Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe

Introduction

This Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Casserole is a hearty and nutritious dish that’s perfect for a cozy dinner. It combines lean ground turkey with tender sweet potatoes and flavorful spices, baked to bubbly perfection. Whether for weeknight meals or meal prep, this casserole is both satisfying and simple to make.

Ingredients

• 1 lb (450 g) ground turkey
• 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 cup spinach, fresh or frozen (thawed)
• 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

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Step 2: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing for 2-3 minutes until fragrant.
3. Step 3: Add the ground turkey to the skillet and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Season with smoked paprika, ground cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper.
4. Step 4: Stir in the diced red bell pepper and spinach. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the vegetables soften.
5. Step 5: Meanwhile, in a separate pot, boil the diced sweet potatoes until tender, about 10 minutes. Drain them well.
6. Step 6: In a baking dish, layer the cooked sweet potatoes and then the turkey mixture on top. Pour the chicken broth evenly over the casserole.
7. Step 7: If desired, sprinkle shredded cheese over the top. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes until the casserole is hot and bubbly.
8. Step 8: Let the casserole cool slightly before serving. Enjoy your delicious meal!

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, add a teaspoon of fresh thyme or rosemary when cooking the turkey.
• Swap spinach for kale or Swiss chard for a different green vegetable option.
• Use sweet potato mash instead of diced sweet potatoes for a creamier texture.
• To make it dairy-free, skip the cheese or use a plant-based alternative.
• Add a splash of hot sauce or a pinch of cayenne pepper if you like extra heat.

Storage

Store leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes or in the microwave until warmed through. This casserole can also be frozen for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use ground chicken instead of ground turkey?

Yes, ground chicken works well as a substitute and will produce a similar flavor and texture.

Can I prepare this casserole in advance?

Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole a day ahead and store it in the refrigerator. Just bake it before serving as directed.

Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 88 reviews

A hearty and nutritious Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Casserole featuring tender ground turkey seasoned with smoked paprika and cumin, layered with boiled sweet potatoes and fresh vegetables, then baked with a savory cheese topping for a warm, comforting meal.

• Author: Marco
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Low Fat

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients

• 1 lb (450 g) ground turkey
• 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 cup spinach, fresh or frozen (thawed)
• 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

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the casserole.
2. Sauté Aromatics: In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, and sauté for 2-3 minutes until fragrant and translucent.
3. Cook Ground Turkey: Add 1 lb of ground turkey to the skillet. Cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned fully, about 5-7 minutes. Season with 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1 teaspoon ground cumin, 1/2 teaspoon chili powder, salt, and pepper to taste, stirring well to combine the flavors.
4. Add Vegetables: Stir in the diced red bell pepper and 1 cup of fresh or thawed spinach. Cook for 2-3 more minutes until the vegetables soften slightly.
5. Boil Sweet Potatoes: In a separate pot, bring water to a boil and add the peeled, diced sweet potatoes. Boil for about 10 minutes or until tender when pierced with a fork. Drain well.
6. Assemble Casserole: In a baking dish, layer the boiled sweet potatoes evenly. Spoon the cooked turkey and vegetable mixture over the top. Pour 1 cup of low-sodium chicken broth evenly over the casserole to keep it moist during baking.
7. Add Cheese and Bake: Sprinkle 1/2 cup shredded cheese on top, if using. Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes until the casserole is hot, bubbly, and the cheese is melted and slightly golden.
8. Cool and Serve: Remove from oven and let cool slightly before serving. Enjoy this warm, flavorful casserole as a wholesome meal.

Notes

• You can substitute spinach with kale or other leafy greens of your choice.
• For a dairy-free version, omit the cheese or use a plant-based alternative.
• Adjust seasoning according to your taste, especially the chili powder if you prefer less heat.
• Ground chicken or lean beef can be used instead of ground turkey.
• Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.

Keywords: ground turkey casserole, sweet potato casserole, healthy turkey recipes, baked turkey dish, easy casserole recipe