Description
A hearty and nutritious Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Bake that combines lean ground turkey, tender sweet potatoes, vibrant bell peppers, and warm spices. This one-dish meal is perfect for a wholesome dinner, offering a balanced mix of protein, fiber, and flavorful ingredients. Easily customizable with optional cheese and fresh herbs for garnish, it’s a satisfying and healthy casserole that can be prepped ahead and baked to perfection.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 3 cups sweet potatoes, peeled and diced into ½-inch cubes
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, drained
Optional Ingredients
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
- Chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the casserole.
- Brown the Turkey: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add ground turkey and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through, about 5–6 minutes.
- Sauté Vegetables: Add diced onion, minced garlic, and diced red and green bell peppers to the skillet. Cook together for 4–5 minutes until the vegetables have softened.
- Add Spices: Stir in ground cumin, smoked paprika, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper to evenly coat the turkey and vegetables.
- Incorporate Sweet Potatoes and Tomatoes: Mix in the diced sweet potatoes and drained diced tomatoes, stirring well to combine all ingredients.
- Simmer Mixture: Cook the mixture in the skillet for 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and sweet potatoes to start softening.
- Transfer to Baking Dish: Move the entire mixture into a lightly greased 9×13 inch baking dish and spread it evenly.
- Bake Covered: Cover the dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes.
- Add Cheese and Continue Baking: Remove the foil, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top if using, and bake uncovered for an additional 10–15 minutes until the sweet potatoes are fork-tender and the cheese has melted.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish with sliced green onions and chopped fresh parsley before serving. Enjoy this warm and comforting casserole!
Notes
- Prepare ahead by assembling the bake in the dish and refrigerating for up to 24 hours before baking.
- For a dairy-free version, omit the cheese or substitute with a dairy-free alternative.
- Adjust seasoning to taste, especially salt and spices, depending on preferences.
- This dish can be easily doubled for larger gatherings.
