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Turkey Sweet Potato Bake: A Delicious & Healthy Recipe

Hearty Turkey Sweet Potato Bake with ground turkey, sweet potatoes, black beans, corn, bell peppers, and melted cheese. A comforting and healthy meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 lbs ground turkey
  • 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and diced into ½-inch cubes
  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 red bell pepper, chopped
  • 1 green bell pepper, chopped
  • 1 (15 ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1 (15 ounce) can corn, drained
  • 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1 tablespoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or your favorite cheese), for topping
  • Optional toppings: sour cream, avocado, cilantro, green onions

Instructions

  1. Preheat: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Sauté Turkey: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground turkey and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned (5-7 minutes). Drain off any excess grease.
  3. Add Aromatics: Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook for 3-5 minutes, or until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant.
  4. Add Vegetables: Add the diced sweet potatoes, red bell pepper, and green bell pepper to the skillet. Stir well to combine.
  5. Cook Vegetables: Cook for about 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sweet potatoes start to soften slightly.
  6. Combine Ingredients: Add the rinsed and drained black beans, drained corn, and diced tomatoes (undrained) to the skillet. Stir everything together.
  7. Add Broth and Spices: Pour in the chicken broth. Add the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper (if using). Stir well to distribute the spices.
  8. Season: Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  9. Simmer: Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  10. Assemble: Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. Pour the turkey and sweet potato mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
  11. Top with Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese (or your favorite cheese) evenly over the top.
  12. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the sweet potatoes are tender.
  13. Cool and Serve: Remove the baking dish from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Top with desired toppings like sour cream, avocado, cilantro, or green onions.

Notes

  • For a spicier bake, add more cayenne pepper or a pinch of red pepper flakes.
  • You can substitute ground beef or ground chicken for the ground turkey.
  • Feel free to add other vegetables to the bake, such as zucchini, mushrooms, or spinach.
  • If you don’t have chicken broth, you can use vegetable broth or water.
  • To make this bake ahead of time, assemble it in the baking dish and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Add the cheese just before baking.
  • Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven.
  • Consider using different types of cheese. Monterey Jack, Pepper Jack, or a Mexican blend would all work well.
  • If you want a creamier texture, stir in a can of cream of mushroom soup or cream of chicken soup before baking.
  • For a vegetarian version, omit the ground turkey and add an extra can of black beans or lentils.
  • If you are short on time, you can use pre-diced sweet potatoes.