Sweet Potato Turkey Black Bean Bake Recipe
A hearty and flavorful Sweet Potato Turkey Black Bean Bake featuring tender roasted sweet potatoes topped with a savory ground turkey and black bean mixture, melted cheese, and fresh garnishes. This easy-to-make casserole blends smoky fire-roasted tomatoes and taco seasoning for a satisfying weeknight meal that’s loaded with protein and wholesome ingredients.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Sweet Potatoes
- 2 medium sweet potatoes, cut into 1/2-inch cubes (about 5 cups)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Kosher salt and black pepper, to taste
Turkey Mixture
- 1 lb ground turkey (can substitute ground beef or chicken)
- 1 red bell pepper, stemmed, seeds removed, and diced
- 1/2 yellow onion, diced
- Kosher salt and black pepper, to taste
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (15 oz) can fire roasted tomatoes with juices
- 1 (15 oz) can black beans, rinsed and drained
- 3 tablespoons taco seasoning
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
Toppings & Garnishes
- 1 1/2 cups shredded Monterey Jack or cheddar cheese
- Additional cilantro for topping
- Sliced green onions
- Sliced avocado or guacamole
- Jalapeño ranch dressing
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F to prepare for roasting the sweet potatoes and baking the casserole.
- Roast the sweet potatoes: In a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, toss the cubed sweet potatoes with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread them evenly, allowing slight overlap. Roast in the oven for 20 to 25 minutes, tossing halfway through, until they are tender and cooked through.
- Cook the turkey mixture: While the sweet potatoes roast, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground turkey, diced onion, and red bell pepper. Season with salt and pepper, and cook, breaking up the turkey with a spoon, until the meat is fully cooked and the vegetables have softened.
- Add garlic and simmer: Stir the minced garlic into the turkey mixture and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Then add the fire-roasted tomatoes with juices, black beans, and taco seasoning. Stir to combine and let the mixture simmer gently for 5 minutes, allowing flavors to meld. Remove from heat and stir in chopped cilantro.
- Assemble the bake: Spoon the turkey and bean mixture evenly over the roasted sweet potatoes in the baking dish. Evenly sprinkle the shredded cheese over the top.
- Bake: Return the baking dish to the oven and bake for about 10 minutes or until the cheese has melted and is bubbly.
- Finish and serve: Garnish the casserole with fresh cilantro, sliced avocado, and jalapeño ranch dressing. Optionally add sliced green onions. Serve warm and enjoy a flavorful and comforting meal.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey with ground beef or chicken depending on preference.
- If you like more spice, add diced jalapeños to the turkey mixture or extra jalapeño ranch as a topping.
- For a vegetarian version, swap the turkey for a plant-based meat substitute or extra beans and vegetables.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
- Try shredded cheddar for a sharper cheese flavor or Monterey Jack for a milder option.
