Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Casserole is a delicious, healthy, and satisfying dish that’s perfect for family dinners, meal prep, or cozy nights in. Packed with protein, fiber, and a variety of bold spices, this casserole combines the comforting flavors of sweet potatoes, ground turkey, and savory seasonings into a hearty meal. The best part? It’s all cooked in one pan, making cleanup a breeze while still delivering a flavor-packed meal.

This casserole is a perfect balance of textures, with tender ground turkey, soft sweet potatoes, and a melty, cheesy topping. Whether you’re looking for a nourishing weeknight dinner or a dish that’s easy to make in advance, this Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Casserole will quickly become a favorite in your recipe rotation. Plus, it’s customizable—add extra veggies, adjust the spices, or swap out toppings to suit your preferences.

Enjoy the satisfying combination of savory turkey and the natural sweetness of roasted sweet potatoes, all topped off with a layer of melty cheese and fresh cilantro. Let’s dive into how to make this wholesome casserole.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Nutrient-Packed: Ground turkey and sweet potatoes make for a high-protein, fiber-rich meal that will keep you full and energized.
One-Pan Wonder: This dish is easy to prepare and cooks all in one pan, making for a simple, low-maintenance dinner.
Customizable: You can adjust the spices or add extra vegetables to suit your preferences.
Comfort Food with a Twist: This casserole combines familiar, comforting ingredients with fresh flavors and a healthy twist.
Family-Friendly: Both adults and kids will love the flavors in this casserole, making it a great family meal.

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Ingredients

For the Casserole:

Olive oil
Ground turkey
Small onion, diced
Garlic, minced
Salt
Black pepper
Smoked paprika
Cumin
Chili powder (optional)
Black beans, drained and rinsed
Diced tomatoes with green chilies (Rotel)
Baby spinach (optional)
Sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
Chicken broth (or water)

For the Topping:

Shredded cheddar cheese (or Mexican blend)
Crumbled feta or cotija cheese (optional)
Chopped fresh cilantro (for garnish)

Variations

Add More Vegetables: Try adding bell peppers, zucchini, or corn for extra color and flavor.
Swap the Protein: You can substitute ground turkey for ground chicken, beef, or even plant-based meat for a different twist.
Make it Spicy: Add extra chili powder, jalapeños, or a drizzle of hot sauce for some heat.
Cheese Options: Experiment with different types of cheese like pepper jack for a little kick or mozzarella for a milder taste.
Dairy-Free Version: Skip the cheese or use a dairy-free cheese alternative to make it dairy-free.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Sweet Potatoes

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet or casserole dish over medium heat. Add the diced sweet potatoes and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they begin to soften. Add the chicken broth or water and cover the pan. Cook for another 5-10 minutes until the sweet potatoes are tender but still firm. Remove from heat and set aside.

Step 2: Cook the Ground Turkey

In the same skillet, add the ground turkey and cook over medium heat, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned and fully cooked, about 7-10 minutes. Drain any excess fat if necessary.

Step 3: Add the Aromatics and Spices

Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the cooked turkey and sauté for 2-3 minutes, until fragrant and softened. Stir in the smoked paprika, cumin, chili powder (if using), salt, and black pepper. Mix well to combine.

Step 4: Add the Beans and Tomatoes

Add the black beans, diced tomatoes with green chilies, and spinach (if using) to the turkey mixture. Stir to combine and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes until everything is heated through.

Step 5: Combine with Sweet Potatoes

Add the cooked sweet potatoes back into the skillet with the turkey mixture. Stir everything together gently until well combined. Spread the mixture evenly in the pan.

Step 6: Add the Toppings

Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese and crumbled feta or cotija cheese (if using) over the top of the casserole. Place the skillet in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro before serving.

Tips for Making the Recipe

Cooking the Sweet Potatoes: Make sure not to overcook the sweet potatoes in the initial step; they should be tender but not mushy.
Add Extra Veggies: Feel free to throw in additional vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or peas for more texture and flavor.
Make it a Meal Prep Dish: This casserole holds up well in the fridge and can be easily reheated for lunches or dinners throughout the week.
Customize the Spice: Adjust the chili powder and cumin levels to your taste. If you prefer a milder dish, leave out the chili powder altogether.
Skip the Spinach: If you’re not a fan of spinach, you can easily omit it or replace it with kale or another green.

How to Serve

As a Main Course: This casserole is hearty enough to stand alone as a complete meal, served with a simple side salad or some crusty bread.
With a Side of Rice: Serve with a side of quinoa or brown rice to soak up all the flavorful sauce from the casserole.
For Meal Prep: Divide the casserole into individual portions for an easy grab-and-go lunch or dinner during the week.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store the casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.

Freezing

You can freeze the casserole before or after baking. To freeze, allow it to cool completely and store in an airtight container or freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until hot, about 25-30 minutes.

Reheating

Reheat individual portions in the microwave or the entire casserole in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.

FAQs

1. Can I make this casserole in advance?

Yes, you can prepare the casserole up to the point of baking, cover it, and refrigerate it for up to a day before baking.

2. Can I use frozen sweet potatoes?

Fresh sweet potatoes are recommended for the best texture, but you can use frozen diced sweet potatoes if necessary. Just be sure to thaw and drain them before using.

3. Can I substitute ground turkey with another protein?

Yes, ground chicken, beef, or even ground pork can be used instead of turkey.

4. Can I use a different type of cheese?

Absolutely! You can substitute cheddar with mozzarella, pepper jack, or any cheese of your choice.

5. Can I leave out the spinach?

Yes, the spinach is optional, but it adds a nice boost of nutrients. Feel free to skip it or substitute with another leafy green.

6. Can I make this casserole dairy-free?

Yes, omit the cheese or use dairy-free cheese alternatives to make it dairy-free.

7. Is there a way to make this spicier?

Yes, you can add more chili powder, diced jalapeños, or hot sauce to increase the heat level.

8. Can I use canned sweet potatoes?

It’s best to use fresh sweet potatoes for texture, but canned sweet potatoes could be used if that’s what you have on hand, just be sure to drain them well.

9. Can I make this casserole without beans?

Yes, if you don’t like beans, you can leave them out or substitute with corn, peas, or other vegetables.

10. How can I make this casserole gluten-free?

This recipe is naturally gluten-free, so there’s no need for adjustments if you’re avoiding gluten.

Conclusion

Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Casserole is a comforting, nutritious, and flavorful dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With hearty ground turkey, tender sweet potatoes, savory spices, and a cheesy topping, it’s a meal everyone will love. Plus, it’s customizable, so you can adjust the ingredients to suit your taste preferences. Whether you’re preparing a weeknight dinner or a meal prep option, this casserole is an easy and delicious choice that will keep you satisfied. Enjoy!