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Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Casserole

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Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Casserole is a wholesome, flavorful dish that combines lean ground turkey, tender sweet potatoes, and a savory, spiced filling topped with gooey melted cheese. This easy, one-pan meal is packed with protein, fiber, and delicious flavors, making it a perfect dinner for busy weeknights or meal prep.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Healthy and Satisfying – A balanced meal with lean protein, complex carbs, and veggies.
  • One-Pan Meal – Less cleanup with everything baked in one dish.
  • Comforting and Flavorful – Warm spices and melted cheese make this dish extra comforting.
  • Great for Meal Prep – Stores well and reheats easily.
  • Customizable – Adjust the spices, veggies, or cheese to your liking.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

  • Sweet potatoes (peeled and diced)
  • Ground turkey
  • Onion (diced)
  • Garlic (minced)
  • Bell peppers (chopped)
  • Spinach or kale (optional for extra greens)
  • Canned diced tomatoes (drained)
  • Tomato paste
  • Olive oil
  • Chili powder
  • Cumin
  • Paprika
  • Salt and black pepper
  • Shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese
  • Fresh parsley (for garnish)

Directions

this recipe
  1. Preheat Oven – Set to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Cook the Sweet Potatoes – In a pot of boiling water, cook diced sweet potatoes for about 5 minutes until slightly tender. Drain and set aside.
  3. Brown the Turkey – In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add ground turkey, breaking it apart as it cooks.
  4. Add Vegetables and Seasonings – Stir in onion, garlic, bell peppers, and spinach. Cook for 3-4 minutes until softened. Add diced tomatoes, tomato paste, chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir well.
  5. Assemble the Casserole – In a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, layer half of the sweet potatoes, then the turkey mixture, then the remaining sweet potatoes.
  6. Bake – Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes.
  7. Add Cheese – Remove foil, sprinkle shredded cheese on top, and bake uncovered for another 10 minutes until cheese is melted.
  8. Garnish and Serve – Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve warm.

Servings and Timing

  • Servings: 6
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Total Time: 50 minutes

Variations

  • Spicy Kick – Add red pepper flakes or jalapeños.
  • Different Cheese – Swap cheddar for pepper jack or gouda.
  • Vegetarian Version – Use lentils or black beans instead of turkey.
  • Extra Crunch – Top with crushed tortilla chips or panko breadcrumbs.
  • Creamy Option – Mix in a little Greek yogurt or sour cream for a richer filling.

Storage/Reheating

  • Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
  • Reheating: Warm in the oven at 350°F for 10 minutes or microwave in 30-second intervals.
  • Freezing: Freeze in portions for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

FAQs

Can I use ground beef instead of turkey?

Yes! Ground beef, chicken, or even sausage would work well.

Do I have to pre-cook the sweet potatoes?

Pre-cooking helps them soften faster, but you can bake everything longer if skipping this step.

What’s the best way to cut sweet potatoes?

Dice them into small, even cubes to ensure they cook evenly.

Can I make this dish dairy-free?

Yes! Use a dairy-free cheese alternative or skip the cheese entirely.

What can I serve with this casserole?

A side salad, roasted veggies, or cornbread complement this dish well.

Can I add beans to this recipe?

Yes! Black beans or kidney beans would add extra protein and texture.

How do I keep the casserole from being too dry?

Make sure to drain the tomatoes well and don’t skimp on the olive oil.

Can I prep this casserole ahead of time?

Yes! Assemble it up to a day in advance and store in the fridge until ready to bake.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! All ingredients are naturally gluten-free.

Can I use frozen sweet potatoes?

Yes, but let them thaw slightly before assembling the casserole.

Conclusion

Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Casserole is a nutritious, flavorful, and easy-to-make meal that the whole family will love. Whether you’re looking for a wholesome dinner option or a meal prep favorite, this dish is sure to be a hit. Give it a try and enjoy a comforting, healthy meal packed with delicious flavors!

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Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Casserole

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  • Author: clara
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American, Healthy
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Description

This Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Casserole is a healthy, hearty dish packed with lean protein, sweet potatoes, and a flavorful, cheesy topping. It’s a perfect one-pan meal that’s naturally gluten-free and easy to make ahead for busy nights!

Ingredients

Units Scale

For the Casserole:

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 pound ground turkey
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon chili powder (optional)
  • 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 (10 oz) can diced tomatoes with green chilies (Rotel)
  • 1 1/2 cups baby spinach (optional, for extra greens)
  • 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth (or water)

For the Topping:

  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or Mexican blend)
  • 1/2 cup crumbled feta or cotija cheese (optional)
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Cook the Turkey Mixture:

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
  2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add ground turkey and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes.
  3. Stir in onion and garlic, cooking for another 2 minutes until softened.
  4. Season with salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, cumin, and chili powder.
  5. Add black beans, diced tomatoes, and spinach, stirring until combined.

2. Cook the Sweet Potatoes:

  1. Add diced sweet potatoes and chicken broth to the turkey mixture.
  2. Cover and simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until sweet potatoes begin to soften.

3. Bake the Casserole:

  1. Transfer the turkey and sweet potato mixture to the prepared baking dish.
  2. Sprinkle cheddar cheese and feta/cotija cheese evenly over the top.
  3. Bake uncovered for 15 minutes, until cheese is melted and bubbly.

4. Serve & Garnish:

  1. Let cool for 5 minutes, then sprinkle with fresh cilantro.
  2. Serve warm and enjoy!

 

Notes

  • Make it Dairy-Free: Skip the cheese or use dairy-free alternatives.
  • Add More Veggies: Try adding bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms.
  • Spicy Version: Add diced jalapeños or extra chili powder.

 

  • Meal Prep Friendly: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.

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