This Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Bake is a wholesome, flavorful dish packed with tender sweet potatoes, seasoned ground turkey, zucchini, and a cheesy Parmesan topping. It’s easy to prepare and perfect for a balanced family meal.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 2 medium sweet potatoes
- 2 small zucchini
- 2/3 cup shredded parmesan cheese
- 1 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp rosemary
- 5 tbsp olive oil
- Salt & pepper, to taste
Directions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Prepare the Sweet Potatoes:
Peel and chop the sweet potatoes into bite-sized pieces. Place them in a large baking dish and toss with 2 tbsp olive oil, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 1/2 tsp rosemary, salt, and pepper. Spread evenly in the dish.
3. Bake the Sweet Potatoes:
Place the sweet potatoes in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes, or until they begin to soften.
4. Brown the Ground Turkey:
While the sweet potatoes are baking, heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the ground turkey and season with 1 tsp garlic powder, 1/2 tsp rosemary, salt, and pepper. Cook until browned and fully cooked through, about 7-10 minutes.
5. Prepare the Zucchini:
Chop the zucchini into slices, then quarter the slices.
6. Combine Ingredients:
Once the sweet potatoes are done, remove them from the oven. Add the browned ground turkey and chopped zucchini to the baking dish, and toss to combine.
7. Bake Again:
Return the dish to the oven and bake for an additional 10 minutes to soften the zucchini.
8. Add Olive Oil and Cheese:
After 10 minutes, remove the dish from the oven. Drizzle with the remaining 2 tbsp of olive oil and toss the ingredients together. Sprinkle the shredded Parmesan cheese evenly over the top.
9. Final Bake:
Bake the dish for another 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and slightly golden.
10. Serve and Enjoy:
Once the bake is done, let it cool for a few minutes, then serve warm and enjoy!
Serving:
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Servings: 4-5 servings
Variations:
- Add More Vegetables: Feel free to add in vegetables like bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms for extra flavor and nutrition.
- Cheese Options: Try swapping the Parmesan with mozzarella or cheddar for a different cheesy flavor.
- Make it Spicy: Add a pinch of chili flakes or cayenne pepper for a bit of heat.
Storage:
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: This dish freezes well. Place in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat before serving.
FAQs:
Q: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A: Yes! You can prepare the dish up to the point before baking it with cheese. Cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours, then bake when ready to serve.
Q: Can I use a different type of protein?
A: Absolutely! You can substitute ground turkey with ground chicken, beef, or even sausage for a different flavor profile.
Conclusion:
This Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Bake is a hearty, nutritious meal that’s packed with flavor and perfect for busy weeknights. It’s easy to customize with different veggies and proteins, making it a versatile dish that your family will love!
