Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Bake Recipe

Introduction

This Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Bake is a comforting and hearty dish perfect for weeknight dinners. Combining tender sweet potatoes, savory ground turkey, and melted cheddar cheese, it’s a delicious one-pan meal that’s easy to prepare and sure to please the whole family.

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). Peel and cube the sweet potatoes into 1-inch chunks.
2. Step 2: Place the sweet potato cubes into a 9×13″ casserole dish. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and crushed rosemary. Toss to coat evenly.
3. Step 3: Bake the sweet potatoes uncovered for 30 minutes.
4. Step 4: While the sweet potatoes bake, brown the ground turkey in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
5. Step 5: Add the diced onion to the turkey and sauté for 3–5 minutes until softened.
6. Step 6: Remove the 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.
7. Step 7: Return the casserole to the oven and bake uncovered for 15 minutes.
8. Step 8: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top and bake an additional 10 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
9. Step 9: Let the casserole rest for 10–15 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley and enjoy!

Tips & Variations

• Substitute ground turkey with ground chicken or lean beef for a different flavor.
• Use half & half instead of whole milk for a richer, creamier texture.
• Add chopped bell peppers or mushrooms when sautéing the onions for extra veggies.
• Try smoked paprika or chili powder to add a subtle smoky or spicy kick.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm the entire bake covered in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, about 15-20 minutes.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the casserole a day in advance and keep it covered in the refrigerator. Bake it fresh on the day you plan to serve for the best texture and flavor.

Can I use other types of rice?

Long grain white or basmati rice work best for this recipe. Brown rice can be used but will require a longer baking time and more liquid.

Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Bake Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

5 from 127 reviews

This Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Bake is a hearty and comforting casserole combining roasted sweet potatoes, lean ground turkey, aromatic herbs, and creamy rice, all topped with melted cheddar cheese. Perfect for a wholesome weeknight dinner, this dish balances savory and slightly sweet flavors with a satisfying texture.

• Author: Anna
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 55 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Low Fat

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Vegetables & Herbs

• 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced
• 2 teaspoons dried rosemary, crushed
• 2 teaspoons chopped parsley (or dried flakes)

Meat

• 1 lb lean ground turkey

Liquids & Dairy

• 1 (14.5 oz) can vegetable broth (about 2 cups)
• 1¾ cups whole milk (or half & half)
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

Grains & Staples

• 1 cup basmati rice (or long grain white)
• 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil

Spices & Seasonings

• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
• ¼ teaspoon garlic powder

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Sweet Potatoes: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Peel and cube the sweet potatoes into 1-inch chunks to ensure even roasting.
2. Season and Roast Sweet Potatoes: Place the cubed sweet potatoes into a 9×13-inch casserole dish. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle evenly with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and crushed rosemary. Toss everything together to coat the sweet potatoes well, then bake uncovered for 30 minutes.
3. Cook Ground Turkey and Onions: While the sweet potatoes roast, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Brown the ground turkey until no longer pink, breaking it up as it cooks. Add the diced onion and sauté for 3 to 5 minutes until the onions become soft and translucent.
4. Combine Ingredients in Casserole: After the sweet potatoes have baked for 30 minutes, remove the casserole dish from the oven. Add the cooked turkey and onion mixture to the dish along with the vegetable broth, whole milk, and uncooked rice. Stir everything thoroughly to combine all ingredients evenly.
5. Bake with Rice Mixture: Return the casserole to the oven and bake uncovered for an additional 15 minutes. This allows the rice to begin cooking and absorb the liquids.
6. Add Cheese and Final Bake: Remove the casserole briefly and sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top. Bake again for 10 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and slightly bubbly.
7. Rest and Garnish: Let the casserole rest for 10 to 15 minutes before serving to allow it to set and cool slightly. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve warm for a satisfying meal.

Notes

• Sweet potatoes can be peeled and cubed ahead of time and stored in water to prevent browning.
• Use lean ground turkey for a healthier option; ground chicken can be substituted if preferred.
• Vegetable broth adds flavor but chicken broth can be used instead.
• Whole milk gives a creamier texture, but half & half or 2% milk may be substituted for a lighter dish.
• Basmati rice is recommended for its fragrance and texture, but any long grain white rice works well.
• Allowing the casserole to rest before serving helps the flavors meld and the texture to firm up.

Keywords: ground turkey, sweet potato bake, casserole, baked turkey dish, healthy dinner, one-dish meal, easy recipe