Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Bake Recipe
Introduction
This Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Bake is a nutritious and comforting dish perfect for a hearty weeknight meal. Combining savory seasoned turkey, tender sweet potatoes, and fresh zucchini, it’s layered with Parmesan cheese for a deliciously melted finish.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and chopped
- 1 medium zucchini, chopped
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp dried rosemary
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). In a bowl, toss the peeled and chopped sweet potatoes with olive oil, garlic powder, rosemary, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
- Step 2: Spread the sweet potatoes on a baking sheet and bake for about 15-20 minutes, or until partially tender but not fully cooked.
- Step 3: While the sweet potatoes bake, heat a skillet over medium heat and brown the ground turkey. Season with salt and pepper as it cooks, stirring until fully cooked and no longer pink.
- Step 4: Remove the sweet potatoes from the oven and transfer them to a baking dish. Add the browned turkey and chopped zucchini, mixing gently to combine.
- Step 5: Return the baking dish to the oven and bake for an additional 15 minutes, until the zucchini softens and flavors meld.
- Step 6: Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the top, then bake for a final 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese melts and turns golden.
Tips & Variations
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of smoked paprika or chili flakes to the turkey while browning.
- Swap zucchini for yellow squash or bell peppers to vary the veggies.
- Use fresh rosemary if available, finely chopped, for brighter herb notes.
- If you prefer a creamier bake, stir in a few tablespoons of cream cheese or ricotta before topping with Parmesan.
Storage
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave until warmed through, adding a splash of water to maintain moisture if needed.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use ground chicken or beef instead of turkey?
Yes, ground chicken or lean ground beef can be substituted and will work well with the flavors in this dish.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, all ingredients used are naturally gluten-free, making this recipe suitable for those avoiding gluten.
PrintGround Turkey Sweet Potato Bake Recipe
A hearty and nutritious Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Bake combining tender roasted sweet potatoes, seasoned ground turkey, fresh zucchini, and melted Parmesan cheese for a comforting and wholesome meal perfect for family dinners.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and chopped
- 1 medium zucchini, chopped
Meat
- 1 lb ground turkey
Cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Seasonings and Oils
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the sweet potatoes: Peel and chop the sweet potatoes into bite-sized pieces. Toss them with olive oil, garlic powder, dried rosemary, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
- Bake sweet potatoes partially: Spread the seasoned sweet potatoes on a baking sheet and bake in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 15-20 minutes or until they are partially tender but not fully cooked.
- Cook the ground turkey: While the sweet potatoes are baking, brown the ground turkey in a skillet over medium heat. Season with salt, pepper, and any preferred additional spices, cooking until fully browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes.
- Combine ingredients: Add the cooked ground turkey and chopped zucchini to the partially baked sweet potatoes. Mix gently to combine all ingredients.
- Bake until tender: Return the combined mixture to the oven and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes until the sweet potatoes are fully tender and the zucchini is cooked.
- Add Parmesan cheese: Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the top of the bake and bake for another 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese has melted and turned golden.
- Serve: Remove from oven and let it cool slightly before serving warm for a delicious, satisfying meal.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey with ground chicken or turkey sausage for variation.
- For extra flavor, add chopped onions or bell peppers when browning the turkey.
- Use fresh rosemary if available for a stronger aromatic flavor.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- This recipe can be made gluten free, just ensure all seasonings and cheese are gluten free.
Keywords: ground turkey bake, sweet potato casserole, healthy turkey dinner, baked sweet potatoes, zucchini bake
