Easy Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe

Casseroles are a great way to combine all the ingredients for a filling, comforting meal. The Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Casserole is a healthy and hearty dish that delivers a satisfying balance of lean protein, sweet potatoes, vegetables, and flavorful seasonings. It’s a perfect option for a weeknight dinner, meal prep, or even a cozy weekend meal with family or friends.

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Sweet Potatoes

The first step in preparing this casserole is cooking the sweet potatoes. Sweet potatoes need to be cooked until tender, either by roasting or boiling.

1. Roasting the Sweet Potatoes:

   • Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
   • Peel and cube the sweet potatoes into bite-sized pieces, about 1-inch cubes.
   • Spread the cubed sweet potatoes on a baking sheet in a single layer.
   • Drizzle with a little olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper.
   • Roast the sweet potatoes for 20-25 minutes, or until they are fork-tender. Shake the pan halfway through cooking for even roasting.

2. Boiling the Sweet Potatoes:

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   • If you prefer to boil the sweet potatoes, place them in a large pot and cover them with water.
   • Bring to a boil and cook for 10-12 minutes, or until the sweet potatoes are tender. Drain and set aside.

After the sweet potatoes are cooked, set them aside to cool slightly.

Step 2: Cook the Ground Turkey

While the sweet potatoes are cooking, you can cook the ground turkey. Ground turkey is a lean protein that will provide the base of your casserole.

1. Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
2. Once the oil is hot, add the diced onion and red bell pepper. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables soften and the onions become translucent.
3. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant.
4. Add the ground turkey to the skillet, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. Cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the turkey is browned and cooked through.
5. Season the turkey mixture with dried oregano, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, pepper, and chili flakes (if using). Stir to combine the seasonings with the meat.

Step 3: Combine the Ingredients

Once the turkey is cooked, it’s time to combine everything together to create the casserole.

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In the skillet with the cooked ground turkey, add the drained diced tomatoes and chicken broth. Stir well to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer for 2-3 minutes.
3. Stir in the cooked sweet potatoes (either roasted or boiled) and the chopped spinach (if using). Mix everything together until the ingredients are well incorporated.
4. Taste the mixture and adjust seasoning if necessary by adding more salt, pepper, or spices.

Step 4: Assemble the Casserole

Now that your turkey-sweet potato mixture is ready, it’s time to assemble the casserole.

1. Transfer the turkey and sweet potato mixture into a greased 9×13-inch casserole dish.
2. Spread the mixture evenly in the dish.

Step 5: Prepare the Topping

To add flavor and texture, you’ll top the casserole with cheese and breadcrumbs.

1. Sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the top of the casserole. You can use cheddar, mozzarella, or any other cheese of your choice.
2. In a small bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs with a little drizzle of olive oil. Stir to combine until the breadcrumbs are evenly coated.
3. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture over the top of the casserole for a crunchy topping.

Step 6: Bake the Casserole

1. Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the top is golden brown.
2. If you want the top to be extra crispy, you can broil it for an additional 2-3 minutes, but be sure to watch it closely to avoid burning.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Once the casserole is done baking, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Slice into squares and serve hot. This dish pairs beautifully with a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables on the side.

Tips and Variations

1. Add More Vegetables: You can add other vegetables to the casserole to increase its nutritional value. For example, zucchini, mushrooms, or carrots would work well. Simply sauté them along with the onion and bell pepper.

2. Use Ground Chicken or Beef: If you prefer, you can swap out the ground turkey for ground chicken, lean ground beef, or even ground pork. Just be mindful of the fat content, as turkey is a leaner option.

3. Spice It Up: If you enjoy a bit of heat, feel free to add extra chili flakes or a chopped jalapeño pepper to the turkey mixture. You can also use a spicier cheese like pepper jack.

4. Make It Gluten-Free: To make this casserole gluten-free, simply swap out the panko breadcrumbs for gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers.

5. Vegetarian Version: For a vegetarian option, omit the ground turkey and replace it with lentils, chickpeas, or a mixture of sautéed mushrooms and tofu for added texture and protein.

6. Meal Prep: This casserole is perfect for meal prep. You can prepare it in advance, refrigerate it for up to 3 days, and then reheat it when ready to eat. It also freezes well for up to 3 months. Simply bake, let it cool, cover tightly, and freeze. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes.

Why You’ll Love This Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Casserole

1. Easy to Make: This casserole is straightforward to prepare, with just a few simple steps. Once you’ve cooked the sweet potatoes and ground turkey, the rest is just a matter of assembling and baking.

2. Healthy and Nutritious: Ground turkey is a lean source of protein, while sweet potatoes provide fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants. The casserole also includes vegetables like bell peppers and spinach, making it a well-balanced, nutritious meal.

3. Customizable: Whether you prefer different vegetables, want to use a different protein, or need to make it gluten-free or vegetarian, this recipe is versatile and can be adjusted to fit various dietary needs.

4. Perfect for Leftovers: The casserole reheats beautifully, making it a great option for meal prep or leftovers. It also freezes well, so you can make a large batch and enjoy it for multiple meals.

5. Comfort Food with a Twist: If you love traditional casseroles, this version offers a healthy twist without compromising on flavor. The sweet potatoes bring a natural sweetness to the dish, balancing the savory ground turkey and seasonings.

Conclusion

The Easy Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Casserole is a wonderful, wholesome dish that combines the richness of ground turkey, the sweetness of roasted sweet potatoes, and a variety of healthy vegetables. With minimal preparation and cooking time, this casserole is ideal for busy weeknights or meal prep. It’s a comforting, nutritious meal that will keep you satisfied and coming back for more.

Yield: 6

Easy Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe

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Casseroles are a great way to combine all the ingredients for a filling, comforting meal. The Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Casserole is a healthy and hearty dish that delivers a satisfying balance of lean protein, sweet potatoes, vegetables, and flavorful seasonings. It’s a perfect option for a weeknight dinner, meal prep, or even a cozy weekend meal with family or friends.

Prep Time 15 minutes

Cook Time 40 minutes

Total Time 55 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground turkey
• 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 bell pepper, diced (any color)
• 1/2 cup frozen peas (or any veggies you like)
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1/2 tsp paprika
• 1/4 tsp cinnamon (optional)
• 1/2 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth (or water)
• 1/2 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend, optional)
• Olive oil for sautéing

Instructions

1. Cook the Sweet Potatoes:
   In a large pot, bring water to a boil and add the cubed sweet potatoes. Cook for 10-12 minutes, or until the sweet potatoes are fork-tender. Drain and set aside.
   
2. Cook the Ground Turkey:
   While the sweet potatoes are cooking, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground turkey and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned and fully cooked, about 6-8 minutes.
   
3. Sauté Vegetables:
   Add the diced onion, bell pepper, and minced garlic to the skillet with the turkey. Sauté for 5-7 minutes, or until the vegetables have softened.
   
4. Season:
   Stir in the ground cumin, paprika, cinnamon (if using), salt, and black pepper. Mix to coat the turkey and vegetables in the spices.
   
5. Add the Sweet Potatoes and Broth:
   Add the cooked sweet potatoes to the skillet with the turkey and vegetables. Pour in the chicken broth and stir everything together. Let it simmer for 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to combine and the sweet potatoes to soften further.
   
6. Assemble the Casserole:
   Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Transfer the turkey and sweet potato mixture into a greased 9x9-inch or similar baking dish. If you’re using cheese, sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly on top.
   
7. Bake:
   Place the casserole in the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly (if using). If you prefer a crispy top, bake for an extra 5-10 minutes until the cheese is golden.
   
8. Serve:
   Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro, if desired.

Notes

Vegetable Options: Feel free to swap the peas for other veggies like corn, spinach, or zucchini.

Cheese: If you’re looking for a dairy-free version, you can skip the cheese or use a dairy-free cheese alternative.

Make Ahead: You can assemble the casserole in advance and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days before baking.

Spice Level: Add chili flakes or a dash of hot sauce if you prefer a spicier version.