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.
Ingredients
Scale
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)
Instructions
- Warm the oven to 375F (190C), preparing a greased 9×13-inch baking dish for the casserole.
- 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.
- Introduce diced onions and minced garlic into the skillet, sautéing until the onions become translucent and fragrant, approximately 3-4 minutes.
- 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.
- Evenly distribute the turkey and vegetable mixture into the prepared baking dish, creating a uniform layer across the surface.
- Generously sprinkle shredded cheese over the entire casserole, ensuring complete coverage.
- Slide the dish into the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, watching for golden, bubbling cheese and tender sweet potatoes.
- Once finished, remove from the oven and allow the casserole to rest for a few minutes to set.
- 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