Healthy Sweet Potato and Ground Turkey Bake

Posted on January 25, 2026

introduction

Healthy Sweet Potato and Ground Turkey Bake is a wholesome, family-friendly casserole that pairs savory spiced turkey with tender sweet potatoes for a balanced one-dish meal. Perfect for meal prep and busy weeknights, it’s packed with protein, fiber, and veggies. If you love easy, layered bakes, try this ground beef and potatoes casserole for another comforting weeknight option.

Why You’ll Love This Healthy Sweet Potato and Ground Turkey Bake

Balanced nutrition: lean protein + fiber-rich sweet potatoes and beans.
Meal-prep friendly: reheats well and makes great leftovers.
Family-approved flavors: mild spices that please kids and adults.
Quick stovetop-to-oven method — minimal hands-on time.
Customizable: swap spices, add heat, or make it dairy-free.

Ingredients Needed

Protein

1 pound ground turkey

Vegetables & Beans

2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
1 medium onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 bell pepper, diced (any color)
1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
1 cup corn (frozen or canned)

Canned & Pantry

1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, with their juice
1 tablespoon olive oil

Spices & Seasoning

1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon cumin
1 teaspoon chili powder
Salt and pepper to taste

Toppings (optional)

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
Fresh cilantro, for garnish (optional)

Healthy Sweet Potato and Ground Turkey Bake 4

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the cubed sweet potatoes and cook for about 10–15 minutes, or until tender. Drain and set aside.
In a large skillet over medium heat, heat the olive oil. Add the diced onion and sauté for 3–4 minutes until translucent.
Add the minced garlic and diced bell pepper to the skillet, cooking for an additional 2–3 minutes until they are softened.
Push the vegetables to the side of the skillet and add the ground turkey to the center. Cook, breaking it apart with a spatula, for about 5–7 minutes until browned and no longer pink.
Stir in the paprika, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well until the ground turkey is evenly coated with the spices.
Add the black beans, diced tomatoes (with the juice), and corn to the skillet. Stir everything together and let it simmer for about 5 minutes.
In a large baking dish, layer the cooked sweet potatoes on the bottom. Pour the ground turkey and vegetable mixture over the sweet potatoes, spreading it evenly. If desired, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top of the mixture.
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10–15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and slightly golden.
Remove from the oven and garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.

Serving Suggestions Healthy Sweet Potato and Ground Turkey Bake

Serve with a simple green salad for a lighter dinner.
Add a dollop of Greek yogurt or sour cream for creaminess.
Spoon over steamed rice or quinoa to stretch servings.
Pair with warm tortillas for taco-style bowls.

Tips for Success Healthy Sweet Potato and Ground Turkey Bake

Cut sweet potatoes into even cubes so they cook uniformly.
Parboil the potatoes until just tender to avoid a dry bake.
Use lean ground turkey and drain any excess liquid to prevent sogginess.
Taste and adjust seasoning before baking — spices concentrate in the oven.
If using frozen corn, thaw first to prevent added moisture.
For a crisp top, remove foil for the last 10 minutes and broil briefly (watch closely).

Variation

Spicy Kick: Add 1/2 teaspoon cayenne or chopped jalapeño to the turkey mix.
Cheesy Veggie: Stir in chopped zucchini or spinach for extra greens.
Dairy-Free: Omit cheddar and top with sliced avocado and cilantro.
Swap Protein: Use ground chicken or turkey sausage for a different flavor profile.

FAQs

Q: Can I make this ahead and reheat?

A: Yes — assemble and bake, then refrigerate leftovers up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through or microwave individual portions.

Q: Can I freeze this casserole?

A: Freeze cooled, baked portions in airtight containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Q: How can I make this lower in sodium?

A: Use low-sodium canned tomatoes and beans, rinse the beans well, and reduce added salt while cooking.

Q: Is it possible to make this vegetarian?

A: Substitute cooked lentils or crumbled firm tofu for the ground turkey and increase spices for flavor.

Q: What’s the best dish to bake this in?

A: A 9×13-inch baking dish works well for even heat distribution and comfortable layering.