Hi friends! I’m Meriem, your go-to cozy-cuisine chef, and today I’ve got a comforting casserole that’s as satisfying as it is nourishing: 🦃🍠 Hearty Ground Turkey and Sweet Potato Casserole!
Born from a need to use up leftover ground turkey and sweet potatoes one chilly weeknight, this became a family staple for its balance of flavors, textures, and feel-good ingredients. Imagine juicy turkey, creamy sweet potatoes, savory cheddar cheese, and a touch of fresh herbs—all baked into one bubbly, golden dish. 😍
If you’ve loved my Greek Turkey Meatballs with Creamy Tzatziki Sauce or Glossy Hibachi Chicken with Teriyaki Glaze, this one’s a must-try!
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe
- 🍽️ One-dish meal – Easy cleanup and full of flavor.
- 🦃 Lean protein – Ground turkey keeps it light yet filling.
- 🍠 Sweet potato power – Natural sweetness, fiber, and color.
- 🧀 Cheesy topping – Golden, bubbly cheddar seals the deal.
- 🕒 Perfect for meal prep – Make ahead and reheat all week.
What you will need ?
- 🦃 1 lb ground turkey (450g) – Lean, protein-rich base. Sub with ground chicken or beef if preferred.
- 🍠 2 cups sweet potatoes, peeled & cubed (280g) – Sweet, hearty, and packed with vitamins. Butternut squash is a great swap!
- 🧅 1 small onion, chopped (100g) – Adds depth and aroma. Sub with ½ cup shallots, green onions, or 1 tsp onion powder.
- 🥄 2 tbsp olive oil (30ml) – For sautéing and flavor. Sub with avocado or canola oil or butter, if preferred.
- 🧄 2 cloves garlic, minced – Bold, earthy flavor. Sub with ½ tsp garlic powder or 1 tsp grated ginger.
- 🍅 1 cup diced tomatoes (240g) – Juicy, tangy balance. Sub with canned or fresh, crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, or roasted red peppers
- 🧀 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (100g) – For that irresistible melted top. Try mozzarella or Monterey Jack for variation or nutritional yeast for vegan.
- 🌿 2 tbsp chopped parsley – Fresh herb finish. Sub with thyme or cilantro.
- 🧂 1 tsp salt – Brings everything together. Sub with sea salt or reduce to ½ tsp for low-sodium diets, aligning with your customizable seasoning preferences
- 🌶️ ½ tsp black pepper – Adds subtle heat. Sub with white pepper or ¼ tsp red pepper flakes for extra heat
Equipment Needed
- ✅ Large skillet
- ✅ Cutting board & knife
- ✅ Mixing spoon or spatula
- ✅ 9×13-inch baking dish
- ✅ Aluminum foil
- ✅ Oven mitts
Step-By-Step Guiding
1️⃣ Preheat Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
🔥 Tip: Use a glass or ceramic dish for even baking, a preference you’ve shown in casserole recipes like the Hearty Cheesy Ground Beef Rice Casserole.
2️⃣ Brown the Turkey
Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 1 lb ground turkey and cook for 5–7 minutes, breaking it apart until browned.
🔥 Meriem’s tip: Let it sit undisturbed for a minute or two to develop flavor before stirring.
3️⃣ Add Onion & Garlic
Stir in 1 chopped onion and 2 minced garlic cloves. Sauté for 2–3 minutes until softened and fragrant.
🔥 Tip: Stir frequently to prevent garlic from burning, a precision you’ve valued in recipes like the Zesty Lemon Capellini Salad.
Mix in Sweet Potatoes & Tomatoes
Add 2 cups cubed sweet potatoes and 1 cup diced tomatoes. Season with 1 tsp salt and ½ tsp pepper. Stir and cook for 5 minutes to begin softening the potatoes.
🔥 Tip: Cube sweet potatoes into ½-inch pieces for even cooking.
Transfer to Baking Dish & Add Cheese
Pour the mixture into a 9×13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle evenly with 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese.
🔥 Tip: Press the mixture gently for a compact casserole.
Bake Covered, Then Uncovered
Cover with foil and bake for 25–30 minutes. Remove foil and bake 10 minutes more until cheese is bubbly and golden.
🔥 Tip: Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving for easier scooping.
Garnish & Serve
Sprinkle with 2 tbsp chopped parsley and serve warm!
🧊 Leftovers tip: Store in single portions for easy grab-and-go meals.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving – Approximate)
- Calories: 320
- Carbs: 16g
- Protein: 24g
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Topping Suggestions
Take it to the next level with:
- Extra cheddar or gouda
- Dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt
- Sliced green onions or chives
- Toasted breadcrumbs for crunch
- Drizzle of hot sauce or sriracha
- Crushed tortilla chips for a Tex-Mex twist
How to Store & Reheat
Storage:
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze fully cooled casserole in portions for up to 2 months.
Reheating:
- Oven: Reheat at 350°F (175°C) for 15 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat in 60-second intervals, stirring between.
What to Serve With
Pair your casserole with:
- A side of green beans or asparagus
- Mixed greens salad with lemon vinaigrette
- Steamed broccoli
- Buttery cornbread or garlic toast
- Sparkling water with lemon or iced tea 🍋
FAQs
Can I make dairy-free sweet potato casserole?
Swap cheddar with dairy-free cheese or nutritional yeast for a savory finish.
Is this sweet potato casserole freezer-friendly?
Yes! Freeze baked portions for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.
Can I use ground beef instead of ground turkey?
Absolutely. Ground beef or chicken both work—adjust cook time slightly for fat content.
Can I make sweet potato casserole ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble fully, cover, and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.
How do I prevent the sweet potatoes from being too firm?
Cut sweet potatoes into ½-inch cubes and ensure they cook long enough in the skillet (5 minutes). Test tenderness before baking.
Hearty Ground Turkey and Sweet Potato Casserole
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 2 cups sweet potatoes peeled and cubed
- 1 small onion chopped
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 cup diced tomatoes
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley chopped
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat, add ground turkey, and cook for 5-7 minutes until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon.
- Add chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet, cooking for 2-3 minutes until softened.
- Stir in cubed sweet potatoes and diced tomatoes, season with salt and black pepper, and cook for 5 minutes.
- Transfer the mixture to a baking dish, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top, and cover with foil.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, remove foil, and bake for an additional 10 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly. Garnish with parsley and serve.
This 🦃🍠 Hearty Ground Turkey and Sweet Potato Casserole is everything a wholesome comfort dish should be—easy, flavorful, cheesy, and nourishing. Whether you’re meal-prepping, feeding a crowd, or looking for a cozy fall dinner, this casserole has your back.
Craving more cozy dishes? Try my Crunchy Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole or One-Pan Lemon Chicken Orzo next. Don’t forget to leave a comment or tag your plate on socials—I love seeing your creations! 🧡
