Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Casserole

Tender sweet potatoes layered with seasoned Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Casserole creates a comforting aroma that fills your kitchen with warmth. This hearty dish combines lean protein and nutrient-rich vegetables in a family-friendly meal that’s both satisfying and wholesome. The natural sweetness of the potatoes perfectly balances the savory turkey, creating a delicious harmony of flavors in every bite. You’ll learn how to create a perfectly balanced casserole with layers of flavor that will become a weeknight favorite in your home.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Casserole stands out as a perfect blend of nutrition and comfort. The creamy, tender sweet potatoes provide a velvety base that contrasts beautifully with the seasoned ground turkey, creating an irresistible texture combination. Each forkful delivers a perfect balance of protein and complex carbohydrates, making it a complete meal in one dish.

What makes this casserole special is its versatility—it’s equally at home as a quick weeknight dinner or as the star of a casual gathering with friends. The vibrant orange sweet potatoes not only add a pop of color but pack the dish with vitamins and minerals. Plus, it’s naturally gluten-free without sacrificing any flavor or satisfaction.

The simple preparation makes this a stress-free meal option, even on busy evenings. You’ll appreciate how the ingredients work together to create something greater than the sum of their parts—a truly comforting turkey and sweet potato bake that satisfies both your nutritional goals and your comfort food cravings.

Ingredients

For this hearty Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Casserole, you’ll need:

• 2 lbs (900g) sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into ½-inch cubes
• 1½ lbs (680g) lean ground turkey
• 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced (about 1 cup)
• 3 garlic cloves, minced (about 1 tablespoon)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon chili powder (adjust to taste)
• 1 cup (240ml) low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 can (14.5 oz/411g) diced tomatoes, drained
• 1½ cups (170g) shredded cheese (cheddar, monterey jack, or a blend)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 2 green onions, thinly sliced for garnish
• Fresh cilantro, chopped for garnish (optional)

The sweet potatoes provide a naturally sweet flavor and creamy texture that complements the lean ground turkey perfectly. Fresh garlic and onions create an aromatic base, while the spice blend adds warmth without overwhelming heat.

Pro Tips

Properly Prepare Sweet Potatoes: For even cooking, cut sweet potatoes into uniform cubes. For a time-saving tip, partially microwave whole sweet potatoes for 4-5 minutes before peeling and cubing—this reduces the overall baking time by up to 15 minutes and ensures they’ll cook evenly in the casserole.

Season in Layers: The key to a deeply flavored Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Casserole is seasoning at every stage. Season the turkey as it browns, then taste and adjust the seasoning again after combining all ingredients. This builds complexity that makes the dish especially satisfying. Don’t rely solely on salt—the combination of herbs and spices creates dimension.

Perfect Cheese Integration: For the ultimate cheese experience, use two applications: mix half the cheese into the hot mixture where it will melt throughout, then sprinkle the remaining cheese on top before the final bake. This creates both internal creaminess and that desirable golden, slightly crispy top layer that makes casseroles irresistible. For best results, take the casserole out 5 minutes before it’s done, add the top layer of cheese, then finish baking for that perfect melt.

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare Sweet Potatoes

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the cubed sweet potatoes on a baking sheet, drizzle with 1 tablespoon olive oil, and season with salt and pepper. Toss to coat evenly. Spread them in a single layer and roast for 20-25 minutes until they’re just tender but not mushy. They’ll continue cooking in the casserole, so you want them slightly underdone at this stage.

Step 2: Cook the Turkey Mixture

While the sweet potatoes are roasting, heat the remaining tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the ground turkey to the skillet, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon as it cooks. Brown the meat thoroughly, about 6-8 minutes.

Step 3: Add Vegetables and Seasonings

Once the turkey is browned, add the diced red bell pepper to the skillet. Stir in the oregano, cumin, smoked paprika, and chili powder. Cook for 2 minutes to allow the spices to bloom and become aromatic. This step really elevates your Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Casserole by developing deeper flavors.

Step 4: Complete the Filling

Pour in the chicken broth and drained diced tomatoes. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for about 5 minutes until some of the liquid has reduced. The mixture should be moist but not soupy. Remove from heat and gently fold in the roasted sweet potatoes and half of the shredded cheese. Taste and adjust seasonings if needed.

Step 5: Assemble and Bake

Transfer the mixture to a 9×13 inch (23×33 cm) baking dish, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle the remaining cheese over the top. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and slightly golden. Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle the sliced green onions and chopped cilantro (if using) over the top of your Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Casserole just before serving. This adds a fresh contrast to the rich, hearty flavors of the dish.

Variations

Mediterranean-Inspired Version: Transform your Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Casserole with Mediterranean flavors by substituting feta cheese for the cheddar and adding 1/2 cup chopped kalamata olives and 1 teaspoon dried oregano. Stir in 2 cups of fresh spinach leaves just before assembling the casserole, allowing the residual heat to wilt them. Finish with a sprinkle of fresh dill instead of cilantro for a bright, herbaceous note that complements the briny olives and tangy feta.

Tex-Mex Sweet Potato Turkey Bake: Create a south-of-the-border version by adding 1 can of black beans (drained and rinsed), 1 cup of corn kernels, and 1 diced jalapeño to the turkey mixture. Swap the spice blend for 2 tablespoons of taco seasoning, and use a Mexican cheese blend on top. After baking, garnish with diced avocado, a dollop of sour cream, and a squeeze of lime juice for a zesty finish that transforms this casserole into a fiesta of flavors.

Dairy-Free Option: For those avoiding dairy, this hearty casserole adapts beautifully by omitting the cheese and increasing the vegetables for moisture and flavor. Add an extra bell pepper and 1 cup of mushrooms to the mix. To replace the creamy element, stir in 3/4 cup of unsweetened coconut milk or almond cooking cream before baking. The result is still satisfying and rich without any dairy products.

Storage and Serving

Your Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Casserole keeps beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 4 days when stored in an airtight container. For longer storage, portion the cooled casserole into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating in a 350°F (175°C) oven until warmed through, about 20-25 minutes. For single servings, microwave for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.

For an impressive serving presentation, garnish individual portions with a small dollop of Greek yogurt, a sprinkle of toasted pumpkin seeds for crunch, and additional fresh herbs. This casserole pairs wonderfully with a simple arugula salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette to cut through the richness.

For a complete meal, serve alongside steamed green beans or roasted Brussels sprouts tossed with a touch of balsamic glaze. For heartier appetites, offer warm whole grain rolls or crusty bread to soak up the flavorful sauce from this satisfying sweet potato turkey bake.

FAQs

Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the entire Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Casserole up to 24 hours in advance, cover it tightly, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, allow it to sit at room temperature for 30 minutes, then add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time since it will be starting cold.

How can I make this casserole spicier?
To increase the heat level, add 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon of cayenne pepper to the spice mix, or incorporate 1-2 finely diced jalapeños with the bell peppers. You could also serve the finished casserole with hot sauce on the side.

Can I substitute regular potatoes for sweet potatoes?
While you can use white or yellow potatoes, they’ll change the flavor profile significantly. Sweet potatoes provide a natural sweetness that balances the savory turkey. If using regular potatoes, consider adding 1 tablespoon of maple syrup to maintain some of that sweet-savory contrast.

Is this casserole suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! This casserole is ideal for meal prep. Portion it into individual containers after cooling for quick, nutritious lunches or dinners throughout the week. The flavors actually improve after a day or two.

Can I use ground chicken instead of turkey?
Ground chicken works perfectly as a substitute for turkey in this recipe with no other adjustments needed. Either option provides lean protein that pairs beautifully with the sweet potatoes.

Conclusion

This Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Casserole is comfort food at its finest — nourishing, satisfying, and bursting with flavor in every bite. It’s the kind of dish that brings the family together at the table while providing balanced nutrition that leaves everyone feeling good. The perfect blend of lean protein and vibrant vegetables makes this casserole a go-to recipe when you want something wholesome yet indulgent. Whether for a weeknight dinner or a casual gathering, this versatile dish delivers both comfort and nutrition in one delicious package.

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