This Easy Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Bake is my weeknight wonder: hearty, colorful, and layered with cozy flavor. It comes together in one pan, slides into the oven, and smells like a hug by the time dinner hits the table.
Easy Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Bake
Equipment
- 1 12-inch oven-safe skillet or large skillet oven-safe if possible
- 1 9×13 inch baking dish if not using oven-safe skillet
- 1 Lid to cover skillet for steaming
- 1 Chef’s knife
- 1 Cutting Board
- 1 Measuring spoons
- 1 Measuring cup
Ingredients
For the Bake
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1.5 lb ground turkey 93% lean
- 1 medium yellow onion diced
- 1 red bell pepper diced
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1.5 lb sweet potatoes peeled and cut into 1/2-inch cubes
- 1 tsp kosher salt plus more to taste
- 0.5 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp chili powder optional for gentle heat
- 0.5 tsp ground cumin
- 0.5 tsp dried oregano
- 0.25 tsp ground cinnamon optional
- 0.5 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 2 cups baby spinach roughly chopped
- 1 cup shredded cheese cheddar or pepper jack; optional
For Garnish/Serving
- 2 green onions thinly sliced
- Fresh cilantro or parsley chopped, for garnish
- Lime wedges for serving (optional)
Instructions
Preheat and Prep the Pan
- Heat the oven to 400°F. Use a 12-inch oven-safe skillet or cast iron if you have one; otherwise, use a large skillet for the stovetop and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish for baking.
Brown the Turkey
- Heat the oil in the skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground turkey, break it up, and cook until no longer pink and lightly browned, 5 to 7 minutes. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper. Transfer to a plate, leaving any juices in the pan.
Soften the Veggies
- Add the onion and bell pepper to the skillet. Cook, stirring, until softened, 3 to 4 minutes. Add the garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant.
Season and Steam the Sweet Potatoes
- Add the sweet potatoes, salt, pepper, smoked paprika, chili powder, cumin, oregano, and cinnamon. Stir to coat. Pour in the broth and bring to a simmer. Cover and cook 6 to 8 minutes, stirring once, until the sweet potatoes are just starting to turn tender on the edges.
Combine and Wilt the Greens
- Return the turkey and any juices to the pan. Fold in the spinach and cook 1 to 2 minutes until wilted. Taste and adjust salt and pepper now, since the flavors concentrate a bit in the oven.
Top and Bake
- If using an oven-safe skillet, spread the mixture into an even layer. Otherwise transfer to the prepared 9×13-inch dish. Sprinkle cheese over the top if using. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes, until the sweet potatoes are tender and the top is melty and lightly golden. For extra color, broil 1 to 2 minutes, watching closely.
Rest, Garnish, and Serve
- Let the bake rest for 5 minutes to settle. Garnish with green onions and herbs. Serve with lime wedges for brightness.
Notes
Why You’ll Love This Easy Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Bake
- One-pan simplicity with a golden, bubbly finish
- Naturally gluten-free and easy to make dairy-free
- Balanced protein, complex carbs, and veggies for a satisfying meal
- Meal-prep friendly and freezer friendly
- Big flavor from everyday pantry spices
Easy Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Bake Ingredients & Substitutions
- 1.5 lb ground turkey (93 percent lean). Substitute: ground chicken or lean beef.
- 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1/2 inch cubes (about 1.5 lb). Substitute: Yukon gold potatoes.
- 1 tbsp olive oil. Substitute: avocado oil.
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced. Substitute: red onion or shallots.
- 1 red bell pepper, diced. Substitute: any bell pepper or poblano for mild heat.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced. Substitute: 1 tsp garlic powder added with spices.
- 1 tsp kosher salt, plus more to taste
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp chili powder (optional for gentle heat)
- 1/2 tsp ground cumin
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon (optional but lovely with sweet potatoes)
- 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth. Substitute: vegetable broth or water.
- 2 cups baby spinach, roughly chopped. Substitute: kale, chopped small.
- 1 cup shredded cheese, such as sharp cheddar or pepper jack (optional). For dairy-free, omit or use plant-based shreds.
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced, for garnish
- Fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped, for garnish
- Lime wedges, for serving (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Easy Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Bake
Preheat and Prep the Pan
Heat the oven to 400°F. If you have a 12 inch oven-safe skillet or cast iron, use it. Otherwise, use a large skillet for the stovetop steps and a lightly greased 9×13 inch baking dish for the bake.
Brown the Turkey
Heat the oil in the skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground turkey, break it up, and cook until no longer pink and lightly browned, 5 to 7 minutes. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper. Transfer to a plate, leaving any juices in the pan.
Soften the Veggies
Add onion and bell pepper to the skillet. Cook, stirring, until softened, 3 to 4 minutes. Add garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant.
Season and Steam the Sweet Potatoes
Add the sweet potatoes, salt, pepper, smoked paprika, chili powder, cumin, oregano, and cinnamon. Stir to coat. Pour in the broth and bring to a simmer. Cover and cook 6 to 8 minutes, stirring once, until the sweet potatoes are just starting to turn tender on the edges.
Combine and Wilt the Greens
Return the turkey and any juices to the pan. Fold in the spinach and cook 1 to 2 minutes until wilted. Taste and adjust salt and pepper now, since the flavors concentrate a bit in the oven.
Top and Bake
If you started in a skillet that is oven-safe, spread everything into an even layer. If not, transfer the mixture to the prepared 9×13 inch dish. Sprinkle cheese evenly over the top if using. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes, until the sweet potatoes are tender and the top is melty and lightly golden. For extra color, broil 1 to 2 minutes, watching closely.
Rest, Garnish, and Serve
Let the bake rest for 5 minutes to settle. Garnish with green onions and herbs. Serve with lime wedges for brightness.
Tips for Success
- Dice evenly: 1/2 inch sweet potato cubes cook through without getting mushy.
- Do not overcook turkey on the stovetop. A light brown is perfect so it stays juicy after baking.
- Cover to steam: A quick covered simmer with broth speeds up sweet potato cooking.
- Season in layers: Taste after wilting the greens and adjust salt before baking.
- Cheese control: Add only at the end so it melts without greasiness. Skip for dairy-free.
Variations of Easy Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Bake
- Tex-Mex: Add 1 cup black beans and 1/2 cup corn; finish with cilantro, jalapeño, and a squeeze of lime.
- Italian: Use Italian seasoning, add 1/2 cup marinara instead of broth, and top with mozzarella and parmesan.
- BBQ: Stir in 1/4 cup BBQ sauce with the broth and top with cheddar and sliced scallions.
- Curry-Spiced: Replace chili powder and oregano with 1 tbsp curry powder; add peas and finish with yogurt or coconut yogurt.
- Paleo/Whole30: Omit cheese, use compliant broth, and finish with avocado and herbs.
Serving Suggestions: What to Pair with Easy Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Bake
- Crunchy side salad with a bright lemon vinaigrette
- Warm tortillas or crusty sourdough to scoop
- Steamed rice or quinoa for extra heft
- Avocado slices, Greek yogurt or sour cream, and quick pickled onions
- Fried or jammy egg on top for brunch vibes
Storage & Reheating Instructions
- Fridge: Cool completely, then store in an airtight container up to 4 days.
- Freeze: Portion into freezer-safe containers and freeze up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge.
- Reheat: Cover and warm at 350°F for 15 to 20 minutes, or microwave 2 to 3 minutes, stirring halfway. Broil briefly to re-crisp the top.
Memories Made Around the Table
This is the dinner I lean on after soccer practice nights. I slide it into the oven, set the table, and by the time backpacks are unpacked, the kitchen smells like paprika and roasted sweet potatoes. It is simple food that makes everyone linger for a minute longer.
FAQs
Do I have to pre-cook the sweet potatoes? No. A quick simmer with broth in the skillet softens them so they finish perfectly in the oven.
Can I use ground chicken or beef? Yes. Ground chicken works 1:1. For beef, use 90 to 93 percent lean and drain excess fat before adding the spices.
How can I make this dairy-free? Simply omit the cheese or use your favorite dairy-free shreds. The bake is still delicious without it.
Is this gluten-free? Yes, as written. Just confirm your broth and spices are certified gluten-free.
Can I make it ahead? Assemble up to the bake step, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Add 5 minutes to the bake time if starting cold.
Final Thoughts
If you are craving a cozy, nutrient-packed dinner with minimal fuss, this Easy Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Bake is the kind of recipe that moves into your weekly rotation. It is flexible, flavorful, and endlessly helpful on busy nights. Enjoy every warm, savory bite.