The Healthy Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Bake is a total weeknight winner, loaded with lean protein, vibrant veggies, and enough heartiness to keep everyone at the table happy. It’s the kind of meal that feels cozy and comforting without ever weighing you down, bringing together sweet potatoes, savory turkey, and fragrant spices for a flavor-packed dish that’s both nourishing and downright delicious. Whether you’re prepping for busy weekdays or want something warm and crowd-pleasing, this bake shines as a go-to for any occasion.

Ingredients You’ll Need
Simplicity is what makes this recipe shine! Each ingredient is thoughtfully chosen to add layer after layer of flavor, color, and texture—coming together in that irresistible Healthy Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Bake you’ll be craving on repeat.
- Ground Turkey: Lean, protein-rich, and stays juicy when baked—making it the perfect base for our bake.
- Sweet Potatoes: Their natural sweetness and creamy texture balance the savory spices and turkey beautifully.
- Onion: Brings subtle sweetness and depth—always sauté for best flavor.
- Red Bell Pepper: Adds vibrant color and a gentle crunch that lifts the dish.
- Garlic: Essential for a savory, mouthwatering aroma—don’t skip it!
- Olive Oil: Helps all the flavors meld together and prevents sticking.
- Paprika: Offers gentle warmth, a hint of smokiness, and a pop of color.
- Dried Oregano: Adds herby, Mediterranean notes that make the dish shine.
- Cumin: Provides earthy depth and a subtle, nutty undertone.
- Salt and Pepper: Simple seasonings that tie all those wonderful flavors together.
- Shredded Mozzarella or Cheddar (optional): For a melty, golden finish—choose your favorite or go dairy-free!
- Fresh Parsley: Chopped and sprinkled over the top for a burst of freshness and color.
How to Make Healthy Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Bake
Step 1: Sauté the Veggies
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F so it’s all set for baking. In a large skillet, heat up the olive oil over medium. Toss in the onion and bell pepper, letting them sizzle together for about 3 to 4 minutes, until they’re nice and softened but not browned. This is where the base of your Healthy Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Bake gets its sweet, fragrant flavor foundation!
Step 2: Add Turkey and Garlic
Next, in goes the minced garlic—sizzle it for just a minute for that glorious aroma. Add your ground turkey right on top, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. Cook until it’s no longer pink and completely cooked through. This step brings a savory depth and hearty bite to the dish.
Step 3: Season and Combine
Sprinkle in the paprika, oregano, cumin, and your desired pinch of salt and pepper. Give everything a good mix, coating each bite with those earthy, warming spices. Stir in your peeled and diced sweet potatoes, making sure they’re evenly distributed in the skillet and well mingled with the turkey mixture.
Step 4: Assemble and Bake
Transfer the colorful mixture to a lightly greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it into an even layer. Cover the dish with foil to lock in moisture, then bake for 25 to 30 minutes. You want those sweet potatoes fork-tender and infused with the savory, spiced turkey flavor.
Step 5: Cheesy Finish and Garnish
If you like a little ooey-gooey moment, uncover the dish, sprinkle with shredded cheese, and let it bake uncovered for another 5 minutes. The cheese turns melty and bubbling, adding to the comfort factor. Before serving, scatter with fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness that brings the whole Healthy Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Bake together.
How to Serve Healthy Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Bake

Garnishes
Fresh parsley is my favorite finishing touch: it adds a bright herby flavor and makes the whole casserole look inviting. For extra flair, try a sprinkle of chopped scallions or a dusting of smoked paprika across the top.
Side Dishes
This bake is hearty enough to anchor any meal, but it’s even better served with a crisp green salad or steamed green beans on the side. A dollop of Greek yogurt or a spoonful of salsa can add cool, creamy or tangy notes that complement the warm spices.
Creative Ways to Present
For casual get-togethers, scoop portions into individual bowls for easy, cozy serving. Or try using colorful ramekins for each guest—personal casserole cups always get rave reviews. If you’re packing lunch, tuck a square of Healthy Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Bake into a container with a side of leafy greens or brown rice.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Tuck any leftovers into an airtight container (let the bake cool first!) and store in the fridge for up to four days. The flavors get even better overnight, making lunches and quick dinners a breeze.
Freezing
You can absolutely freeze Healthy Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Bake for later—just cool completely, portion into freezer-safe containers, and freeze for up to three months. Write the date on the container so you remember when you stashed it away.
Reheating
To reheat, warm individual portions in the microwave until piping hot, or pop the whole casserole (covered with foil) back in the oven at 350°F until heated through. If it looks a bit dry, add a splash of chicken broth before reheating to keep everything luscious.
FAQs
Can I make Healthy Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Bake dairy-free?
Absolutely! Simply leave out the cheese topping or use your favorite plant-based cheese alternative. The bake is still absolutely delicious and packed with flavor even without the dairy.
What other veggies can I add?
This bake is super flexible—try tossing in baby spinach, kale, or even chopped zucchini before baking. They’ll wilt down beautifully and add extra color and nutrition to your meal.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, Healthy Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Bake is naturally gluten-free as written. Just double-check any seasonings or cheese you use to make sure they don’t contain hidden gluten.
Can I use ground chicken or beef instead of turkey?
Definitely! While turkey is especially lean and mild, ground chicken or even lean ground beef work well—just be sure to cook and drain any excess fat before assembling the bake.
How can I meal prep this dish?
Prepare the bake completely and divide into airtight containers for easy grab-and-go lunches throughout the week. It reheats well and the flavors deepen after a day or two in the fridge, making it perfect for meal prep fans.
Final Thoughts
Give the Healthy Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Bake a try—you’ll love how flavorful, flexible, and satisfying it is. It’s a perfect all-in-one meal whether you’re cooking for family or prepping ahead for a busy week. One bite, and it’s sure to become a regular on your dinner table!
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Healthy Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Bake Recipe
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Healthy Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Bake is a delicious and nutritious one-dish meal that is perfect for a cozy family dinner or meal prep. With a flavorful blend of ground turkey, sweet potatoes, and aromatic spices, this gluten-free dish is easy to make and satisfies the whole family.
Ingredients
Ground Turkey Mixture:
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
Additional Ingredients:
- 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1/4 cup shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese (optional)
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F.
- Sauté vegetables and turkey: In a skillet, sauté onion and bell pepper, then add garlic and ground turkey. Cook until turkey is browned. Season with paprika, oregano, cumin, salt, and pepper.
- Add sweet potatoes: Stir in diced sweet potatoes and combine well.
- Bake: Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish, cover with foil, and bake for 25–30 minutes until sweet potatoes are tender.
- Final touches: Remove foil, sprinkle with cheese if desired, and bake uncovered for another 5 minutes. Garnish with parsley before serving.
Notes
- For a dairy-free version, omit the cheese or use a plant-based alternative.
- This dish can be prepped ahead and reheated for quick lunches.
- Add spinach or kale for extra greens.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of dish
- Calories: 340
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 27g
- Cholesterol: 75mg