Hearty Ground Turkey & Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe

Crafting a hearty ground turkey sweet potato casserole speaks to comfort food lovers seeking wholesome, satisfying meals.

Nutritious ingredients combine in a delightful harmony that promises warmth and flavor.

Lean protein from ground turkey meets the creamy, rich texture of roasted sweet potatoes.

Spices and herbs dance across this one-pan wonder, creating a meal that feels both indulgent and nutritious.

Home cooks appreciate how easily this casserole comes together with minimal prep work.

Each forkful delivers a balanced blend of textures and tastes that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Dive into this delectable dish that transforms simple ingredients into a memorable dinner experience.

What Goes Well with Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Casserole

• Create a bright, tangy side salad with mixed greens, orange segments, and a light vinaigrette to cut through the casserole's richness.
• Choose a light, refreshing beer like Modelo Especial or Corona to balance the dish's spicy and hearty flavors.
• Whip up a quick sauce using sour cream, fresh cilantro, lime juice, and a pinch of salt to add a cool, creamy contrast to the warm casserole.
• Select a medium-bodied red like Malbec or Grenache that echoes the dish's smoky spices and complements its robust profile.

Make It Your Way: Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Casserole

• Vegetarian Delight: Replace ground turkey with firm tofu or plant-based crumbles. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a completely meat-free version.
• Low-Carb Swap: Substitute sweet potatoes with cauliflower florets or zucchini cubes. Reduce cooking time slightly to prevent overcooking vegetables.
• Dairy-Free Option: Omit cheddar and feta cheeses. Sprinkle nutritional yeast or dairy-free cheese alternatives on top for a similar flavor profile.
• Spicy Kick Version: Increase chili powder and add diced jalapeños or red pepper flakes. Include hot sauce when serving for extra heat-loving diners.

FAQs: Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Casserole Details

• Is ground turkey a healthy protein choice?

Ground turkey is a lean protein with lower fat content compared to beef, making it a nutritious option for those seeking healthier meal alternatives. It provides essential proteins while helping reduce overall calorie and saturated fat intake.

• Can I substitute sweet potatoes with regular potatoes?

While you can use regular potatoes, sweet potatoes offer more nutrients like vitamin A, fiber, and antioxidants. They also provide a slightly sweeter flavor that complements the savory turkey and spices in this casserole.

• What spices give this dish its unique flavor profile?

The combination of smoked paprika, cumin, and chili powder creates a warm, slightly smoky, and mildly spicy taste. These spices add depth and complexity to the ground turkey and vegetable mixture, making the casserole more interesting and flavorful.

• How can I make this recipe more budget-friendly?

Use canned beans instead of fresh, opt for frozen spinach, and choose store-brand cheeses. Ground turkey is typically less expensive than other meats, and this recipe uses affordable ingredients that can be easily found in most grocery stores.

Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Casserole Highlights

• This casserole transforms simple ingredients into a delightful meal perfect for busy families.
• Ground turkey provides lean protein while sweet potatoes and black beans deliver essential vitamins, minerals, and fiber for a balanced dinner.
• From skillet to oven, this one-dish meal comes together in under 45 minutes, minimizing kitchen cleanup and maximizing flavor satisfaction.
• Easily adaptable for different dietary preferences by swapping cheeses, adjusting spices, or adding extra vegetables for personalized meal enjoyment.

Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Casserole Ingredient Rundown

• Ground Turkey: Lean protein that provides a hearty base for the casserole, choose fresh and low-fat for healthier option.
• Black Beans: Additional protein source that adds texture and nutrition, canned or freshly cooked work well.

• Sweet Potatoes: Provides natural sweetness and thick texture, select firm and vibrant orange potatoes.
• Onion, Garlic: Classic flavor enhancers that add depth and aroma to the dish.
• Spinach: Adds nutritional boost and green color, fresh or frozen spinach are both suitable.
• Diced Tomatoes: Adds moisture and tangy flavor, canned version works perfectly.

• Salt, Black Pepper, Smoked Paprika, Cumin, Chili Powder: Spice blend that creates complex and warm flavor profile.
• Chicken Broth: Helps cook sweet potatoes and adds moisture to the casserole.
• Cheddar Cheese: Melts beautifully and provides rich, sharp flavor.
• Feta/Cotija Cheese: Adds creamy and tangy finishing touch.
• Fresh Cilantro: Bright herb that provides fresh garnish and additional flavor complexity.
• Olive Oil: Used for initial cooking and helps prevent sticking.

Steps to Make Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Casserole

Step 1: Prepare Baking Dish

Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and set oven to 375°F (190°C).

Step 2: Brown Turkey

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook ground turkey until fully browned, breaking into small pieces.

Step 3: Sauté Aromatics

• Onion
• Garlic

Cook for 2 minutes until softened and fragrant.

Step 4: Season the Mixture

• Salt
• Black pepper
• Smoked paprika
• Cumin
• Chili powder

Stir to combine and distribute evenly.

Step 5: Add Vegetables and Beans

• Black beans
• Diced tomatoes
• Spinach

Stir until ingredients are well incorporated.

Step 6: Cook Sweet Potatoes

• Diced sweet potatoes
• Chicken broth

Cover and simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until sweet potatoes start to soften.

Step 7: Transfer to Baking Dish

Pour the turkey and sweet potato mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading evenly.

Step 8: Top with Cheese

• Cheddar cheese
• Feta or cotija cheese

Step 9: Bake the Casserole

Bake uncovered for 15 minutes, until cheese is melted and bubbly.

Step 10: Garnish and Serve

Let cool for 5 minutes. Sprinkle with fresh cilantro. Serve warm and enjoy the delicious casserole.

Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Casserole Tips for Success

• Boost Protein Power: Add quinoa or lentils to increase protein content for vegetarian or high-protein diet variations.
• Swap Cheese Smartly: Replace dairy cheese with nutritional yeast or vegan cheese alternatives for lactose-intolerant or dairy-free diets.
• Perfect Potato Texture: Cut sweet potatoes into uniform, small cubes to ensure even cooking and consistent softness throughout the casserole.
• Spice Level Control: Adjust chili powder and smoked paprika quantities to customize heat intensity based on personal preference or family taste.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the casserole up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate, then bake when ready to serve for convenient meal planning.

Keeping Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Casserole Fresh

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Transfer casserole to freezer-safe containers, seal tightly, and freeze up to 3 months for later enjoyment.
• Preheat oven to 350F, cover casserole with foil to prevent drying, and warm for 15-20 minutes until heated through.
• Place individual portions in a microwave-safe dish, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in 1-minute intervals until steaming hot.

Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe

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4.6 from 35 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Hearty ground turkey sweet potato casserole brings comfort and nourishment to dinner tables with its wholesome blend of lean protein and nutrient-rich vegetables. Families will savor each satisfying spoonful of this simple yet delicious one-pan meal that promises warmth and flavor in every bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Proteins:

• 1 pound ground turkey
• 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• ½ cup crumbled feta or cotija cheese

Vegetables and Herbs:

• 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (10 oz) can diced tomatoes with green chilies
• 1 ½ cups baby spinach
• ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro

Spices and Liquids:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• ½ teaspoon chili powder
• ½ cup chicken broth or water

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Instructions

1. Warm the oven to 375°F and lightly coat a 9×13-inch baking vessel with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
2. Heat olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium temperature, then introduce ground turkey and sauté until it transforms into a rich, golden-brown hue, approximately 5-7 minutes.
3. Incorporate finely chopped onions and minced garlic, allowing them to soften and release their aromatic essence for about 2 minutes.
4. Elevate the flavor profile by generously seasoning the mixture with salt, freshly ground black pepper, smoky paprika, earthy cumin, and zesty chili powder.
5. Gently fold in black beans, diced tomatoes, and vibrant spinach, ensuring all ingredients are evenly distributed.
6. Introduce cubed sweet potatoes and pour in chicken broth, creating a harmonious blend of textures and flavors.
7. Reduce heat, cover the skillet, and allow the mixture to simmer for 10 minutes, stirring intermittently until sweet potatoes begin to tenderize.
8. Carefully transfer the robust turkey and sweet potato concoction into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly.
9. Generously shower the surface with a medley of cheddar and feta/cotija cheeses, creating a tempting golden blanket.
10. Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 15 minutes, until the cheese melts into a bubbly, irresistible crust.
11. Allow the dish to rest for 5 minutes, then garnish with freshly chopped cilantro for a burst of herbaceous brightness.
12. Serve piping hot and savor the complex, comforting flavors of this hearty casserole.

Notes

• Customize the spice level by adjusting chili powder and adding hot sauce for heat lovers.
• Swap ground turkey with plant-based crumbles for a vegetarian version that maintains protein content.
• Use low-fat cheese options to reduce calories without compromising flavor profile.
• Prep ingredients ahead of time to streamline cooking process and minimize kitchen stress.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 150
• Sugar: 1.5 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 3.5 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 1.5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 28 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 10 mg