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- 1 lb ground turkey - 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed - 1 cup spinach, chopped - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 small onion, diced - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon dried thyme - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese For this Turkey Sweet Potato Bake, I love using simple, fresh ingredients. Ground turkey brings protein and flavor. Sweet potatoes add sweetness and creaminess. Spinach gives us bright color and nutrients. I use cherry tomatoes for a juicy burst. Diced onion adds a nice base flavor. Minced garlic gives a lovely aroma. Each ingredient works together to create a hearty meal. For seasoning, thyme brings warmth and earthiness. Smoked paprika adds a subtle smokiness. Mozzarella cheese makes everything rich and melty. This mix of flavors keeps every bite exciting. With these ingredients, you can create a dish that is both filling and comforting. You’ll enjoy the process as much as the meal itself! {{ingredient_image_1}} - Preheating the oven: Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This step ensures that your bake cooks evenly and thoroughly. - Cooking sweet potatoes: Peel and cube 2 medium sweet potatoes. In a pot, bring water to a boil. Add your sweet potatoes and cook for about 10-12 minutes. They should be tender when done. Drain and set them aside. - Sautéing onions and garlic: In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add 1 small diced onion. Cook for about 3-4 minutes until the onion turns translucent. Then, add 2 minced garlic cloves. Stir them in for a minute to release their aroma. - Browning the ground turkey: Now, add 1 pound of ground turkey to the skillet. Cook until it is browned and no longer pink, about 6-8 minutes. Break it up with a spoon as it cooks to ensure even browning. Once the turkey is cooked, stir in 1 cup of chopped spinach, 1 cup of halved cherry tomatoes, 1 teaspoon of dried thyme, 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika, ½ teaspoon of salt, and ½ teaspoon of black pepper. Cook for an additional 3 minutes until the spinach wilts. - Layering ingredients in the baking dish: In a baking dish, layer the cooked sweet potatoes on the bottom. Pour the turkey mixture over the sweet potatoes, spreading it evenly. - Baking time and finishing touches: Drizzle ¼ cup of low-sodium chicken broth over the turkey bake. This will keep it moist. Top with ½ cup of shredded mozzarella cheese, spreading it evenly. Bake in your preheated oven for 20 minutes. The cheese should be bubbly and golden brown when done. Once out of the oven, let it cool slightly before serving. To ensure your turkey cooks perfectly, use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). This keeps your turkey safe to eat and juicy. Avoid overcooking; it can dry out the meat. When cutting sweet potatoes, use a sharp knife. Peel them first, then cut into even cubes. This helps them cook evenly. Aim for 1-inch pieces for the best texture. Pair your Turkey Sweet Potato Bake with a fresh salad. A simple green salad with lemon dressing adds a nice touch. Roasted broccoli or green beans also works well. For garnishes, fresh herbs like parsley or basil add color. A sprinkle of cheese on top can enhance the look too. This recipe is naturally gluten-free. Just ensure your broth is gluten-free. For low-carb options, try using cauliflower rice instead of sweet potatoes. It keeps the dish light while still being filling. You can also swap the ground turkey for lean chicken or tofu. Pro Tips Cook Sweet Potatoes First: Cooking the sweet potatoes before adding them to the bake ensures they are perfectly tender and complements the turkey mixture. Use Fresh Spinach: Fresh spinach not only adds flavor but also enhances the nutritional value of the dish compared to frozen spinach. Experiment with Cheese: While mozzarella is delicious, feel free to mix in other cheeses like cheddar or feta for a different flavor profile. Let It Rest: Allow the turkey sweet potato bake to rest for a few minutes after baking to help it set and make serving easier. {{image_2}} You can easily switch up the protein in this dish. Ground chicken or beef works well. If you want a meat-free option, try lentils or chickpeas. These swaps give you choice and can change the flavor too. Feel free to mix in different vegetables. Zucchini, bell peppers, or carrots bring color and taste. You can also use frozen veggies if you are short on time. Just make sure they are thawed and drained before adding. To boost flavor, add more herbs and spices. Basil and oregano give a fresh taste. You can also try cumin or chili powder for a spicy kick. Don't forget about garlic powder for extra depth. Sauces can enhance your bake too. A drizzle of hot sauce adds heat. You can also use pesto or BBQ sauce for a twist. Top with fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro for a fresh finish. This dish can be a full meal. Pair it with a simple salad or crusty bread. You could also serve it with rice or quinoa for extra carbs. Leftovers are great for meal prep. Store them in containers for easy lunches. You can heat them in the microwave, or enjoy them cold in a wrap. This way, you save time and reduce food waste. To keep your Turkey Sweet Potato Bake fresh, store it in an airtight container. This helps keep out air and moisture. Place the dish in the fridge within two hours of cooking. It lasts about 3 to 4 days in the fridge. Be sure to label the container with the date. This way, you won't forget when you made it. If you want to save it for later, freezing is a great option. First, let the bake cool completely. Then, cut it into portions. Wrap each portion in plastic wrap, then put them in a freezer-safe bag. Make sure to remove as much air as possible. This helps avoid freezer burn. It can last for up to 3 months in the freezer. When you're ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. To reheat your Turkey Sweet Potato Bake, use the oven for the best texture. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the bake in a baking dish and cover it with foil. Heat for about 20 minutes or until warm. This method keeps it moist. If you use a microwave, heat it in short bursts and cover it. This helps prevent dryness. Stir it occasionally for even heating. Enjoy your delicious leftovers! You can use several alternative meats for this recipe. Ground chicken works well. It has a similar taste and texture. Ground beef is another option, but it is richer. For a vegetarian choice, consider using lentils or black beans. These add protein and fiber too. If you want a vegan option, try crumbled tempeh or tofu. Both soak up flavors nicely and are healthy. Yes, you can make this dish ahead of time. Prepare it up to the baking step. Layer the sweet potatoes and turkey mixture in the dish. Cover it and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. When you are ready to bake, drizzle the chicken broth on top. Then, bake as directed. This saves time on busy days! Yes, this recipe is quite healthy. Each serving is packed with nutrients. Ground turkey is lean and high in protein. Sweet potatoes provide carbs and fiber. They are also rich in vitamins. Spinach adds iron and other important nutrients. The dish has a good balance of protein, carbs, and healthy fats. Plus, it is low in sodium if you use low-sodium broth. Enjoying this meal can help you feel full and satisfied! This blog post explored a delicious recipe featuring ground turkey, sweet potatoes, and spinach. I shared key ingredients, helpful cooking tips, and ideas for variations. You learned how to prepare, cook, and store your meal perfectly. Remember, this dish is versatile and can fit many diets. Try different proteins and veggies to make it your own. You can enjoy a healthy meal that’s easy to make and great for meal prep. Happy cooking!

Turkey Sweet Potato Bake

A hearty and healthy bake featuring ground turkey, sweet potatoes, and fresh vegetables topped with melted mozzarella cheese.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb ground turkey
  • 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
  • 1 cup spinach, chopped
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 0.5 teaspoon salt
  • 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
  • 0.5 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 0.25 cup chicken broth (low sodium)

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
  • In a pot, bring water to a boil and add the cubed sweet potatoes. Cook for about 10-12 minutes or until tender. Drain and set aside.
  • In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil. Once hot, add the diced onion and cook until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
  • Add the minced garlic and ground turkey to the skillet. Cook until the turkey is browned and cooked through, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks, about 6-8 minutes.
  • Stir in the chopped spinach, cherry tomatoes, thyme, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper, and cook for an additional 3 minutes until the spinach wilts.
  • In a baking dish, layer the cooked sweet potatoes on the bottom, then pour the turkey mixture over the top, spreading evenly.
  • Drizzle the chicken broth over the turkey bake, which will help keep it moist.
  • Top with shredded mozzarella cheese, spreading it evenly over the surface.
  • Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
  • Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving.

Notes

Feel free to add other vegetables or spices according to your preference.
Keyword bake, casserole, healthy, sweet potato, turkey