Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Bake: The Ultimate Healthy Weeknight Dinner 🍠🍖✨
1. Introduction
Looking for a quick, nutritious, and flavorful meal? This ground turkey sweet potato bake offers all that and more! Perfect for busy weeknights, this healthy weeknight dinner combines tender ground turkey, sweet potatoes, and vibrant seasonings in a delicious casserole. Whether you’re trying to eat healthier or just love comforting baked dishes, this ground turkey casserole is a must-try. Prepare to enjoy a wholesome, homemade sweet potato bake that your family will love!
2. Ingredients for Your Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Bake
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 3 large sweet potatoes, peeled and sliced
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon chili powder (optional for a spicy kick)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella)
- Fresh parsley for garnish
3. How to Make a Delicious Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Bake — Step-by-Step
Prepare the Ingredients
Start by peeling and slicing the sweet potatoes into thin, even pieces. Dice the onion and mince the garlic for the flavorful filling. Gather your ground turkey and seasonings.
Cook the Ground Turkey
Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute. Then, add the ground turkey, paprika, thyme, chili powder (if using), salt, and pepper. Cook until the turkey is browned and cooked through. Remove from heat and set aside.
Layer the Bake
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). In a baking dish, arrange a layer of sweet potato slices. Spread the cooked ground turkey evenly over the sweet potatoes. Top with shredded cheese and repeat layering if necessary. Finish with a final layer of sweet potatoes and cheese on top.
Bake and Serve
Cover the dish with foil and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the sweet potatoes are tender. Remove the foil, and broil for an additional 2-3 minutes until cheese bubbles and turns golden. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve hot!
4. Storage Tips for Your Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Bake
Let the dish cool completely before storing. You can keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze individual portions and reheat in the microwave or oven when ready to enjoy.
5. Serving Suggestions
This ground turkey casserole goes wonderfully with a side of steamed green beans or a crisp garden salad. For added flavor, top with a dollop of Greek yogurt or a drizzle of hot sauce. Want to elevate your meal? Pair it with a freshly baked loaf of CAROTE Premium 16pc Nonstick Cookware Set for easy preparation and cleanup!
6. Variations and Substitutions
If you’re looking to vary this healthy weeknight dinner, try replacing sweet potatoes with butternut squash or zucchini slices. You can also substitute ground turkey with ground chicken or plant-based protein for a vegetarian option. Feel free to spice things up with different seasonings or add vegetables like bell peppers or spinach for more nutrition.
7. Frequently Asked Questions About Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Bake
How long does it take to prepare this dish?
The total preparation, cooking, and baking time is approximately 50-60 minutes. Most of that is hands-off baking time.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! Assemble the bake and refrigerate. Bake it fresh when you’re ready to serve for a quick and convenient dinner.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Yes, it’s perfect for meal prepping. Store leftovers in portioned containers and reheat as needed for busy weekdays.
What are some healthy side dishes to serve with this bake?
Consider serving with roasted vegetables, a fresh mixed greens salad, or some steamed broccoli. For a refreshing beverage, try a chilled homemade iced tea using the Ninja SLUSHi Pro RapidChill Drink Maker.
8. Kitchen tools that you might need for this recipe
- Fullstar Ultimate Veggie Prep Master: Make slicing sweet potatoes quick and uniform for even baking.
- CAROTE Premium 16pc Nonstick Cookware Set: Essential for preparing and baking the dish with ease.
- Crock-Pot Family-Size Slow Cooker: If you prefer to prepare the filling in advance, this slow cooker makes it simple.
- Ninja Air Fryer Pro Crisp & Roast 4-in-1: Perfect for reheating leftovers or even to prepare crispy toppings.
9. Conclusion
This ground turkey sweet potato bake is an easy, nutritious, and flavorful dish perfect for busy weeknights. Combining healthy ingredients with simple preparation steps, it delivers comfort food with a healthy twist. Plus, it’s highly versatile—feel free to customize seasonings and toppings to suit your taste. Try this healthy casserole today and enjoy a satisfying dinner that everyone will love!
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Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Bake for Easy Weeknight Dinner
A savory baked dish combining ground turkey and sweet potatoes, seasoned with herbs and spices, baked until tender and flavorful, ideal for a quick healthy meal.
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 2 large sweet potatoes, sliced
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a skillet, heat olive oil and cook ground turkey until browned; season with salt, pepper, and paprika.
- Add diced onion and garlic to the turkey; cook until translucent.
- Layer sweet potatoes in a baking dish, spread the cooked turkey mixture over the sweet potatoes.
- Cover with foil and bake for 30-35 minutes until sweet potatoes are tender.
- Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
- Use thinly sliced sweet potatoes for quicker cooking.
- You can substitute ground turkey with lean ground chicken or beef.
- Add cheese on top for a richer flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Method: Baking and sautéing
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Healthy, Low-fat
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 350 Kcal
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 7g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 85mg