Savory Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Bake

$- 1 lb ground turkey - 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and diced - 1 medium onion, finely chopped - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 red bell pepper, diced - 1 cup black beans, rinsed and drained - Seasoning (ground cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, salt, black pepper) - Optional toppings (shredded cheese, fresh cilantro) - Cooking oil When I create this dish, I start with ground turkey. This meat is lean and cooks quickly. I use two large sweet potatoes. They add a sweet flavor and nice texture. Dicing them into 1-inch cubes helps them cook evenly. Next, I chop one medium onion finely. Onions bring a savory taste. I also mince two cloves of garlic for a fragrant aroma. Then, I add a red bell pepper. Its color and crunch make the dish pop. For added fiber, I include one cup of black beans. They are easy to use, just rinse and drain. Now, it’s time for seasoning. I use ground cumin, smoked paprika, and chili powder to enhance flavors. I also add salt and black pepper to taste. If you love cheese, sprinkle some on top when baking. Fresh cilantro is great for garnish. It adds freshness and color. Finally, you'll need cooking oil for sautéing. I prefer olive oil for its light taste. These ingredients create a hearty and delicious meal. You can easily adjust them to fit your taste. Enjoy the process of making this tasty bake! {{ingredient_image_2}} 1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This helps cook the dish evenly. 2. Grab a large skillet and add a drizzle of olive oil. Heat it over medium heat. 3. Once the oil is hot, add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté for about 3 minutes. You want them soft and fragrant. 1. Now, add the diced sweet potatoes to the skillet. Mix them with the onion and garlic. 2. Cook for about 5-7 minutes. Stir occasionally until the sweet potatoes soften but still keep their shape. 3. Push the sweet potato mix to one side of the skillet. Create space by moving it aside. 4. Add the ground turkey to the empty side. Break it up with a spatula as it cooks. Cook for 5-7 minutes until it turns golden brown. 1. Once the turkey is cooked, stir it together with the sweet potato mix. 2. Add in the diced bell pepper, black beans, cumin, paprika, chili powder, and season with salt and pepper. Cook for another 3 minutes, stirring often. 3. Carefully transfer the mixture into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish. Spread it out evenly. 4. If you like cheese, sprinkle it over the top now. 5. Place the dish in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. You want the sweet potatoes tender and the cheese melted and golden. 6. When it’s done, take it out and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with chopped cilantro for color and flavor. To ensure even cooking of sweet potatoes, cut them into 1-inch cubes. This size helps them cook through at the same rate. When you sauté them, start with a little olive oil in a non-stick skillet. Keep stirring until they are soft but not mushy. This method adds flavor and keeps them intact. When sautéing ground turkey, heat the skillet first, then add the meat. Break it apart with a spatula. Cook until it turns a nice golden brown. This takes about 5-7 minutes. Mixing in the veggies helps the turkey absorb their flavors. For presentation, you can serve the bake right from the dish. This gives a homey feel. If you prefer a fancier look, scoop portions onto plates. Add a sprinkle of fresh cilantro on top for color. You can also pair this dish with a simple green salad or steamed broccoli. They both add freshness and balance to the meal. Adjust the spices to fit your taste. If you like heat, add more chili powder or some jalapeños. For a milder flavor, cut back on the spices. Fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley make great garnishes. They add a burst of flavor and make the dish look vibrant. Enjoy experimenting with different spices and herbs to find your perfect blend! Pro Tips Choose the Right Sweet Potatoes: Opt for firm, smooth-skinned sweet potatoes for the best texture and flavor. Customize Your Spices: Feel free to adjust the spices according to your taste; adding a pinch of cayenne can give it an extra kick! Make it Ahead: Prepare the turkey and sweet potato mixture a day in advance and store it in the fridge. Just bake it when you’re ready to serve. Garnish for Freshness: Always add the cilantro garnish just before serving to maintain its vibrant color and fresh flavor. {{image_4}} You can switch ground turkey for other meats or plant-based options. Ground chicken works well if you want a lighter taste. Ground beef adds a richer flavor. For a plant-based choice, try lentils or crumbled tofu. These swaps keep the dish tasty and fun. Adding different veggies can change the dish too. Try zucchini or spinach for added nutrition. Broccoli or cauliflower can also work well. Mix and match to find what you love! Spices can make a big difference in taste. You can add garlic powder or onion powder for extra flavor. Try fresh herbs like thyme or oregano for a fresh kick. Cumin and paprika are great, but you can also use Italian seasoning. If you like heat, consider adding jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce. This gives your bake a spicy twist. Adjust the heat to your taste. It’s all about what you enjoy! You can make this dish gluten-free by using gluten-free spices and checking all labels. Most ingredients are naturally gluten-free, but always double-check. For a dairy-free version, skip the cheese or use a plant-based cheese. You can also use nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor. If you want to make it vegan, swap ground turkey for chickpeas or mushrooms. This way, everyone can enjoy this dish! To store leftovers, let the dish cool completely. Then, transfer it to an airtight container. You can keep it in the fridge for up to three days. Make sure to label the container with the date. This helps you keep track of freshness. If you want to freeze this dish, it's best to do so before baking. Place the mixture in a freezer-safe container. Make sure to leave some space at the top for expansion. The dish can last up to three months in the freezer. To reheat, thaw it overnight in the fridge. Then, bake it at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, about 25-30 minutes. You can prep components in advance for easy cooking. Dice the sweet potatoes and chop the veggies the day before. Store them in separate containers in the fridge. This makes your cooking time much shorter. Use glass or BPA-free plastic containers for storage. This keeps everything fresh and ready to go. To check if the ground turkey is cooked, look for a few key signs. First, the meat should turn a light brown color. You will notice no pink spots remaining. The texture should feel firm without being mushy. If you have a meat thermometer, the internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C). This ensures the turkey is safe to eat. Always trust your eyes and thermometer for the best results. Yes, you can make this dish ahead of time! To do this, prepare the turkey and sweet potato mixture as instructed. After cooking, let it cool completely. Then, store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. You can also freeze it for up to three months. When you're ready to eat, reheat it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until hot. This makes for a quick and easy meal on busy days. This dish pairs well with several sides. Consider serving a fresh green salad for a crisp contrast. You can also offer steamed broccoli or green beans for added color and nutrition. If you want a heartier meal, serve it with brown rice or quinoa. For drinks, a light white wine or sparkling water with lemon works great. These options complement the flavors of the bake and create a complete meal. In this blog post, we covered how to make a tasty Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Bake. We discussed the key ingredients, easy preparation steps, and tips to ensure great flavor. You can even modify the recipe to fit your taste and dietary needs. Remember, this dish stores well and can be made ahead of time. I hope you enjoy cooking and sharing this healthy dinner option with friends and family. Happy baking!$

Savory Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Bake

A delicious and nutritious bake featuring ground turkey and sweet potatoes, perfect for a hearty meal.

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 30

Total Time 45

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients

1 lb ground turkey
2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and diced into 1-inch cubes
1 medium onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 red bell pepper diced
1 cup black beans, rinsed and drained
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
0.5 teaspoon chili powder
to taste Salt and freshly ground black pepper
0.5 cup shredded cheese (optional, for a gooey topping)
as needed Olive oil for sautéing
as needed Fresh cilantro, roughly chopped, for garnish

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C), ensuring it’s nicely heated for even cooking.
In a large, non-stick skillet, heat a generous drizzle of olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté, stirring occasionally, for about 3 minutes or until softened and fragrant.
Add the diced sweet potatoes to the skillet, mixing them with the onion and garlic. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sweet potatoes begin to soften but still hold their shape.
Push the sweet potato mixture to one side of the skillet, creating space. Add the ground turkey to the opposite side. Using a spatula, break up the turkey as it cooks for about 5-7 minutes, or until it turns golden brown and is no longer pink.
Once the turkey is cooked through, stir the mixture together, incorporating the sweet potatoes. Add the diced bell pepper, black beans, ground cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, and season generously with salt and pepper. Cook for an additional 3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until all ingredients are well combined and heated through.
Carefully transfer the turkey and sweet potato mixture into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly across the bottom.
If you enjoy a cheesy topping, sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the mixture.
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, until the sweet potatoes are tender and the cheese is melted, gooey, and golden brown.
Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes to set. Before serving, garnish generously with freshly chopped cilantro for a burst of flavor and color.

Notes

Serve directly from the baking dish for a rustic feel.

Keyword bake, dinner, healthy, sweet potato, turkey