Healthy Sweet Potato Bake (Ready-to-Print Version)

Warm sweet potato, turkey, and veggies in a cheesy, nourishing bake for cozy, balanced weeknight dinners.

# What You’ll Need:

→ Main Ingredients

01 - 1 pound lean ground turkey
02 - 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and diced into 1/2-inch cubes (about 2 1/2 cups)
03 - 2 small zucchini, chopped (about 2 cups)
04 - 1 medium yellow onion, diced
05 - 3 cloves fresh garlic, minced

→ Seasonings and Oils

06 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
07 - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
08 - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
09 - 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt
10 - 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

→ Toppings and Garnish

11 - 1 cup shredded reduced-fat cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or a blend)
12 - 2 tablespoons freshly chopped parsley

# Step-by-Step Guide:

01 - Set oven temperature to 400°F (205°C) to ensure optimal baking conditions.
02 - Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté for 3 to 4 minutes until fragrant and softened.
03 - Add ground turkey to the skillet. Break into small pieces using a wooden spoon. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes or until no pink remains. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
04 - Stir in smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, kosher salt, and black pepper. Cook for 1 minute to activate the spices.
05 - Mix in diced sweet potatoes and chopped zucchini. Sauté for 3 to 4 minutes until vegetables begin to soften.
06 - Transfer mixture to a 9x13-inch baking dish, spreading evenly for uniform baking.
07 - Sprinkle shredded cheese evenly over the casserole surface to form a consistent layer.
08 - Bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes until the sweet potatoes are fork-tender and cheese is bubbly and lightly browned.
09 - Remove casserole from oven. Let rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving.

# Handy Tips:

01 - Cut sweet potatoes into uniform 1/2-inch cubes for even baking.
02 - Dish can be prepped ahead and baked when ready to serve.
03 - Blend cheeses such as sharp cheddar and mozzarella for enhanced flavor.
04 - Sweet potatoes are done when easily pierced with a fork.