Wholesome Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe for Comfort

Comfort food takes on a whole new meaning with this delightful ground turkey sweet potato casserole that promises a nutritious and satisfying meal.

Packed with lean protein and vibrant vegetables, this casserole delivers robust flavors in every single bite.

The combination of tender ground turkey and creamy sweet potatoes creates a harmonious blend of textures and tastes.

Herbs and spices dance across the dish, adding depth and warmth to each forkful.

Weeknight dinners rarely get this exciting or nourishing, making this casserole a go-to option for busy households.

This recipe transforms simple ingredients into a remarkable meal that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Prepare to savor a wholesome dinner that nourishes both body and soul.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Calories: 150 kcal

Servings: 4

Ingredients for Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Casserole

• Ground Turkey: Lean protein that adds rich, savory flavor and helps create a hearty meal base.
• Black Beans: Protein-packed legume that provides extra texture and nutritional boost.

Tip: Choose lean ground turkey and rinse black beans to reduce sodium.

• Sweet Potatoes: Nutrient-dense root vegetable that brings natural sweetness and vibrant color.
• Onion, Garlic: Aromatic flavor builders that enhance overall taste profile.
• Spinach: Nutrient-rich leafy green that adds beautiful color and subtle earthiness.
• Diced Tomatoes: Adds moisture and tangy brightness to the casserole.

Tip: Select firm sweet potatoes and fresh spinach for best results.

• Olive Oil: Healthy cooking fat for sautéing and adding smooth richness.
• Salt, Black Pepper, Smoked Paprika, Cumin, Chili Powder: Spice blend creating complex, layered flavor profile.
• Chicken Broth: Adds moisture and deepens overall taste.
• Cheddar Cheese, Feta/Cotija Cheese: Melty, tangy toppings that provide creamy texture.
• Fresh Cilantro: Bright, fresh garnish for final flavor pop.

Tip: Use fresh spices for maximum flavor impact.

Tools That Simplify Turkey Sweet Potato Casserole

• Large skillet: Perfect for browning turkey and sautéing vegetables.
• 9×13-inch baking dish: Essential for assembling and baking the casserole.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Great for stirring and mixing ingredients.
• Cheese grater: Helpful if using block cheese instead of pre-shredded.
• Measuring spoons: Needed for accurately measuring spices.
• Cutting board: For chopping onions, garlic, and sweet potatoes.
• Chef's knife: Sharp tool for precise ingredient preparation.

How to Cook Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Casserole

• Fire Up the Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 375F and give a 9×13-inch baking dish a quick spray of cooking oil to prevent sticking.

• Brown the Protein

Sizzle ground turkey in a large skillet over medium heat, breaking it into crumbly bits until it’s golden and cooked through.

• Boost the Flavor

Toss in diced onions and minced garlic, letting them dance and soften for a couple minutes. Sprinkle in a blend of spices that’ll make your taste buds sing.

• Build the Base

Drop in black beans, juicy diced tomatoes, and fresh spinach. Stir everything together until it looks like a hearty, colorful mix.

• Add the Star Ingredient

Mix in cubed sweet potatoes and a splash of chicken broth. Let the ingredients simmer and mingle, allowing the sweet potatoes to become tender.

• Create the Casserole

Pour the robust mixture into your prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly like a cozy blanket.

• Cheese It Up

Scatter cheddar and feta cheese across the top, creating a golden, melty landscape.

• Bake to Perfection

Slide the dish into the oven and bake uncovered until the cheese transforms into a bubbly, irresistible topping.

• Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle fresh cilantro over the top and let it cool briefly before diving in. Enjoy your delicious creation!

Spice Ideas for Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Bake

• Prepare the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate for up to 2 days before baking, perfect for busy weeknights.
• Replace ground turkey with ground chicken, lean beef, or plant-based crumbles for diverse protein options.
• Adjust heat levels by adding jalapeños, red pepper flakes, or using a spicier chili powder blend to match personal taste preferences.
• Substitute sweet potatoes with cauliflower or zucchini for a lower-carbohydrate version that still delivers incredible flavor and nutrition.
• Omit cheese or use dairy-free cheese alternatives like nutritional yeast or vegan cheese shreds to make the dish suitable for lactose-intolerant or vegan diets.

Serving This Casserole for Family Dinners

• Meal Companion Magic: Pair this hearty casserole with a crisp green salad topped with light vinaigrette for a refreshing contrast to the rich, warm dish.
• Protein Power Boost: Add a dollop of Greek yogurt or sour cream on top to enhance creaminess and provide an extra protein kick that complements the ground turkey.
• Spice Lover's Delight: Serve with hot sauce, sliced jalapeños, or a zesty salsa on the side for those who want an extra flavor punch and more heat in their meal.
• Perfect Bread Partner: Warm cornbread, crusty sourdough, or garlic toast make excellent side companions to soak up the delicious sauce and complete the dining experience.

Storage Advice for Sweet Potato and Turkey Casserole

• Store leftover casserole in airtight containers within 2 hours of cooking, keeping it fresh in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Seal tightly to maintain flavor and prevent moisture loss.
• Prepare the entire casserole up to 24 hours in advance, covering and refrigerating before baking. Simply pop it in the oven when ready to serve, adding 5-10 minutes to cooking time.
• Wrap the casserole securely in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating in the oven at 350F (175C) for 20-25 minutes.
• Divide remaining casserole into individual serving portions for quick grab-and-go meals. Use microwave-safe containers for easy reheating, adding a splash of chicken broth to maintain moisture when warming.

Hearty Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe

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4.8 from 13 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Hearty ground turkey sweet potato casserole brings comfort and flavor to family dinner tables. Protein-packed layers meld with creamy sweet potatoes, creating a wholesome meal you’ll savor with each delicious bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb (450 g) ground turkey
• 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
• 1 (15 oz/425 g) can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 (10 oz/280 g) can diced tomatoes with green chilies (Rotel)
• 1 cup (100 g) shredded cheddar cheese (or Mexican blend)
• 1 small onion, diced
• ½ cup (120 ml) chicken broth (or water)
• ½ cup (50 g) crumbled feta or cotija cheese (optional)
• 1 ½ cups (45 g) baby spinach (optional, for extra greens)
• 1 tbsp (15 ml) olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• ¼ cup (15 g) chopped fresh cilantro (for garnish)
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp cumin
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp chili powder (optional)

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Instructions

1. Prep Workspace: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Sauté Protein: In a large skillet, brown ground turkey over medium heat, incorporating onion and garlic until fragrant and vegetables are translucent.
3. Season Mixture: Enrich the skillet contents with salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, cumin, and chili powder, creating a robust flavor profile.
4. Build Casserole Base: Fold in black beans, diced tomatoes, spinach, and sweet potatoes, then introduce chicken broth to create a hearty, moisture-rich mixture.
5. Simmer and Soften: Cover and allow ingredients to meld together, gently cooking until sweet potatoes become tender and flavors intensify.
6. Layer and Cheese: Transfer the seasoned turkey and sweet potato blend into the prepared baking dish, then generously sprinkle cheddar and feta/cotija cheeses across the surface.
7. Bake and Finish: Slide the casserole into the preheated oven, uncovered, and bake until cheese melts completely and develops a golden, bubbly crust.
8. Garnish and Serve: After a brief cooling period, scatter fresh cilantro over the top and serve this comforting, nutrient-packed casserole while still warm.

Notes

• Ensure ground turkey is completely browned without pink spots for food safety and better flavor development.
• Cut sweet potatoes into uniform, small dice to guarantee even cooking and prevent mushy or undercooked pieces.
• Grate cheese freshly for better melting and more even coverage across the casserole surface.
• Substitute ground turkey with plant-based crumbles for vegetarian version, or use lean chicken for variation in protein choice.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 40 g
• Fiber: 7 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg