A Short Story About the Recipe

I’ve always loved creating dishes that bring warmth and comfort to the table, and my Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Casserole is one of my absolute favorites. The first time I made this recipe, I was looking for a wholesome, family-friendly dish that combined savory and slightly sweet flavors in one satisfying bite. The golden, tender sweet potatoes layered with seasoned ground turkey and topped with a light, crispy topping made it an instant hit. From the moment I took the first forkful, I knew this would become a staple in my home. It’s one of those recipes that fills the kitchen with an irresistible aroma, making everyone eagerly wait for dinner.

Why You Will Love This Recipe

This casserole is hearty, comforting, and packed with flavor. The natural sweetness of the sweet potatoes balances perfectly with the savory, well-seasoned ground turkey. It’s not just a side dish or a main—it’s a complete meal in a single dish. You’ll love how easy it is to prepare without sacrificing taste, and how it keeps well for leftovers, making busy weeknights stress-free.

Versatile

One of the best parts about this recipe is its versatility. You can easily adjust the vegetables based on what you have at hand, swap the seasonings to match your preference, or even turn it into a vegetarian-friendly version by substituting turkey with lentils or chickpeas. This flexibility makes it perfect for any occasion, from casual family dinners to holiday gatherings.

Affordable

This casserole is budget-friendly without compromising on quality. Sweet potatoes, ground turkey, and pantry staples like onions, garlic, and herbs are affordable and accessible, making this a practical dish for everyday cooking. It proves that delicious, wholesome meals don’t have to break the bank.

Ingredients for the Recipe

1 lb ground turkey
3 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
1 medium onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup low-fat milk or alternative
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp smoked paprika
1 tsp dried thyme
Salt and pepper to taste
½ cup whole wheat breadcrumbs or crushed crackers for topping
2 tbsp butter, melted

How to Prepare This Recipe

Step-by-Step Instructions for Preparation

Preheat the Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures the casserole will bake evenly and the topping will turn golden and crispy.
Prepare the Sweet Potatoes
Peel the sweet potatoes and cut them into evenly sized cubes, about 1-inch pieces. Even sizing ensures they cook uniformly. Place them in a large pot, cover with water, and bring to a boil. Cook for 12–15 minutes until tender but not mushy. Drain well and set aside.
Cook the Ground Turkey
While the sweet potatoes are boiling, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing until translucent and fragrant, about 3–4 minutes. Next, add the ground turkey. Break it apart with a spatula and cook until no longer pink, approximately 6–8 minutes.
Season the Meat
Sprinkle in 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1 teaspoon dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir continuously for 1–2 minutes, allowing the spices to fully infuse the turkey. This step ensures the casserole will be flavorful throughout.
Combine Sweet Potatoes and Turkey
In a large mixing bowl, gently combine the cooked sweet potatoes and seasoned turkey mixture. Pour in 1 cup of milk or a non-dairy alternative to create a creamy texture. Mix carefully to avoid breaking the sweet potatoes too much. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
Transfer to Baking Dish
Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with a small amount of olive oil or cooking spray. Transfer the sweet potato and turkey mixture evenly into the dish. Smooth the top with a spatula to prepare for the topping.
Prepare the Topping
In a small bowl, combine ½ cup of whole wheat breadcrumbs or crushed crackers with 2 tablespoons melted butter. Mix until the crumbs are evenly coated. Sprinkle the topping over the casserole, covering the surface uniformly to ensure a crisp, golden layer.
Bake the Casserole
Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and crispy. The casserole should be bubbling slightly at the edges, indicating it’s perfectly cooked.
Serve
Remove from the oven and let the casserole rest for 5–10 minutes. This helps it set slightly, making it easier to serve. Portion into bowls or plates, and enjoy the creamy, savory, and slightly sweet flavors in every bite.

Quick and Easy

This recipe is surprisingly quick to make considering its hearty result. Most of the steps involve simple chopping and cooking, and the assembly is straightforward. Even beginners can achieve a delicious result without stress.

Customizable

Feel free to customize the casserole. Add chopped bell peppers, carrots, or spinach for extra nutrition. Substitute whole wheat breadcrumbs with crushed nuts for a crunchy topping. You can also adjust spices, adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to complement the sweetness of the potatoes.

Popular with Many People

This casserole is a crowd-pleaser. Families love the comforting combination of turkey and sweet potatoes, and it’s suitable for all ages. It works perfectly for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or meal prepping for the week.

Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Casserole

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This Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Casserole is a comforting and wholesome dish that combines tender sweet potatoes with savory, well-seasoned ground turkey. Topped with a light, crispy breadcrumb layer, it’s a complete meal that’s versatile, easy to prepare, and perfect for families or gatherings.

Author: Lura Skye
Prep Time: 15
Cook Time: 35
Total Time: 50 minutes
Yield: 6 1x

Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Preheat to 375°F (190°C).
Cook Sweet Potatoes: Peel and cube sweet potatoes. Boil in water for 12–15 minutes until tender. Drain and set aside.
Sauté Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté onion and garlic for 3–4 minutes until fragrant.
Cook Ground Turkey: Add ground turkey and cook until no longer pink, breaking it apart with a spatula.
Season the Turkey: Add smoked paprika, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir for 1–2 minutes.
Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine sweet potatoes and turkey mixture. Pour in milk and mix gently. Adjust seasoning if necessary.
Transfer to Baking Dish: Lightly grease a 9×13-inch dish and transfer the mixture evenly. Smooth the surface.
Prepare Topping: Combine breadcrumbs and melted butter. Sprinkle evenly over the casserole.
Bake: Bake for 25–30 minutes until the topping is golden and crispy, and the casserole is bubbling.
Rest and Serve: Let cool for 5–10 minutes before serving.

Notes

Customize with additional vegetables like carrots, bell peppers, or spinach.

Use plant-based milk or butter for a dairy-free version.

Ensure sweet potato pieces are evenly sized for uniform cooking.

FAQs

1. Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole up to a day in advance. Assemble it and store it in the refrigerator, then bake just before serving. This helps save time on busy days.

2. Can I use frozen sweet potatoes?
Absolutely. If using frozen sweet potatoes, make sure they are thawed and drained before mixing with the turkey to avoid excess moisture in the casserole.

3. Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, simply use a non-dairy milk alternative like almond milk or oat milk and replace butter with a plant-based substitute. The casserole will still be creamy and flavorful.

4. How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through.

5. Can I freeze this casserole?
Yes, this casserole freezes well. Assemble it in a freezer-safe dish, cover tightly with foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. Bake from frozen at 375°F (190°C), adding 15–20 minutes to the baking time.

6. Can I add other vegetables?
Definitely. You can incorporate vegetables like carrots, bell peppers, or spinach to increase nutrition and add variety. Just make sure to cook them slightly before adding to the casserole if they require longer cooking times.