Name: Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Bake Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and diced into ½ inch cubes; 1 yellow onion, diced; 1 pound ground turkey; 2 medium zucchini, diced into ½ inch pieces; 3 tablespoons olive oil, divided; 1 teaspoon smoked paprika; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; ½ teaspoon garlic powder; ½ teaspoon kosher salt; ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper; 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese; Optional toppings – chopped parsley and lemon juice

Jump to Recipe· 3.8 from 31 reviews

If you’re searching for a comforting, wholesome meal that brings together cozy flavors with a fresh twist, this Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Bake Recipe is an absolute winner. It’s packed with tender, seasoned ground turkey, naturally sweet and roasted sweet potatoes, and vibrant zucchini, all topped with melty mozzarella cheese that adds just the right amount of gooey satisfaction. This dish is not only colorful and inviting but also surprisingly simple to make, making it your new go-to for weeknight dinners or meal prep. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it will quickly climb to the top of your favorites list.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows eight containers arranged on a white marbled surface with fresh ingredients. At the top left is a clear glass bowl full of bright orange chunks of sweet potato. Below it to the left is a white bowl filled with light green and dark green pieces of chopped zucchini. Next to the zucchini bowl, a small white bowl holds a variety of spices in neat piles, including brown, red, green, black, and white colors. Above the spices is a clear small bowl filled with golden olive oil. To the right of the oil, there is an open white plastic tray with pale pink ground turkey. Below the tray, a clear glass bowl contains pale yellow shredded cheese. At the bottom right, a larger clear glass bowl is filled with white chopped onions. At the bottom left corner, a small clear glass bowl holds green fresh parsley and two lemon wedges. The overall look is clean and fresh, with the colors of the ingredients standing out against the white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering these simple yet essential ingredients is the first step to creating an irresistible Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Bake Recipe. Each one plays a crucial role, contributing unique flavors and textures that make every bite special and balanced.

2 medium sweet potatoes peeled and diced into ½ inch cubes: These provide a naturally sweet, tender base with beautiful orange color.
1 yellow onion diced: Adds sweetness and depth when roasted alongside the potatoes.
3 tablespoons olive oil divided: Essential for roasting and browning, imparting richness and moisture.
1 teaspoon smoked paprika: Brings a smoky warmth that complements the turkey and sweet potatoes perfectly.
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A fragrant blend of herbs that layers in fresh, savory notes.
½ teaspoon garlic powder: Boosts flavor with subtle garlicky undertones without overpowering.
½ teaspoon kosher salt: Enhances and balances all the natural flavors beautifully.
¼ teaspoon ground black pepper: Adds a gentle, spicy kick that rounds the dish.
1 pound ground turkey: Lean and protein-packed, it’s the hearty star of this bake.
2 medium zucchini diced into ½ inch pieces: Adds freshness and a slight crunch contrast.
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts perfectly to bind everything together with creamy goodness.
Optional toppings – chopped parsley and lemon juice: For a bright, fresh and zesty finish that wakes up the flavors.

How to Make Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Bake Recipe

Step 1: Roast the Sweet Potatoes and Onions

Start by preheating your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Toss the peeled and diced sweet potatoes and yellow onions in 2 tablespoons of olive oil along with smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, kosher salt, and black pepper. Distribute everything evenly in a 9×13 inch baking dish and let these roast for 30 minutes. This step makes the sweet potatoes tender and caramelized while the onions soften and add a mild sweetness, building an incredible base for the bake.

Step 2: Brown the Ground Turkey

While your sweet potatoes and onions are roasting, heat the remaining tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground turkey and cook it for about 4 to 5 minutes until browned and cooked through. Browning the turkey adds texture and deep flavor, making the dish hearty and satisfying without being greasy.

Step 3: Combine and Add Zucchini

Once the sweet potato mixture is out of the oven, add the browned turkey and diced zucchini straight into the same baking dish. Stir gently to evenly distribute everything. The zucchini not only adds a welcome freshness but also a slight crunch that contrasts beautifully with the soft potatoes and turkey.

Step 4: Top with Cheese and Bake

Sprinkle the cup of shredded mozzarella cheese over the top of the combined ingredients. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake it again for 15 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 5 minutes to achieve that golden, bubbly cheese crust. This final bake melds all the flavors together and creates a beautifully cheesy, irresistible topping.

Step 5: Add Finishing Touches

Once out of the oven, feel free to brighten the whole dish with a sprinkle of chopped parsley and a quick squeeze of fresh lemon juice. These small touches elevate the bake by cutting through the richness and adding a fresh zing that’s simply delightful.

How to Serve Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Bake Recipe

A white rectangular baking dish holds a mixed vegetable and ground meat casserole with about three main layers mingled together. The bottom and middle layers show chunks of bright orange sweet potatoes and green slices of zucchini with their skin on, all soft but still in shape. Mixed through these are small pieces of cooked ground meat, light brown in color and crumbly in texture. On top of the vegetables and meat, there are melted patches of light-colored cheese that blend slightly with the food beneath. A wooden spoon lifts a scoop of the casserole from the right side of the dish, showing the mixture in focus. The dish is placed on a surface with a white marbled texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Don’t underestimate the power of simple garnishes like chopped parsley or a dash of lemon juice—they’re optional but highly recommended. Parsley adds a pop of vibrant green and a fresh herbal note, while lemon juice lends a subtle acidity that balances the dish’s richness perfectly.

Side Dishes

This bake holds its own beautifully as a complete meal, but pairing it with a crisp green salad or steamed broccoli makes for a wholesome plate. If you want some extra carbs, a side of crusty whole-grain bread or quinoa will round it out nicely and soak up that cheesy goodness.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve the Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Bake Recipe in individual ramekins or small cast iron skillets for a personalized touch. You can even layer the ingredients in a clear glass dish and serve it family-style, letting those beautiful layers shine through, making the meal as visually appealing as it is delicious.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Bake Recipe keeps wonderfully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Just make sure to cool it down completely before storing to maintain freshness and texture.

Freezing

If you want to enjoy this dish down the road, freezing is a fantastic option. After baking, let the casserole cool completely, then cover it tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. This meal-friendly freezer stash is perfect for busy nights or when you need a quick, nutritious dinner without any fuss.

Reheating

To reheat frozen leftovers, thaw the dish in the refrigerator for 12 to 24 hours. Then bake it at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 10 to 15 minutes until hot and bubbly again. This method helps preserve the texture and flavor, making it taste freshly made.

FAQs

Can I use ground chicken instead of turkey?

Absolutely! Ground chicken works just as well and will keep the dish lean and tasty. Just cook it the same way you would the ground turkey to ensure it gets nicely browned.

Is this dish gluten-free?

Yes, the Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Bake Recipe is naturally gluten-free as none of the ingredients contain gluten. Just double-check your seasonings to be sure they don’t have any added gluten-containing fillers.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

To make it vegetarian, swap out the ground turkey for cooked lentils, crumbled tofu, or your favorite plant-based meat substitute. The sweet potato and zucchini provide plenty of texture and flavor to keep it delicious.

How spicy is this dish?

It has a subtle warmth from the smoked paprika and black pepper but is generally mild. You can easily adjust the spice level by adding cayenne pepper or red chili flakes if you like more heat.

What can I use instead of mozzarella?

If you prefer a different cheese, mild cheddar, Monterey Jack, or even a melty provolone work beautifully in this bake. Choose whatever cheese melts well and suits your taste.

Final Thoughts

This Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Bake Recipe is more than just a meal—it’s a comforting hug on a plate that’s easy to make, nourishing, and endlessly satisfying. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or friends, this dish brings warmth and joy to the table with every bite. Don’t hesitate to try it out and discover your new favorite weeknight dinner that you’ll want to make again and again.