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Cheesy Ground Beef & Sweet Potato Casserole

Once everything is cooked through, transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly Recipe

5 from 25 reviews

This Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Bake is a wholesome and flavorful weeknight meal that’s both hearty and nutritious. Combining lean ground turkey with tender sweet potatoes, zucchini, and a blend of herbs and spices, it’s baked to perfection with a cheesy topping. Perfect for quick dinners, this dish balances protein, vegetables, and comforting flavors in one easy-to-make casserole.

Ingredients

Scale

Proteins and Dairy

  • 1 pound ground turkey
  • 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella)

Vegetables

  • 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
  • 2 medium zucchinis, diced
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

Spices and Seasonings

  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Oils and Garnish

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly grease a large baking dish with olive oil to prevent sticking and help with even cooking.
  2. Sauté the Veggies: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, cooking for 3-4 minutes until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant.
  3. Cook the Ground Turkey: Add ground turkey to the skillet. Cook for 5-7 minutes, breaking it apart with a spoon until the turkey is browned. Drain any excess fat from the pan.
  4. Add the Sweet Potatoes & Zucchini: Stir in the diced sweet potatoes, zucchini, smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook for an additional 5-7 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften.
  5. Transfer to Baking Dish: Move the turkey and vegetable mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it into an even layer.
  6. Top with Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the top of the mixture.
  7. Bake: Place the dish in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes until the sweet potatoes are tender and the cheese has melted and is bubbly and golden.
  8. Garnish & Serve: Remove from the oven and allow it to cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired before serving for a fresh burst of flavor and color.

Notes

  • You can substitute the ground turkey with ground chicken or lean beef if preferred.
  • For a spicier kick, add a pinch of chili flakes or cayenne pepper with the seasonings.
  • Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
  • Use dairy-free cheese or skip the cheese to make this recipe dairy-free.
  • If you prefer a lower-fat version, use reduced-fat cheese or reduce the amount used.

Nutrition

Keywords: ground turkey sweet potato bake, healthy weeknight dinner, easy turkey casserole, baked sweet potato dish, lean protein dinner