Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Bake is a comforting, hearty dish that brings together the wholesome goodness of sweet potatoes and lean ground turkey. This recipe unites a variety of flavors and textures, creating a delicious meal that your whole family will love. Packed with nutrients and bursting with flavor, this bake is not only satisfying but also easy to prepare, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights or leisurely weekends.
Why We Love This Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Bake Recipe
One of the many reasons this Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Bake recipe stands out is its versatility. It serves as a nutritious all-in-one meal, combining protein, healthy carbohydrates, and lots of vegetables in one dish. The sweet potatoes add a natural sweetness that complements the savory ground turkey, while the creamy cheese on top gives it a delightful finishing touch. Additionally, this bake can easily be prepared ahead of time, making it a go-to choice for meal prep. You’ll find that it satisfies your cravings while keeping your nutritional goals in check.
Ingredients about Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Bake
To create this flavorful and nutritious Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Bake, you will need the following 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 flakes)
How to Make Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Bake Directions
Making Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Bake is straightforward, and you’ll find the process quite rewarding. Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). While the oven is heating, peel and cube your sweet potatoes into 1-inch chunks. Once prepared, place these cubes into a 9×13-inch casserole dish. Drizzle the sweet potato with olive oil, then sprinkle the salt, ground black pepper, garlic powder, and crushed rosemary evenly over them. Toss everything together until the sweet potatoes are well-coated.
Place the casserole dish into the preheated oven and bake the sweet potatoes uncovered for 30 minutes. While the potatoes are baking, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and brown the lean ground turkey until it’s cooked through. Next, add in your diced onion to the skillet and sauté for an additional 3-5 minutes until the onions become softened and translucent.
After the sweet potatoes have baked for 30 minutes, remove the casserole dish from the oven. Now it’s time to add the cooked turkey and onion mixture to the dish, followed by the vegetable broth, milk, and uncooked rice. Make sure to stir everything together until everything is well-combined.
Return the casserole to the oven and bake uncovered for another 15 minutes. After this time, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese generously over the top and bake for an additional 10 minutes until the cheese has melted and bubbled. Once out of the oven, let your bake rest for 10 to 15 minutes before serving. Don’t forget to garnish with chopped parsley for an added touch.
How to Serve Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Bake
When it comes to serving your Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Bake, you’ll find it’s quite versatile. This dish serves well on its own as a hearty meal, but there are ways to elevate your dining experience. Consider pairing it with a fresh green salad. A simple side salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a vinaigrette dressing would contrast nicely with the warmth of the bake.
If you want to add some crunch, consider serving with a side of whole-grain bread or crackers, which can be excellent for dipping into the cheesy goodness of the bake. For those who enjoy some heat, a dash of hot sauce or a sprinkling of crushed red pepper flakes can add a delightful kick. This dish is best enjoyed warm, so serve it immediately after the resting time for the best flavors!
Expert Tips: Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Bake
To achieve the best results with your Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Bake, there are several expert tips you might want to consider. First, ensure that the sweet potatoes are cut into even-sized cubes to promote uniform cooking. By using a sharp knife, you can peel and chop them more efficiently.
Choosing lean ground turkey ensures that you get a lower fat content, which makes this dish healthier. If you want a richer flavor, feel free to opt for ground turkey with a slightly higher fat content. Additionally, freshly shredded cheddar cheese will melt more beautifully than pre-shredded options, so it’s worth the little extra effort to shred it yourself.
For added depth of flavor, consider including some additional vegetables, like bell peppers or spinach, into the turkey mixture. They can contribute to both taste and nutritional value. Finally, don’t skip the resting time after baking – allowing the casserole to rest helps it to set, making it easier to serve.
How to Store Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Bake
Storing any leftovers from your Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Bake is quite simple. Once the bake has cooled to room temperature, transfer it into an airtight container. You can keep it in the refrigerator, where it will stay fresh for about 3 to 4 days. To reheat, simply place it in the oven at a low temperature until warmed through or microwave individual servings.
If you want to store your ground turkey sweet potato bake for a longer period, consider freezing it. You can either freeze individual portions or store the whole bake in a freezer-safe container. In the freezer, it can last for about 2–3 months. To reheat from frozen, it’s best to thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. Enjoy this delightful dish anytime you crave comforting home-cooked goodness.
Variation of Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Bake
There are many ways to customize your Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Bake based on your taste preferences. For instance, if you’re looking to make it a bit spicier, consider adding diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the turkey mixture while browning. This will enhance the flavor profile and satisfy those who enjoy a bit of heat.
You can also experiment with different herbs and spices. Instead of dried rosemary, consider trying thyme, oregano, or even Italian seasoning. Each herb will provide a unique flair to the dish. If you’re vegetarian or want to reduce meat consumption, substitute ground turkey with plant-based protein alternatives like lentils or chickpeas.
Another variation can include using different types of cheese. Instead of cheddar, you might prefer a blend of mozzarella and parmesan for a change. Additionally, if you enjoy more vegetables, feel free to mix in broccoli or zucchini when you add the onion to the turkey. This not only increases the nutritional value but adds further texture and taste to the bake.
FAQ
What is Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Bake?
Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Bake combines sweet potatoes and lean ground turkey baked together with creamy cheese and spices for a hearty meal.
How long does it take to prepare Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Bake?
Preparation takes about 20 minutes, and then you bake the dish for a total of 55 minutes, making it a convenient option for dinner.
Can I make this bake ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare it ahead and store it in the fridge before baking. Just add an extra few minutes to the baking time if it’s chilled.
What variations can I try with Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Bake?
You can swap in different vegetables, use other cheeses, or opt for plant-based proteins instead of turkey for a vegetarian version.
How do I store leftovers?
Allow the bake to cool, then store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for about 3–4 days or freeze for 2–3 months.
Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Bake
Ingredients
For the Bake
- 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 flakes
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Peel and cube the sweet potatoes into 1-inch chunks.
- Place the sweet potato cubes into a 9x13-inch casserole dish.
- Drizzle the sweet potatoes with olive oil and sprinkle with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and crushed rosemary. Toss until well-coated.
Baking the Sweet Potatoes
- Bake the sweet potatoes uncovered for 30 minutes.
Cooking the Turkey
- While the potatoes are baking, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and brown the ground turkey until cooked through.
- Add the diced onion to the skillet and sauté for an additional 3-5 minutes until the onions are softened and translucent.
Combining Ingredients
- After 30 minutes, remove the casserole dish from the oven.
- Add the cooked turkey and onion mixture to the dish, followed by the vegetable broth, milk, and uncooked rice. Stir until well-combined.
Final Baking
- Return the casserole to the oven and bake uncovered for another 15 minutes.
- Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top and bake for an additional 10 minutes until the cheese melts and bubbles.
Serving
- Let the bake rest for 10 to 15 minutes before serving, garnishing with chopped parsley.
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