Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Bake That Warms the Soul

Introduction

This Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Bake is a cozy weeknight winner that blends savory turkey with sweet, tender potatoes for a dinner the whole family will love. It comes together with pantry friendly spices and a splash of chicken broth to keep everything moist and flavorful. If you enjoy simple, satisfying meals that double as great leftovers, pair it with one of our lighter sides or try a dessert from easy baking recipes to finish the meal. Ready in under an hour, this dish looks like you fussed all afternoon while staying perfectly practical for busy evenings.

Why This Recipe Is a Great Choice

This bake is a lovely balance of hearty and wholesome without being heavy. Ground turkey gives a lean protein base that soaks up warm spices like paprika and cumin for a comforting aroma. Sweet potatoes add color and natural sweetness while softening in the braise so they finish tender in the oven. The one pot start then finish in the oven means less cleanup and a lovely bubbly top if you add cheese. It makes a comforting centerpiece for family dinners yet is simple enough to prep on a weeknight when time is short. For a playful twist on stuffed flavors, you might enjoy ideas like BBQ chicken stuffed sweet potatoes as a companion dish.

Flavor and Texture

The spice duo of paprika and cumin brings a warm, slightly smoky backdrop that highlights the turkey without overpowering the sweet potatoes. The onion, garlic, and bell pepper create a soft fragrant base that melts into the mixture as it cooks. Sweet potato cubes hold their shape but become tender and silky after simmering in the broth, giving each bite a creamy contrast to the savory turkey. If you add cheese, it creates a golden, melty crown that pulls everything together into a cohesive bake. The result is a dish with layers of texture from soft vegetables to crumbly browned turkey and a lightly sauced finish.

Ingredients

– 1 pound ground turkey
– 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
– 1 onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 bell pepper, diced
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– 1 teaspoon cumin
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 cup chicken broth
– 1 cup shredded cheese (optional)
– Olive oil

Step by Step Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion, garlic, and bell pepper, and cook until softened.
3. Add ground turkey and cook until browned.
4. Stir in sweet potatoes, paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper.
5. Pour in the chicken broth, cover, and simmer until sweet potatoes are tender, about 15 minutes.
6. Transfer the mixture to a baking dish, sprinkle cheese on top if using, and bake for 20-25 minutes until bubbly.
7. Serve hot.

Tips for Best Results

Choose sweet potatoes that are similar in size so they cook evenly and finish tender at the same time. When browning the turkey, break it into small pieces so it mixes well with the vegetables and creates an even texture throughout the bake. If you prefer a saucier finish, add a splash more chicken broth before baking. For extra color and freshness, scatter chopped herbs like parsley on top just before serving. If using cheese, a mild shredded variety melts smoothly and adds a golden finish without overpowering the spices.

Storage and Make Ahead

This bake stores well in the refrigerator for two to three days in an airtight container and reheats nicely in the oven or microwave. To make ahead, pause after simmering the sweet potatoes and turkey, cool, then cover and refrigerate. When ready to bake, uncover, add cheese if desired, and bake until hot and bubbly. You can also freeze portions in freezer safe containers for up to two months; thaw overnight before reheating.

Final Thought

This Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Bake is comfort food that feels special without any fuss. It’s flexible enough for weeknight simplicity and pleasing enough for casual gatherings. With simple pantry spices and a short list of ingredients, it becomes a reliable recipe to return to again and again.

Conclusion

For the original inspiration and a version to compare notes with, see Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Bake – Wellness by Kay.

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