Save to Pinterest This comforting one-dish meal combines lean ground turkey with diced sweet potatoes, bell peppers, onions, and spinach, all seasoned with smoked paprika, thyme, oregano, and cumin. The ingredients simmer together in chicken broth to blend flavors, then bake until the sweet potatoes become tender and the top turns golden.
Perfect for busy weeknights, this nutritious dish comes together in just 20 minutes of prep time. The combination of protein from turkey and complex carbohydrates from sweet potatoes keeps you satisfied, while the colorful vegetables add vitamins and fiber.
The smell of smoked paprika hitting hot olive oil still takes me back to my first apartment kitchen, where I discovered that sweet potatoes could actually carry a whole meal. I was tired of the same old turkey and rice routine, and this casserole became my weeknight salvation. Now it's the dish I turn to when I want something that feels like a hug but doesn't require three hours of standing at the stove.
Last winter my sister came over looking completely drained from work, and I made this bake while she curled up on the couch. When she took that first bite and actually closed her eyes, I knew this wasn't just dinner anymore. It's now become her request whenever she visits, and I've learned to double the recipe.
Ingredients
- Ground Turkey: Lean and mild, it's the perfect canvas for all these spices without overpowering the sweet potatoes
- Sweet Potatoes: Peel them into evenly sized cubes so they all finish cooking at the same time, nothing worse than some pieces still crunchy while others are falling apart
- Smoked Paprika: This is the secret weapon that gives the whole dish that slow-cooked flavor without the hours
- Chicken Broth: Use low sodium so you can control the salt level, and it helps steam the sweet potatoes in the skillet
- Baby Spinach: Add it at the very end so it just wilts, turning a beautiful deep green without getting slimy
Instructions
- Get Everything Ready:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F and give a 9x13 baking dish a quick rub of oil. Dice your sweet potatoes, onion, and bell pepper into similar sized pieces so they cook evenly.
- Sauté the Vegetables:
- Heat half the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Toss in the onion and bell pepper, letting them soften and get fragrant for about 4 minutes before adding the garlic.
- Brown the Turkey:
- Add the ground turkey to the skillet, breaking it up with your spoon. Let it cook until completely browned, about 6 minutes, taking the time to really break up any large chunks.
- Add the Spices:
- Stir in the smoked paprika, thyme, oregano, cumin, chili powder if you're using it, salt, and pepper. Let the spices bloom in the hot meat for about 30 seconds until they smell amazing.
- Simmer the Sweet Potatoes:
- Pour in the sweet potatoes and chicken broth, bringing everything to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for 5 to 7 minutes until the potatoes start to soften but still hold their shape.
- Wilt the Spinach:
- Fold in the baby spinach and stir for just a minute until it collapses into beautiful green ribbons throughout the mixture.
- Transfer and Bake:
- Move everything to your prepared baking dish, drizzle with the remaining olive oil, and add cheese if you're using it. Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes, then uncover and bake another 10 minutes until the top is golden and the potatoes are completely tender.
- Rest and Serve:
- Let the dish sit for 5 minutes before serving, giving the flavors time to settle and making it easier to scoop. Sprinkle with fresh parsley right before bringing it to the table.
Save to Pinterest My neighbor texted me at 7 PM on a Tuesday, stressed about what to feed her family after a crazy day at work. I brought over a container of this bake, and she texted back saying her kids actually asked for seconds. Now we make it together sometimes, and there's something wonderful about standing at the stove while our kids play nearby.
Making It Your Own
I've swapped ground chicken for turkey plenty of times, and honestly no one noticed the difference. The smoked paprika does such heavy lifting that the protein becomes secondary. For a vegetarian version, lentils work beautifully and add a nice earthy depth that complements the sweet potatoes perfectly.
Serving Ideas
A crisp green salad with a bright vinaigrette cuts through the richness beautifully. Sometimes I just steam some broccoli and call it dinner. The bake itself is so complete that sides are really optional, but a simple vegetable does make the plate feel more balanced.
Storage and Reheating
This keeps surprisingly well in the fridge for up to three days, and I've been known to eat it cold straight from the container for lunch. When reheating, add a splash of water or broth and cover with a damp paper towel to keep it from drying out. The sweet potatoes somehow get even sweeter after a night in the fridge.
- Freeze individual portions in airtight containers for up to three months
- Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating
- The texture holds up remarkably well, unlike many potato-based dishes
Save to Pinterest There's something deeply satisfying about a dish that comes together so simply but tastes like it simmered all day. Hope this brings some easy comfort to your table too.
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I make this ahead of time?
-
Yes, assemble the entire mixture in the baking dish up to 24 hours in advance. Cover tightly and refrigerate. When ready to bake, add 5-10 minutes to the covered baking time since it will be cold.
- → What can I substitute for sweet potatoes?
-
Butternut squash or regular potatoes work well as substitutes. Keep in mind that regular potatoes may cook faster, so check for tenderness a few minutes earlier during the baking process.
- → Is this dish freezer-friendly?
-
Absolutely. After baking, let it cool completely, then wrap tightly in foil and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat at 350°F until warmed through.
- → How do I know when it's done baking?
-
The sweet potatoes should be fork-tender, and the top should be golden brown. If adding cheese, look for melted and slightly bubbly cheese. A thermometer inserted into the center should read 165°F.
- → Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried?
-
Yes, use three times the amount of fresh herbs compared to dried. Fresh thyme and oregano add wonderful brightness. Add them during the last few minutes of simmering to preserve their delicate flavor.
- → What sides pair well with this bake?
-
A crisp green salad with vinaigrette cuts through the richness. Steamed broccoli or roasted green beans also complement the dish beautifully. For a lighter meal, serve simply as-is since it already contains vegetables.
