Description
Healthy Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Bake: Delicious and nutritious comfort food with ground turkey, sweet potatoes, and savory spices. Family-friendly and satisfying!
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb (454g) lean ground turkey
- 2 medium sweet potatoes (about 1.5 lbs/680g), peeled and diced into ½-inch cubes
- 1 medium yellow onion (about 8oz/226g), finely diced
- 2 bell peppers (any color), chopped into ½-inch pieces
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ cup (120ml) low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup (113g) shredded reduced-fat cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend)
- Fresh cilantro or parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. While the oven heats, peel and dice your sweet potatoes into uniform ½-inch cubes – consistency in size is key for even cooking! Chop your onions and bell peppers, and mince the garlic. Having everything prepped before you start cooking will make the process flow smoothly.
- Step 2: Parcook the Sweet Potatoes In a microwave-safe bowl, toss the diced sweet potatoes with 1 tablespoon of olive oil and a pinch of salt. Cover with a damp paper towel and microwave for 4-5 minutes until slightly softened but not fully cooked. This head start ensures they’ll finish cooking perfectly in the oven.
- Step 3: Brown the Turkey Heat the remaining tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground turkey, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon as it cooks. When the turkey is about halfway cooked (still showing some pink), add the onions and continue cooking for about 2-3 minutes until they begin to soften.
- Step 4: Add Aromatics and Seasonings Add the garlic to the turkey mixture and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds – don’t let it burn! Now sprinkle in the oregano, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together so the turkey is evenly coated with the spice mixture. Your kitchen should be filling with wonderful aromas at this point!
- Step 5: Incorporate Vegetables Add the chopped bell peppers to the skillet and cook for another 2 minutes until they just begin to soften but still maintain some crispness. Pour in the chicken broth and simmer for 1 minute, allowing the flavors to meld together while creating a light sauce.
- Step 6: Assemble and Bake Spread the parcook sweet potatoes in an even layer across the bottom of your prepared baking dish. Spoon the turkey mixture on top, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle the cheese over the entire dish, covering it completely. Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden, and the sweet potatoes are fork-tender.
- Step 7: Finish and Serve Remove your **Healthy Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Bake** from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes. Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro or parsley if desired, which adds a burst of color and fresh flavor to complement the rich, savory bake beneath.
Notes
Fresh ingredients will always yield the best flavor results.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 320 calories per serving
- Sugar: 6 grams
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 15 grams
- Saturated Fat: 5 grams
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 grams
- Trans Fat: 0 grams
- Carbohydrates: 22 grams
- Fiber: 4 grams
- Protein: 24 grams
- Cholesterol: 60 mg