Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Bake

This Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Bake is the dinner I turn to on busy nights when I want something warm, filling, and made mostly with everyday groceries. Hearty cubes of sweet potato blend with savory ground turkey and rice, surrounded by a creamy, cheesy sauce. Topped with golden cheddar, it is cozy enough for a family meal yet crowd-pleasing enough to bring to a potluck.

I first tried this bake after a chilly fall hike when everyone wanted something hot and filling. Now this creamy casserole is always requested for Sunday dinners and evenings when we need a little extra comfort.

Ingredients

• Sweet potatoes: peeled and cubed for natural sweetness and good texture. Look for firm sweet potatoes with unblemished skin for even baking
• Extra virgin olive oil: brings richness to the roasted vegetables. Choose a fresh bottle with a grassy aroma
• Salt and ground black pepper: basics that highlight each flavor. Use kosher salt for better seasoning
• Garlic powder: adds savoriness without the risk of burning fresh garlic
• Dried rosemary: crushed to spread the woodsy flavor evenly over the potatoes. Try to source fresh dried rosemary by crushing leaves yourself
• Lean ground turkey: keeps it hearty and light. Choose turkey with minimal fat and no added flavorings
• Yellow onion: diced to add sweetness and complexity. You can swap in white for a sharper bite
• Vegetable broth: brings all the elements together. Seek out low sodium and check for a clear golden color
• Whole milk or half and half: gives a creamy base without becoming too rich. Choose a fresher carton for best results
• Basmati rice or long grain white: for a fluffy tender result. Make sure it is well rinsed to remove extra starch
• Shredded cheddar cheese: creates that perfect cheesy blanket. Use freshly shredded cheese for best melting
• Chopped parsley or dried flakes: for a fresh finish and pop of color

Instructions

Preheat the Oven:

Set your oven to 400 degrees F so it comes to temperature while you prep the ingredients. This ensures the potatoes will roast properly

Cube and Season the Sweet Potatoes:

Peel sweet potatoes and cut into one inch cubes. Try to keep the pieces similar in size for even roasting. Spread them in a nine by thirteen inch casserole dish. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with salt, pepper, garlic powder and rosemary. Toss the cubes gently so the seasonings coat every piece

Roast Sweet Potatoes:

Place the casserole dish uncovered in the oven. Bake for thirty minutes. The potatoes will soften and start to caramelize on the edges. This creates the first layer of flavor in your bake

Brown Ground Turkey:

While potatoes are roasting, break the ground turkey into a large skillet. Warm over medium high heat and let it cook undisturbed for a few minutes so it gets good color. Then start breaking up the meat with a spatula. Brown until no pink remains for the best flavor

Sauté the Onion:

Add your diced onion to the skillet with turkey. Continue cooking for three to five minutes, stirring occasionally until the onion is softened and starting to turn translucent. This mellows the onion leaving a nice sweetness behind

Layer and Mix the Bake:

Remove the casserole from the oven once potatoes are ready. Pour the turkey and onion mixture over the sweet potatoes. Add vegetable broth, milk and uncooked rice. Stir well until all ingredients are combined and the rice is evenly distributed

Bake Again:

Return the casserole to the oven still uncovered for fifteen minutes. This helps the rice to start absorbing the liquid and flavors to meld

Top with Cheese and Finish Baking:

Sprinkle shredded cheddar evenly over the top. Return to the oven for ten more minutes. The cheese should melt completely and start bubbling in spots for a golden finish

Let It Rest and Serve:

Remove casserole from oven and let it cool for ten to fifteen minutes before serving. This helps the liquid settle so you get tidy creamy scoops. Garnish with chopped parsley for brightness and enjoy every bite of creamy hearty flavor

Cheddar cheese is my favorite part of this bake and I always use sharp for extra flavor. My kids love the crispy corners of cheese along the dish. It always reminds us of cozy winter weekends at home when the aroma fills the kitchen.

Storage Tips

Store leftover turkey sweet potato bake in an airtight container in the fridge. It will keep up to three days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or cover and warm in a low oven until heated through.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use ground chicken or even lean ground beef in place of turkey. To make dairy free use full fat coconut milk and skip the cheese. You can also swap in brown rice but cook time may need to be increased and some extra broth may be necessary.

Serving Suggestions

This dish is a complete meal but pairs well with a crisp green salad or garlicky steamed broccoli. I sometimes top with hot sauce for a kick or add a dollop of plain Greek yogurt for extra creaminess.

Cultural or historical context

Combining sweet potatoes with savory meats is a classic comfort food in many American kitchens. Bakes like this grew in popularity for their ability to stretch simple ingredients into a hearty meal. The method is perfect for gathering family around the table especially in cooler months.

Seasonal Adaptations

Swap in butternut squash or pumpkin cubes in autumn. Stir in frozen peas or broccoli for added veggies in winter. Try a blend of fresh herbs like basil or thyme in spring and summer.

Success Stories

A friend made this for a new mom who was so grateful for a healthy one pan meal. It freezes beautifully and can be doubled for larger gatherings. One time I used leftover roasted turkey from the holidays and it was an absolute hit.

Freezer Meal Conversion

Assemble the bake but do not cook. Sprinkle cheese just before baking. Wrap the casserole tightly and freeze for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking according to the recipe instructions.

This bake is hearty comfort food at its best and is sure to be a new go-to for busy weeks. Be sure to let it rest for perfect creamy scoops every time.

Common Recipe Questions

→ Can I substitute the ground turkey?

Yes, you can use ground chicken or lean beef if preferred. Adjust seasoning to taste and drain excess fat if needed.

→ Is it possible to make this dairy-free?

You may substitute the milk with unsweetened non-dairy alternatives and opt for dairy-free shredded cheese.

→ Can I use brown rice instead of basmati?

Brown rice requires a longer cooking time and may need extra broth. Par-cooking it before adding is recommended.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Let cool, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through.

→ What vegetables work well as add-ins?

Diced bell peppers, spinach, or zucchini can be mixed in with the turkey and onions for added flavor and nutrition.