If you’re craving something cozy, hearty, and secretly healthy, this Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Casserole has your name written all over it. It’s the ultimate feel-good dish that brings together lean ground turkey, tender sweet potatoes, and a rich blend of spices and melty cheese. This casserole is the kind of weeknight dinner you’ll want on repeat simple to make, big on flavor, and totally satisfying. It’s a wholesome meal in one dish that tastes like comfort food but feels light and nourishing. Trust me, this one’s a keeper!

Why You’ll Love Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Casserole

This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients it’s about creating moments. Whether you’re cooking for a casual family dinner, hosting a get-together with friends, or simply indulging in some comforting flavors for yourself, this dish is versatile enough to fit the occasion. Here’s why it’s a favorite:

Versatile: Great for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or even a cozy holiday side.

Budget-Friendly: Uses affordable, easy-to-find ingredients that stretch into a filling meal.

Quick and Easy: Minimal prep with simple layering and baking no fancy steps here.

Customizable: Swap in different veggies, use ground beef or chicken, or spice it up to your taste.

Crowd-Pleasing: A guaranteed hit with both kids and adults. It’s always a win when a single dish can satisfy everyone at the table. This recipe strikes the perfect balance of flavor and comfort, making it a universal favorite.

Ingredients in Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Casserole

Here’s what brings this comforting casserole together with wholesome, flavorful ingredients:

Ground Turkey:
Lean, protein-packed, and perfect for absorbing all the spices and flavors in the dish.

Sweet Potatoes:
Naturally sweet and earthy they roast up tender and balance the savory turkey beautifully.

Onion and Garlic:
The flavor foundation sautéed until golden and aromatic.

Bell Peppers (optional):
Add color, crunch, and a mild sweetness that pairs perfectly with the turkey.

Tomato Paste or Diced Tomatoes:
For a rich, slightly tangy base that binds everything together.

Italian Seasoning & Paprika:
Herbaceous, slightly smoky flavor that keeps things exciting.

Salt and Pepper:
Essential for seasoning each layer of flavor.

Cheese (Cheddar or Mozzarella):
Melty, bubbly, and deliciously golden the perfect topping.

Olive Oil or Avocado Oil:
For sautéing and roasting adds a hint of richness.

(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Let’s dive into the steps to create this flavorful masterpiece:

Preheat Your Equipment:
Preheat your oven to 400°F and grease a medium casserole dish with cooking spray or oil.

Combine Ingredients:
In a large skillet, heat oil over medium heat. Add diced onion and garlic, sauté until soft. Add ground turkey, breaking it apart as it cooks. Stir in bell peppers, tomato paste or tomatoes, and spices. Cook until turkey is fully browned and flavors are well combined.

Prepare Your Cooking Vessel:
Peel and dice sweet potatoes into small cubes. Spread evenly on the bottom of the casserole dish.

Assemble the Dish:
Layer the cooked turkey mixture over the sweet potatoes. Stir gently to combine, then sprinkle cheese evenly over the top.

Cook to Perfection:
Cover the dish with foil and bake for 25–30 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 10–15 minutes, or until sweet potatoes are fork-tender and the cheese is golden and bubbly.

Finishing Touches:
Let the casserole sit for 5 minutes before serving this helps it set and makes scooping easier.

Serve and Enjoy:
Dish it out warm and enjoy that cheesy, savory, sweet and spiced combo in every forkful!

Nutrition Facts:

Servings: 6
Calories per serving: 360

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes

How to Serve Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Casserole

This dish pairs wonderfully with various sides and accompaniments. Here are a few serving suggestions to enhance your dining experience:
Serve with a crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette for balance.
Add a dollop of Greek yogurt or sour cream for creaminess.
Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro.
Serve alongside roasted vegetables or sautéed greens.
Top with avocado slices or a drizzle of hot sauce for extra flair.

Additional Tips

Here are some extra tips to help you get the most out of this recipe:
Cut sweet potatoes into uniform pieces so they cook evenly.
Add black beans or corn for a Southwestern twist.
Use shredded rotisserie chicken instead of turkey in a pinch.
Make it spicy by adding cayenne or crushed red pepper.
Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

FAQ’s

1. Can I use ground beef instead of turkey?
Yes! Ground beef, chicken, or even plant-based meat alternatives work great.

2. Do I need to cook the sweet potatoes first?
Nope they’ll roast right in the casserole. Just cut them small for even cooking.

3. Can I make this dairy-free?
Absolutely just skip the cheese or use a dairy-free alternative.

4. How do I store leftovers?
Keep in the fridge up to 4 days, or freeze for up to 2 months.

5. Can I prep it ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble and store in the fridge until ready to bake (within 24 hours).

6. What cheese melts best for this recipe?
Cheddar adds sharpness, but mozzarella or Monterey Jack also work beautifully.

7. Is this gluten-free?
Yes! Just double-check any store-bought ingredients like tomato paste.

8. Can I add more veggies?
Definitely zucchini, spinach, or mushrooms make great additions.

9. Can I make it in a skillet instead of baking?
Yes use an oven-safe skillet and bake directly in it.

10. What’s the best way to reheat it?
Reheat in the oven at 350°F or microwave individual portions until warm.

Conclusion

Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Casserole is the kind of dish that warms you from the inside out a perfect blend of sweet, savory, cheesy, and hearty. It’s nutritious without being boring, comforting without being heavy, and so simple to make. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just meal prepping for the week, this casserole delivers flavor, convenience, and feel-good satisfaction in every bite. Give it a try it might just become your new go-to!

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