Introduction

This Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Bake is a hearty and flavorful dish perfect for any weeknight dinner. With tender roasted sweet potatoes, seasoned ground turkey, and melty cheese on top, it offers comfort and nutrition in every bite. Plus, it’s versatile enough to suit various tastes and diets.

A white oval baking dish filled with a layered casserole, showing chunks of bright orange sweet potatoes scattered on top, with browned, crumbled cooked ground meat sprinkled evenly across. The top layer is covered in melted, slightly browned cheese with a bubbly texture, and finely chopped green herbs are sprinkled all over for a fresh look. The casserole sits on a white marbled surface, and the edges of the dish show the rich, cheesy filling underneath the meat and sweet potato pieces. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

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

Instructions

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

Tips & Variations

For a low-carb version, swap sweet potatoes with roasted cauliflower or butternut squash.
Add black or white beans to the mixture for extra protein and fiber.
Make it spicy by including diced jalapeños, red pepper flakes, or hot sauce.
Substitute ground turkey with shredded rotisserie chicken, ground beef, or lentils for different flavors.
For a breakfast twist, crack eggs on top before baking and let them cook with the dish.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through. To freeze, cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or wrap tightly in foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat at 350°F until hot.

How to Serve

The image shows a baked casserole in a white oval dish filled with three visible layers: the bottom layer has chopped green zucchini pieces, the middle layer consists of browned ground meat, and the top layer is covered with melted, slightly browned cheese along with large, bright orange sweet potato chunks. The dish is sprinkled with finely chopped fresh green herbs, adding a fresh contrast to the warm tones of the casserole. The dish sits on a white marbled surface with a soft gray cloth partly underneath. The photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other types of cheese?

Yes, you can use mozzarella, pepper jack, or a cheese blend depending on your taste. Reduced-fat cheese works for a lighter option.

Is it necessary to soak the rice before baking?

No, the recipe uses uncooked rice combined with broth and milk in the casserole, which cooks during baking to tender perfection.