One-pan, high-protein dinner in ~50 minutes (meal-prep friendly, Mediterranean option)
Juicy, well-seasoned turkey baked under caramelized sweet potatoes with a creamy-tangy drizzle, comfort food that still reads healthy.

Why You’ll Love It
- Weeknight-simple: Brown turkey, layer, bake—built for Ground Turkey Recipes Healthy.
- Balanced macros: Lean protein + fiber-rich sweet potatoes = Healthy Turkey Recipes that satisfy.
- Mediterranean twist: Olive oil, garlic, oregano, and lemon keep flavors bright—great for Mediterranean Recipes.
- Make once, eat twice: Holds texture for lunches; checks the box for Turkey Dishes and Baked Turkey searches.
- Flexible base: Swap seasonings (Italian, taco, harissa) without changing the method.
Ingredients (notes only)
- Lean ground turkey (93%): Seasons beautifully; cook to 165°F/74°C.
- Sweet potatoes: ⅛–¼-inch slices or ¾-inch cubes; thin slices caramelize fast.
- Onion + bell pepper: Aroma + color; grate onion for juicier turkey.
- Garlic + spices: Paprika, oregano, cumin; or go Italian/taco/harissa.
- Olive oil + lemon: Mediterranean brightness.
- Binder & finish: A little tomato paste for depth; optional feta + yogurt-lemon drizzle.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Heat oven to 400°F (205°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Season sweet potatoes: Toss 2 lbs thin-sliced sweet potatoes with 1½ Tbsp olive oil, ¾ tsp kosher salt, and pepper. Layer half in dish.
- Brown turkey: In a skillet, heat 1 Tbsp olive oil over medium-high. Sauté 1 diced onion and 1 diced red bell pepper 3–4 min. Add 1½ lb ground turkey, 1½ tsp kosher salt, 1 tsp paprika, 1 tsp oregano, ½ tsp cumin, pepper. Cook, breaking up, until no longer pink; stir in 2 Tbsp tomato paste and 2 minced garlic cloves 1 minute.
- Layer & top: Spread turkey mixture over sweet potatoes. Top with remaining sweet potatoes. Brush top with 1 tsp olive oil.
- Bake covered 20 minutes (foil). Uncover and bake 15–20 minutes more until edges caramelize and the center is hot; turkey should register 165°F/74°C.
- Finish: Rest 5 minutes. Drizzle with lemony yogurt (¼ cup Greek yogurt + 1 Tbsp lemon + pinch salt) and sprinkle chopped parsley. Optional feta.
Pro Tips
- Juicier turkey: Grate half the onion into the skillet—extra moisture and savory depth.
- Even slices = even bake: Use a mandoline for ⅛–¼-inch sweet potato rounds.
- Top browning: Last 2–3 minutes under the broiler = gorgeous color (watch closely).
- Meal prep: Portion into containers; add sauce just before eating.
Variations (mapped to interests)
- Mediterranean Bake (Mediterranean Recipes): Add 1 tsp lemon zest + 1 tsp oregano; finish with feta + olives.
- Taco Turkey Bake (Ground Turkey Recipes): Use chili powder + cumin; finish with avocado, cilantro, and salsa.
- Cheesy Turkey–Sweet Potato Bake (Recette Santé/comfort): Sprinkle ¾ cup shredded mozzarella or provolone for a melty top.
- Spinach & Feta Layer (Healthy Turkey Recipes): Fold 4 cups chopped spinach into the turkey; finish with feta.
How to Serve
- Plate: With green beans or simple arugula-lemon salad; add a slice of Soft Sourdough Dinner Rolls.
- Bowl: Spoon over quinoa or farro with yogurt drizzle and pickled onions.
- Kids’ plate: Cube the bake; add ketchup or mild yogurt sauce.
Make Ahead & Storage
- Assemble ahead: Up to 24 hours (stop before baking, cover, refrigerate). Add 5–10 minutes to bake time.
- Fridge: 3–4 days, airtight.
- Freeze: Up to 2 months (baked and cooled). Thaw overnight, reheat covered at 350°F/175°C 15–20 minutes.
- Reheat best: 375°F/190°C 10–12 minutes to re-crisp top; or air fryer 360°F/182°C 5–7 minutes.
FAQs
Can I use ground chicken or beef?
Yes. Cook to 165°F for chicken; 160°F for beef then rest.
Can I cube the sweet potatoes?
Yes—roast time increases ~5–10 minutes; stir once for even browning.
How do I keep it from drying out?
Don’t overcook; keep a light foil cover for the first 20 minutes, and use grated onion/tomato paste for moisture.
Simple Nutrition (estimate, per 1/6 pan)
Calories 345 • Protein 27g • Carbs 31g • Fiber 6g • Sugars 9g • Fat 14g • Sodium 520mg
Nutrition is an estimate and varies by brands and slice thickness.

Sweet Potato & Ground Turkey Bake (Mediterranean Option)
A wholesome one-pan ground turkey bake layered with sweet potatoes, sautéed vegetables, and Mediterranean spices. Finished with a tangy yogurt-lemon drizzle — perfect for meal prep or weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
- 2 lb (900 g) sweet potatoes, peeled and sliced ⅛–¼-inch (or cubed ¾-inch)
- 2½ Tbsp olive oil, divided
- 1½ lb (680 g) ground turkey (93% lean)
- 1 yellow onion, finely diced (or half grated)
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1½ tsp kosher salt, divided
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- ½ tsp ground cumin
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 2 Tbsp tomato paste
- ¼ cup Greek yogurt (for finish)
- 1 Tbsp lemon juice (for finish)
- parsley, for garnish
- feta cheese (optional, for garnish)
Equipment
- 9×13-inch baking dish
- Large skillet
- mixing bowls
- foil
- spatula or wooden spoon
Method
- Preheat oven to 400°F (205°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Toss sweet potato slices with 1½ Tbsp olive oil, ¾ tsp salt, and pepper. Arrange half the slices in the dish as the base layer.
- Heat remaining 1 Tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sauté onion and bell pepper for 3–4 minutes until softened.
- Add ground turkey, remaining ¾ tsp salt, paprika, oregano, cumin, and black pepper. Cook until no pink remains, breaking into small pieces. Stir in garlic for 1 minute, then tomato paste for 1 minute.
- Spread the cooked turkey mixture evenly over the sweet potato base. Layer remaining sweet potatoes on top and brush lightly with oil.
- Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Uncover and bake 15–20 minutes more until edges are browned and center is hot (internal temperature 165°F / 74°C).
- In a small bowl, mix yogurt with lemon juice and a pinch of salt. Let bake rest 5 minutes, drizzle with yogurt sauce, and garnish with parsley and feta if desired.
Nutrition
Calories: 345kcalCarbohydrates: 31gProtein: 27gFat: 14gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1.5gMonounsaturated Fat: 8.5gCholesterol: 95mgSodium: 520mgPotassium: 960mgFiber: 6gSugar: 8gVitamin A: 21500IUVitamin C: 40mgCalcium: 80mgIron: 2.5mg
Notes
Italian twist: Swap spices for Italian seasoning and finish with mozzarella.
Taco vibe: Add chili powder and cumin; top with salsa and avocado.
Extra veg: Stir in 3 cups chopped spinach with turkey in Step 4.
Cubed potatoes: Add 5–10 minutes baking time and stir once mid-bake.
Alternate Methods:
• Air Fryer Oven: 360°F (182°C), 18–25 minutes; cover for first 10, then uncover to brown.
• Stovetop Skillet Hash: Cube potatoes, pan-sear 10–12 minutes, add turkey mixture 5–6 minutes, cover 2–3 minutes to steam.
• Slow Cooker: Layer ingredients in oiled crock, cook HIGH 2½–3½ hours, and broil top to brown if desired.
Taco vibe: Add chili powder and cumin; top with salsa and avocado.
Extra veg: Stir in 3 cups chopped spinach with turkey in Step 4.
Cubed potatoes: Add 5–10 minutes baking time and stir once mid-bake.
Alternate Methods:
• Air Fryer Oven: 360°F (182°C), 18–25 minutes; cover for first 10, then uncover to brown.
• Stovetop Skillet Hash: Cube potatoes, pan-sear 10–12 minutes, add turkey mixture 5–6 minutes, cover 2–3 minutes to steam.
• Slow Cooker: Layer ingredients in oiled crock, cook HIGH 2½–3½ hours, and broil top to brown if desired.
Tried this recipe?Mention @WPRecipeMaker or tag #wprecipemaker!