Weeknight dinners demand a simple yet satisfying ground turkey sweet potato bake that brings comfort and nutrition to the table.
This delectable one-pan meal combines lean protein with earthy, roasted sweet potatoes for a wholesome feast.
Tender ground turkey nestles between layers of golden-edged potato slices, creating a mouthwatering harmony of flavors.
Packed with herbs and spices, the dish offers a delightful twist on traditional casseroles.
Mediterranean-inspired seasonings infuse each bite with warmth and depth.
Home cooks will appreciate the minimal prep and easy cleanup this recipe provides.
You’ll want to savor every delicious forkful of this nourishing and hearty meal.
Quick Recipe Overview
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Calories: 350 kcal
Servings: 4
What Goes Into Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Bake
For Main Protein:
Ground Turkey: Lean protein powerhouse that adds hearty flavor and keeps the dish nutritious and filling.
Italian Sausage: Brings robust, spicy undertones and extra depth to the meat mixture.
For Vegetable Base:
Sweet Potato: Adds natural sweetness, creamy texture, and loads of vitamins that complement the meat perfectly.
Onion: Provides aromatic base flavor and subtle sweetness that enhances overall dish complexity.
Garlic: Delivers intense, zesty punch that elevates the entire flavor profile.
For Binding and Seasoning:
Egg: Acts as crucial binding agent to hold everything together smoothly.
Breadcrumbs: Creates light, crispy texture and helps absorb moisture.
Dried Thyme: Introduces earthy, herbal notes that pair wonderfully with turkey and sweet potato.
Salt: Amplifies and balances all other flavors in the dish.
Black Pepper: Adds gentle warmth and subtle heat.
Olive Oil: Ensures ingredients stay moist and prevents sticking during baking.
Kitchen Gear for This Turkey Sweet Potato Meal
Large mixing bowl: Essential for combining ingredients thoroughly.
9×13-inch baking dish: Perfect for even cooking and serving.
Cutting board: Needed for chopping sweet potatoes and vegetables.
Sharp knife: Helps dice ingredients precisely.
Wooden spoon or spatula: Great for mixing and stirring ingredients.
Measuring cups and spoons: Ensures accurate ingredient quantities.
Cheese grater: For shredding cheese if using fresh.
Aluminum foil: Useful for covering the dish while baking.
Steps to Bake Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Casserole
Prep Your Workspace Grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and give it a quick spray of cooking oil to prevent sticking.
Brown the Turkey Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and cook the ground turkey until it’s nicely browned and crumbly, breaking it up as it cooks.
Layer the Base Spread the cooked ground turkey evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
Add Sweet Potato Magic Slice sweet potatoes into thin, even rounds and arrange them in a neat layer over the ground turkey.
Create Flavor Explosion Sprinkle your favorite herbs and spices over the sweet potato layer to add a burst of deliciousness.
Cheese It Up Scatter shredded cheese across the top to create a golden, melty crown for your bake.
Bake to Perfection Slide the dish into a preheated oven at 375°F and cook for about 25-30 minutes, or until the sweet potatoes are tender and the cheese is bubbly and slightly crispy.
Rest and Serve Let the bake cool for a few minutes after removing from the oven, then slice and serve your mouthwatering ground turkey sweet potato creation.
Easy Tweaks and Add-Ins for a Twist
Meal Prep Magic: Dice sweet potatoes and turkey ahead of time for a quick weeknight dinner that saves precious cooking minutes.
Spice It Up: Experiment with different herbs like rosemary, thyme, or smoked paprika to add depth and personalize the flavor profile of your dish.
Vegetarian Twist: Swap ground turkey with plant-based crumbles or roasted chickpeas for a delicious meat-free alternative that’s packed with protein.
Low-Carb Option: Replace sweet potatoes with cauliflower or zucchini to create a lighter version that’s perfect for those watching their carbohydrate intake.
Freezer-Friendly: This casserole can be prepared in advance, frozen for up to 3 months, and reheated for an easy, comforting meal on busy days.
Serve Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Bake for Any Meal
Southwestern Fiesta Finale: Top the bake with fresh salsa, crumbled queso fresco, and chopped cilantro for a vibrant Mexican-inspired twist that adds bright, zesty flavors and colorful presentation.
Hearty Weeknight Companion: Serve alongside a crisp green salad with lime vinaigrette to balance the dish’s richness and add a refreshing contrast to the warm, comforting bake.
Ranch-Style Plating: Drizzle light ranch dressing or sprinkle green onions on top to enhance the turkey and sweet potato flavors with a creamy, tangy element that elevates the overall taste profile.
Family-Style Comfort: Present the bake directly in the baking dish at the center of the table, encouraging everyone to scoop generous portions and enjoy a communal, homestyle dining experience.
Store Your Leftovers the Smart Way
Smart Portioning: Divide the baked dish into individual meal-sized portions using a sharp knife, making weekday lunches and dinners super quick to grab and reheat.
Refrigerator Storage: Seal cooled leftovers in airtight containers, keeping them fresh for 3-4 days. Stack containers to maximize refrigerator space and maintain optimal food quality.
Freezer-Friendly Technique: Wrap single servings tightly in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe bags. Frozen meals will stay delicious for up to 2 months, perfect for busy schedules or unexpected meal planning.
Reheating Magic: Warm refrigerated portions in microwave for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through. For frozen meals, thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating to maintain texture and flavor integrity.
Hearty Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Bake delivers comforting midwestern flavors in one satisfying dish. Home cooks can prepare this nutritious meal with simple ingredients and minimal kitchen effort.
Ingredients
Scale
1 lbs (454 g) ground turkey
1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes (with juice)
2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
1 small onion, diced
1 red bell pepper, diced
1 zucchini, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 tbsps olive oil (divided)
1 cup shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese (optional)
½ tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
1 tsp smoked paprika
1 tsp cumin
½ tsp chili powder (optional)
½ tsp dried oregano
2 tbsps fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
Preparation: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.
Turkey Base: In a large skillet, brown ground turkey over medium-high heat, crumbling until fully cooked. Add onions and garlic, sautéing until vegetables become translucent and aromatic.
Seasoning Blend: Integrate dried herbs, salt, and pepper into the meat mixture, ensuring even distribution of flavors.
Layer Construction: Spread diced sweet potatoes across the baking dish bottom, then evenly distribute the seasoned turkey and onion mixture over the potatoes.
Moisture and Topping: Pour tomato sauce or diced tomatoes across the layers, then generously sprinkle shredded cheese over the entire casserole.
Baking Process: Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 30-35 minutes. Remove foil and continue baking for an additional 10-15 minutes until cheese turns golden and bubbling.
Serving Preparation: Allow casserole to rest for 5-10 minutes after removing from oven, enabling layers to set and flavors to meld before serving.
Notes
Control Meat Moisture: Pat ground turkey dry before browning to ensure proper caramelization and prevent excess water release during cooking.
Enhance Flavor Depth: Toast dried herbs briefly in the skillet before adding to meat mixture to intensify their aromatic qualities and release deeper flavor profiles.
Optimize Sweet Potato Texture: Cut sweet potatoes into uniform, bite-sized pieces to guarantee even cooking and prevent undercooked or mushy sections.
Make It Dietary Friendly: Substitute dairy cheese with nutritional yeast or plant-based cheese alternatives for vegan versions, and use lean ground turkey for lower-fat meal options.
Recipe development with a focus on single-dish meals.
Fusion of traditional and modern Australian cuisines.
Food styling and photography for digital platforms.
Education
Box Hill Institute, Melbourne
Degree: Advanced Diploma of Hospitality Management
Focus: Specialized in practical food and beverage service, responsible alcohol and hygiene compliance, legal risk management, and hands‑on experience in a simulated restaurant environment.
William Angliss Institute, Melbourne
Program: Certificate IV in Patisserie
Focus: Specialized in pastry and bakery techniques, cookery and specialty food preparation, recipe planning and costing, commercial kitchen operations, sustainable and inclusive work practices, food safety and hygiene compliance, and workplace health and safety.
Jenna is the heart of Picture Perfect Meals, turning simple ingredients into beautiful, easy‑to‑make dishes.
Growing up around family meals in Melbourne, she trained at Box Hill Institute and then perfected her pastry skills at William Angliss Institute. She loves mixing classic Australian flavors with fresh ideas to keep cooking fun and stress‑free.
Jenna Hartley
Founder & Recipe Creator
Expertise
Education
Box Hill Institute, Melbourne
William Angliss Institute, Melbourne
Jenna is the heart of Picture Perfect Meals, turning simple ingredients into beautiful, easy‑to‑make dishes.
Growing up around family meals in Melbourne, she trained at Box Hill Institute and then perfected her pastry skills at William Angliss Institute. She loves mixing classic Australian flavors with fresh ideas to keep cooking fun and stress‑free.