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Healthy Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Bake

Nutritious one-dish dinner combining roasted sweet potatoes, lean ground turkey, and fresh vegetables for an easy, healthy meal perfect for weeknights and meal prep.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 320
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 3 medium sweet potatoes about 1.5 lbs, peeled and diced
  • 1 medium onion chopped
  • 1 large bell pepper chopped, any color
  • 2 cups fresh spinach
  • 1 lb ground turkey lean or extra-lean
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil divided
  • 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese optional

Equipment

  • baking sheet
  • large skillet
  • 9x13-inch baking dish
  • large mixing bowl

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Peel and dice sweet potatoes into bite-sized pieces, about 3/4 inch. Toss with 1 tablespoon olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
  2. Spread seasoned sweet potatoes on a baking sheet in a single layer. Roast for 20-25 minutes until tender and golden brown with caramelized edges.
  3. While sweet potatoes roast, heat remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and bell pepper, sautéing for 4-5 minutes until softened.
  4. Add ground turkey to skillet, breaking it apart with a spoon. Cook for 6-8 minutes until browned and fully cooked with no pink remaining. Season with cumin, salt, and pepper. Drain any excess fat.
  5. In a 9x13-inch baking dish, layer half the roasted sweet potatoes, half the turkey mixture, and half the fresh spinach. Repeat layers with remaining ingredients. Top with shredded cheese if using.
  6. Bake at 400°F for 10-15 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly and everything is heated through. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

Storage: Refrigerate in airtight container for up to 4 days. Freeze for up to 3 months in freezer-safe containers. Thaw overnight in refrigerator. Reheating: Microwave individual portions for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway. Reheat larger portions in 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes, covered with foil. Variations: Mexican-style - add black beans, corn, taco seasoning, pepper jack cheese. Italian - add marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, mozzarella. Low-carb - substitute cauliflower or butternut squash for sweet potatoes. Dairy-Free: Skip cheese or use plant-based alternative. Add nutritional yeast for cheesy flavor. Meal Prep: Roast sweet potatoes and cook turkey up to 2 days ahead, store separately, assemble when ready. Make Ahead: Assemble entire casserole up to 24 hours before baking. Bring to room temperature 20 minutes before baking if refrigerated. Extra Vegetables: Add zucchini, mushrooms, broccoli, or frozen peas. Tips: Cut sweet potato pieces uniformly for even cooking. Drain turkey well to prevent watery casserole. Pat spinach dry before adding. Naturally gluten-free.