Savory Ground Turkey & Sweet Potato Bake Recipe

Comfort meets nutrition in this ground turkey sweet potato casserole that promises a delightful meal for hungry families.

Layers of lean protein and hearty vegetables create a wholesome dish everyone will adore.

Balanced flavors and simple ingredients make this recipe a weeknight champion.

Packed with nutrients and easy to prepare, you’ll love how quickly it comes together.

Tender sweet potatoes mingle with seasoned ground turkey, creating a satisfying and wholesome experience.

Minimal prep work means maximum enjoyment at the dinner table.

Dive into this casserole and savor every comforting, nutritious bite.

Why You’ll Love Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Casserole

• Boost Nutritional Power: Packed with lean ground turkey, sweet potatoes, black beans, and corn, this casserole delivers a powerhouse of protein, vitamins, and fiber in every delightful bite.
• Simplify Weeknight Cooking: Combine all ingredients in one skillet, transfer to a baking dish, and let the oven do the work – perfect for busy families seeking a hassle-free meal solution.
• Customize Your Comfort: Easily adapt the recipe by swapping ingredients or adding extra spices to match your taste preferences, making it a versatile dinner option for any palate.
• Quick Family Pleaser: With minimal prep and straightforward instructions, this casserole brings everyone to the table, offering a satisfying and wholesome meal that kids and adults will love.

Ingredients for Turkey Sweet Potato Casserole

• Ground Turkey: A lean meat that provides a protein-rich base for the casserole and adds a hearty flavor to the dish.

• Sweet Potatoes, Onion, Corn, Black Beans: These ingredients create a colorful and nutritious mix that adds texture, sweetness, and earthy flavors to the casserole.
• Garlic: A flavor-enhancing ingredient that brings depth and aroma to the overall dish.

• Cumin, Paprika, Salt, Pepper: These spices provide warmth, complexity, and balanced seasoning to the casserole.
• Shredded Cheese: A melty topping that adds creaminess and a golden brown finish to the dish.
• Fresh Cilantro: A bright, fresh herb that provides a final garnish and adds a pop of color and herbal notes.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Turkey Sweet Potato Bake

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 375F (190C) and get ready for a flavor explosion.

Step 2: Brown the Turkey

Grab a large skillet and set it over medium heat.

Toss in the ground turkey and break it apart with a wooden spoon. Cook until it’s beautifully browned and no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes.

Drain away any extra fat to keep things light.

Step 3: Build Flavor Layers

• Diced onions
• Minced garlic

Sauté until the onions turn translucent and become super fragrant.

• Cubed sweet potatoes
• Corn kernels
• Black beans
• Cumin
• Paprika
• Salt
• Pepper

Stir and cook for about 10 minutes, letting the sweet potatoes soften slightly and the spices mingle.

Step 4: Create the Casserole Base

Spread the turkey and veggie mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.

Make sure it’s evenly distributed for maximum deliciousness.

Step 5: Cheese It Up

Sprinkle a generous layer of shredded cheese over the top, creating a golden, melty blanket.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Slide the casserole into the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. You’re looking for fully cooked sweet potatoes and cheese that’s melted and bubbling with excitement.

Step 7: Finish and Serve

Pull the casserole out of the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh chopped cilantro for a bright, fresh finish.

Serve hot and watch everyone dive in!

Pro Tips for Turkey and Sweet Potato Perfection

• Drain ground turkey thoroughly to prevent a watery casserole and ensure a crispy top layer.
• Dice sweet potatoes uniformly for even cooking and consistent texture throughout the dish.
• Swap cheese for dairy-free alternatives like nutritional yeast to make the recipe vegan-friendly.
• Boost protein content by adding quinoa or lentils alongside ground turkey for extra nutrition.
• Enhance flavor by roasting vegetables before mixing them into the casserole for deeper, richer taste profiles.

Ways to Switch Up Sweet Potato Casserole

• Vegetarian Swap: Replace ground turkey with plant-based crumbles or cooked lentils for a protein-packed meatless version.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Substitute sweet potatoes with cauliflower or zucchini to reduce carbohydrate content while maintaining similar texture.
• Spicy Mexican Remix: Add diced jalapeños, use pepper jack cheese, and sprinkle chili powder for a more intense flavor profile.
• Mediterranean-Inspired Option: Incorporate feta cheese, replace black beans with chickpeas, and add dried oregano and fresh parsley for a Mediterranean touch.

What to Serve with Ground Turkey Casserole

• Pair Zesty Margaritas: Bright citrus notes and tequila kick complement the casserole's rich, savory flavors perfectly.
• Serve Crisp Green Salad: Light, tangy mixed greens with a lime-cilantro vinaigrette balance the hearty casserole's warmth and weight.
• Match Robust Red Wine: Choose a medium-bodied Tempranillo or Grenache to enhance the dish's spicy cumin and paprika undertones.
• Add Fresh Salsa: Homemade pico de gallo with bright tomatoes, onions, and extra cilantro provides a refreshing counterpoint to the creamy, cheesy casserole.

How to Store Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Casserole

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for 3-4 days, ensuring the casserole is completely cooled before sealing.
• Transfer casserole to a freezer-safe container or wrap tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Label with the date for easy tracking.
• Place individual portions on a microwave-safe plate. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring midway to ensure even warming. Add a splash of water to prevent drying out.

FAQs

• Is ground turkey a healthy protein choice?

Ground turkey is a lean protein packed with essential nutrients like vitamin B6, niacin, and selenium. It’s lower in fat compared to ground beef, making it an excellent option for heart-healthy meals.

• Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the casserole up to 24 hours in advance. Assemble everything except the cheese topping, cover with foil, and refrigerate. When ready to cook, add cheese and bake as directed.

• What makes sweet potatoes nutritious?

Sweet potatoes are nutrient powerhouses, rich in vitamin A, fiber, and antioxidants. They support eye health, boost immunity, and provide complex carbohydrates for sustained energy.

Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe

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4.9 from 40 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Comfort meets nutrition in this hearty ground turkey sweet potato casserole, blending lean protein with wholesome root vegetables. Savory spices and melted cheese create a satisfying meal that nourishes both body and soul, inviting you to savor each comforting bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 pound (454 grams) ground turkey

Vegetables:

• 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup (150 grams) corn (fresh or frozen)
• 1 can (15 ounces/425 grams) black beans, drained and rinsed

Seasonings and Toppings:

• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup (113 grams) shredded cheese (cheddar or your choice)
• 1/4 cup (15 grams) fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Warm the oven to 375F (190C), preparing a greased 9×13-inch baking dish for the casserole.
2. In a large skillet over medium heat, thoroughly brown the ground turkey, breaking it into crumbly pieces for about 5-7 minutes. Carefully drain any accumulated fat.
3. Introduce diced onions and minced garlic into the skillet, sautéing until the onions become translucent and fragrant, approximately 3-4 minutes.
4. Incorporate sweet potatoes, corn, black beans, and aromatic spices including cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Gently stir and cook the mixture for 10 minutes, allowing the sweet potatoes to soften slightly.
5. Evenly distribute the turkey and vegetable mixture into the prepared baking dish, creating a uniform layer across the surface.
6. Generously sprinkle shredded cheese over the entire casserole, ensuring complete coverage.
7. Slide the dish into the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, watching for golden, bubbling cheese and tender sweet potatoes.
8. Once finished, remove from the oven and allow the casserole to rest for a few minutes to set.
9. Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro just before serving, adding a bright, herbal finish to the hearty dish.

Notes

• Drain turkey fat thoroughly to prevent a greasy casserole and ensure a crisp, clean flavor profile.
• Dice sweet potatoes uniformly for consistent cooking and a balanced texture throughout the dish.
• Use pre-shredded cheese to reduce prep time, but freshly grated cheese melts more smoothly and offers richer flavor.
• Swap ground turkey with plant-based crumbles for a vegetarian version, maintaining the protein and hearty essence of the casserole.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 360 kcal
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 420 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0.3 g
• Carbohydrates: 32 g
• Fiber: 7 g
• Protein: 28 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg