Ah, my dear friend, gather round! There’s something spectacular bubbling in my kitchen today: a Turkey Sweet Potato Bake! This dish whispers cozy comfort while packing a punch of flavor, making it perfect for those even fleeting moments we crave a warm hug in the form of food. It’s a recipe born from the desire to bring everything delicious together in one baking dish, à la a cozy winter evening spent snuggled under a blanket with a good book. Trust me, once you get a taste of this, it’ll become a staple in your home!
Why you’ll love this recipe
Oh, where do I start? First off, this Turkey Sweet Potato Bake is a delightful symphony of flavors and textures. The tender sweet potatoes meld perfectly with the savory turkey, while the green beans and corn add just the right crunch. Picture it: creamy, cheesy goodness topped with a golden, bubbling crust that makes your heart sing. Oh, and did I mention it’s nutritious? Sweet potatoes bring a pop of color and a wealth of vitamins, while turkey provides lean protein—it’s like a wholesome hug for your body!
Another win? It’s a one-dish wonder, which means less time washing up and more moments spent at the table with your loved ones. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or just need a hearty meal after a long day, this dish is here to satisfy. Bonus points for those leftovers—if there are any! It keeps beautifully, allowing you to savor the cozy goodness more than once.
Gather these ingredients
Alright, let’s chat about all the goodies that will make this dish sing. Grab the following:
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Turkey (2 cups, cooked, shredded): Use leftover turkey from Thanksgiving, or pick up some rotisserie chicken if you’re in a tight spot. It’s all about that flavor in the mix!
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Sweet Potatoes (2 cups, peeled and diced): These vibrant beauties add a natural sweetness and nutritious punch. If starch is your need, feel free to swap in regular potatoes, but I promise the sweet variety adds a unique touch.
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Green Beans (1 cup, trimmed and chopped): Fresh or frozen, they bring a snappy bite to the ensemble. If you’ve got other seasonal veggies handy, toss those in—be adventurous!
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Corn (1 cup, frozen or canned): Sweet corn adds that irresistible burst of sweetness. Canned is convenient, but I find frozen gives you a fresher crunch.
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Chicken Broth (1 cup): This is the lifeblood of our bake, oozing with flavor. Swap out for vegetable broth if you want to keep it plant-based!
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Herbs & Spices (1 teaspoon each garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, paprika; salt and pepper to taste): These are your secret weapons for layering flavor. Fresh herbs are lovely, but dry ones do the job beautifully in a pinch.
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Cheddar Cheese (1 cup, shredded): The gooey goodness that pulls this whole thing together! If you’re feeling fancy, go for a sharp cheddar for a punchier flavor.
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Breadcrumbs (1/2 cup, optional): If you’re craving that extra crunch, these are your friends, especially when mixed with a touch of olive oil.
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Olive Oil (2 tablespoons): Just a little drizzle to tie those breadcrumbs together—unless you choose to skip them, it’s still great!
Preparing Turkey Sweet Potato Bake: A Cozy, Delicious Treat!
Let’s bring this beauty to life, step by step:
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Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures everything cooks evenly and gets that lovely golden finish.
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In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked turkey, diced sweet potatoes, chopped green beans, corn, and chicken broth. This is where all the magic begins!
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Add your spices: sprinkle in the garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, paprika, and season with a generous pinch of salt and pepper. Stir it all together until well combined, and don’t just mix—give it a good toss!
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Transfer the mixture to a lightly greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Make sure it’s evenly spread out to allow for even cooking.
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Sprinkle the cheese evenly over the top. If you’re going for it with breadcrumbs, mix them with the olive oil, then scatter that crunchy goodness on top of your cheesy layer.
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Cover the dish with aluminum foil and slide it into the oven for 30 minutes. This helps steam those sweet potatoes until they’re tender.
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After half an hour, carefully remove the foil and let it bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and magically golden.
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Let it cool for a few moments because, trust me, it turns molten lava hot! Then dive in!
Best way to enjoy it
Serving this delightful bake is as simple as it is satisfying. Cut into generous portions and serve directly from the baking dish for that rustic, homey vibe. Pair it with a light, crisp salad to balance out the richness, maybe something dressed with lemon vinaigrette? Oh, and don’t forget a slice of crusty bread—it’s perfect for scooping up every last bite!
Storage and reheating tips
Now, let’s chat about leftovers—if you’re lucky enough to have any! This bake keeps well in the fridge for up to four days, just make sure it’s in an airtight container. When reheating, pop it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or use the microwave if you’re in a hurry.
For longer storage, you can freeze it. Just make sure to cool it completely first, then wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil before tossing it in the freezer. It’ll hold up to 2-3 months—perfect for future cozy nights in!
Helpful cooking tips
- If you want an extra layer of flavor, toast your spices in a bit of olive oil before mixing them in. It makes a world of difference!
- Prep your ingredients ahead of time—this can easily be a Sunday meal-prep recipe.
- Want to keep it vegan? Substitute turkey with lentils or chickpeas, and use vegetable broth and plant-based cheese.
Creative Twists
Feeling adventurous? Here are a few ideas to shake things up:
- Swap sweet potatoes for butternut squash for an earthy twist.
- Try adding a can of black beans for that extra protein punch and texture.
- Spice lovers can throw in a pinch of cayenne pepper for a kick!
Ingredients list
- 2 cups cooked turkey, shredded
- 2 cups sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 cup green beans, trimmed and chopped
- 1 cup corn, frozen or canned
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (optional)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Directions to follow
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked turkey, sweet potatoes, green beans, corn, and chicken broth.
- Add garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir until well combined.
- Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top. If using breadcrumbs, mix with olive oil and sprinkle over the cheese.
- Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, until the sweet potatoes are tender and the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Let cool for a few minutes before serving.
Your questions answered
- How long does it take to make? About an hour, including prep and baking time.
- Can I make this ahead of time? Absolutely! Assemble the dish ahead and store it in the fridge, then bake when you’re ready.
- What herbs can I use instead of thyme? Oregano or rosemary would make excellent substitutes!
- Is it easy to double the recipe? Certainly! Just expand the dish size and adjust cooking time as needed.
- Does it freeze well? Yes, this bake freezes beautifully! Just make sure it’s cooled before wrapping.
As you wrap up your cooking adventure, just know this isn’t just a meal; it’s a gathering of flavors that beckons to be personalized. Go ahead, tweak it to your heart’s delight, and share your experiences! Every kitchen is a vibrant little world of creativity, just waiting to be explored. Cozy your way into a delicious evening, my friend!
Turkey Sweet Potato Bake: A Cozy, Delicious Treat!
Description
This Turkey Sweet Potato Bake combines tender sweet potatoes with savory turkey and crunchy veggies for a comforting, one-dish meal.Ingredients
Main Ingredients
Instructions
Baking Instructions
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Preheat Oven
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).This ensures everything cooks evenly. -
Mix Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked turkey, sweet potatoes, green beans, corn, and chicken broth.Mix until combined. -
Add Spices
Add garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir until well combined. -
Transfer to Baking Dish
Transfer the mixture to a greased 9x13 inch baking dish. -
Add Cheese and Breadcrumbs
Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top. If using breadcrumbs, mix with olive oil before sprinkling. -
Cover and Bake
Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes.This helps steam the sweet potatoes. -
Finish Baking
Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and golden. -
Serve
Let cool for a few minutes before serving.Serve directly from the baking dish.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 6
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 400kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 17g27%
- Saturated Fat 7g35%
- Trans Fat 0g
- Cholesterol 70mg24%
- Sodium 600mg25%
- Potassium 800mg23%
- Total Carbohydrate 45g15%
- Dietary Fiber 6g24%
- Sugars 8g
- Protein 30g60%
- Vitamin A 150 IU
- Vitamin C 25 mg
- Calcium 200 mg
- Iron 3 mg
- Vitamin D 0 IU
- Vitamin E 2 IU
- Vitamin K 5 mcg
- Thiamin 0.5 mg
- Riboflavin 0.3 mg
- Niacin 5 mg
- Vitamin B6 0.7 mg
- Folate 10 mcg
- Vitamin B12 1 mcg
- Biotin 0 mcg
- Pantothenic Acid 0.5 mg
- Phosphorus 350 mg
- Iodine 0 mcg
- Magnesium 45 mg
- Zinc 2 mg
- Selenium 25 mcg
- Copper 0.3 mg
- Manganese 0.6 mg
- Chromium 0 mcg
- Molybdenum 0 mcg
- Chloride 0 mg
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
