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Ground turkey is the main protein in this dish. It adds a nice flavor. You want about 1 pound of ground turkey. Choose lean turkey for a healthier meal. It cooks quickly and takes on flavors well. Sweet potatoes are the star here. You need 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and diced. They bring natural sweetness and creaminess. Add 1 medium onion, chopped, for flavor. Don't forget 2 cloves of garlic, minced, to enhance the taste. You can also use 1 cup of cooked black beans for protein and fiber. Toss in 1 cup of corn kernels, fresh or frozen, for a pop of color and sweetness. Seasonings make this casserole shine. Use 1 teaspoon of cumin for depth. Add 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika for a hint of smoke. A teaspoon of chili powder gives warmth. Don’t forget 1/2 teaspoon of salt and 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper. For moisture and flavor, include 1 cup of low-sodium chicken broth. Cheese adds richness and a gooey texture. Use 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese on top. It melts beautifully and creates a golden layer. For garnish, sprinkle fresh cilantro on top. It adds a nice green touch and fresh flavor. {{ingredient_image_1}} Start by peeling the sweet potatoes. Then, dice them into small cubes. Place the cubes in a medium saucepan filled with salted water. Bring the water to a boil and cook the sweet potatoes for about 10 minutes. They should be fork-tender but not mushy. Once done, drain the water and set the sweet potatoes aside. Next, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until it looks clear, which takes about 3 to 4 minutes. Then, add 2 cloves of minced garlic and stir for about 1 minute. This step fills your kitchen with a delightful aroma. Now it’s time to add the 1 pound of ground turkey to the skillet. Break it apart with a wooden spoon as it cooks. Stir it for about 5 to 7 minutes until it is thoroughly browned. Make sure there are no pink bits left. This is crucial for a safe and tasty dish. In this step, stir in the spices: 1 teaspoon of cumin, 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika, 1 teaspoon of chili powder, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper. Mix well so that the turkey is coated evenly. Then, add the cooked sweet potatoes, 1 cup of black beans, 1 cup of corn, and 1 cup of low-sodium chicken broth. Stir everything together until it is well combined. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Pour the turkey and sweet potato mixture into a greased baking dish, about 9x13 inches in size. Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes. After that, remove the foil and bake for another 10 to 15 minutes until the cheese is bubbling and golden. Once the casserole is done, take it out of the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. For a fresh touch, garnish it with chopped cilantro before serving. This dish pairs well with a simple salad or crusty bread. Enjoy your warm, hearty meal! Cutting sweet potatoes can be tricky. First, peel them with a sharp knife. Then, slice them into rounds. Aim for half-inch thick slices for even cooking. Stack a few slices and cut them into strips. Finally, dice these strips into cubes. This method saves time and helps them cook evenly. Cheddar cheese works great on this casserole. It melts well and adds rich flavor. You might also try Monterey Jack for a creamier taste. If you want a kick, use pepper jack. Don't forget about crumbled feta or goat cheese. Both bring a tangy twist to your dish. To ensure even cooking, always preheat your oven. This step helps the casserole cook at the right temperature. When baking, cover it with foil for the first part. This method keeps moisture in. Remove the foil towards the end to let the cheese brown nicely. Always check the center for doneness before serving. Pair your casserole with a fresh salad. A simple green salad with lemon dressing works well. You could also serve it with crusty bread or warm tortillas. These sides balance the flavors and add texture. For a heartier meal, consider adding a side of steamed broccoli or green beans. Pro Tips Cook Sweet Potatoes Ahead: To save time, you can cook the sweet potatoes in advance and store them in the refrigerator until you are ready to assemble the casserole. Use Leftover Turkey: This recipe is a great way to use up leftover turkey from holiday meals. Just substitute the ground turkey with shredded or diced cooked turkey. Adjust Spices to Taste: Feel free to adjust the spices according to your preference. If you like it spicier, add more chili powder or a pinch of cayenne pepper. Experiment with Toppings: Try adding other toppings like diced jalapeños, green onions, or even a drizzle of sour cream for extra flavor and texture. {{image_2}} You can easily make this dish vegetarian. Instead of ground turkey, use lentils or mushrooms. Cook the lentils until soft. If using mushrooms, chop them finely and sauté until they are golden. The sweet potatoes add a nice sweetness, and they pair well with the beans and corn in the recipe. This casserole is already gluten-free. The ingredients like sweet potatoes, beans, and corn do not contain gluten. Just check the labels on any prepared items like broth or cheese to ensure they are gluten-free. This way, everyone can enjoy it without worry. You can adjust the spice to suit your taste. For a milder dish, reduce the chili powder. If you want more heat, add some cayenne pepper or diced jalapeños. Spice can change the whole flavor, so feel free to experiment! After enjoying your Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Casserole, store leftovers in an airtight container. Make sure to let it cool down first. This helps keep the food fresh and safe. Place the container in the fridge. It should stay good for about 3 to 5 days. Label the container with the date. This way, you will know when to eat it by. If you want to save some for later, freezing is a great option. Cut the casserole into portions. Wrap each portion tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag. Remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. The casserole can last up to 3 months in the freezer. When you're ready to eat, just thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating. To reheat the casserole, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the casserole in an oven-safe dish. Cover it with foil to keep it moist. Heat for about 20 to 25 minutes or until hot all the way through. If you want a crispy top, remove the foil for the last 5 minutes. You can also use a microwave. Just heat in short bursts, stirring in between to make sure it warms evenly. Enjoy your delicious meal again! Yes, you can use ground chicken in this dish. Ground chicken has a mild taste, like turkey. It will work well with the spices and flavors in this casserole. Just be sure to cook it fully, just like you would with ground turkey. To add heat, you can use more chili powder or cayenne pepper. You can also add diced jalapeños or a hot sauce of your choice. Mix these in with the turkey while cooking to spread the heat evenly. Adjust the spice level to suit your taste! If you want a cheese-free option, try nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor. You can also use a dairy-free cheese made from nuts or soy. These options will still add creaminess without the dairy. This casserole will stay good in the fridge for about 3 to 4 days. Make sure to store it in an airtight container. Reheat it well before serving for the best taste! Yes, you can prepare this casserole ahead of time. Just assemble it and cover tightly. Keep it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. This can make dinner prep so much easier! This blog covers a tasty ground turkey casserole full of sweet potatoes and veggies. You learned the steps to prepare, cook, and bake it perfectly. I shared tips on cutting sweet potatoes and suggested cheese choices. I also offered options for different diets and smart storage ideas. You now have all you need to create this dish. With these insights, your cooking can be fun and rewarding. Enjoy trying this recipe and making it your own!

Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Casserole

A hearty and nutritious casserole featuring ground turkey and sweet potatoes, perfect for a family meal.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 6
Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb ground turkey
  • 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup cooked black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 cup corn kernels, fresh or frozen
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 0.5 teaspoon salt
  • 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions
 

  • Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
  • In a medium saucepan, boil the diced sweet potatoes in salted water for about 10 minutes or until fork-tender. Drain and set aside.
  • In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onions and cook until translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add minced garlic and sauté for an additional 1 minute.
  • Add the ground turkey to the skillet. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon, until browned and cooked through.
  • Stir in the cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, salt, and black pepper, allowing the spices to coat the turkey evenly.
  • Add the cooked sweet potatoes, black beans, corn, and chicken broth to the turkey mixture. Stir to incorporate everything well.
  • Pour the turkey and sweet potato mixture into a greased baking dish (about 9x13 inches).
  • Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the casserole.
  • Cover with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbling and golden.
  • Once done, remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro before serving.

Notes

Feel free to add other vegetables or spices to customize the dish.
Keyword casserole, healthy, sweet potato, turkey