Description
A wholesome and comforting Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Casserole featuring tender sweet potatoes and savory ground turkey, seasoned with smoked paprika and thyme, topped with melted cheese, and baked to golden perfection. This hearty casserole is perfect for an easy weeknight dinner or meal prep.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein 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 and Oils
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- ½ cup chicken broth
Toppings and Garnish
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese (optional)
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the casserole.
- Cook Turkey: In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground turkey and cook for 5–6 minutes, breaking it up with a spoon until no longer pink. Remove the cooked turkey and set it aside.
- Sauté Vegetables: 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 and fragrant.
- Add Spices: Stir in the dried thyme, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper, ensuring the vegetables are evenly coated with the spices.
- Cook Sweet Potatoes: Add the peeled and diced sweet potatoes to the skillet, pour in the chicken broth, and cover. Simmer for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sweet potatoes are just tender but not mushy.
- Combine Turkey and Vegetables: Return the cooked ground turkey to the skillet and mix well to combine all the ingredients evenly.
- Assemble Casserole: Transfer the mixture to a lightly greased 9×9-inch casserole dish. If desired, sprinkle the shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese evenly over the top.
- Bake: Bake the casserole uncovered in the preheated oven for 15–20 minutes, or until the top is bubbly and golden brown.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from oven and garnish with the chopped fresh parsley before serving warm.
Notes
- This casserole is excellent for meal prep and can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- For a dairy-free version, simply omit the cheese topping.
- Boost nutrition by adding spinach, kale, or black beans to the vegetable mix.
