This Healthy Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Bake is a comforting, one-pan dish that combines lean ground turkey and tender sweet potatoes, seasoned with aromatic spices and baked to perfection. The savory turkey complements the sweet potatoes’ natural sweetness, creating a balanced and nutritious meal that’s perfect for any night of the week.

Full Recipe: 

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground turkey

• 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1 medium onion, diced

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 teaspoon ground cumin

• 1 teaspoon paprika

• ½ teaspoon ground turmeric

• ½ teaspoon black pepper

• ½ teaspoon salt

• ½ cup low-sodium chicken broth

• ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley

• ¼ cup shredded cheddar cheese

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. Prepare the sweet potatoes: Peel and cut the sweet potatoes into small cubes (about 1-inch).

3. Sauté the onions and garlic: Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook for 4-5 minutes until soft. Add minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.

4. Brown the turkey: Add the ground turkey to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spoon. Cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes.

5. Season the turkey: Sprinkle cumin, paprika, turmeric, black pepper, and salt over the turkey. Stir to combine.

6. Add the sweet potatoes: Add cubed sweet potatoes to the skillet and mix with the turkey and spices.

7. Add the broth: Pour the chicken broth into the skillet and stir to distribute evenly.

8. Bake the mixture: Cover the skillet with a lid or foil and bake for 25-30 minutes, until sweet potatoes are tender.

9. Finish the dish: Remove from the oven and uncover. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top and return to the oven for 5 minutes, or until the cheese melts and bubbles.

10. Garnish and serve: Sprinkle chopped parsley on top and serve hot!

Nutrients

Estimated nutrition per serving (based on 4 servings):

• Calories: 400 kcal

• Total Fat: 17 g

  • Saturated Fat: 7 g

• Cholesterol: 78 mg

• Sodium: 530 mg

• Total Carbohydrates: 28 g

  • Dietary Fiber: 6 g

  • Sugars: 5 g

• Protein: 28 g

• Vitamin A: 5500 IU

• Vitamin C: 25 mg

• Calcium: 150 mg

• Iron: 3 mg

Why Ground Turkey and Sweet Potatoes Make a Perfect Pair

Ground turkey and sweet potatoes are an excellent pairing in this dish, both in terms of flavor and nutritional content. Ground turkey is a lean source of protein, which is essential for building and repairing tissues, supporting immune function, and promoting muscle health. It’s a great option for those who are looking for a lighter alternative to higher-fat meats like beef or pork. Ground turkey also cooks quickly, making it an ideal choice for weeknight dinners when time is of the essence.

Sweet potatoes, on the other hand, provide a healthy dose of complex carbohydrates, which are a great source of energy. Unlike refined carbohydrates, the complex carbs in sweet potatoes are broken down more slowly by the body, providing sustained energy throughout the day. Sweet potatoes are also rich in vitamins and minerals, including vitamin A, vitamin C, potassium, and fiber. Vitamin A, in particular, is crucial for eye health, immune function, and skin health, while potassium helps regulate blood pressure.

Together, these ingredients create a well-balanced meal that is both satisfying and nourishing. The savory turkey complements the naturally sweet flavor of the sweet potatoes, while the addition of spices elevates the dish with warm, aromatic notes that make each bite more flavorful. This pairing also ensures that the dish is rich in protein, fiber, and essential vitamins and minerals, providing a well-rounded meal that supports overall health.

The Flavor Profile of Healthy Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Bake

One of the standout features of this dish is its rich, complex flavor profile. The combination of ground turkey and sweet potatoes offers a balance of savory and sweet flavors, which are further enhanced by the spices used in the recipe. Ground cumin, paprika, and turmeric are key ingredients that add warmth and depth to the dish. Cumin brings a smoky, earthy flavor, while paprika adds a hint of sweetness and a mild heat. Turmeric, with its vibrant yellow color, contributes a subtle, slightly bitter flavor that complements the other spices and helps to balance the sweetness of the potatoes.

The use of garlic and onion provides a savory, aromatic base that enhances the overall flavor of the dish. These ingredients contribute to the richness of the turkey while helping to bring out the natural sweetness of the sweet potatoes. The addition of chicken broth adds moisture and helps infuse the turkey and potatoes with even more flavor as they cook together in the oven.

The final touch—shredded cheddar cheese—adds a creamy, melty layer on top, providing a delightful contrast to the texture of the tender sweet potatoes and turkey. The cheese adds richness and helps to bind all the flavors together, creating a comforting, satisfying dish that’s both savory and slightly indulgent.

Health Benefits of Healthy Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Bake

This dish is not only delicious but also packed with a variety of health benefits, making it a great choice for anyone looking to eat clean and nourish their body with wholesome ingredients. Ground turkey provides lean protein, which is essential for building and maintaining muscle mass. Protein also supports immune function and enzyme production, helping the body perform vital processes.

Sweet potatoes are a nutritional powerhouse, offering high levels of vitamin A, which is essential for good vision, healthy skin, and a strong immune system. The fiber in sweet potatoes helps support digestion and promotes feelings of fullness, making this dish a great option for weight management. Additionally, sweet potatoes have a low glycemic index, meaning they won’t cause a rapid spike in blood sugar levels, making them a suitable choice for those looking to stabilize their energy levels throughout the day.

The spices in this dish also contribute to its health benefits. Cumin, paprika, and turmeric are all known for their anti-inflammatory properties. Turmeric, in particular, has been widely studied for its ability to reduce inflammation in the body, which can help alleviate symptoms of conditions like arthritis. These spices not only enhance the flavor of the dish but also provide additional health benefits that contribute to overall well-being.

The inclusion of olive oil in the recipe provides heart-healthy fats, while the chicken broth helps keep the dish moist and adds extra flavor without adding excess calories. The final topping of shredded cheddar cheese provides calcium, which is essential for maintaining strong bones and teeth.

How to Customize Healthy Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Bake

This recipe is highly versatile, and there are several ways to customize it to suit your tastes and dietary preferences. If you prefer a spicier dish, you can add chili flakes, cayenne pepper, or a dash of hot sauce to the turkey mixture to give it an extra kick. You can also experiment with different spices, such as smoked paprika or curry powder, to add more depth and complexity to the flavor.

For those who follow a gluten-free diet, this recipe is naturally gluten-free, so it’s perfect for anyone with gluten sensitivities or those following a gluten-free lifestyle. If you’re looking to add more vegetables, you can easily incorporate other nutrient-dense vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach into the dish. These additions will not only increase the fiber and vitamin content but also add more color and texture to the final dish.

If you prefer a dairy-free option, you can omit the cheddar cheese and use a dairy-free cheese substitute or simply enjoy the dish without the cheese. The dish will still be flavorful and satisfying without the cheese, thanks to the rich combination of ground turkey, sweet potatoes, and spices.

For those who want to make the dish lower in fat, you can reduce the amount of olive oil or use a non-stick spray to sauté the onions and garlic. You can also opt for a leaner ground turkey, such as 93% lean, to cut down on fat content.

How to Serve Healthy Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Bake

This Healthy Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Bake is a one-pan meal, which makes it both convenient and easy to serve. It’s hearty enough to be served on its own as a main dish, but it also pairs well with a variety of side dishes. A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette would provide a refreshing contrast to the richness of the turkey and sweet potatoes. You can also serve the dish with a side of roasted vegetables, such as broccoli or Brussels sprouts, to add even more fiber and nutrients.

For a more substantial meal, consider serving the dish with a grain, such as quinoa or brown rice, which will complement the flavors and help round out the meal. If you’re looking for a low-carb option, this dish is already a great choice, but you can also pair it with cauliflower rice for an even lighter alternative.

If you’re preparing the dish for a special occasion, you can garnish it with fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro, which will add a burst of color and freshness to the dish. A sprinkle of additional shredded cheese on top before serving can also make the dish more indulgent for those who enjoy a cheesy finish.

Conclusion

Healthy Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Bake is a perfect example of how simple ingredients can come together to create a flavorful, satisfying, and nutritious meal. With its combination of lean ground turkey, tender sweet potatoes, and aromatic spices, this dish offers a balanced mix of protein, fiber, and essential vitamins and minerals. It’s quick to prepare, easy to customize, and versatile enough to suit a variety of dietary preferences and tastes.

Whether you’re looking for a hearty weeknight dinner, a nutritious meal prep option, or a crowd-pleasing dish to serve at a family gathering, this recipe delivers. The rich flavors and comforting textures make it a standout meal that will leave you feeling satisfied and nourished. If you’re in need of a wholesome and delicious dinner that’s easy to make and packed with nutrients, this Healthy Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Bake is the recipe you’ve been searching for.