Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe

The Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Casserole is a wholesome and hearty dish that combines the light and lean protein of ground turkey with the natural sweetness and richness of sweet potatoes. This casserole is perfect for those looking for a healthy, filling meal that’s easy to make and packed with nutrients. The balance of vegetables, turkey, and sweet potatoes creates a symphony of flavors and textures that are sure to please your taste buds.

This dish is great for any occasion, whether it’s a weeknight dinner, a weekend gathering, or a holiday meal. Plus, it’s easy to prepare in advance, making it an ideal choice for meal prepping. The casserole can be made ahead of time, stored in the fridge, and reheated when you’re ready to serve.

In this recipe guide, we will go over the ingredients, step-by-step instructions, tips for success, variations for different dietary needs, and suggestions for side dishes to serve with it. We’ll also dive into nutritional information and discuss how to store leftovers so you can enjoy this delicious casserole for days to come.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s how to prepare and assemble the Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Casserole. Follow these steps closely for a delicious outcome.

Step 1: Preparing the Sweet Potatoes

1. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Peel and dice the sweet potatoes: Peel the sweet potatoes and cut them into 1-inch cubes. This size helps them cook evenly and softens them to blend well into the casserole.
3. Roast the sweet potatoes: Spread the diced sweet potatoes in an even layer on a baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Roast in the oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the sweet potatoes are fork-tender and lightly browned. You can also microwave the sweet potatoes for about 6-8 minutes if you’re short on time.

Step 2: Cooking the Ground Turkey

1. Sauté the onion and garlic: While the sweet potatoes are roasting, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes, until the onion is soft and translucent.
2. Brown the turkey: Add the ground turkey to the skillet. Use a spatula to break the meat apart. Cook until the turkey is browned and cooked through, about 7-8 minutes.
3. Add seasonings: Sprinkle in the salt, pepper, cumin, paprika, thyme, oregano, cinnamon, and chili powder (if using). Stir well to combine. Add the tomato paste and chicken broth, and stir until the mixture is evenly mixed and simmering. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.

Step 3: Assembling the Casserole

1. Combine the cooked sweet potatoes: Once the sweet potatoes are roasted, place them in a large mixing bowl. You can mash them slightly if you prefer a smoother texture in the casserole, or leave them as chunks for more texture.
2. Add the turkey mixture: Add the ground turkey mixture, peas, and corn to the bowl with the sweet potatoes. Stir everything together until well combined.
3. Transfer to a baking dish: Transfer the sweet potato and turkey mixture into a greased 9×13-inch casserole dish. Spread it out evenly.

Step 4: Baking the Casserole

1. Top with cheese: Sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the top of the casserole.
2. Bake: Place the casserole in the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the casserole is heated through.

Step 5: Serving

1. Garnish and serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for 5 minutes. Garnish with chopped parsley or cilantro if desired. Serve the casserole warm with your favorite side dishes.

Tips for Success

• Roast the sweet potatoes well: Make sure the sweet potatoes are fully roasted until tender and slightly caramelized. This enhances their flavor and texture in the casserole.
• Add variety to the veggies: Feel free to swap the peas and corn for other vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach.
• Control the spice level: Adjust the chili powder and cayenne pepper to your preferred spice level.
• Use lean turkey: Ground turkey breast is leaner but can dry out if overcooked. Use ground turkey thigh for a juicier casserole.

Possible Variations

• Dairy-Free Version: Omit the cheese and top the casserole with crushed dairy-free crackers or breadcrumbs for a crunchy topping.
• Gluten-Free Option: Ensure you use gluten-free breadcrumbs if you prefer a topping, or skip the topping entirely.
• Spicy Version: Add chopped jalapeños, or a dash of hot sauce, to the turkey mixture for an extra kick.

Side Dish Pairings

• Green salad – A fresh, light salad with a tangy vinaigrette can balance the richness of the casserole.
• Roasted vegetables – Serve with a medley of roasted Brussels sprouts, carrots, and broccoli for extra nutrition.
• Garlic bread – A slice of crusty garlic bread can complement the meal and soak up any extra casserole juices.

Conclusion

The Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Casserole is a wholesome, comforting dish that’s both nutritious and satisfying. With the combination of lean protein, sweet potatoes, and savory seasonings, this casserole is sure to become a family favorite. The versatility of this recipe allows for many variations, so feel free to experiment with different veggies, seasonings, or toppings to make it your own.

This casserole is an excellent choice for meal prep, and the leftovers can be enjoyed throughout the week, making it a great option for busy individuals and families. Whether you’re serving it for dinner or taking it to a potluck, this dish is sure to impress.

Yield: 6

Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe

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The Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Casserole is a wholesome and hearty dish that combines the light and lean protein of ground turkey with the natural sweetness and richness of sweet potatoes. This casserole is perfect for those looking for a healthy, filling meal that’s easy to make and packed with nutrients. The balance of vegetables, turkey, and sweet potatoes creates a symphony of flavors and textures that are sure to please your taste buds.

Prep Time 15 minutes

Cook Time 45 minutes

Ingredients

• For the Casserole:
• 1 lb ground turkey
• 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup frozen or fresh spinach (chopped)
• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
• 1/2 cup milk (or dairy-free alternative)
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1/2 tsp cumin
• 1/2 tsp chili powder (optional for heat)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 tbsp olive oil (for sautéing)
• Fresh parsley or green onions, chopped (for garnish)
• For the Sweet Potato Topping:
• 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 1/4 cup butter or ghee (or dairy-free butter)
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Prepare the Sweet Potatoes:

• Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
• Place the cubed sweet potatoes for the topping in a medium pot and cover with water. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Cook for about 10-12 minutes or until the sweet potatoes are fork-tender.
• Drain the sweet potatoes and return them to the pot. Mash with butter or ghee, and season with salt and pepper. Set aside.

2. Cook the Ground Turkey:

• While the sweet potatoes are cooking, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and garlic, sautéing until softened (about 3-4 minutes).
• Add the ground turkey to the skillet and cook, breaking it up with a spatula, until browned and fully cooked, about 5-7 minutes.
• Stir in the paprika, cumin, chili powder (if using), salt, and pepper. Add the chopped spinach and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the spinach is wilted.
• Stir in the milk and let the mixture simmer for 2-3 minutes. If you'd like a creamier texture, you can add more milk at this point.

3. Assemble the Casserole:

• Spread the turkey and vegetable mixture evenly in the bottom of a 9x9 inch (or similar-sized) casserole dish.
• Spoon the mashed sweet potatoes on top of the turkey mixture, spreading them out evenly to cover the entire surface.
• If using, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top of the mashed sweet potatoes.

4. Bake:

• Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes until heated through and the top is slightly golden. If you added cheese, it should be melted and bubbly.

5. Serve:

• Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley or green onions, and serve warm.

Notes

• Variations: You can swap ground turkey for ground chicken or lean ground beef. For a vegetarian option, use lentils or black beans instead of meat.
• Topping Options: If you want to add more texture, you could top the casserole with crispy bacon bits, chopped nuts, or even crumbled crackers before baking.
• Make Ahead: This casserole can be assembled ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to 2 days. Just bake it when you're ready to serve.
• Freezing: This casserole freezes well! Assemble it and freeze before baking. When ready to cook, bake from frozen for about 60 minutes or until hot and bubbly.