If you’re looking for a wholesome, comforting dish that brings a burst of color and bold flavors to your table, this Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe is an absolute winner. It combines lean ground turkey with naturally sweet, tender sweet potatoes and a blend of vibrant spices and fresh ingredients to create a balanced meal that’s both nutritious and irresistibly tasty. Whether you’re cooking for family or friends, this casserole promises layers of satisfying texture, warmth, and a little touch of cheesy goodness that everyone will love.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this recipe plays a crucial role, marrying simple pantry staples with fresh produce to build rich flavors and a variety of textures. From the protein-packed turkey to the naturally sweet and hearty sweet potatoes, every component adds something special to the dish.
- 1 pound ground turkey: Provides lean protein and a mild flavor that absorbs spices beautifully.
- 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and diced: Offer natural sweetness and a creamy texture when cooked.
- 1 onion, chopped: Adds depth and subtle sweetness when sautéed.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the dish with aromatic warmth.
- 1 cup corn (fresh or frozen): Brings a burst of sweetness and slight crunch.
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed: Adds fiber and a hearty texture to balance the sweet potatoes.
- 1 teaspoon cumin: Offers earthy, smoky undertones that pair perfectly with turkey.
- 1 teaspoon paprika: Adds color and a mild spiced kick.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential seasonings to enhance all the flavors.
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or your choice): Provides a creamy, melty top layer that pulls everything together.
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish): Adds a fresh, vibrant finish to the casserole.
How to Make Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Ground Turkey
Start by heating a large skillet over medium heat and adding your ground turkey. Cook it until it’s nicely browned and crumbled, about 5 to 7 minutes. Remember to break apart any clumps so your turkey cooks evenly and drains excess fat once done, keeping the dish light and lean.
Step 2: Sauté Onions and Garlic
Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet with your turkey. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes until the onions turn translucent and fragrant. These aromatics build a flavorful foundation that makes this casserole uniquely delicious.
Step 3: Add Sweet Potatoes and Veggies
Now stir in the diced sweet potatoes, corn, and rinsed black beans. Sprinkle the cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper over the mixture and give it a good stir. Let everything cook together for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally until the sweet potatoes start to soften — this pre-cooking step ensures they’ll be perfectly tender in the final bake.
Step 4: Assemble the Casserole
Transfer your vibrant mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly so every bite includes a bit of each flavorful ingredient. Then, sprinkle the shredded cheese generously on top, setting the stage for a gooey, golden finish after baking.
Step 5: Bake the Casserole
Pop your dish into a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the sweet potatoes are fully tender, and the cheese melts into a bubbly, irresistible crust.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Once out of the oven, let the casserole cool for a few minutes before garnishing with fresh cilantro. This final touch adds a lovely pop of color and brightness to perfectly complement the rich layers beneath.
How to Serve Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh cilantro is a simple but game-changing garnish that gives the casserole a refreshing lift. You can also experiment with a dollop of Greek yogurt or a sprinkle of sliced green onions for added texture and taste dimension.
Side Dishes
This casserole is hearty enough to be a standalone meal, but pairing it with a light green salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette or roasted seasonal vegetables will round out your meal with complementary flavors and nutrients.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the casserole in individual ramekins or small baking dishes for personalized portions. You might also top each serving with a fried egg or avocado slices to introduce more richness and variety.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover casserole in an airtight container and keep it refrigerated for up to 3 days. This dish reheats beautifully, making it perfect for quick lunches or weeknight dinners.
Freezing
You can freeze the casserole either before or after baking. Wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat individual portions in the microwave or the entire casserole in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through and the cheese starts bubbling again. Adding a few minutes under the broiler can revive that freshly baked cheese crust texture.
FAQs
Can I use ground chicken instead of ground turkey?
Absolutely! Ground chicken works well as a substitute, offering a similar lean protein profile and mild flavor that pairs nicely with the spices and sweet potatoes.
What type of cheese is best for this casserole?
Cheddar cheese is classic for a reason—it melts well and adds a sharpness that balances the sweetness. However, feel free to use Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or a Mexican cheese blend to match your flavor preference.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Yes, you can skip the ground turkey and add extra black beans or lentils for protein. You might also add more vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms to keep it hearty.
Is it possible to prepare this recipe gluten-free?
Definitely. All ingredients in this Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe are naturally gluten-free, but just make sure any added seasoning mixes or canned goods are labeled gluten-free to avoid cross-contamination.
How spicy is this casserole?
It is mildly spiced with cumin and paprika, which give warmth without too much heat. If you prefer more spice, adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or some chopped jalapeños will give it a mild kick.
Final Thoughts
If you want a dish that brings comfort, nutrition, and vibrant flavors all on one plate, this Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe is just the thing. It’s easy to prepare, packed with wholesome ingredients, and perfect for sharing with the people you love. Give it a try and watch it become a beloved staple in your meal rotation.
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Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
A hearty and flavorful Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Casserole that combines lean ground turkey with nutrient-rich sweet potatoes, black beans, and corn, all seasoned with cumin and paprika. Baked to perfection with a melted cheese topping and garnished with fresh cilantro, this casserole is a comforting and nutritious meal perfect for family dinners.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup corn (fresh or frozen)
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or your choice)
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the casserole later.
- Cook Ground Turkey: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground turkey until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Break it apart with a spoon while cooking and drain any excess fat once done.
- Sauté Onion and Garlic: Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the cooked turkey. Cook for 3-4 minutes until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant.
- Add Vegetables and Seasonings: Stir in the diced sweet potatoes, corn, black beans, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook the mixture for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally until the sweet potatoes start to soften.
- Assemble Casserole: Transfer the entire mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread it evenly and evenly sprinkle the shredded cheese on top.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the sweet potatoes are fully cooked and the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro before serving.
Notes
- You can use any cheese you prefer or a blend for different flavors.
- For extra spice, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili powder along with the cumin and paprika.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
- Make sure to rinse canned black beans well to reduce sodium content.
- To make it vegetarian, substitute the ground turkey with plant-based meat alternatives or extra beans.
