This Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Bake is the perfect combination of hearty, wholesome, and satisfying. Packed with lean ground turkey, tender sweet potatoes, zucchini, and gooey mozzarella cheese, this dish is as nutritious as it is comforting. Whether you’re meal-prepping for the week or cooking a simple family dinner, this healthy turkey casserole delivers flavor, texture, and balance in every bite.
Why You’ll Love This Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Bake
This easy ground turkey and sweet potato recipe checks all the boxes — it’s nourishing, quick to prepare, and packed with fresh vegetables. You’ll love how it balances lean protein with complex carbs and fiber for a complete, satisfying meal.
- Healthy and Filling: Loaded with lean protein, sweet potatoes, and veggies, this meal keeps you full longer without being heavy.
- Simple Ingredients: Everything cooks in one baking dish and a skillet, minimizing cleanup.
- Family-Friendly: The mild flavors and creamy mozzarella topping make it a hit with adults and kids alike.
- Meal Prep Friendly: Freezes and reheats beautifully, making it ideal for weekly meal planning.
Ingredients for Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Bake
• Ground Turkey: Lean and flavorful, it adds a savory base while keeping the dish light and protein-rich.
• Sweet Potatoes: Provide natural sweetness, color, and a soft texture that complements the savory turkey.
• Yellow Onion: Adds depth and a touch of sweetness that enhances every layer.
• Zucchini: Introduces moisture and freshness, balancing the richness of the bake.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Melts beautifully on top, creating a golden, creamy finish.
• Olive Oil: Helps the veggies roast evenly while adding a subtle fruitiness.
• Smoked Paprika: Brings a hint of smokiness that deepens the overall flavor.
• Italian Seasoning: Blends herbs that give the casserole an aromatic, Mediterranean flair.
• Garlic Powder: Infuses every bite with a warm, savory kick.
• Salt & Pepper: Simple but essential to balance flavors.
Smart Ingredient Swaps and Variations
• Ground Chicken or Beef: Substitute ground turkey with another protein to change up the flavor profile.
• Alternative Vegetables: Use butternut squash, pumpkin, or bell peppers if you don’t have sweet potatoes or zucchini.
• Vegan Option: Replace turkey with lentils or crumbled tofu and use dairy-free cheese.
• Low-Fat Version: Reduce mozzarella or swap for part-skim cheese without losing that cheesy pull.
How to Make Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Bake
- Preheat and Prep: Heat the oven to 400°F. Dice sweet potatoes and onion into small cubes and toss them in olive oil, smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Bake the Base: Spread the seasoned veggies in a baking dish and roast for about 30 minutes until the sweet potatoes begin to soften.
- Cook the Turkey: In a skillet, heat remaining oil and brown the ground turkey over medium heat for 4–5 minutes.
- Combine and Layer: Add the browned turkey and diced zucchini to the roasted vegetables. Stir everything together until well mixed.
- Top and Bake: Sprinkle mozzarella cheese evenly on top, cover with foil, and bake for another 15 minutes. Remove foil and bake 5 more minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Serve: Garnish with chopped parsley and a squeeze of lemon juice for brightness before serving.
Helpful Tips for Perfect Results
- Cut Evenly: Ensure all veggies are similar in size for even cooking.
- Don’t Overbake: Sweet potatoes should be tender but not mushy.
- Add Fresh Herbs: Garnish with parsley, cilantro, or chives for freshness.
- Make Ahead: Assemble the bake ahead of time and refrigerate until ready to cook.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to four days or freeze for up to three months.
Pairing Ideas and Delicious Variations
This versatile dish pairs wonderfully with several sides and toppings:
- Simple Salad: A crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette balances the richness of the bake.
- Whole Grains: Serve alongside quinoa, brown rice, or wild rice for added fiber.
- Sauce Enhancements: A drizzle of Greek yogurt sauce or spicy sriracha mayo elevates the flavors.
- Breakfast Twist: Top leftovers with a fried egg for a high-protein brunch.
Nutritional Benefits of Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Bake
This dish isn’t just delicious—it’s nutrient-packed. Sweet potatoes are rich in vitamin A and fiber, supporting vision and digestion. Ground turkey offers high-quality protein and iron without excessive fat. The inclusion of zucchini provides antioxidants and hydration, while olive oil contributes healthy monounsaturated fats. Together, these ingredients make a balanced, low-carb, and energizing meal.
Seasonal Touch and Comfort Appeal
During colder months, the Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Bake brings cozy, oven-warmed comfort to your dinner table. The blend of smoky paprika, creamy mozzarella, and naturally sweet potatoes captures the essence of fall and winter cooking. It’s a nourishing one-pan dinner that feels indulgent yet aligns with healthy eating goals.
Final Thoughts
This Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Bake delivers everything you want in a wholesome dinner—ease, flavor, nutrition, and satisfaction. It’s a dependable go-to recipe that fits busy weeknights, family meals, and even holiday sides. With simple ingredients and big payoff, it’s no wonder this hearty casserole remains a reader favorite on This Healthy Table.
Bringing It All Together
The Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Bake is a nourishing comfort dish that perfectly balances flavor, texture, and nutrition. With its blend of tender sweet potatoes, savory turkey, and creamy cheese, it delivers wholesome satisfaction without the guilt. This recipe’s versatility makes it a staple for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or cozy weekend cooking. Whether you’re feeding a family or cooking for one, it’s a delicious way to enjoy a complete, balanced meal with minimal effort.
Frequently Asked Questions About Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Bake
1. Can I make Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Bake ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the entire dish up to the point of baking, cover it tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to cook, simply bake as directed. It’s perfect for meal prep or busy weeknights.
2. How should I store and reheat leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and warm in a 350°F oven for 10–15 minutes or microwave individual portions until heated through.
3. Can I substitute other vegetables in this recipe?
Yes! While the combination of zucchini and sweet potatoes works beautifully, you can use butternut squash, yellow squash, bell peppers, broccoli, or mushrooms. Each variation brings a new flavor profile to your Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Bake.
4. What’s the best way to make this recipe dairy-free or lighter?
To make it dairy-free, replace mozzarella with a plant-based cheese or omit it entirely and add nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor. For a lighter version, use part-skim mozzarella and reduce the amount slightly—this still provides creaminess while lowering calories.
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Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Bake: A Cozy, Healthy Dinner for Any Night
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
This Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Bake is a hearty, healthy, and flavorful casserole made with lean ground turkey, tender sweet potatoes, zucchini, and melted mozzarella cheese. Perfect for a cozy family dinner or weekly meal prep, this one-pan dish combines wholesome ingredients and comforting flavors for a satisfying, low-carb meal everyone will love.
Ingredients
- 2 medium sweet potatoes – peeled and diced into ½ inch cubes
- 1 yellow onion – diced
- 3 tablespoons olive oil – divided
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 2 medium zucchini – diced into ½ inch pieces
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Optional toppings – chopped parsley and a squeeze of lemon juice
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a large baking dish (9×13 inch), add diced sweet potatoes and onions. Toss with 2 tablespoons olive oil, smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Bake for 30 minutes until the sweet potatoes begin to soften.
- While the vegetables are baking, heat a skillet over medium heat. Add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil, then cook the ground turkey for 4–5 minutes until browned.
- Remove the baking dish from the oven and add the browned turkey and diced zucchini. Stir to combine evenly.
- Top with shredded mozzarella cheese, cover with aluminum foil, and bake for 15 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake an additional 5 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Garnish with chopped parsley and a squeeze of lemon juice before serving.
Notes
- Cut vegetables evenly to ensure uniform cooking.
- You can substitute ground turkey with chicken, beef, or plant-based protein.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
- Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 10–15 minutes or microwave individual portions.
- For a dairy-free option, use plant-based cheese or omit cheese altogether.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 346 kcal
- Sugar: 7 g
- Sodium: 477 mg
- Fat: 16 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0.02 g
- Carbohydrates: 24 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 29 g
- Cholesterol: 68 mg
Keywords: Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Bake, turkey casserole, healthy dinner, low carb meal, sweet potato turkey recipe, one pan meal, baked turkey and veggies
