Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Bake Recipe

Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Bake Recipe: A Healthy One-Pan Wonder

I discovered this Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Bake recipe when I was craving something hearty yet healthy for a busy weeknight. After making it countless times, I can confidently say it’s become one of my go-to comfort meals that actually makes me feel good after eating.

The combination of tender sweet potatoes, seasoned ground turkey, and fresh zucchini creates the perfect balance of flavors and textures.

What I love most is how this simple recipe transforms basic ingredients into something that tastes like it took hours to prepare. Every time I serve this dish, my family asks for seconds, and I’m happy to oblige knowing they’re getting a nutritious, satisfying meal.

Ingredients for Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Bake

This recipe calls for simple, wholesome ingredients that pack incredible flavor when combined. Each component plays a crucial role in creating the perfect balance of protein, vegetables, and satisfying textures.

1 pound ground turkey – Choose 93/7 lean ground turkey for the best balance of flavor and health benefits. Avoid extra-lean varieties as they can become dry during baking.
2 medium sweet potatoes – Look for firm sweet potatoes with smooth skin. Orange-fleshed varieties work best for their natural sweetness and creamy texture when roasted.
2 small zucchini – Select zucchini that are firm and free from soft spots. Smaller zucchini have fewer seeds and a more tender texture than larger ones.
2/3 cup shredded Parmesan cheese – Freshly grated Parmesan cheese melts better and has superior flavor compared to pre-shredded varieties from a container.
1 1/2 teaspoons garlic powder – Garlic powder distributes more evenly than fresh garlic and won’t burn during the extended baking time.
1 teaspoon dried rosemary – Crush the rosemary between your fingers before adding to release more aromatic oils and prevent large pieces in the final dish.
5 tablespoons olive oil – Use extra virgin olive oil for the best flavor. The oil helps vegetables caramelize and keeps the dish from drying out.
Salt and black pepper to taste – Season generously, as the vegetables need adequate seasoning to bring out their natural flavors.

Note: This recipe serves approximately 4-6 people as a main dish or 6-8 people as a side dish.

Variations for Every Dietary Need

This versatile recipe adapts beautifully to different dietary preferences and ingredient availability.

Dairy-Free Options: Replace Parmesan cheese with nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor, or use dairy-free cheese alternatives. Coconut aminos can add umami depth if you skip the cheese entirely.
Protein Swaps: Ground chicken, lean ground beef, or Italian turkey sausage work excellently in place of ground turkey. For a vegetarian version, try crumbled extra-firm tofu or cooked lentils.
Vegetable Additions: Bell peppers, mushrooms, broccoli florets, or Brussels sprouts make fantastic additions. Add heartier vegetables with the sweet potatoes for proper cooking time.
Flavor Enhancements: Try different herb combinations like thyme and oregano, or add a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat. A splash of balsamic vinegar before the final baking adds depth.
Lower-Carb Version: Replace half the sweet potatoes with cauliflower florets or additional zucchini to reduce the carbohydrate content while maintaining volume.

Cooking Time Breakdown

Prep Time:

15 minutes

Cooking Time:

50 minutes total (30 minutes for sweet potatoes + 10 minutes first bake + 10 minutes final bake)

Total Time:

1 hour 5 minutes

Equipment You Need

Large rimmed baking sheet or 9×13 inch baking dish – Provides adequate space for vegetables to roast properly without overcrowding
Large skillet or frying pan – Essential for browning the ground turkey and developing flavor through the Maillard reaction
Sharp chef’s knife – Makes quick work of chopping sweet potatoes and zucchini into uniform pieces
Large mixing spoon or spatula – Needed for combining ingredients and ensuring even distribution of seasonings
Measuring cups and spoons – Ensures accurate seasoning ratios for consistent results every time

How to Make Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Bake

Prepare the Sweet Potatoes

Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and peel the sweet potatoes before cutting them into 1-inch cubes. Place the cubed sweet potatoes in your baking dish and toss with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon crushed rosemary, salt, and pepper. Roast for 30 minutes until they’re tender and beginning to caramelize around the edges.

Brown the Ground Turkey

While the sweet potatoes bake, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground turkey and season with the remaining 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon rosemary, salt, and pepper. Cook for 6-8 minutes, breaking up the meat with a spoon, until it’s fully browned and no pink remains.

Prepare the Zucchini

Cut the zucchini into rounds about 1/4-inch thick, then quarter each round to create bite-sized pieces. This size ensures the zucchini cooks through without becoming mushy during the baking process. Keep the zucchini pieces uniform for even cooking throughout the dish.

First Assembly and Bake

Remove the sweet potatoes from the oven and add the cooked ground turkey and raw zucchini pieces to the baking dish. Gently combine all ingredients, ensuring even distribution throughout the pan. Return to the oven for 10 minutes to allow the zucchini to start cooking and the flavors to meld.

Final Assembly and Bake

Remove the dish from the oven and drizzle the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil over everything, tossing to coat evenly. Sprinkle the Parmesan cheese across the top of the entire dish. Bake for a final 10 minutes until the cheese melts and turns golden brown, and all vegetables are tender.

Additional Tips for Making This Recipe Better

From my experience making this dish dozens of times, these tips will elevate your results significantly:

I always let the sweet potatoes get slightly caramelized – Don’t pull them out too early from their initial 30-minute bake. The golden edges add incredible depth of flavor to the entire dish.
I drain any excess liquid from the ground turkey – Sometimes turkey releases more moisture than expected. A quick drain prevents the final dish from becoming watery.
I add the final olive oil in two stages – The first drizzle helps everything cook evenly, while the second addition before cheese prevents sticking and adds richness.
I tent with foil if browning too quickly – If the cheese starts browning too fast, I cover loosely with foil to prevent burning while ensuring everything cooks through.
I let it rest for 5 minutes before serving – This allows the flavors to settle and makes serving much easier, preventing the dish from falling apart.

How to Serve Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Bake

This versatile dish shines as both a standalone meal and a complementary side dish. Serve it directly from the baking dish for a rustic, family-style presentation that encourages sharing. The golden melted cheese and colorful vegetables create an naturally appetizing appearance.

For elevated presentation, portion individual servings onto plates and garnish with fresh rosemary sprigs or chopped fresh parsley. A light drizzle of good olive oil just before serving adds a professional finishing touch.

This bake pairs beautifully with a simple green salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette to cut through the richness. For heartier appetites, serve alongside crusty bread or over a bed of quinoa or brown rice. The leftovers make an excellent base for breakfast hash – simply reheat and top with a fried egg.

Nutritional Information

This Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Bake provides excellent nutritional value while satisfying comfort food cravings.

Calories: Approximately 320 per serving (based on 6 servings)
Protein: 28 grams per serving, supporting muscle maintenance and satiety
Carbohydrates: 18 grams per serving, primarily from nutrient-dense sweet potatoes
Fat: 16 grams per serving, including healthy fats from olive oil and some saturated fat from cheese

Make Ahead and Storage

Refrigerator Storage: Store leftover Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Bake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. The flavors actually improve after a day as the seasonings have time to meld together.

Freezing Instructions: This dish freezes well for up to 3 months when stored in a freezer-safe container. Allow it to cool completely before freezing, and consider portioning into individual servings for easier reheating.

Reheating Guidelines: Reheat refrigerated portions in a 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes until heated through, or microwave individual portions for 2-3 minutes. For frozen portions, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating using the same oven method.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Bake delivers on multiple fronts, making it a recipe you’ll return to again and again.

Simple Preparation with Minimal Cleanup: The entire dish comes together in one pan with basic chopping and browning techniques. You’ll spend more time enjoying the meal than preparing it, and cleanup is refreshingly simple.
Nutritional Powerhouse: This recipe provides lean protein, complex carbohydrates, and plenty of vegetables in every serving. The sweet potatoes offer beta-carotene and fiber, while zucchini adds vitamins and minerals without excess calories.
Budget-Friendly Ingredients: Ground turkey costs less than many cuts of meat while providing excellent protein. Sweet potatoes and zucchini are affordable year-round vegetables that deliver maximum nutritional bang for your buck.
Meal Prep Champion: This recipe doubles easily and stores beautifully, making it perfect for weekly meal preparation. Having portions ready in the refrigerator or freezer eliminates the “what’s for dinner” dilemma on busy nights.
Crowd-Pleasing Flavors: The combination of savory turkey, sweet roasted potatoes, and melted cheese appeals to both adults and children. Even picky eaters tend to enjoy this balanced, comforting dish.

Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Bake Recipe