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Healthy ground turkey sweet potato bake in a white baking dish with melted cheddar and golden roasted sweet potatoes

Healthy Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Bake

A high-protein, one-dish dinner made with golden roasted sweet potatoes, smoky seasoned ground turkey, fresh spinach, and melted cheddar cheese. Ready in 50 minutes and perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Casserole, Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 320

Ingredients
  

  • 3 medium sweet potatoes about 1.5 lbs, peeled and diced into 3/4-inch cubes
  • 1 medium onion chopped
  • 1 large bell pepper any color, chopped
  • 2 cups fresh spinach whole or roughly torn
  • 1 lb ground turkey lean recommended
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 0.5 tsp black pepper
  • 2 tbsp olive oil divided: 1 tbsp for sweet potatoes, 1 tbsp for skillet
  • 0.5 cup shredded cheddar cheese optional, sharp cheddar recommended

Equipment

  • Rimmed baking sheet
  • Large skillet
  • Large baking dish (greased)
  • Wooden spoon
  • Large mixing bowl

Method
 

  1. Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F. Peel and dice the sweet potatoes into 3/4-inch cubes. Chop the onion and bell pepper. Keep the spinach whole or roughly tear any very large leaves.
  2. Toss the diced sweet potatoes with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Spread in a single layer on a rimmed baking sheet with pieces not touching. Roast for 20 to 25 minutes, flipping once halfway through, until golden at the edges and fork-tender.
  3. While the sweet potatoes roast, heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and bell pepper and cook for 4 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened and slightly translucent.
  4. Add the ground turkey to the skillet. Break it apart with a wooden spoon and cook for 6 to 8 minutes until fully browned with no pink remaining. Season with cumin and an extra pinch of salt and pepper. Remove from heat.
  5. Lightly grease a large baking dish. Layer the roasted sweet potatoes across the bottom. Spoon the cooked turkey mixture evenly over the top, then scatter the fresh spinach across everything. Top with shredded cheddar cheese if using.
  6. Bake at 400 degrees F for 10 to 15 minutes until the cheese is melted and starting to bubble and the spinach has fully wilted. Rest for 2 to 3 minutes before scooping and serving.

Notes

Cut sweet potatoes into uniform 3/4-inch cubes for even roasting. Do not crowd the baking sheet or they will steam instead of roast. Roasting separately is not optional as raw sweet potatoes will not cook through in the final bake time. For meal prep, assemble without cheese up to 24 hours ahead and refrigerate. Add cheese just before baking. Freezes well for up to 2 months without the cheese topping.