground Turkey Bake with Style

  • Fresh Herb Garnish: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or chives on top for a burst of color and bright, zesty flavor that complements the savory ground turkey and sweet potatoes perfectly.
  • Protein Power Boost: Add a dollop of Greek yogurt or a soft-poached egg on top to increase protein content and create a creamy, luxurious texture that elevates the entire dish.
  • Mediterranean Twist: Serve with a side of tzatziki sauce or a quick cucumber salad to bring a refreshing, tangy element that balances the rich, hearty flavors of the bake.
  • One-Plate Wonder: Pair with a simple mixed green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette to create a complete, nutritious meal that's both satisfying and light.

Storing Sweet Potato Bake for Later Meals

  • Smart Batch Preparation: Make a double batch and separate portions into meal prep containers for quick grab-and-go lunches during busy weekdays. Perfect for work or school meals that require minimal reheating.
  • Refrigerator Storage Strategy: Keep leftovers in airtight containers and consume within 3-4 days. The dish maintains excellent flavor and texture when stored properly in the refrigerator, making it an ideal make-ahead meal.
  • Freezer-Friendly Option: Portion the bake into individual servings and freeze for up to 2 months. Wrap tightly in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty aluminum foil to lock in moisture and prevent freezer burn.
  • Reheating Magic: Warm refrigerated or thawed servings in the oven at 350°F for 15-20 minutes to restore the crispy edges and maintain the original delicious taste. Avoid microwave reheating to keep the sweet potatoes and turkey tender and flavorful.
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Savory Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Bake Recipe

Savory Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Bake Recipe


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4.9 from 9 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
  • Yield: 5 1x

Description

Hearty ground turkey sweet potato bake delivers comforting Mediterranean-inspired flavors with lean protein and nutritious vegetables. Herbs and spices create a satisfying meal that connects you to wholesome home cooking.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb (453 g) ground turkey
  • 5 tbsps (75 mL) olive oil
  • 2 medium sweet potatoes
  • 2 small zucchini
  • 0.67 cup (160 mL) shredded Parmesan cheese
  • 1.5 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp rosemary
  • Salt to taste
  • Pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Preheat Preparation: Ignite the oven to 400°F (204°C), readying a culinary canvas for a harmonious one-pan symphony.
  2. Sweet Potato Foundation: Meticulously transform sweet potatoes into uniform cubes, arranging them in a sprawling ceramic vessel with precise geometric placement.
  3. Seasoning Ritual: Anoint the potato landscape with extra virgin olive oil, then ceremoniously dust with garlic powder, dried rosemary, kosher salt, and cracked black pepper, massaging each cube to ensure complete flavor integration.
  4. Potato Roasting Phase: Orchestrate a 30-minute caramelization dance, rotating the potatoes midway to encourage even golden transformation and prevent adhesion.
  5. Protein Browning Session: In a sizzling skillet, render ground turkey into delicate crumbles, seasoning aggressively and cooking until reaching a pristine 165°F internal temperature, eliminating any trace of pink.
  6. Vegetable Integration: Slice zucchini into elegant half-moon crescents, quartering each for uniform cooking potential.
  7. Compositional Fusion: Marry the roasted sweet potatoes with browned turkey and zucchini, returning the ensemble to the oven’s warm embrace for 10 minutes, allowing flavors to intertwine and vegetables to surrender their raw essence.
  8. Cheese Crescendo: Shower the dish with a delicate snowfall of premium Parmesan, melting into a golden-kissed blanket during a swift 5-7 minute finale.
  9. Resting Interval: Permit the culinary creation a brief 3-4 minute respite, allowing flavors to harmonize and settle before presenting this rustic, comforting masterpiece.

Notes

  • Prep Like a Pro: Cut sweet potatoes and zucchini into uniform sizes to guarantee even cooking and prevent uneven texture.
  • Temperature Matters: Use a meat thermometer to check ground turkey reaches exactly 165°F, preventing foodborne illness and ensuring perfect doneness.
  • Flavor Boosting Technique: Toss vegetables with olive oil and seasonings before roasting to develop deeper, caramelized taste profiles.
  • Resting is Crucial: Allow the dish to rest 3-4 minutes after baking to let flavors meld and make serving smoother, creating a more cohesive meal experience.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 50 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Lunch
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 5
  • Calories: 370
  • Sugar: 4 g
  • Sodium: 600 mg
  • Fat: 22 g
  • Saturated Fat: 6 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 28 g
  • Fiber: 5 g
  • Protein: 26 g
  • Cholesterol: 90 mg
Sophie Reynolds

Sophie Reynolds

Co-Founder, Recipe Curator & Culinary Educator

Expertise

  • Home Cooking Innovation & Comfort Recipes
  • Flavor Development & Ingredient Pairing
  • Seasonal Produce Integration
  • Recipe Testing & Instructional Clarity
  • Culinary Education & Community Workshops

Education

Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts, Boulder, CO

  • Degree: Diploma in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Hands-on training in classic and modern culinary techniques, emphasizing sustainable cooking practices, kitchen professionalism, and real-world restaurant experience through externships.

Oregon State University

  • Degree: B.S. in Nutrition and Food Management
  • Focus: In-depth study of human nutrition, food safety, meal planning, and food-service operations, with a strong foundation in public health, dietetics, and community-based nutrition programs.

Sophie Reynolds is the recipe developer and culinary voice behind many of the approachable, flavor-focused creations at The Dream Café. 

Sophie’s style leans into comfort food made simple: wholesome, satisfying meals anyone can make with confidence. Her passion lies in helping home cooks feel at ease in the kitchen while finding joy in the everyday act of cooking.

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