Description
This Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Bake is a wholesome, flavorful one-dish meal featuring tender ground turkey, sweet potatoes, and a medley of vegetables, all baked together with herbs and topped with melted cheese for a comforting and nutritious dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat
- 1 pound ground turkey
Vegetables
- 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and diced (about 4 cups)
- 1 onion, diced (about 1 cup)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bell pepper (any color), diced (about 1 cup)
Other Ingredients
- 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Olive oil, for cooking (approximately 2 tablespoons)
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with olive oil to prevent sticking and for added flavor.
- Cook turkey: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground turkey and cook until browned, breaking it into crumbles for even cooking. Season with salt and pepper. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Sauté sweet potatoes: In the same skillet, add additional olive oil if needed. Add the diced sweet potatoes and sauté for 5-7 minutes until they start to soften but are not fully cooked.
- Add aromatics and vegetables: Add diced onion, minced garlic, and diced bell pepper to the skillet with the sweet potatoes. Cook for another 5 minutes until the vegetables are tender-crisp.
- Combine ingredients: Return the cooked ground turkey to the skillet. Stir in the drained diced tomatoes, dried oregano, dried basil, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix everything evenly.
- Assemble bake: Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish. Evenly sprinkle the shredded cheese on top. Cover the dish with foil to retain moisture during baking.
- Bake covered: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the ingredients to cook through.
- Finish baking uncovered: Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes until the cheese on top is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden.
- Rest and serve: Let the dish cool for a few minutes before serving to allow it to set, making it easier to portion and enhancing the flavors.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey with ground chicken or lean ground beef if preferred.
- For a dairy-free version, omit the cheese or use a vegan cheese alternative.
- Add extra spices like smoked paprika or chili flakes for a spicy kick.
- Make sure to dice sweet potatoes into uniform pieces to ensure even cooking.
- Leftovers can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated.
