This Healthy Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Bake is a wholesome, satisfying one-dish meal that combines lean ground turkey, tender sweet potatoes, and vibrant veggies baked to perfection. It’s packed with protein, fiber, and nutrients while being naturally gluten-free and low in calories. Ideal for a nutritious family dinner or meal prep that tastes comforting and homemade.
Ingredients
- 1½ pounds ground turkey (lean)
- 3 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 cup spinach, chopped
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon chili powder (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (optional)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Equipment Needed
- Large skillet
- 9×13 inch baking dish
- Mixing bowls
- Knife and cutting board
- Aluminum foil (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Cook the turkey and veggies: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion and garlic; sauté for 2-3 minutes until fragrant. Add ground turkey and cook, breaking it up with a spatula, until browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Season with smoked paprika, oregano, cumin, chili powder (if using), salt, and pepper. Stir in diced red bell pepper and spinach; cook for another 2 minutes until spinach wilts.
- Prepare sweet potatoes: In a large mixing bowl, toss diced sweet potatoes with a little olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Assemble the bake: Lightly grease your baking dish. Spread the sweet potatoes evenly on the bottom. Layer the cooked turkey and vegetable mixture on top.
- Add cheese: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top, if using.
- Bake: Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 10-15 minutes, or until sweet potatoes are tender and cheese is golden and bubbly.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.
Recipe Notes
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Servings: 4-6
- Calories: Approximately 350 per serving (with cheese)
Why You’ll Love This Bake
This dish strikes the perfect balance between health and comfort. The sweet potatoes bring natural sweetness and fiber, while ground turkey adds lean protein. The spices give it a subtle smoky flavor without overwhelming heat. Plus, it’s an easy way to sneak in veggies like spinach and bell peppers, making it kid-friendly and family-approved.
Nutrition Highlights
This bake is rich in protein and complex carbs, low in saturated fat, and provides plenty of vitamins A and C from sweet potatoes and bell peppers. It’s an excellent choice for a balanced meal that supports muscle health and energy.
Variations and Tips
- Make it dairy-free: Skip the cheese or use a dairy-free alternative.
- Add more veggies: Mushrooms, zucchini, or kale can be stirred in.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of cayenne or hot sauce to the turkey mixture.
- Meal prep friendly: Store leftovers in airtight containers and reheat for quick lunches or dinners.
- Swap proteins: Ground chicken or turkey sausage can be used instead of turkey.
Serving Suggestions
Pair this bake with a crisp green salad or steamed green beans for a complete, colorful plate. It also works great alongside warm crusty bread or cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.
Final Thoughts
Healthy Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Bake is the ultimate cozy yet nutritious meal that fits perfectly into busy weeknights or meal prep routines. Its flavorful, wholesome ingredients make it satisfying without being heavy, and it’s easy to customize for any dietary preference. Give it a try and enjoy a comforting homemade dinner everyone will love!
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