Why You’ll Love This Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Bake
Looking for a dinner that’s healthy, hearty, and packed with flavor? This Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Bake hits all the marks. It’s a wholesome one-dish meal that’s rich in protein, loaded with vegetables, and baked to perfection in under an hour. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or cooking for a family, this dish delivers all the comfort of a casserole without the heaviness.
Made with lean ground turkey, sweet potatoes, zucchini, and savory herbs, this gluten-free recipe is as nutritious as it is delicious. It’s one of those meals that satisfies your cravings and makes you feel good, too.
Perfectly seasoned and topped with melty parmesan cheese, it’s a weeknight win you’ll return to again and again.
Pure Comfort in a Casserole
There’s something undeniably cozy about a hot, bubbling casserole coming out of the oven. The aroma of sweet roasted potatoes, savory ground turkey, and herbs like rosemary and garlic fills your kitchen with warmth. It’s food that nourishes your body and soothes your soul without requiring hours of prep.
This turkey sweet potato bake is the kind of comfort food that feels indulgent, but is packed with good-for-you ingredients. It’s the best of both worlds: a meal that tastes like home and fuels your day.
Ingredients for Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Bake
To make this flavorful and nutritious casserole, you’ll need:
- 1 lb ground turkey – Lean and high in protein
- 2 medium sweet potatoes – Peeled and chopped
- 2 small zucchini – Sliced and quartered
- ⅔ cup shredded parmesan cheese – Adds rich, salty finish
- 1½ teaspoons garlic powder – Boosts savory flavor
- 1 teaspoon rosemary – Earthy, aromatic herb
- 5 tablespoons olive oil – For roasting and sautéing
- Salt and black pepper – To taste
This recipe is wonderfully simple and easy to scale depending on your needs. It’s naturally gluten-free, with a balance of protein, fiber, and healthy fats.
What You Need to Make This Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Recipe
Before you begin, gather your kitchen essentials:
- Large baking dish (9×13-inch or similar)
- Cutting board and sharp knife
- Vegetable peeler (for the sweet potatoes)
- Large skillet or sauté pan
- Spatula or wooden spoon
- Measuring spoons
This recipe doesn’t require fancy equipment, and cleanup is minimal thanks to its one-dish design.
Time to Cook Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Bake
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 50 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Yield: 4–5 servings
Category: Dinner
Method: Baked
Cuisine: American
This is a great “set-it-and-forget-it” meal. Most of the cook time happens in the oven, giving you time to relax, prep sides, or clean up.
Steps to Make It: Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Bake
Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prep Sweet Potatoes
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Peel and chop your sweet potatoes into bite-sized cubes. Toss them directly in a large baking dish with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, ½ teaspoon of garlic powder, ½ teaspoon of rosemary, plus a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir until evenly coated.
Bake for 30 minutes, or until tender and just beginning to brown.
Step 2: Brown the Ground Turkey
While the sweet potatoes are roasting, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground turkey, and cook, breaking it up with a spoon. Add 1 teaspoon garlic powder, ½ teaspoon rosemary, salt, and pepper to taste. Cook until the turkey is browned and cooked through — about 7–10 minutes.
Step 3: Prep and Add Zucchini
Wash and chop the zucchini into half-moon slices, then quarter each slice for smaller bites. After the sweet potatoes are done roasting for 30 minutes, remove the baking dish from the oven and add in the cooked turkey and chopped zucchini.
Stir everything to combine.
Step 4: Bake Again
Return the dish to the oven and bake for another 10 minutes, allowing the zucchini to soften slightly and the flavors to blend.
Step 5: Add Parmesan and Finish Baking
Drizzle the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil over the casserole, stir to coat, and then sprinkle evenly with ⅔ cup shredded parmesan cheese. Return to the oven and bake for a final 10 minutes, until the cheese is melted and lightly golden.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Let the casserole cool for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy as-is or pair with a simple side salad or crusty bread.
Make It Perfect – Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Tips
- Cut the veggies evenly to ensure they roast and cook uniformly.
- Don’t overcook the zucchini — it should still have some bite after baking.
- Use fresh rosemary for even more aromatic depth if you have it on hand.
- Add a squeeze of lemon juice or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes before serving for brightness and heat.
- Meal prepping? This reheats well and tastes even better the next day!
Mix It Up: Variations of Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Bake
This recipe is very forgiving and easy to customize:
- Make it dairy-free: Skip the cheese or use a plant-based alternative.
- Add more veggies: Mushrooms, spinach, bell peppers, or kale can be great additions.
- Use different proteins: Try ground chicken, Italian sausage, or even tofu.
- Make it spicy: Stir in a pinch of cayenne, smoked paprika, or chili flakes with the turkey.
- Add grains: Mix in cooked quinoa or brown rice to bulk it up further.
Perfect Partners for Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Casserole
Serve this hearty dish with:
- A crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette
- Roasted Brussels sprouts or broccoli
- Garlic bread or herbed dinner rolls
- A chilled glass of white wine or sparkling water with lemon
Busy Day Hero
This dish is a weeknight lifesaver. With just a few fresh ingredients and a single baking dish, you can create a balanced meal with protein, carbs, and veggies. It’s easy to prep ahead and customize for what you have in the fridge.
Work Ahead with Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Meal Prep
You can easily prep elements of this recipe in advance:
- Chop sweet potatoes and zucchini the day before and store in the fridge.
- Brown the turkey and refrigerate up to 2 days ahead.
- Assemble the casserole, cover tightly, and refrigerate unbaked for up to 24 hours.
- Freeze individual portions for a future no-stress dinner.
Save Some For Later
This bake stores and reheats beautifully:
- Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Reheat in the Easy steps to prep this wholesome one-dish meal.microwave (1–2 minutes per serving) or in the oven at 350°F for 10–15 minutes.
- Freeze individual portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Everyone’s Happy with Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Bake
Kids love the cheesy topping and sweet potatoes. Adults appreciate the hearty protein and balanced flavors. This dish hits that rare combo of comforting yet healthy, making it perfect for picky eaters and wellness-focused foodies alike.
Good For You Too
This is a meal that fuels your body and keeps you satisfied:
- High in protein from lean ground turkey
- Rich in fiber from sweet potatoes and zucchini
- Gluten-free and easy to make dairy-free
- Full of vitamins A, C, and potassium
Nutrition (Per Serving – Approx.)
- Calories: ~390
- Protein: 27g
- Carbohydrates: 21g
- Fat: 23g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 360mg
Easy Clean Up
This is a true one-dish wonder. Use a non-stick baking dish and you’ll only need to clean a pan, bowl, and knife afterward. Lining your pan with parchment or lightly greasing it makes cleanup even easier.
Switch It Up with Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Leftovers
Don’t just eat it straight from the dish (though we won’t judge). Try these creative leftovers ideas:
- Stuff into a pita or wrap with greens and Greek yogurt
- Spoon over quinoa or brown rice for a grain bowl
- Scramble with eggs for a hearty breakfast
- Add broth and turn it into a soup or stew
Simply Perfect
With only a few fresh ingredients, basic kitchen tools, and simple steps, this Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Bake is a recipe that proves less is more. It’s flavorful, healthy, adaptable, and totally satisfying — the kind of meal you’ll want to make again and again.
Whether you’re feeding your family, meal prepping for the week, or just want something clean and comforting, this bake is your new go-to.
FAQs – Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Bake
1. Can I use ground chicken instead of turkey?
Yes! Ground chicken works just as well in this recipe and offers a similar lean, high-protein profile.
2. Do I have to peel the sweet potatoes?
Peeling is optional. If you like a bit more texture and fiber, feel free to leave the skin on — just scrub the potatoes well first.
3. Can I make this vegetarian?
Definitely! Swap the ground turkey for cooked lentils, black beans, or a plant-based meat alternative.
4. How can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Omit the parmesan cheese or use a dairy-free cheese alternative. The dish will still be flavorful and satisfying.
5. Can I add grains like rice or quinoa?
Yes! Stir in cooked quinoa or brown rice with the turkey for a more filling, grain-based casserole.
6. Is this freezer-friendly?
Absolutely. Store cooled portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven or microwave.
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Conclusion
This Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Bake is proof that healthy food can also be cozy, satisfying, and full of flavor. With just a handful of whole ingredients and a few simple steps, you get a balanced, nourishing dinner that’s anything but boring. Whether you’re cooking for the family or just yourself, this is a recipe worth keeping in rotation.
Ready to make your weeknight dinners easier and healthier? Give this recipe a try your future self (and your taste buds) will thank you.
Happy Cooking With Mouny Chef ❤️!
Print
Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Bake
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 4–5 servings 1x
- Diet: Diabetic
Description
Wholesome and hearty casserole made with lean ground turkey, sweet potatoes, zucchini, and parmesan – perfect for healthy weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
1 lb ground turkey
2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and chopped
2 small zucchini, sliced and quartered
⅔ cup shredded parmesan cheese
1½ tsp garlic powder
1 tsp dried rosemary
5 tbsp olive oil
Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
Toss sweet potatoes with 2 tbsp olive oil, ½ tsp garlic powder, ½ tsp rosemary, salt, and pepper in a 9×13-inch baking dish. Bake for 30 minutes.
Meanwhile, heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a skillet. Brown ground turkey with remaining garlic powder, rosemary, salt, and pepper.
Add chopped zucchini and cooked turkey to the baking dish. Stir to combine.
Drizzle remaining olive oil over the mix, sprinkle with parmesan cheese.
Bake another 10 minutes, until cheese is melted and lightly golden.
Let cool slightly before serving.
Notes
To make it dairy-free, skip the cheese or use a vegan substitute.
Add extra veggies like bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms.
Great for meal prep – refrigerate for 4 days or freeze up to 3 months.
Substitute ground turkey with chicken or plant-based crumbles.
Reheat in microwave or oven at 350°F until warm.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 390
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 360mg
- Fat: 23g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 21g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 27g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: Ground Turkey Casserole, Sweet Potato Bake, Healthy Ground Turkey Recipe, Turkey Zucchini Casserole