Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Bake Recipe

Introduction

This Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Bake is a comforting and wholesome dish perfect for weeknight dinners. Combining tender sweet potatoes, savory ground turkey, and cheesy goodness, it’s a crowd-pleaser that brings together simple ingredients with big flavor.

Ingredients

• 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
• ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
• 2 teaspoons dried rosemary, crushed
• 1 lb lean ground turkey
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced
• 1 (14.5 oz) can vegetable broth (about 2 cups)
• 1¾ cups whole milk (or half & half)
• 1 cup basmati rice (or long grain white)
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 2 teaspoons chopped parsley (or dried flakes)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Step 2: Peel and cube sweet potatoes into 1-inch chunks.
3. Step 3: Place the sweet potato cubes into a 9×13″ casserole dish. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and rosemary. Toss to coat evenly.
4. Step 4: Bake the sweet potatoes for 30 minutes, uncovered.
5. Step 5: While the potatoes bake, brown the ground turkey in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
6. Step 6: Once browned, add the diced onion. Sauté for 3–5 minutes until softened.
7. Step 7: Remove casserole from the oven after 30 minutes. Add the cooked turkey and onion mixture, vegetable broth, milk, and uncooked rice to the dish. Stir to combine.
8. Step 8: Return the casserole to the oven and bake uncovered for 15 minutes.
9. Step 9: Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top. Bake an additional 10 minutes, until cheese is melted.
10. Step 10: Let rest for 10–15 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley and enjoy!

Tips & Variations

• Use half & half instead of whole milk for a richer, creamier texture.
• Swap ground turkey with ground chicken or beef if preferred.
• Try adding a pinch of smoked paprika or cayenne pepper for a subtle kick.
• Substitute basmati rice with jasmine or brown rice for different textures.
• For added veggies, mix in sautéed bell peppers or spinach before baking.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through or microwave individual portions until hot. The bake may thicken upon reheating; add a splash of milk if needed to loosen the texture.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen sweet potatoes instead of fresh?

Yes, you can use frozen sweet potato cubes; just reduce the initial baking time slightly and check for tenderness before proceeding with the recipe.

Is this recipe freezer-friendly?

Yes, this bake freezes well. Cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Bake Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 149 reviews

This Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Bake is a hearty, wholesome casserole combining tender roasted sweet potatoes, lean ground turkey, flavorful spices, and comforting basmati rice. Topped with melted cheddar cheese and fresh parsley, this one-dish meal is perfect for a nutritious family dinner, offering a delicious balance of protein, vegetables, and grains.

• Author: Nethan
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 55 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Sweet Potato Mixture

• 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed into 1-inch chunks
• 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
• ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
• 2 teaspoons dried rosemary, crushed

Turkey and Rice Mixture

• 1 lb lean ground turkey
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced
• 1 (14.5 oz) can vegetable broth (about 2 cups)
• 1¾ cups whole milk (or half & half)
• 1 cup basmati rice (or long grain white rice)

Topping

• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 2 teaspoons chopped parsley (or dried flakes)

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare for roasting the sweet potatoes.
2. Prepare Sweet Potatoes: Peel and cube the sweet potatoes into 1-inch chunks to ensure even roasting.
3. Season Potatoes: Place the sweet potato cubes into a 9×13-inch casserole dish. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and dried rosemary. Toss gently to coat all pieces evenly.
4. Bake Sweet Potatoes: Bake the seasoned sweet potatoes uncovered in the preheated oven for 30 minutes to achieve tender and fragrant cubes.
5. Cook Ground Turkey: While the sweet potatoes roast, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and brown the ground turkey until no longer pink.
6. Sauté Onion: Add the diced yellow onion to the browned turkey, sautéing for 3–5 minutes until softened and translucent.
7. Combine Ingredients: Remove the casserole dish from oven after the initial bake. Add the turkey and onion mixture, vegetable broth, milk, and uncooked basmati rice to the dish. Stir gently to combine all ingredients.
8. Bake Casserole: Return the dish to the oven and bake uncovered for 15 minutes, allowing the rice to start cooking.
9. Add Cheese: Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the casserole. Continue baking for an additional 10 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
10. Rest and Garnish: Let the casserole rest for 10–15 minutes after removing from the oven to set. Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.

Notes

• Sweet potatoes can be cubed into smaller pieces for faster cooking, but 1-inch chunks provide a good balance of tenderness and texture.
• Use lean ground turkey to keep the dish light and healthy; you can substitute with ground chicken if preferred.
• Vegetable broth can be replaced with chicken broth for a richer flavor.
• Whole milk adds creaminess, but half & half can be used for a richer texture or a dairy-free milk alternative for a lighter dish.
• Allowing the casserole to rest after baking helps the rice finish cooking and the dish to set properly.
• Fresh rosemary can be used instead of dried for a more fragrant aroma.

Keywords: ground turkey casserole, sweet potato bake, baked turkey and rice, healthy casserole, one-dish dinner