Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Casserole

This recipe has become a favorite in our house since it has a good mix of tastes, is easy to make, and even picky eaters like it. I made this casserole for dinner not too long ago, and it was a big hit. Everyone loved the dish since it had delicious ground turkey, sweet potatoes that were a little sweet and soft, and melted cheese. My kids even requested for more, which is always a good sign! Plus, it’s a terrific way to include some protein and vegetables into your dinner without anyone noticing. This recipe is one you should try if you want a filling but healthy meal.

About This Casserole

This Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Casserole is a hearty and healthful one-pan casserole, packed with lean protein, sweet potatoes, and a delightful blend of spices. Topped with melted cheese and fresh cilantro, it’s excellent for a full meal.

This casserole has a great mix of salty and sweet flavors. The ground turkey and black beans add protein and flavor, and the sweet potatoes add natural sweetness and texture that go well with the other ingredients.

Sweet potatoes are full of vitamins and fiber, and ground turkey is lean and full of protein. Adding black beans, corn, and seasonings makes the meal full of nutrients.

Quick and Easy: You can make this recipe in less than an hour and it doesn’t need much prep work. It’s great for weeknights when you’re busy or for getting ready for the week ahead.
Kids will love this casserole because it has cheese and nutritious ingredients. Even those who are cautious to try new vegetables may find this dish appealing.
Versatile: You can simply replace ingredients according on what you have on hand. For example, you can use different varieties of cheese or beans, or even add other veggies like bell peppers or spinach to the mix.

Time to get ready: 10 minutes
Time to cook: 30 to 35 minutes
The whole thing took 45 minutes.

This casserole is simple to make and cook, so it’s great for busy nights when you want a healthy, filling meal without spending too much time in the kitchen.

Ingredients

1 pound ground turkey
2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and chopped
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)
1 tablespoon of olive oil (or another preferred oil)
Cooking oil or spray for greasing

Cooking Instructions

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). This will give it time to warm up while you prepare the casserole.
In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil (or another preferred oil) over medium heat. Add the ground turkey and heat, breaking it apart with a spoon as it browns. This will take about 5-7 minutes. Drain any extra grease from the turkey and return the skillet to the heat.
Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the turkey. Cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring periodically, until the onion turns tender and transparent.
Stir in the peeled and diced sweet potatoes, corn, and black beans. Add the cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine and boil for about 10 minutes, stirring periodically, until the sweet potatoes are somewhat soft but not totally cooked through.

Transfer the turkey and vegetable mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread it out evenly, and then top with the shredded cheese.
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the sweet potatoes are thoroughly cooked and soft, and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Once the casserole is done, remove it from the oven and allow it to cool for a few minutes. Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro before serving to provide a blast of color and flavor.

Cooking Recap

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)

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a large skillet over medium heat, sauté the ground turkey until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon (5-7 minutes). Drain any extra fat.
Add the onion and garlic to the skillet, cooking for 3-4 minutes until the onion becomes translucent.
Stir in the sweet potatoes, corn, black beans, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for 10 minutes, stirring periodically, until the sweet potatoes are somewhat soft.
Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread it evenly and top with shredded cheese.
Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the sweet potatoes are fully cooked and the cheese is melted and bubbling.
Remove from the oven, let cool for a few minutes, and sprinkle with fresh cilantro before serving.

Serving Suggestions & Variations

As a Main meal: This casserole is filling enough to serve as a standalone main meal. Pair it with a simple side salad for a complete supper.
With a Side Salad: A light, fresh salad with leafy greens, cucumbers, and a tangy vinaigrette will help balance out the richness of the casserole.
Topped with Avocado: Add slices of avocado on top of the dish for added creaminess and healthy fats.
With Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt: For a tangy contrast to the savory casserole, top it with a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt.
Leftovers: This casserole keeps nicely for up to 3 days in the refrigerator. It’s excellent for meal prep or reheating for a fast lunch the next day.

Tips & Variations

Make it Spicy: If you enjoy a little heat, consider adding a jalapeño or some chili powder to the skillet when you saute the onion and garlic.
Use Other Veggies: Feel free to switch in other vegetables such as bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach for additional flavor and nutrients.
Cheese Variations: While cheddar is a terrific choice, you may also use monterey jack, pepper jack, or even a blend of cheeses for a different flavor profile.
Make it Gluten-Free: This dish is naturally gluten-free, so no alterations are needed if you want to keep it gluten-free.
Batch Cook: Double the recipe to make extra and freeze half for a simple meal on a busy day. Just bake it, let it cool, and freeze in an airtight container.
You can use ground chicken or lean beef instead of turkey for a different protein.
For a dairy-free option, eliminate the cheese or substitute a dairy-free cheese equivalent.
Add other vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini for further variation.

FAQs

Can I use ground chicken instead of turkey?: Yes, ground chicken is an excellent substitution for ground turkey in this recipe. It will produce a comparable texture and flavor.
Can I use normal potatoes instead of sweet potatoes?: You can use normal potatoes, but sweet potatoes give a particular sweetness and nutritional boost. If you prefer ordinary potatoes, feel free to substitute.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?: Yes, you can prepare the casserole in advance. Assemble the casserole, cover it tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake, just drop it in the oven.
Can I freeze this casserole?: Yes, you can freeze the casserole before baking. Assemble it, cover it carefully, and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, defrost it in the fridge overnight and bake as suggested.
What can I substitute for black beans?: You can substitute black beans with kidney beans, pinto beans, or chickpeas for a different flavor and texture.
Can I use frozen sweet potatoes?: Yes, frozen sweet potatoes will work great in this casserole. Just be sure to defrost them before using them to ensure they cook correctly.
Can I make this casserole spicier?: Yes, you may add hot sauce, cayenne pepper, or jalapeños to the mix to raise the heat level.
Can I add other spices to this casserole?: Absolutely! You can experiment with seasonings like oregano, chili powder, or garlic powder to increase the flavor.
How can I make this casserole more filling?: You can add extra beans, corn, or even a handful of quinoa or rice to make the casserole more heartier.
What kind of cheese works best with this recipe?: Cheddar cheese is fine, but you can also use your favorite melting cheese, such mozzarella or Monterey Jack.

Nutrition Information

Servings: 6

Calories per serving: 350 kcal
Total fat: 14g
Saturated fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 65mg
Sodium: 400mg
Total carbohydrates: 35g
Dietary fiber: 6g
Sugars: 8g
Protein: 25g

This casserole is a terrific source of lean protein and nutritious carbohydrates from the sweet potatoes and black beans. It has a lot of calories but is still filling and satisfying.

Per Serving Size

Serving Size: 1/6 of the casserole

350 kcal
9g of sugar
Sodium: 500mg
Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Unsaturated Fat: 8g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 35g
Fiber: 6g
Protein: 25g
Cholesterol: 70mg

Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Casserole is a tasty and adaptable dish that’s excellent for family gatherings, meal prep, or a soothing weekday supper. With its blend of lean turkey, sweet potatoes, black beans, and cheese, it’s packed with taste and nutrients. The dish is straightforward to create, and it’s a popular with both adults and kids alike. Whether you eat it as a single dish or combined with a simple salad, this casserole is likely to become a regular in your meal rotation. Try it today, and have a healthy, fulfilling supper the whole family will adore!