Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Bake: A Comforting One-Pan Delight
Ah, dear friends, as the golden leaves begin to fall and the air fills with a crispness that signals the arrival of cozy evenings, there’s nothing quite like a warm, hearty dish to bring the family together. Today, I want to share with you a recipe that feels like a warm hug on a chilly night: my Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Bake. This delightful one-pan wonder is the epitome of an easy weeknight dinner, bursting with flavors and wholesome goodness.
The sweetness of tender roasted sweet potatoes pairs perfectly with savory ground turkey and vibrant bell peppers, creating a comforting meal that’s simple enough for a busy weekday yet impressive enough for a cozy gathering with loved ones. And let’s be honest, who doesn’t adore a recipe that allows for minimal cleanup? This is one you’ll definitely want to pin for later!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: You can whip this up in no time for a delightful weeknight meal.
- Family-Friendly: A dish that’s sure to please even the pickiest eaters in your household.
- One-Pan Wonder: Less fuss means more time to enjoy your meal and the people around you.
- Nutritious and Filling: Packed with wholesome ingredients, this dish nourishes the body and soul.
- Versatile: You can easily modify it to suit your taste preferences or pantry staples.
Ingredients You’ll Need for Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Bake
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
How to Make Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Bake
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the diced sweet potatoes, bell pepper, onion, and garlic. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper. Toss to coat all the veggies in that savory goodness.
- Spread the sweet potato mixture onto a baking sheet in a single layer, making sure everything has a bit of room to breathe.
- In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground turkey until browned and cooked through, about 7-10 minutes. The aroma of sizzling turkey is simply irresistible!
- Add the cooked turkey to the baking sheet with the sweet potato mixture, and stir to combine all those wonderful flavors.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the sweet potatoes are tender and slightly caramelized around the edges — that’s when they really shine!
- Garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Serve this warm and watch your loved ones gather around!
Delicious Variations to Try
- Spice it Up: Add a dash of cayenne pepper or hot sauce for a little kick.
- Cheesy Goodness: Sprinkle grated cheese (like sharp cheddar or mozzarella) on top during the last 10 minutes of baking for a gooey, indulgent touch.
- Zesty Twist: Mix in some lime juice and zest before serving to brighten up the flavors.
- Herby Delight: Toss in fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary for an aromatic twist and a touch of fresh garden flavor.
Chef Emma’s Helpful Tips
- Make-Ahead: You can chop all your veggies ahead of time and store them in the fridge. Just toss everything together when you’re ready to bake.
- Ingredient Swaps: If you’re out of ground turkey, ground chicken or even plant-based meat substitutes work wonderfully!
- Storage Suggestions: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days.
- Slicing Tips: When peeling and dicing sweet potatoes, make sure you’ve got a sharp knife to make the process easier and safer.
Nutrition Information per Serving
- Serving Size: 1/4 recipe
- Calories: 360
- Carbs: 45g
- Sugars: 5g
- Fat: 12g
- Protein: 22g
- Sodium: 250mg
Frequently Asked Questions
-
Can I make this ahead?
Absolutely! You can prep everything in advance; just bake it when you’re ready to serve. -
Can I use different ingredients?
Yes! Feel free to swap out vegetables based on what you have on hand. -
How do I store leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. -
How long does it last?
This dish is best enjoyed fresh, but it will keep well in the fridge for a few days.
Final Thoughts
This Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Bake isn’t just a meal; it’s an experience that invites warmth, comfort, and love into your kitchen. Each bite is a reminder of cozy evenings spent with family, laughter ringing through the air, and the joy of sharing good food. So, save this recipe to your Pinterest board and keep it close for those days when you need a nourishing treat to brighten your table. Happy cooking!
Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Bake
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb ground turkey You can substitute with ground chicken or plant-based meat.
- 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and diced Use a sharp knife for easier peeling and dicing.
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Spices and Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- to taste Salt and pepper
- 2 tablespoons Olive oil
Garnish
- to taste Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the diced sweet potatoes, bell pepper, onion, and garlic. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper. Toss to coat all the veggies.
- Spread the sweet potato mixture onto a baking sheet in a single layer.
Cooking
- In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground turkey until browned and cooked through, about 7-10 minutes.
- Add the cooked turkey to the baking sheet with the sweet potato mixture, and stir to combine.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the sweet potatoes are tender and slightly caramelized.
- Garnish with fresh parsley if desired and serve warm.
