1. 2 medium-sized sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
2. 1 pound ground turkey
3. 1 bell pepper, diced (any color)
4. 1 medium onion, diced
5. 2 cloves garlic, minced
6. 1 teaspoon ground cumin
7. 1 teaspoon paprika
8. ½ teaspoon salt
9. ¼ teaspoon black pepper
10. 1 cup chicken broth
11. 1 cup shredded cheese (optional, for topping)
12. 2 tablespoons olive oil
13. ½ cup corn (frozen or canned)
14. ½ cup black beans (canned, drained and rinsed)
15. Fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)
These ingredients create a balanced and flavorful bake that highlights the sweet potato’s natural sweetness and the ground turkey’s savory qualities.
Creating this Sweet Potato and Ground Turkey Bake is simple if you follow these easy steps:
1. Preheat Your Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Prepare a Baking Dish: Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish or an equivalent size with olive oil.
3. Cook the Turkey: In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground turkey and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Break it apart with a spatula to ensure even cooking.
4. Add Vegetables: Stir in the diced onion, garlic, and bell pepper. Sauté until softened, about 4-5 minutes.
5. Season the Mixture: Sprinkle in the cumin, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to combine all the flavors.
6. Combine Ingredients: Add the diced sweet potatoes, corn, and black beans into the skillet. Pour in the chicken broth and stir until everything is evenly mixed.
7. Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour the turkey-sweet potato mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
8. Bake: Cover the dish with aluminum foil and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for 30 minutes.
9. Add Cheese (Optional): After 30 minutes, remove the foil and sprinkle shredded cheese on top, if desired. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the sweet potatoes are tender and the cheese is bubbly.
10. Garnish and Serve: Once cooked, remove the bake from the oven. Let it cool for a few minutes, then garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.
By following these steps, you’ll create a hearty and delicious Sweet Potato and Ground Turkey Bake that’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser.