Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe

Introduction

This Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Casserole is a hearty and wholesome meal that’s perfect for any night of the week. Combining lean ground turkey with nutritious sweet potatoes and melty cheese, it offers a delicious balance of flavors and textures that the whole family will enjoy.

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.
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 well to mix evenly.
6. Step 6: Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish. Top with shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese.
7. Step 7: Bake for 25–30 minutes until the casserole is bubbly and the cheese is golden brown.

Tips & Variations

• For added flavor, sprinkle some crushed red pepper flakes into the turkey mixture if you like a bit of heat.
• You can substitute turkey with ground chicken or lean beef depending on your preference.
• Use frozen spinach as a convenient alternative; just be sure to thaw and drain it well before adding.
• For a dairy-free version, omit the cheese or use a plant-based cheese substitute.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15 minutes or until heated through, or microwave individual portions until hot.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare this casserole in advance?

Yes, you can assemble the casserole ahead of time and keep it covered in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking.

Are sweet potatoes necessary for this recipe?

Sweet potatoes add a natural sweetness and great texture, but you can substitute with regular potatoes or butternut squash if preferred.

Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe

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4.6 from 97 reviews

This Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Casserole is a hearty and nutritious dish combining lean ground turkey, tender cubed sweet potatoes, and a medley of vegetables like bell pepper, onion, and spinach or kale. Topped with a melty blend of cheddar and mozzarella cheeses and seasoned with paprika and thyme, it’s a deliciously wholesome baked casserole perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner.

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

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein and Vegetables

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

Dairy

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

Spices and Oil

• 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 Ground Turkey: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground turkey, then season with salt, pepper, paprika, and thyme. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the turkey 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 turkey. Cook for about 5 minutes until the vegetables have softened.
4. Wilt Greens: Stir in the minced garlic and fresh spinach or kale until wilted, ensuring the greens are incorporated well with the turkey and vegetables.
5. Combine With Sweet Potatoes: Transfer the turkey and vegetable mixture to a large mixing bowl, then add the cubed sweet potatoes. Toss everything together thoroughly to mix the flavors and ingredients evenly.
6. Assemble and Bake: Grease a baking dish and transfer the mixture into it. Evenly sprinkle the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese on top. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the cheese is golden brown.

Notes

• You can substitute kale for spinach or vice versa depending on preference or availability.
• For extra flavor, consider adding a pinch of chili flakes or smoked paprika.
• Sweet potatoes can be pre-cooked briefly if you prefer a softer texture in less baking time.
• Use a mixture of cheddar and mozzarella for an optimal balance of sharpness and meltiness in the cheese topping.
• Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.

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