This Turkey Sweet Potato Bake is hearty, flavorful, and perfect for a weeknight dinner. With seasoned ground turkey, tender sweet potatoes, and melty cheese on top, it’s a one-pan meal that’s as comforting as it is nourishing.
Hi, I’m Sandy Wilder. Cooking has always been my way of bringing the family together without overcomplicating things. I’m not a Michelin-star chef—just a mom who enjoys sharing easy, stress-free recipes that make dinnertime delicious. This turkey bake is one of those recipes: filling, balanced, and simple to put on the table. (For a cozy dessert afterward, try my easy sweet potato pie.)
Why You’ll Love Turkey Sweet Potato Bake
Nutritious Comfort Food
This dish balances lean protein from ground turkey with nutrient-packed sweet potatoes. It’s healthy without sacrificing flavor.
One-Pan Convenience
Everything bakes together in a single dish, making it ideal for busy nights. Plus, cleanup is quick and easy.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s what you’ll need for this recipe:
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp ground cumin
- ½ tsp dried thyme
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese
- Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped, for garnish (optional)
Tip: Mozzarella melts smoothly, while cheddar adds a sharper flavor—choose based on preference.

Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven
Set oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Cook the Ground Turkey
In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium. Add diced onion and sauté for 3–4 minutes. Add turkey and cook until browned, about 5–6 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.
3. Add Vegetables & Spices
Stir in garlic, bell pepper, sweet potatoes, paprika, cumin, thyme, salt, and pepper. Cook 3–5 minutes until fragrant and veggies start to soften.
4. Assemble & Bake
Transfer mixture to the baking dish. Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes until sweet potatoes are tender.
5. Add Cheese & Finish
Remove foil, sprinkle cheese on top, and bake uncovered for 10–15 minutes until melted and bubbly.
6. Serve & Enjoy
Garnish with parsley or cilantro. Serve hot for a satisfying meal.

Serving Suggestions and Variations
Perfect Pairings
- Pair with a side salad or roasted veggies.
- Add crispy oven-baked potato wedges for extra comfort.
- For a slow-cooker side option, try my beef bites with potatoes.
Variations
| Variation | What to Try |
|---|---|
| Tex-Mex Bake | Add black beans, corn, and top with salsa before serving. |
| Cheesy Upgrade | Mix cheese into the turkey filling and sprinkle more on top. |
| Veggie Boost | Stir in spinach, zucchini, or mushrooms for added nutrition—similar to my [potato patties with lentils](https://www.eatsrecipes.com/potato-patties-lentils-glazed/). |
Tips for Success
- Cut sweet potatoes evenly: Ensures they bake at the same rate.
- Check doneness: Bake until potatoes are tender but not mushy.
- Add broth if dry: A splash of chicken broth keeps the bake moist.
FAQ About Turkey Sweet Potato Bake
Can I use ground chicken instead of turkey?
Yes, ground chicken works perfectly.
Can I make it ahead of time?
Yes, assemble the bake up to 24 hours ahead, refrigerate, and bake when ready.
Can I freeze leftovers?
Absolutely. Store portions in freezer-safe containers up to 2 months. Reheat in oven for best results.
What cheese works best?
Mozzarella for creaminess, cheddar for sharpness. You can also use a blend.
Conclusion
This Turkey Sweet Potato Bake is hearty, healthy, and easy to prepare. Packed with lean protein, vegetables, and melted cheese, it’s the kind of dish that makes weeknight dinners both comforting and nutritious.
I’ve tested this bake many times, and it never fails to please my family. Whether you’re looking for a cozy fall meal or a creative way to use turkey, this recipe is one you’ll want to keep in your rotation. For dessert, my easy sweet potato pie is the perfect match.
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Turkey Sweet Potato Bake – Easy & Healthy Dinner
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
Turkey Sweet Potato Bake with ground turkey, diced sweet potatoes, bell pepper, and melted cheese. A healthy, hearty one-pan dinner.
Ingredients
1 lb ground turkey
2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
1 tbsp olive oil
1 medium onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 red bell pepper, diced
1 tsp smoked paprika
½ tsp ground cumin
½ tsp dried thyme
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 cup shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese
Fresh parsley or cilantro, optional
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 400°F and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. In skillet, heat olive oil. Sauté onion 3–4 minutes. Add turkey and cook until browned, 5–6 minutes.
3. Stir in garlic, bell pepper, sweet potatoes, paprika, cumin, thyme, salt, and pepper. Cook 3–5 minutes.
4. Transfer mixture to baking dish. Cover with foil and bake 25 minutes until sweet potatoes are tender.
5. Remove foil. Sprinkle cheese on top. Bake 10–15 minutes until cheese melts.
6. Garnish with parsley or cilantro. Serve hot.
Notes
Cut sweet potatoes evenly for consistent cooking.
Mozzarella melts smoothly, cheddar adds sharpness.
Make ahead: Assemble up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
Keywords: Turkey Sweet Potato Bake, turkey casserole, healthy turkey bake

