Enjoy a Hearty Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Bake Tonight!

Get ready for a comforting and flavor-packed dish with this Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Bake. This one-pan wonder combines lean ground turkey, sweet potatoes, and a creamy, cheesy sauce for a satisfying meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep. With its blend of savory and slightly sweet flavors, this casserole is sure to become a new family favorite.

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Ingredients for Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Bake

The key ingredients in this Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Bake are, unsurprisingly, ground turkey and sweet potatoes. The sweet potatoes provide a delicious natural sweetness, while the ground turkey adds a lean source of protein to keep you feeling full and satisfied. Let’s take a closer look at the full ingredient list:

• 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
• 1/4 tsp garlic powder
• 2 tsp dried rosemary, crushed
• 1 lb lean ground turkey
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced
• 1 (14.5 oz) can vegetable broth (about 2 cups)
• 1 3/4 cups whole milk (or half & half)
• 1 cup basmati rice (or long grain white rice)
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 2 tsp chopped parsley (or dried flakes)

If you don’t have basmati or white rice on hand, feel free to substitute with brown rice or quinoa. And for the cheese, you can use a blend of cheddar and Monterey Jack or even spice things up with pepper jack.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Bake

Now, let’s dive into the easy-to-follow instructions for preparing this delicious Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Bake:

1. Preheat Oven: To 400°F (200°C).
2. Prep Sweet Potatoes: Peel and cube sweet potatoes into 1-inch chunks. Place in a 9×13 inch casserole dish. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and rosemary. Toss to coat evenly.
3. Roast Sweet Potatoes: Bake uncovered for 30 minutes.
4. Brown the Turkey: While potatoes bake, brown ground turkey in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once browned, add diced onion. Sauté for 3 to 5 minutes until softened.
5. Combine Ingredients: Remove casserole from oven after 30 minutes. Add the cooked turkey and onion mixture, broth, milk, and uncooked rice to the dish. Stir to combine.
6. Continue Baking: Return casserole to the oven and bake uncovered for 15 minutes.
7. Add Cheese: Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top. Bake an additional 10 minutes until cheese is melted.
8. Rest and Serve: Let rest for 10 to 15 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley and enjoy!

Tips for Perfecting Your Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Bake

To ensure your Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Bake turns out perfectly, here are a few tips and tricks:

• Achieve the Best Texture: Cutting the sweet potatoes into 1-inch cubes helps them cook evenly and prevents them from becoming mushy. Browning the ground turkey first also adds great flavor and texture to the dish.
• Customize the Flavors: Feel free to experiment with different herbs and spices, such as thyme, oregano, or chili powder, to put your own spin on the recipe. You can also add diced bell peppers, spinach, or other veggies to boost the nutrition.
• Storing Leftovers: Store any leftover Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Bake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply place the casserole in a 350°F (175°C) oven, covered with foil, for 20-25 minutes until heated through.

Nutritional Information for Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Bake

This Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Bake is not only delicious but also packed with nutritional benefits. Sweet potatoes are an excellent source of vitamins A and C, as well as fiber, while ground turkey provides lean protein to keep you feeling full and satisfied. One serving of this casserole contains approximately:

• Calories: 440
• Total Fat: 16g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Cholesterol: 90mg
• Sodium: 820mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 42g
• Dietary Fiber: 4g
• Protein: 30g

For those following a gluten-free diet, this Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Bake can be easily adapted by using a gluten-free rice or grain. And if you’re looking to reduce the dairy, you can substitute the milk with a non-dairy alternative, such as almond or oat milk.

More Related Recipes You Might Enjoy

• Ground Turkey Zucchini Chickpea Skillet
• Creamy Mushroom and Spinach Stuffed Sweet Potatoes
• Cheesy Tex-Mex Ground Beef Sweet Potato Skillet
• Healthy Chicken and Sweet Potato Rice Bowl

FAQs About Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Bake

Can I add other vegetables to the Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Bake?

Absolutely! The Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Bake is quite versatile, and adding other vegetables can enhance both the flavor and nutrition of the dish. You could incorporate bell peppers, spinach, zucchini, or broccoli, for example. Just ensure that any vegetables you add are chopped into similar-sized pieces as the sweet potatoes to ensure even cooking. If using more watery vegetables like zucchini, you may want to reduce the amount of broth slightly to prevent the dish from becoming too soupy.

How can I make the Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Bake spicier?

If you want to add some heat to your Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Bake, consider incorporating spices like cayenne pepper, red pepper flakes, or even a dash of hot sauce into the turkey mixture while it’s cooking. You can also use spicy cheese varieties, like pepper jack, to add an extra kick. For a more complex flavor, you might also try adding diced jalapeños or a spoonful of chipotle in adobo sauce.

What is the best way to reheat Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Bake?

The best way to reheat your Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Bake is in the oven. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), cover the dish with aluminum foil to keep it moist, and bake for about 20-25 minutes or until heated through. If you’re in a hurry, you can also reheat individual portions in the microwave, but be sure to cover the dish to prevent it from drying out.

Can I use a different protein instead of ground turkey?

Yes, you can easily substitute ground turkey with other proteins. Ground chicken, lean ground beef, or even plant-based alternatives like lentils or crumbled tofu work well in this recipe. Just be aware that cooking times may vary slightly depending on the protein you choose, so make sure to adjust accordingly to ensure everything is cooked thoroughly.

Indulge in the Savory Goodness of Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Bake

This Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Bake is a delightful and nutritious dish that’s sure to satisfy your comfort food cravings. With its blend of tender sweet potatoes, juicy ground turkey, and a creamy, cheesy sauce, it’s a meal the whole family will love. Give this recipe a try and let us know how it turns out – we can’t wait to hear about your culinary adventures in the kitchen!

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