Irresistible Sweet Potato and Ground Turkey Bake Recipe

Introduction

This Sweet Potato and Ground Turkey Bake is a comforting, nutritious meal that’s easy to prepare and full of flavor. Roasted sweet potatoes combined with seasoned turkey and melted cheddar make for a satisfying dish perfect for any night of the week.

Ingredients

• 1 lb lean ground turkey
• 2 medium sweet potatoes (about 1 lb), peeled and diced
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups fresh spinach
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp cumin

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly spray a baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
2. Step 2: In a bowl, toss the diced sweet potatoes with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread them evenly on a baking sheet and roast for about 20 minutes until tender.
3. Step 3: While the sweet potatoes roast, heat the remaining olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté the diced onion and minced garlic until softened, about 5 minutes.
4. Step 4: Add the ground turkey to the skillet. Season with paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper. Cook, stirring frequently, until the turkey is browned and cooked through.
5. Step 5: In the prepared baking dish, layer half of the roasted sweet potatoes, followed by the turkey mixture and fresh spinach. Then add the remaining sweet potatoes on top.
6. Step 6: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top layer.
7. Step 7: Bake the assembled dish for 25-30 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown. Serve warm.

Tips & Variations

• For added flavor, stir some chopped fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary into the turkey mixture.
• Swap cheddar for pepper jack or mozzarella for a different cheese twist.
• Try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the turkey for a mild kick.
• Use baby spinach or kale depending on your preference for greens.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes or microwave until heated through. This dish also freezes well for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use ground chicken instead of turkey?

Yes, ground chicken works well as a substitute and will keep the dish light and flavorful.

Is this dish gluten-free?

Yes, all the ingredients used are naturally gluten-free, making this recipe safe for those with gluten sensitivities.

Irresistible Sweet Potato and Ground Turkey Bake Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 140 reviews

This Irresistible Sweet Potato and Ground Turkey Bake is a hearty, nutritious, and flavorful one-dish meal. Combining tender roasted sweet potatoes, spiced ground turkey, sautéed onions and garlic, fresh spinach, and melted cheddar cheese, this bake is perfect for a comforting dinner that’s easy to prepare and packed with balanced nutrition.

• Author: Joe
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Low Fat

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat and Vegetables

• 1 lb lean ground turkey
• 2 medium sweet potatoes (about 1 lb), peeled and diced
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups fresh spinach

Dairy

• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Oils and Seasonings

• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp cumin

Instructions

1. Preheat oven and prepare baking dish: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly spray a baking dish with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
2. Roast sweet potatoes: Toss the diced sweet potatoes with olive oil, salt, and pepper until well coated. Spread them evenly on a baking sheet and roast in the oven for about 20 minutes, or until tender and lightly browned.
3. Sauté aromatics: While the sweet potatoes roast, heat a skillet over medium heat with a bit of olive oil. Add diced onions and minced garlic, cooking for about 5 minutes until soft and fragrant.
4. Cook ground turkey: Add the ground turkey to the skillet with the onions and garlic. Season with paprika, cumin, salt, and black pepper. Cook the turkey, stirring occasionally, until it is browned and cooked through.
5. Layer the bake: In your prepared baking dish, start by layering half of the roasted sweet potatoes. Then add the cooked ground turkey mixture followed by the fresh spinach leaves, allowing the heat to slightly wilt them. Top with the remaining sweet potatoes.
6. Add cheese and bake: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly on top of the final layer of sweet potatoes. Bake the assembled dish in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.

Notes

• You can substitute the cheddar cheese with a dairy-free cheese to make this recipe lactose-free.
• For extra flavor, add a pinch of chili flakes or cayenne pepper to the turkey while cooking.
• This recipe can be prepared ahead of time and refrigerated before baking; just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.
• Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• To make this meal gluten-free, ensure all spices and ingredients are certified gluten-free.

Keywords: sweet potato bake, ground turkey casserole, healthy dinner, one dish meal, low fat recipe, American cuisine