Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe

Introduction

This Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Casserole is a hearty and healthy dish perfect for weeknight dinners. Packed with lean protein, vibrant vegetables, and gooey cheese, it’s both comforting and nutritious. Easy to prepare and full of flavor, it’s sure to become a family favorite.

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 and 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, stirring occasionally, 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 combine.
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 in the preheated oven for 25–30 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the cheese is golden brown.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, add a pinch of smoked paprika or a dash of cayenne pepper to the turkey mixture.
• Swap kale for spinach or use a mix of both depending on what you have on hand.
• Add a layer of cooked quinoa or brown rice to increase the casserole’s heartiness.
• Top with breadcrumbs before baking for a crunchy crust.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm the entire casserole in a 350°F (175°C) oven until heated through. This dish can also be frozen for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?

Yes, you can substitute frozen spinach. Make sure to thaw and drain it well before adding to the skillet to avoid excess moisture in the casserole.

Can I make this casserole in advance?

Absolutely. Prepare the casserole up to the baking step, cover it tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. This makes it convenient for busy days.

Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 121 reviews

This Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Casserole is a nutritious and comforting dish featuring lean ground turkey, tender cubed sweet potatoes, sautéed vegetables, and melted cheddar and mozzarella cheese, baked to golden perfection. It’s a hearty meal perfect for dinner that combines wholesome ingredients with simple seasoning for a flavorful and satisfying casserole.

• Author: Luna
• 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

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Protein 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

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 prepare for baking the casserole.
2. Cook Turkey: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground turkey and season with salt, pepper, paprika, and thyme. Cook the turkey until browned, about 5 to 7 minutes, ensuring it is fully cooked and crumbled.
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 fresh spinach or kale into the skillet. Cook until the greens are wilted, which usually takes a few minutes.
5. Combine Mixture: In a mixing bowl, combine the turkey and vegetable mixture with the cubed sweet potatoes. Toss well to ensure even distribution of ingredients and seasoning.
6. Assemble Casserole: Transfer the mixture into a greased baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Top the casserole with shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese to create a delicious cheesy crust.
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 has turned golden brown. Remove from oven and let it cool slightly before serving.

Notes

• You can substitute kale for spinach or vice versa, depending on your preference.
• For extra flavor, you may add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to the turkey while cooking.
• Use low-fat cheese options to reduce fat content if desired.
• Make sure to cube sweet potatoes evenly for uniform cooking.
• This casserole can be prepared in advance and refrigerated before baking.

Keywords: ground turkey casserole, sweet potato casserole, healthy casserole, baked turkey dish, comforting dinner recipe