Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe

Introduction

This Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Casserole is a hearty and nutritious one-dish meal perfect for busy weeknights. Combining lean ground turkey with vibrant vegetables and melted cheese creates a comforting casserole that’s both flavorful and satisfying.

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. Cook until the greens are wilted.
5. Step 5: In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked turkey and vegetable mixture with the cubed sweet potatoes. Toss well to combine.
6. Step 6: Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish. Top evenly with shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese.
7. Step 7: Bake for 25 to 30 minutes until the casserole is bubbly and the cheese is golden brown.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or smoked paprika to the turkey mixture.
• You can substitute kale with Swiss chard or collard greens if preferred.
• Use part-skim cheeses for a lighter dish or add a sprinkle of Parmesan on top before baking for a crispy crust.
• If you like a creamier texture, stir in a half cup of sour cream or plain Greek yogurt before baking.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through. This casserole also freezes well—freeze in portions for up to 2 months and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use ground chicken or beef instead of turkey?

Yes, ground chicken or beef can be used as a substitute. Cooking times remain similar, but adjust seasonings to suit the meat choice.

Do I need to precook the sweet potatoes?

No, cubed sweet potatoes cook through during baking along with the other ingredients. Just make sure they are cut into small, even pieces for consistent cooking.

Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.4 from 129 reviews

A hearty and nutritious Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Casserole combining lean ground turkey, sweet potatoes, fresh vegetables, and melted cheese, baked to golden perfection. This comforting casserole is packed with flavor and makes a satisfying meal perfect for any night of the week.

• Author: lucas
• 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

Protein & 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 & Seasonings

• 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. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it’s ready for baking the casserole.
2. Cook Ground Turkey: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the lean ground turkey and season it with salt, pepper, paprika, and dried thyme. Cook and stir until the turkey is browned, about 5 to 7 minutes.
3. Sauté Vegetables: Add the diced onion and bell pepper to the skillet with the turkey. Cook until the vegetables are softened, approximately 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
4. Wilt Greens: Stir in the minced garlic and the fresh spinach or kale until the greens wilt and reduce in volume.
5. Combine Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked turkey-veggie mixture with the cubed sweet potatoes, tossing well to mix all ingredients evenly.
6. Prepare Casserole: Transfer the combined mixture to a greased baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Top the casserole with shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses.
7. Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the cheese is melted and golden brown.

Notes

• You can substitute kale for spinach or vice versa, depending on your preference or availability.
• For a spicier casserole, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes when seasoning the turkey.
• Make sure to cube the sweet potatoes uniformly for even cooking.
• Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
• This casserole can be made ahead of time and baked just before serving.

Keywords: ground turkey casserole, sweet potato casserole, healthy dinner, baked casserole, turkey recipe, one-dish meal