This healthy ground turkey and sweet potato bake is the perfect mix of simple ingredients that come together to make a comforting, filling dinner. You’ve got lean ground turkey for protein, sweet potatoes giving a natural sweetness and a nice soft texture, plus a handful of spices that bring everything to life. It’s a one-pan dish that feels like a warm hug after a busy day.
I love making this bake because it’s so straightforward and doesn’t take much prep, but the flavors always impress. One thing I do is brown the turkey with a little garlic and onion before mixing it with the sweet potatoes—this step adds so much flavor and makes the whole dish taste homemade instead of rushed. You can also swap spices to whatever you like; I sometimes add a dash of paprika or cumin for a little extra kick.
My favorite way to serve this is with a side of steamed greens or a simple salad. It’s nutritious but doesn’t skimp on heartiness, which means it’s great for a family dinner or meal prepping for the week. I often find leftovers taste even better the next day once all the flavors have settled in. This bake is a go-to when I want something healthy, easy, and genuinely satisfying.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Turkey: This lean protein keeps the dish light and healthy. If you prefer, lean ground chicken or turkey sausage can be swapped in. For a vegetarian option, cooked lentils work well too.
Sweet Potatoes: Their natural sweetness balances the spices. You could swap these for butternut squash or regular potatoes for a different texture and flavor.
Spices: Smoked paprika and cumin give warmth and depth. Feel free to adjust or add chili powder if you like it spicy, or try oregano for a more Italian twist.
Mozzarella Cheese: I like using part-skim mozzarella for a melty top without extra fat. If dairy isn’t an option, try a plant-based cheese or skip it for a lighter bake.
How Do You Get Tender Sweet Potatoes Without Overcooking the Turkey?
The trick is to cook the turkey and soft aromatics first, then add the diced sweet potatoes and finish baking in the oven.
- Brown the turkey well with onion and garlic to build flavor.
- Add the sweet potatoes on top and cover the pan—this traps steam, helping the potatoes cook evenly without drying out the meat.
- Bake until the sweet potatoes are just tender, then add cheese and bake uncovered to get a bubbly, golden top.
This layering and covering step is key to perfectly tender sweet potatoes and juicy turkey every time.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large oven-safe skillet or cast-iron pan – great for browning turkey and baking the whole dish without extra dishes.
- Sharp knife – essential for cutting sweet potatoes into even cubes for even cooking.
- Cutting board – gives you a safe, flat surface to chop veggies and garlic.
- Wooden spoon or spatula – perfect for stirring and breaking up ground turkey while cooking.
- Measuring spoons – help you add just the right amount of spices.
- Oven mitts – must-have for safely handling the hot skillet when moving it in and out of the oven.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap ground turkey for ground chicken or lean ground beef for different textures and flavors.
- Add sautéed spinach or kale for extra greens and nutrients without changing the recipe too much.
- Mix in black beans or chickpeas to boost fiber and plant-based protein.
- Top with feta or goat cheese instead of mozzarella for a tangy twist that pairs well with sweet potatoes.
Healthy Ground Turkey and Sweet Potato Bake
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 1 lb (450g) lean ground turkey
- 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and diced into ½-inch cubes
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Spices and Seasonings:
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- ½ tsp chili powder (optional for some heat)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Toppings & Garnishes:
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (or reduced-fat cheese)
- Fresh basil or cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- Juice of ½ lime (optional, for serving)
Time Needed:
This recipe takes about 10-15 minutes for preparation including chopping, plus 25-30 minutes for baking. So, total time will be around 35-45 minutes. It’s a quick, one-pan meal perfect for weeknights!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare the Skillet:
Start by heating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet or pan over medium heat.
2. Cook Onion, Garlic, and Turkey:
Add the chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened. Then add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Next, add the ground turkey, breaking it apart with a spoon, and cook for 6-8 minutes until browned and no longer pink.
3. Add Spices and Sweet Potatoes:
Stir in smoked paprika, ground cumin, chili powder (if using), salt, and pepper to evenly coat the turkey mixture. Add the diced sweet potatoes and mix well so everything is combined.
4. Bake Covered:
Cover the skillet with a lid or foil. Transfer it to the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes until the sweet potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.
5. Add Cheese and Finish Baking:
Remove the cover and sprinkle shredded mozzarella evenly over the top. Return the skillet to the oven (uncovered) and bake for another 5-7 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
6. Garnish and Serve:
Take the skillet out of the oven and sprinkle fresh chopped basil or cilantro over the top. If you like, squeeze fresh lime juice on for a bright finishing touch. Serve warm by itself or alongside a fresh salad or steamed veggies.
Can I Use Frozen Ground Turkey for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen ground turkey, but make sure to thaw it completely before cooking. Thaw it overnight in the fridge or use the microwave’s defrost setting. Proper thawing helps the turkey cook evenly and prevents excess moisture.
Can I Prepare This Dish Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can cook the turkey mixture and prepare the sweet potatoes in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. When ready, bake as directed, adding the cheese near the end.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Cool leftovers completely and store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave, covering to keep moisture in.
Can I Make This Recipe Dairy-Free?
Yes! Skip the cheese or use a dairy-free cheese alternative. Nutritional yeast sprinkled on top after baking is also a great way to add cheesy flavor without dairy.