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To make a tasty Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Bake, you need: - 1 lb ground turkey - 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and diced - 1 medium onion, chopped - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 red bell pepper, diced - 1 cup black beans, rinsed and drained - 1 teaspoon cumin - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - ½ teaspoon chili powder - Salt and pepper to taste - Olive oil for sautéing These ingredients blend well to create a hearty meal that warms you up. You can add more flavor to your dish with: - ½ cup shredded cheese (optional) - Fresh cilantro for garnish Cheese adds creaminess and a rich taste, while cilantro provides freshness. This recipe is great for various diets. If you're looking for substitutes: - Use lean ground beef or chicken instead of turkey. - Sweet potatoes can be swapped with regular potatoes or butternut squash. - For a vegan option, replace turkey with lentils or a plant-based meat. Always check food labels for allergens if you have dietary restrictions. {{ingredient_image_1}} Start by gathering all your ingredients. You will need: - 1 lb ground turkey - 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and diced - 1 medium onion, chopped - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 red bell pepper, diced - 1 cup black beans, rinsed and drained - 1 teaspoon cumin - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - ½ teaspoon chili powder - Salt and pepper to taste - ½ cup shredded cheese (optional) - Olive oil for sautéing - Fresh cilantro for garnish Peel and dice the sweet potatoes. Chop the onion and bell pepper. Mince the garlic. Rinse and drain the black beans. This prep makes cooking easier. Next, heat a drizzle of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic. Sauté them until they soften, about 3 minutes. Now, add the diced sweet potatoes to the skillet. Stir well and let them cook for about 5-7 minutes until slightly tender. This step builds great flavor. Push the sweet potato mix to one side of the skillet. Add the ground turkey to the other side. Cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula. This should take around 5-7 minutes. Once the turkey is cooked, mix everything together. Add the diced bell pepper, black beans, cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Cook for an additional 3 minutes until heated through. Now, transfer the mixture to a greased 9x13 inch baking dish. Spread it evenly across the dish. If you want, sprinkle shredded cheese on top for extra flavor. Bake in the preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes. You want the sweet potatoes to be fully cooked and the cheese to be bubbly and golden. After baking, remove the dish from the oven. Let it cool slightly before serving. Garnish with fresh cilantro to add a pop of color and flavor. Enjoy your delicious Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Bake! When cooking ground turkey, keep it lean and moist. Use medium heat to avoid drying it out. I like to break it apart with a spatula as it cooks. This helps it brown evenly. Make sure to season well with salt and spices. This adds flavor and makes the dish pop. For sweet potatoes, cut them into small, even pieces. This ensures they cook at the same rate. I recommend sautéing them first. This softens them and adds a nice flavor. Cook them until just tender before mixing with turkey. Baking them with the turkey helps them finish cooking and soak up all the yummy flavors. Cheese adds a creamy touch to the bake. I suggest using shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack for a great melt. If you want something different, try feta or goat cheese for a tangy twist. You can skip the cheese for a dairy-free option. This dish is still tasty without it, so feel free to mix it up! Pro Tips Choose the Right Sweet Potatoes: Look for firm, smooth-skinned sweet potatoes without any blemishes for the best flavor and texture. Customize the Spice Level: Adjust the amount of chili powder according to your taste. You can also add fresh jalapeños for extra heat. Make it Ahead: This dish can be prepared in advance. Assemble the ingredients and refrigerate before baking for an easy weeknight meal. Experiment with Cheese: Try different types of cheese like feta or pepper jack for a unique twist on flavor. {{image_2}} If you want a vegetarian or vegan version, swap the ground turkey. Use lentils or chickpeas instead. They add protein and fiber. You can also use plant-based ground meat. For a vegan option, skip the cheese or try a vegan cheese. This keeps the dish creamy and tasty without using animal products. To change the spice level, you can add more chili powder. If you love heat, try adding diced jalapeños or cayenne pepper. For milder flavors, reduce or omit the chili powder. Always taste as you go. Adjusting spice can make the dish suit your taste. Feel free to add more veggies to make this dish even better. Zucchini or spinach work great. Chopped carrots or corn can add sweetness and color. You can also mix in mushrooms for a nice texture. Adding vegetables boosts nutrition and makes the meal more filling. To store leftovers, let the dish cool first. Then, place it in an airtight container. Make sure to cover it well to keep it fresh. You can keep it in the fridge for up to 3 days. This meal is great for quick lunches or dinners later in the week. When you're ready to eat the leftovers, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer the dish to an oven-safe pan. Cover it with foil to keep moisture in. Heat for about 15-20 minutes or until it’s warm all the way through. You can also use a microwave. Just heat it for 1-2 minutes, checking to make sure it’s hot. If you want to freeze it, cool the bake completely first. Then, transfer it to a freezer-safe container. Make sure to label it with the date. It can last in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Then, reheat it as mentioned before. Yes, you can make this recipe ahead of time. Prepare the dish up to the baking step. Then, cover it and store it in the fridge for one or two days. When you are ready, just bake it. This saves time during busy weeknights. It also lets the flavors blend well. You have many options for side dishes. Here are some ideas: - A simple green salad. - Steamed broccoli or green beans. - Quinoa or rice for a filling meal. - Cornbread for a cozy touch. These sides add color and balance to your meal. To make this dish more kid-friendly, consider these tips: - Use less chili powder for a milder taste. - Add more cheese on top for extra flavor. - Mash the sweet potatoes for a creamy texture. - Let kids help with adding toppings or mixing. These small changes can make the dish more appealing for little ones. This blog post covered key points for making a tasty ground turkey and sweet potato bake. You learned about the main and optional ingredients, how to prep and cook them, and tips for the best results. We also explored variations to suit your taste and dietary needs. Finally, I shared tips on storing and reheating leftovers. Each step aims to help you create a meal your whole family will enjoy. Use these insights to make your next dinner fun and delicious!

Savory Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Bake

A hearty and flavorful bake featuring ground turkey and sweet potatoes, perfect for a comforting meal.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb ground turkey
  • 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 red bell pepper diced
  • 1 cup black beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 0.5 teaspoon chili powder
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • 0.5 cup shredded cheese (optional)
  • as needed olive oil for sautéing
  • for garnish fresh cilantro

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
  • In a large skillet, heat a drizzle of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, and sauté until softened, about 3 minutes.
  • Add the diced sweet potatoes to the skillet and stir well, allowing them to cook for about 5-7 minutes until slightly tender.
  • Push the sweet potato mixture to one side of the skillet and add the ground turkey to the other side. Cook it until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula, about 5-7 minutes.
  • Once the turkey is cooked, mix everything together and add the diced bell pepper, black beans, cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Cook for an additional 3 minutes until everything is well combined and heated through.
  • Transfer the mixture to a greased 9x13 inch baking dish, spreading it evenly.
  • If desired, sprinkle the shredded cheese on top.
  • Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the sweet potatoes are fully cooked and the cheese is bubbly and golden.
  • Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly. Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.

Notes

Feel free to add more vegetables or spices according to your taste.
Keyword bake, dinner, healthy, sweet potato, turkey