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Effortless Turkey Sweet Potato Bake

Featured in: Hearty Meals and Dinner Favorites

You get comfort and healthy vibes with this one-pan ground turkey sweet potato bake. Sweet potatoes add just enough sweetness to balance the savory turkey and tender zucchini, while onion, garlic, and spices bring out big flavor. Let everything bake together so the cheese gets nice and bubbly. Great for meal prep or busy evenings. You’ll feel good knowing dinner’s both easy and satisfying.
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By Chloe Chloe
Updated on Sat, 17 May 2025 21:55:31 GMT
A tasty, colorful dish filled with cheesy veggies and turkey. Pin it
A tasty, colorful dish filled with cheesy veggies and turkey. | cookitdelish.com

This meal is cozy, filling, and totally packed with flavor—awesome for prepping lunches or gathering the family around the table. You’ll toss together lean turkey, sweet potatoes, zucchini, and gooey cheese in just one pan. It’s so easy, you’ll find yourself making this again all the time.

Savory Ingredients

  • Fresh parsley: Toss on some at the end to brighten things up.
  • Salt & black pepper: Sprinkle in as you go, just how you like it.
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning: Brings a mix of earthy, herby notes.
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika: Gives a rich, smoky vibe.
  • 1 tbsp olive oil: Keeps everything from sticking and adds flavor.
  • 1 cup shredded cheese: Cheddar, mozzarella, or your favorite blend.
  • 2 cloves garlic: Minced up for big taste.
  • 1 medium onion: Chop it up for some extra flavor depth.
  • 2 medium zucchinis: Brings crunch and extra nutrients.
  • 2 medium sweet potatoes: Peeled and cubed for subtle sweetness.
  • 1 lb ground turkey: Lean and full of protein.

Simple How-To Guide

Serve It Up:
Spoon out servings after it cools a little. Toss on fresh parsley if you’re feeling fancy.
Bake It:
Smooth the turkey-veggie mix into your pan, scatter the cheese over the top, and let it bake for about 25-30 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the cheese bubbles and the sweet potatoes are fork-tender.
Mix in Veggies & Spices:
Stir sweet potatoes, zucchini, seasonings, salt, and pepper into the cooked turkey. Let it all cook together until the veggies start to soften—usually 5-7 minutes or so.
Brown the Turkey:
Add turkey to the hot skillet. Break it up as it cooks for 5-7 minutes until browned. If there’s extra grease, just drain it off.
Sauté Aromatics:
Start by warming olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Toss in onion and garlic and cook for a few minutes until they smell awesome and look soft.
Get Set:
Heat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and oil up a big baking dish.
A square plate of food with a slice of meat and vegetables. Pin it
A square plate of food with a slice of meat and vegetables. | cookitdelish.com

Save & Serve Advice

Leftovers? No problem. Stick them in a sealed container in your fridge for up to four days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) or zap in the microwave in small bursts until hot.

Fun Twists to Try

Want a little heat? Toss in some chili flakes or a splash of hot sauce. No meat? Go with black beans and quinoa instead. Try feta, goat cheese, or a dairy-free choice. Or load it up with extra veggies—think mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers.

Parting Thoughts

This vibrant ground turkey bake has lots of flavor and goodness. It comes together fast and fills you up—comfort food you don’t have to feel bad about eating!

A delicious meal of meat and vegetables on a plate. Pin it
A delicious meal of meat and vegetables on a plate. | cookitdelish.com

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I prep this before and bake later?
Totally! Build the dish, stash it in the fridge for a day max, then add five or ten extra minutes in the oven since it’ll be cold.
→ What if I don’t have zucchini?
Try bell peppers, chopped spinach, kale, or even broccoli. Just keep an eye on veggies since some might need a bit more or less cooking.
→ Can I freeze it?
Yep, this one freezes great! Bake it, let it cool, wrap it up tight, and freeze for about three months. Thaw in the fridge before heating it again.
→ Is ground chicken OK instead of turkey?
Absolutely! Swap in ground chicken with no worries. No other changes needed.
→ How do I make this without dairy?
Just skip the cheese or use a dairy-free sub. If you want that cheesy taste, sprinkle nutritional yeast over the top.

Effortless Turkey Sweet Potato Bake

Lean ground turkey, sweet potatoes, fresh squash, and cheesy goodness all come together for a filling, tasty meal.

Prep Time
15 Minutes
Cook Time
40 Minutes
Total Time
55 Minutes
By Chloe: Chloe

Category: Main Dishes

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: American

Yield: 4 Servings (4 large servings)

Dietary: Gluten-Free

Ingredients

01 1 medium onion, diced
02 1 pound ground turkey
03 Salt and pepper, adjust to your liking
04 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
05 2 zucchinis, diced into small pieces
06 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella)
07 1 tablespoon olive oil
08 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
09 Fresh parsley for sprinkling (optional)
10 2 sweet potatoes, peeled and chopped
11 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped

Instructions

Step 01

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Coat a large baking dish with a thin layer of olive oil, so nothing sticks when it's baking. This dish will hold all the magic.

Step 02

On medium heat, warm up some olive oil in a big pan. Toss in the diced onion and finely minced garlic. Stir them around until the onion looks clearer and smells fragrant—shouldn't take more than 3-4 minutes.

Step 03

Mix the turkey into the pan with the onions and garlic. Break it up into smaller pieces with a wooden spoon as it cooks. Cook it thoroughly for about 5-7 minutes. If oil starts collecting in the skillet, gently pour it out so the dish stays light.

Step 04

Stir in those sweet potatoes and zucchini. You'll love how colorful this looks! Add in the smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, and some salt and pepper. Let it cook for 5-7 minutes more, just until the veggies are softened a bit but keep a little firmness. Remember, they'll continue cooking in the oven.

Step 05

Scoop the turkey-veggie mix into your greased baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Now for the topping—scatter a good amount of shredded cheese over it. Bake it in your preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, until the cheese is golden and the potatoes are easy to pierce with a fork.

Step 06

Take the baking dish out of the oven and let it sit for a few minutes. This stops anyone from burning their mouth! Sprinkle some chopped parsley on top for an extra fresh touch before digging in. Dish out generous portions and enjoy!

Notes

  1. Loaded with veggies and protein, this hearty meal is perfect for satisfying family dinners.
  2. Pop leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days. It might even taste better after the flavors settle in overnight.
  3. Packed with nutrition, thanks to the zucchini and sweet potatoes, it's also naturally gluten-free.

Tools You'll Need

  • Wide skillet
  • Dish for baking
  • Cutting board
  • Knife for chopping
  • Wooden spoon or similar utensil

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Includes dairy (cheese)

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 385
  • Total Fat: 18 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 28 g
  • Protein: 29 g