Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe

Introduction

This Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Casserole is a wholesome and comforting dish perfect for weeknight dinners. Combining lean turkey, tender sweet potatoes, and melted cheese, it’s both nutritious and satisfying. Ready in under an hour, it’s an easy way to enjoy a hearty meal packed with flavor.

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 5–7 minutes.
3. Step 3: Add the diced onion and bell pepper to the skillet. Cook until softened, about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
4. Step 4: Stir in the minced garlic and fresh spinach or kale. Cook until the greens are wilted.
5. Step 5: In a mixing bowl, combine the turkey and vegetable mixture with the cubed sweet potatoes. Toss everything well to evenly mix.
6. Step 6: Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses evenly over the top.
7. Step 7: Bake in the preheated oven for 25–30 minutes, until the casserole is bubbly and the cheese is golden brown.

Tips & Variations

• You can swap kale for spinach or use frozen greens if fresh aren’t available. Just be sure to squeeze out excess moisture before adding.
• If you like a little heat, add crushed red pepper flakes when cooking the turkey.
• For extra creaminess, mix in a dollop of sour cream or cream cheese before baking.
• Try topping with breadcrumbs or crushed nuts for a crunchy finish.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm individual portions in the microwave or oven until heated 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 other types of ground meat for this casserole?

Yes, ground chicken, beef, or pork can be substituted if you prefer. Adjust cooking times as needed based on the meat’s fat content.

Do I need to cook the sweet potatoes before baking?

No, cubed sweet potatoes cook fully during the baking process when combined with the other ingredients. Just be sure they are cut into small, even cubes for consistent cooking.

Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 114 reviews

This Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Casserole is a hearty and nutritious one-dish meal combining lean ground turkey, tender sweet potatoes, fresh vegetables, and melty cheeses, all baked to golden perfection. It’s packed with flavor from paprika and thyme, making it a wholesome, comforting dinner perfect for any night of the week.

• Author: Mia
• 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

Dairy

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

Pantry Items and Seasonings

• 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 ready for baking the casserole later.
2. Cook Ground Turkey: In a large skillet over medium heat, warm 2 teaspoons of olive oil. Add the ground turkey and season it with salt, pepper, paprika, and dried thyme. Cook the turkey, stirring regularly, until it is browned and cooked through, about 5 to 7 minutes.
3. Sauté Vegetables: Add the diced onion and bell pepper to the skillet with the ground turkey. Continue cooking and stirring occasionally until the vegetables soften, about 5 minutes.
4. Wilt Greens: Stir in the fresh spinach or kale into the skillet, cooking just until the greens are wilted and incorporated into the mixture.
5. Combine Ingredients: Transfer the turkey and vegetable mixture into a mixing bowl. Add the cubed sweet potatoes to the bowl and toss everything together thoroughly to combine all flavors evenly.
6. Assemble Casserole: Grease a baking dish, then transfer the combined mixture into the dish in an even layer. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses evenly on top of the casserole.
7. Bake: Place the baking dish into the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly around the edges and the cheese is melted and golden brown.

Notes

• If you prefer, use kale instead of spinach for a heartier texture.
• For added flavor, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes.
• Make sure to cut sweet potatoes into uniform cubes to ensure even cooking.
• Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
• To reduce fat content, use part-skim cheeses or lower the amount of cheese used.

Keywords: ground turkey sweet potato casserole, healthy casserole, baked turkey casserole, easy weeknight dinner, one dish meal