Irresistible Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe

Introduction

This Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Casserole is a wholesome, flavorful dish that combines lean protein with vibrant vegetables and melty cheese. It’s a comforting, easy-to-make meal perfect for busy weeknights or family dinners.

Ingredients

• 1 lb lean ground turkey
• 2 medium sweet potatoes (about 2 cups, cubed)
• 1 medium onion (diced)
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 bell pepper (diced)
• 2 cups fresh spinach or kale
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 2 tsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp dried thyme

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Step 2: In a large skillet over medium heat, heat the olive oil. Add the ground turkey, season with salt, pepper, paprika, and thyme. Cook until browned, about 5 to 7 minutes.
3. Step 3: Add the diced onion and bell pepper to the skillet; cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
4. Step 4: Stir in the minced garlic and fresh spinach or kale until the greens are wilted.
5. Step 5: In a mixing bowl, combine the turkey and vegetable mixture with the cubed sweet potatoes; toss well to mix.
6. Step 6: Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese evenly on top.
7. Step 7: Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and golden.

Tips & Variations

• Try substituting ground chicken or beef if you prefer a different protein.
• Add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a spicy kick.
• Use goat cheese or feta for a tangier flavor instead of mozzarella.
• To save time, roast the sweet potatoes in advance or use pre-cubed frozen sweet potatoes.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through to maintain the crispy top. 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 fresh herbs instead of dried?

Yes, fresh herbs like thyme or parsley work well. Use about three times the amount of fresh herbs as dried, adding them towards the end of cooking to preserve their flavor.

Is it necessary to cook the turkey before baking?

Yes, browning the turkey beforehand ensures it is fully cooked and adds flavor. Baking it raw with the sweet potatoes could result in uneven cooking.

Irresistible Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 93 reviews

This Irresistible Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Casserole is a hearty and nutritious dish that combines lean ground turkey, nutrient-rich sweet potatoes, fresh vegetables, and melted cheese. Perfectly seasoned and baked to golden perfection, it’s a comforting meal ideal for family dinners or meal prepping.

• Author: Nora
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Low Fat

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat and Vegetables

• 1 lb lean ground turkey
• 2 medium sweet potatoes (about 2 cups, cubed)
• 1 medium onion (diced)
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 bell pepper (diced)
• 2 cups fresh spinach or kale

Cheese

• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Seasonings and Oils

• 2 tsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp dried thyme

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it’s at the right temperature for baking the casserole.
2. Cook Ground Turkey: In a large skillet over medium heat, heat the olive oil. Add the ground turkey, season with salt, pepper, paprika, and thyme. Cook for about 5–7 minutes until the turkey is browned and cooked through.
3. Sauté Vegetables: Add the diced onion and bell pepper to the skillet with the turkey. Cook for about 5 minutes until the vegetables have softened and become fragrant.
4. Add Greens: Stir in the fresh spinach or kale into the skillet and cook until wilted, which should take just a few minutes.
5. Mix with Sweet Potatoes: Transfer the turkey and vegetable mixture into a mixing bowl. Add the cubed sweet potatoes and toss everything well to combine evenly.
6. Assemble Casserole: Grease a baking dish to prevent sticking, then spread the turkey, vegetable, and sweet potato mixture evenly into the dish.
7. Add Cheese Toppings: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses evenly over the top of the casserole for a rich, cheesy crust.
8. Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
9. Serve: Remove from the oven and allow it to cool slightly before serving to enjoy a comforting, flavorful meal.

Notes

• You can substitute kale with spinach or vice versa depending on your preference.
• For extra flavor, consider adding herbs like rosemary or sage.
• If preferred, swap out cheddar and mozzarella for other cheeses like Monterey Jack or pepper jack for a spicier kick.
• This casserole can be prepared a day ahead and refrigerated before baking—just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time if baking directly from cold.
• Make it dairy-free by omitting the cheese or using vegan cheese alternatives.

Keywords: ground turkey casserole, sweet potato casserole, healthy turkey recipe, baked casserole, dinner recipe, low fat casserole