Description
A wholesome and hearty Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Bake combining lean ground turkey, nutrient-rich sweet potatoes, and vibrant vegetables, seasoned with Italian herbs and topped with melted cheese. This comforting casserole is perfect for a nutritious weeknight dinner and yields six satisfying servings.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein and Vegetables
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and diced (about 4 cups)
- 1 onion, diced (about 1 cup)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bell pepper (any color), diced (about 1 cup)
- 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
Herbs and Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Other
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella)
- Olive oil, for cooking
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Dish: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with olive oil to prevent sticking and allow even baking.
- Cook Ground Turkey: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground turkey and cook until browned, breaking it into crumbles with a spoon. Season with salt and pepper, then remove from heat and set aside.
- Sauté Sweet Potatoes: In the same skillet, add more olive oil if necessary. Add the diced sweet potatoes and sauté for 5-7 minutes until they begin to soften but are not fully cooked.
- Add Aromatics and Vegetables: Add the diced onion, minced garlic, and diced bell pepper to the skillet. Cook for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are tender-crisp.
- Combine Ingredients: Return the cooked ground turkey back to the skillet with the vegetables. Stir in the drained diced tomatoes, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly to combine all flavors.
- Assemble in Baking Dish: Transfer the turkey and vegetable mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly on top. Cover the dish with foil to retain moisture during baking.
- Bake Covered: Place the covered baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the dish to heat through.
- Finish Baking Uncovered: Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden on top.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the dish from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving to allow the bake to set and to prevent burns.
Notes
- You can substitute ground chicken or lean beef for the ground turkey.
- Feel free to use your favorite cheese variety or a blend for different flavors.
- To reduce cooking time, pre-cook the sweet potatoes in the microwave for a few minutes before sautéing.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
- This dish can be made gluten-free by ensuring the cheese and any added seasonings are gluten-free certified.
