Description
This Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Bake is a healthy, protein-packed casserole featuring lean turkey, roasted sweet potatoes, bell peppers, and spinach, all seasoned to perfection and baked in one dish. It’s gluten-free, dairy-free, and packed with nutrients, making it a perfect meal-prep option or weeknight dinner!
Ingredients
Scale
For the Sweet Potatoes:
- 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
For the Ground Turkey Mixture:
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bell pepper, diced (red, yellow, or green)
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon chili powder (optional, for a little heat)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups fresh spinach (or kale, chopped)
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, drained
For the Topping (Optional):
- ½ cup shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or pepper jack)
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped
Instructions
Step 1: Roast the Sweet Potatoes
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Toss the diced sweet potatoes with olive oil, salt, and black pepper.
- Spread them in a single layer on a baking sheet and roast for 20 minutes, flipping halfway.
Step 2: Cook the Ground Turkey Mixture
- While the sweet potatoes are roasting, heat a large skillet over medium heat and add a little oil.
- Add the diced onion and garlic, sautéing for 2-3 minutes until fragrant.
- Add the ground turkey, breaking it apart with a spoon, and cook until browned (about 5-7 minutes).
- Stir in the bell peppers, cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, salt, and black pepper. Cook for another 3-4 minutes.
- Add the spinach and diced tomatoes, stirring until the spinach wilts. Remove from heat.
Step 3: Assemble and Bake
- Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Spread the roasted sweet potatoes evenly in the dish.
- Pour the turkey mixture over the top and spread evenly.
- If using cheese, sprinkle it over the top.
- Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 10-15 minutes until heated through and the cheese is melted.
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy!
- Garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro and serve warm.
- Enjoy as is, or pair with a side salad, avocado, or quinoa for an even heartier meal!
Notes
- For a dairy-free version: Skip the cheese or use a dairy-free cheese alternative.
- For extra crunch: Add toasted pumpkin seeds or chopped nuts on top.
- For a spicy kick: Add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to the turkey mixture.
- Make it ahead: This dish stores well, making it great for meal prep!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dinner / Casserole
- Method: Roasting & Baking
- Cuisine: American / Healthy
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 55mg