If you’re ready for a cozy, satisfying meal that just so happens to be wholesome and packed with flavor, you’re about to fall in love with this Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Casserole. The combination of hearty ground turkey, sweet potatoes, melty cheddar, and a kick of aromatic spices makes this a comfort food classic you’ll want on repeat. It’s a casserole that checks all the boxes: crave-worthy, nourishing, and incredibly easy—perfect for weeknights or meal prep. The best part? This dish brings all the flavors together in one bubbly, savory bake that the whole family will rave about!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering your ingredients for Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Casserole couldn’t be easier, and each one truly shines in the final dish. From the natural sweetness of the sweet potatoes to the smoky paprika and golden, melted cheddar, every component has an important role for balance, texture, and that irresistibly colorful look.
- Ground turkey: Lean and protein-packed, it adds heartiness without feeling heavy.
- Olive oil: Essential for sautéing and brings a subtle richness to the base of the casserole.
- Onion: Its sweetness deepens as it cooks, layering in savory flavor.
- Garlic: Provides a fragrant punch that wakes up the entire dish.
- Red bell pepper: Adds a colorful crunch and a hint of natural sweetness.
- Smoked paprika: Infuses gentle smokiness, making every bite feel truly cozy.
- Dried thyme: Offers earthiness and an aromatic touch that rounds out the flavors beautifully.
- Ground cumin: Brings a warm, nutty note for extra depth.
- Salt and pepper: Essential for enhancing and balancing every ingredient.
- Sweet potatoes: The star of the show, they turn creamy and soft, giving the casserole its signature comfort.
- Chicken broth: Adds a savory element and keeps everything moist and tender.
- Cheddar cheese: Melts into gooey, golden goodness on top for that classic casserole finish.
- Green onions: Bring a fresh, zippy garnish that brightens every serving.
- Fresh parsley (optional): A pop of color and herby freshness for the final flourish.
How to Make Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Casserole
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) and giving your baking dish a light greasing. It’s a little step, but it guarantees easy serving and cleanup. Prepare your veggies and shred the cheese so everything is set for a smooth cooking experience.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until it’s just starting to turn golden and fragrant. Toss in the garlic and red bell pepper, then cook for another couple of minutes—this base layer is what brings out the savory-sweet heart of the casserole.
Step 3: Brown the Turkey
Stir in the ground turkey, breaking it up with a spoon. Let it cook until it’s fully browned and no longer pink. Season with smoked paprika, thyme, cumin, salt, and pepper, mixing well to coat all that turkey in flavorful goodness.
Step 4: Add the Sweet Potatoes and Simmer
In go the sweet potatoes and chicken broth. Stir everything together, allowing the sweet potatoes to soak up some of the spice and broth. Cook for about 5 minutes—this step softens the sweet potatoes just enough for perfect baking later.
Step 5: Assemble and Bake
Transfer the mixture from the skillet to your prepared 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread it out evenly. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top, then cover with foil. Bake for 20 minutes covered, then remove the foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes until your casserole is bubbling, the sweet potatoes are fork-tender, and the cheese is gloriously melted.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before topping with sliced green onions and fresh parsley if you’d like. Serve it up warm, and get ready for a chorus of “yum!” at the table.
How to Serve Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Casserole
Garnishes
No Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Casserole is complete without a finishing touch! Scatter sliced green onions and a little fresh parsley over the top for a lively pop of color and an extra layer of flavor. Chopped chives or even a scoop of tangy Greek yogurt would also be wonderful if you’re feeling a little fancy.
Side Dishes
This casserole shines as the main event, but a light green salad with a lemony vinaigrette or simple sautéed greens (think spinach or kale for more veggies) make perfect accompaniments. A crusty gluten-free roll on the side is welcome for extra-hungry eaters.
Creative Ways to Present
Try baking Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Casserole in individual ramekins for a dinner-party twist, or serve scoops in hollowed-out roasted sweet potato skins for a fun and hearty “bowl.” For meal prep, divvy it into portable containers—each serving reheats beautifully and tastes fantastic throughout the week.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Casserole keeps wonderfully in the fridge. Simply transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to four days. The flavors deepen even more, and it makes lunch or another family dinner a total breeze.
Freezing
This casserole is freezer-friendly! Once cooled, portion it into airtight containers or wrap the whole baking dish tightly in foil. Label with the date, and freeze for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge for best results.
Reheating
To reheat, microwave individual portions for 2-3 minutes or until piping hot. If you’re warming a larger batch, cover with foil and bake at 350°F for about 20 minutes. Add a fresh sprinkle of cheese on top before reheating for extra melty goodness!
FAQs
Can I make Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole a day in advance, cover it, and keep it in the fridge. When you’re ready, bake as directed, adding an extra 5-10 minutes to the cooking time if going directly from the refrigerator.
What’s the best way to meal prep this casserole?
This dish is a meal-prepper’s dream. Just portion cooled casserole into single-serve containers for easy, healthy lunches or dinners all week. It reheats beautifully, and you can even add a side of greens or an egg on top for extra variety.
Can I substitute regular potatoes for sweet potatoes?
Yes, you can swap in diced Yukon gold or russet potatoes if you prefer, though you’ll lose that signature sweetness and vibrant orange color. Adjust cooking time as needed since different potatoes soften at different rates.
How can I make Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Casserole dairy-free?
Use your favorite dairy-free cheese alternative or simply leave out the cheese—the casserole is still full of flavor thanks to the spices and broth. A sprinkle of nutritional yeast or a dollop of creamy avocado can add a savory boost in place of the cheese.
What vegetables can I add for more nutrition?
Toss in a couple of handfuls of fresh spinach or kale during the last few minutes of sautéing. Feel free to experiment with mushrooms, zucchini, or diced carrots as well—this casserole welcomes extra veggies!
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving something comforting, easy, and guaranteed to win over any dinner crowd, you truly can’t go wrong with Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Casserole. It’s a delightful mix of wholesome ingredients and soulful flavor, ready to brighten up your dinner table any night of the week. Give it a try—you just might discover your new favorite comfort food!
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Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Casserole is a delicious and nutritious one-dish meal that is perfect for a cozy family dinner. Packed with protein, vegetables, and flavorful spices, this easy-to-make casserole is a satisfying and comforting option for any night of the week.
Ingredients
Ground Turkey Mixture:
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
Sweet Potato Layer:
- 3 cups sweet potatoes, peeled and diced into 1/2-inch cubes
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
Topping:
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 green onions, sliced
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the Ground Turkey Mixture: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add diced onion and cook until softened. Add garlic, red bell pepper, and ground turkey. Cook until browned. Season with smoked paprika, thyme, cumin, salt, and pepper.
- Add Sweet Potatoes: Stir in the diced sweet potatoes and chicken broth. Cook until the sweet potatoes start to soften.
- Assemble the Casserole: Transfer the mixture to a 9×13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top.
- Bake: Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes, then uncover and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the sweet potatoes are tender and the cheese is melted.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish with green onions and parsley. Serve warm.
Notes
- Add spinach or kale for extra greens.
- This casserole is great for meal prep and can be reheated for easy lunches.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
