Looking for a cozy, nutritious meal that feels like a warm hug at the end of a long day? The Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Casserole is a real crowd-pleaser that checks all the boxes: hearty, colorful, and loaded with flavor. It’s the kind of dish that brings everyone to the table, whether you’re meal-prepping for the week or pulling together a weeknight dinner. With its perfect blend of lean turkey, tender sweet potatoes, and a melty cheese topping (if you like), this casserole is destined to become a regular in your kitchen!

Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this recipe is in its simplicity—every ingredient plays a key role in building layers of flavor, texture, and even visual appeal. Here’s what you’ll need to make Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Casserole shine in your home kitchen.

Ground turkey: Lean and protein-packed, it’s the perfect base for a lighter, wholesome casserole.
Olive oil: Adds richness and helps everything cook up beautifully golden and fragrant.
Yellow onion: Brings sweetness and depth, softening into the background for savory flavor.
Garlic: Just a couple of cloves make the whole dish smell irresistible.
Red bell pepper: Pops of color and a subtle sweetness brighten every bite.
Dried thyme: Earthy and aromatic, thyme ties all the flavors together.
Smoked paprika: Adds a gentle smokiness that elevates the turkey and veggies.
Salt: Essential for bringing all the flavors to life.
Black pepper: A hint of heat and depth in every mouthful.
Sweet potatoes: The star of the show—naturally sweet, creamy, and nourishing.
Chicken broth: Keeps everything moist and infuses more savory flavor.
Shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese (optional): Melts into a deliciously gooey topping—totally up to you!
Fresh parsley: A sprinkle of green for freshness and a pretty finish.

How to Make Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Casserole

Step 1: Brown the Ground Turkey

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F. In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground turkey and cook for about 5 to 6 minutes, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. You want the turkey to be fully cooked and no longer pink—this gives you a flavorful, protein-rich base for your Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Casserole. Once it’s ready, set the turkey aside for later.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

In the same skillet, pour in the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Toss in your diced onion, minced garlic, and red bell pepper. Sauté them for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until everything is softened and fragrant. This step is where the kitchen starts to smell amazing!

Step 3: Add Seasonings and Sweet Potatoes

Sprinkle in the dried thyme, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir until the veggies are evenly coated. Next, add the diced sweet potatoes and pour in the chicken broth. Cover the skillet and let everything simmer for 10 to 12 minutes, stirring now and then. The sweet potatoes should be just tender—soft enough to pierce with a fork but not mushy.

Step 4: Combine Turkey and Veggies

Return the cooked ground turkey to the skillet, mixing everything together so you get a bit of turkey, veggie, and sweet potato in every scoop. This is where all the flavors start to meld, and you can already imagine how comforting the finished Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Casserole will be!

Step 5: Assemble and Bake

Transfer the mixture to a lightly greased 9×9-inch casserole dish. Sprinkle the top with shredded cheese if you’re using it. Bake the casserole uncovered for 15 to 20 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when it’s bubbly and golden on top—just begging to be scooped up.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Once out of the oven, sprinkle the casserole with chopped fresh parsley. This simple touch adds freshness and a pop of color. Now you’re ready to dig in and enjoy!

How to Serve Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Casserole

Garnishes

A sprinkle of fresh parsley is classic, but don’t stop there—thinly sliced green onions or a little extra smoked paprika make lovely finishing touches. For a dairy-free kick, a dollop of Greek yogurt or a drizzle of hot sauce can really wake up the flavors.

Side Dishes

This casserole is a meal in itself, but if you want to round out the table, think simple: a crisp green salad, steamed green beans, or roasted Brussels sprouts pair beautifully. A hunk of crusty bread is never a bad idea to soak up any savory juices.

Creative Ways to Present

Try spooning the Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Casserole into individual ramekins for an adorable dinner party presentation, or serve it over a bed of wilted spinach for extra greens. You can even tuck leftovers into tortillas for a quick and tasty wrap!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover casserole keeps well in the fridge for up to four days. Let it cool completely before transferring to a sealed container—this helps maintain the flavors and keeps things fresh for busy lunches or dinners.

Freezing

Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Casserole is freezer-friendly! Cool the casserole, portion it into airtight containers, and freeze for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results.

Reheating

To reheat, simply pop a portion in the microwave for 2 to 3 minutes, or warm it in a 350°F oven until hot throughout. Add a splash of broth if it seems a bit dry—the flavors will perk right up!

FAQs

Can I use ground chicken or beef instead of turkey?

Absolutely! Ground chicken or lean ground beef both work well in this recipe. The seasonings are flexible, so feel free to use your favorite ground meat or even a plant-based alternative.

Is Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Casserole gluten-free?

Yes, this casserole is naturally gluten-free as written. Just double-check your chicken broth and spice labels to ensure there are no hidden gluten ingredients.

Can I add extra vegetables?

Definitely! Spinach, kale, black beans, zucchini, or even corn add extra nutrition and color. Stir them in with the sweet potatoes for an even heartier casserole.

What cheese works best for the topping?

Mozzarella gives a mild, melty finish, while cheddar brings a sharper, richer flavor. You can use your favorite blend or go cheese-free for a lighter, dairy-free version of Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Casserole.

Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the casserole up to the baking step, cover it, and refrigerate for up to a day. When you’re ready to eat, just bake as directed, adding a couple of extra minutes if it’s coming straight from the fridge.

Final Thoughts

There’s just something special about a bubbling dish of Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Casserole coming out of the oven—it’s comforting, easy, and always a hit. I hope you give this recipe a try soon and make it your own family favorite!

Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe

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4.6 from 6 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 50 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

A hearty and healthy Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Casserole combining lean ground turkey with sweet potatoes, aromatic spices, and optional cheese, perfect for an easy weeknight dinner or meal prep.

Ingredients

Scale

Meat and Vegetables

1 lb ground turkey
1 small yellow onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 red bell pepper, diced
2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and diced

Spices and Seasonings

1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper

Liquids

2 tablespoons olive oil
½ cup chicken broth

Optional

½ cup shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, for garnish

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Instructions

Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) so it’s ready by the time your casserole is assembled.
Cook the ground turkey: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground turkey and cook it for 5-6 minutes, breaking it up with a spoon until it’s fully browned and no longer pink. Remove the turkey from the skillet and set aside.
Sauté the vegetables and spices: In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Sauté the diced onion, minced garlic, and diced red bell pepper for 3-4 minutes until softened. Stir in the dried thyme, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper to evenly coat the veggies with flavor.
Cook the sweet potatoes: Add the diced sweet potatoes to the skillet and pour in the chicken broth. Cover the pan and let it simmer for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sweet potatoes are tender but not mushy.
Combine turkey and veggies: Return the cooked ground turkey to the skillet and mix all the ingredients together thoroughly.
Assemble the casserole: Transfer the turkey and vegetable mixture to a lightly greased 9×9-inch casserole dish. If using, sprinkle the shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese evenly on top.
Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 15-20 minutes until it is bubbly and the cheese is golden brown if added.
Garnish and serve: Remove the casserole from the oven, garnish with chopped fresh parsley, and serve warm.

Notes

This casserole is excellent for meal prep and keeps well in the fridge for up to 4 days.
For a dairy-free version, omit the cheese or substitute with a dairy-free alternative.
Feel free to boost nutrition by adding spinach, kale, or black beans to the casserole before baking.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American