Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe
If you’re looking for a hearty, wholesome meal that brings together the best of comfort food and nourishing ingredients, Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Casserole might just become your new favorite dinner. This casserole combines savory ground turkey with naturally sweet potatoes, vibrant vegetables, and cozy spices, creating a meal that’s as stunning to look at as it is satisfying to eat. Whether you want something quick for weeknights or a feel-good dish to share with friends, this casserole ticks every box.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Making Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Casserole is delightfully straightforward, but each ingredient plays a crucial role in building flavor, color, and heartiness. Don’t skip out — these are the elements that take this dish from a simple bake to a truly crowd-pleasing meal!
- Ground turkey: A lean, protein-rich base that keeps things light without sacrificing any flavor.
- Sweet potatoes: Naturally sweet and colorful, they add heft and a lovely creamy texture as they bake.
- Onion: Brings aromatic depth and a background sweetness that balances the meat.
- Garlic: Adds bright, punchy flavor that enhances every bite.
- Red bell pepper: For fresh color, juiciness, and a slight crunch after baking.
- Spinach: Sneaks in some extra nutrients and a pop of green; works wonderfully with either fresh or frozen.
- Low-sodium chicken broth: Keeps the casserole moist and flavorful without overpowering saltiness.
- Olive oil: The perfect way to sauté your aromatics and add a hint of richness.
- Smoked paprika: Delivers a warm, smoky undertone that instantly elevates the dish.
- Ground cumin: Adds earthiness and subtle complexity alongside the turkey.
- Chili powder: A gentle hint of heat (don’t worry, it’s not overpowering!)
- Salt and pepper: To taste; lets you bring out and balance all the incredible flavors.
- Shredded cheese (optional): Melts into a golden, gooey topping for that extra comfort food feel.
How to Make Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Casserole
Step 1: Get Your Oven Ready
First things first: preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Giving your oven a head start ensures everything bakes evenly and that golden, bubbly topping is pure perfection.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, letting them sizzle and soften for a couple of minutes. That irresistible smell? It’s your flavor foundation coming to life.
Step 3: Brown the Turkey
Next, crumble in the ground turkey and cook, stirring, until it’s beautifully browned and just cooked through (about 5-7 minutes). Sprinkle in the smoked paprika, ground cumin, chili powder, and season with salt and pepper. This is where the turkey really soaks up all those big, bold flavors that make Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Casserole unforgettable.
Step 4: Add Veggies for Color and Goodness
Stir in the diced red bell pepper and spinach. Let everything mingle together for 2-3 minutes until the spinach is wilted and the peppers are slightly tender but still vibrant. This boost of veggies makes the casserole a complete, well-rounded meal.
Step 5: Prepare the Sweet Potatoes
Meanwhile, boil the diced sweet potatoes in a separate pot of water until they’re fork-tender (about 10 minutes). Drain well — this ensures they’ll hold their texture in the casserole instead of getting soggy.
Step 6: Assemble the Casserole
Grab your favorite baking dish and layer the cooked sweet potatoes on the bottom. Spoon the savory turkey and veggie mixture over the top, then pour the chicken broth evenly across the dish. This is what helps tie everything together and keeps the casserole moist.
Step 7: Cheese It and Bake
Sprinkle shredded cheese over the casserole if you crave that luscious melted topping. Slide the dish into your oven and bake for 15-20 minutes until hot and bubbly, and the cheese (if using) is beautifully golden.
Step 8: Serve It Up
Once baked, let your Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Casserole cool just enough to set, then dive in and enjoy! Each bite is cozy, colorful, and nourishing — exactly what comfort food should be.
How to Serve Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Casserole
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or cilantro works wonders as a finishing touch, bringing an extra pop of color and a burst of freshness. If you love a little tang, try a dollop of Greek yogurt or a squeeze of lime right before serving your Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Casserole.
Side Dishes
This casserole is already a full meal, but it partners beautifully with a crisp green salad, roasted Brussels sprouts, or even a crusty wholegrain bread to soak up any delicious juices. Since it’s packed with veggies and protein, you won’t need much more to round out your table.
Creative Ways to Present
Try baking Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Casserole in individual ramekins for a dinner party feel, or scoop portions into colorful bowls for a casual weeknight vibe. You can even repurpose leftovers as a filling for stuffed bell peppers or as a hearty breakfast topped with a fried egg.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The flavors deepen as they rest, making the casserole taste even better the next day.
Freezing
Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Casserole is a wonderful make-ahead dish! Wrap the entire (cooled) casserole tightly in plastic wrap and foil, or portion it into freezer-safe containers. It will keep well for up to 2 months — perfect for busy nights when you need dinner in a flash.
Reheating
To reheat, simply cover and bake in a 350°F (175°C) oven until warmed through, or microwave individual portions for 2-3 minutes. If reheating from frozen, it’s best to thaw overnight in the fridge before warming to maintain the best texture.
FAQs
Can I use ground chicken or beef instead of turkey?
Absolutely! This recipe is very versatile, and both ground chicken and ground beef work well as substitutes. Just note that beef is a little richer, so you may want to drain any excess fat after browning.
Do I have to peel the sweet potatoes?
Nope! If you prefer a more rustic casserole, you can leave the skins on after giving them a good scrub. The skin actually adds extra fiber and a fun texture.
Is it possible to make this casserole dairy-free?
Yes! Just skip the cheese topping or use your favorite dairy-free cheese alternative. The casserole is still delicious and satisfying thanks to all the hearty vegetables and bold seasonings.
Can I add other vegetables?
Definitely. This is a great dish for using up what you have on hand. Mushrooms, zucchini, corn, or even kale make excellent additions to Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Casserole.
What if I don’t have smoked paprika?
Regular paprika works in a pinch, or you can add a tiny dash of chipotle powder for a subtle smokiness. The dish will still be delicious with the other spices!
Final Thoughts
I can’t wait for you to try this Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Casserole! It’s wholesome, packed with flavor, and so simple to pull together even on the busiest of evenings. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just treating yourself, this comforting casserole is bound to earn a spot in your regular rotation. Give it a go and let it bring some extra joy to your table!
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Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Casserole is a wholesome and flavorful dish that’s perfect for a cozy dinner. The combination of lean ground turkey, sweet potatoes, and a mix of delicious seasonings makes this casserole a satisfying meal for the whole family.
Ingredients
Ground Turkey:
- 1 lb (450 g) ground turkey
Sweet Potatoes:
- 2 medium sweet potatoes (peeled and diced)
Onion and Garlic:
- 1 onion (chopped)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
Red Bell Pepper and Spinach:
- 1 red bell pepper (diced)
- 1 cup spinach (fresh or frozen, thawed)
Other Ingredients:
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1/2 tsp chili powder
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- 1/2 cup shredded cheese (optional, for topping)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the ground turkey: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until fragrant.
- Add ground turkey and cook until browned: About 5-7 minutes. Season with smoked paprika, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper.
- Add vegetables: Stir in the red bell pepper and spinach. Cook for another 2-3 minutes.
- Prepare sweet potatoes: Boil diced sweet potatoes until tender (about 10 minutes). Drain well.
- Combine: In a baking dish, layer the cooked sweet potatoes and the turkey mixture. Pour chicken broth over the top.
- Bake: Top with shredded cheese if using, and bake for 15-20 minutes until hot and bubbly.
- Serve: Let it cool slightly before serving. Enjoy!
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- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 570mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: Ground Turkey, Sweet Potato, Casserole, Healthy, Family Dinner
