Description
Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Bake is a hearty and nutritious one-dish meal that combines savory ground turkey, tender roasted sweet potatoes, and fresh zucchini, all topped with melted mozzarella cheese. This comforting bake is seasoned with smoked paprika, Italian herbs, and garlic for a flavorful family-friendly dinner that comes together with ease in the oven.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables and Meat
- 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and diced into 1/2 inch cubes
- 1 yellow onion, diced
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 2 medium zucchini, diced into 1/2 inch pieces
Seasonings and Oils
- 3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
Cheese and Toppings
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Optional toppings: chopped parsley and lemon juice
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 400°F (204°C) to prepare for roasting the vegetables.
- Season and Bake Sweet Potatoes & Onions: In a large 9×13 inch baking dish, toss the peeled and diced sweet potatoes and diced onions with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, kosher salt, and black pepper until evenly coated. Place the dish in the oven and bake for 30 minutes until the sweet potatoes start to soften.
- Cook the Ground Turkey: While the vegetables roast, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil, then add the ground turkey. Cook the turkey for 4 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it is browned and cooked through. Remove from heat.
- Combine and Add Zucchini and Turkey: Take the baking dish out of the oven and stir in the browned ground turkey and diced zucchini with the partially roasted sweet potatoes and onions to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Top with Cheese and Bake: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the mixture. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and return to the oven. Bake for 15 minutes covered, then remove the foil and bake for an additional 5 minutes to melt and slightly brown the cheese.
- Finish and Garnish: Remove the dish from the oven and top with optional chopped parsley and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to brighten the flavors before serving.
Notes
- You can substitute ground chicken or lean beef for ground turkey if desired.
- For extra flavor, add minced garlic when cooking the turkey or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
- This dish can be prepared a day ahead and reheated in the oven for convenience.
- Use fresh mozzarella for a creamier texture, or try a sharp cheddar for a different flavor profile.
- Leftovers store well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
