Introduction

This Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Bake is a wholesome, flavorful dish that combines lean protein with tender sweet potatoes and vibrant vegetables. It’s an easy, comforting meal perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep. The melty mozzarella cheese on top adds a delicious finishing touch.

A white casserole dish filled with a baked layered dish, the bottom layer is bright orange roasted sweet potato cubes, topped with small browned pieces of ground meat. A layer of melted, golden cheese covers the meat, with some parts browned from baking. Small green herb leaves are sprinkled on top, and a small sprig of fresh green herbs rests on the surface, adding color and freshness. The dish sits on a wooden board over a white marbled texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 lb ground turkey (93% lean)
1 tbsp olive oil
2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and diced into ½-inch cubes
2 medium bell peppers, diced (use a mix of red and yellow)
1 medium onion, diced
2 cups packed fresh baby spinach
1 ½ cups shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese
1 tsp chili powder
1 tsp cumin
1 tsp garlic powder
½ tsp smoked paprika
¼ cup chicken broth
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground turkey along with chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for 5–7 minutes, breaking the meat apart until browned and no longer pink. Transfer the cooked meat to a large mixing bowl or directly to the baking dish if preferred.
Step 2: In the same skillet, add diced onions and bell peppers without washing the pan. Sauté for 3–4 minutes just until softened but not fully cooked. Transfer them to the bowl with the turkey.
Step 3: Add the raw sweet potato cubes and fresh spinach to the bowl. Toss everything together until the spinach is evenly distributed and the potatoes are coated with the spices and juices.
Step 4: Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly. Pour the chicken broth evenly over the top to help steam the sweet potatoes during baking.
Step 5: Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes. This steams the vegetables and softens the potatoes.
Step 6: Remove the foil carefully and sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top. Return the dish to the oven uncovered and bake for an additional 10–15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and slightly browned, and the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.

Tips & Variations

Use 93% lean ground turkey instead of 99% lean to retain juiciness and flavor in the bake.
Dice sweet potatoes uniformly and keep them small (½-inch) to ensure they cook fully without drying out the turkey.
Replace mozzarella with cheddar or pepper jack for a different cheese flavor.
Add a teaspoon of smoked chipotle powder for extra smoky heat.
Swap chicken broth for vegetable broth to keep this dish dairy-free and lighter.

Storage

Store leftover bake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm individual portions in the microwave or oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. The bake can also be frozen for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

How to Serve

The image shows a white oval baking dish filled with a layered casserole. The bottom layer is made of soft orange sweet potato chunks with a slightly browned, roasted texture. Above the sweet potatoes, there is a layer of browned ground meat, mixed evenly throughout. On top of these layers is a melted cheese layer that is golden and slightly bubbly, covering the dish with some browned spots. The casserole is garnished with small sprigs of fresh green herbs scattered across the top. The dish sits on a wooden board on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use ground chicken instead of turkey?

Yes, ground chicken will work, but choose a higher fat content if possible to keep the bake moist and flavorful.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Absolutely! Replace ground turkey with cooked lentils, chickpeas, or a plant-based ground meat alternative. Use vegetable broth in place of chicken broth as well.