Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Casserole
Beginning
This recipe has become a favorite in our house since it has a good mix of tastes, is easy to make, and can please even the pickiest eaters. I made this casserole for dinner the other night, and everyone loved it right away. Everyone loved the lunch since it was soothing. It had delicious ground turkey, sweet and tender sweet potatoes, and melting cheese. It’s always a good indication when my kids ask for seconds. It’s also a terrific way to include some protein and vegetables into your meal without anyone noticing. This recipe is one you should try if you want a filling but healthy meal.
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.
You Will Love Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Casserole
This casserole has a great mix of sweet and savory 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: This recipe is easy to make and only takes about an hour. It’s great for weeknights when you’re busy or when you’re getting ready for the week ahead.
- Kid-Friendly: Kids will like this casserole because it has cheese and other substantial ingredients. Even people who don’t like trying new vegetables might want to eat this dish.
You can simply change the ingredients depending on what you have on hand. You can add other vegetables, such bell peppers or spinach, or use different kinds of cheese or beans.
Time to Prepare
- Time to Get Ready: 10 Minutes
- Time to cook: 30 to 35 minutes
- Time: 45 minutes
This casserole is easy to make and cook, so it’s great for busy nights when you want a healthy, filling supper without spending a lot of time in the kitchen.
Ingredients
- 1 pound of ground turkey
- 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 cup of corn, either fresh or frozen
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 teaspoon of cumin
- 1 teaspoon of paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup of shredded cheese, like cheddar or any other kind you want
- 1/4 cup of chopped fresh cilantro to use as a garnish
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil (or another oil you like)
- Butter or cooking spray for a 9×13-inch baking dish
Instructions
- Set the oven to 375°F (190°C) before you start cooking. This will give it time to heat up while you make the dish.
- Over medium heat, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil (or another oil you like) in a big skillet. Add the ground turkey and heat it until it is brown, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. This will take roughly five to seven minutes. Get rid of any extra fat from the turkey and put the skillet back on the stove.
- Put the chopped onion and minced garlic in the skillet with the turkey. Stir the onion every so often and cook it for 3 to 4 minutes, or until it is tender and see-through.
- Add the peeled and chopped sweet potatoes, corn, and black beans and mix well. Add the cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir to mix, then heat for approximately 10 minutes, tossing every so often, until the sweet potatoes are a little soft but not totally cooked.
- Put the turkey and vegetable mixture in a 9×13-inch baking dish that has been buttered. Spread it out evenly, then add the shredded cheese on top.
- Put the baking dish in the oven that has already been heated and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbling and the sweet potatoes are thoroughly cooked and soft.
- Take the casserole out of the oven when it’s done and let it cool for a few minutes. Add chopped fresh cilantro as a garnish before serving to give it a pop of color and flavor.
Serving Suggestions and Variations
- As a Main Dish: This casserole is hearty enough to be the main dish on its own. For a full supper, serve it with a simple salad on the side.
- With a Side Salad: A light, fresh salad with leafy greens, cucumbers, and a tangy vinaigrette will help cut through the richness of the casserole.
- Avocado on Top: For more creaminess and good fats, put slices of avocado on top of the casserole.
- Add some sour cream or Greek yogurt: on top of the savory dish to give it a tangy taste.
- Leftovers: You can keep this casserole in the fridge for up to three days. It’s great for getting ready for a supper or heating up for a fast lunch the next day.
- Add some heat: If you like things spicy, you can add a jalapeño or some chili powder to the skillet when you saute the onion and garlic.
- Add Other Veggies: You can add other veggies like bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach to give the dish more taste and nutrition.
- Distinct Types of Cheese: Cheddar is a terrific choice, but you could also use monterey jack, pepper jack, or even a mix of cheeses to give the dish a distinct taste.
- Make it Gluten-Free: This casserole doesn’t have any gluten in it, so you don’t need to change anything if you want it to stay that way.
- Batch Cook: Make twice as much of the recipe and freeze half of it for a quick meal on a busy day. Just bake it, let it cool, and then put it in a container that won’t let air in.
- Protein Variations: You can use ground chicken or lean beef instead of turkey for a different protein.
- Dairy-Free Option: For a dairy-free option, eliminate the cheese or substitute a dairy-free cheese equivalent.
- Additional Vegetables: Add other vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini for added variation.
Nutrition Information
The sweet potatoes and black beans in this casserole are a terrific combination of healthful carbohydrates and lean protein. It has a lot of calories but is still filling and satisfying.
- Serving Size: 1/6 of the casserole
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
FAQ
Is it okay to use ground chicken instead of turkey?
Yes, ground chicken works well in this recipe instead of ground turkey. 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. You can use ordinary potatoes instead if you like.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole in advance. Put the casserole together, wrap it tightly with plastic wrap, and put it in the fridge 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. Make sure to defrost them first so they cook right.
Is it possible to make this casserole hotter?
Yes, you may add hot sauce, cayenne pepper, or jalapeños to the mix to raise the heat level.
Is it okay to add more spices to this casserole?
Of course! You can experiment with seasonings like oregano, chili powder, or garlic powder to increase the flavor.
How can I make this casserole more filling?
To make the dish even heartier, you can add more beans, corn, or even a handful of quinoa or rice.
What type of cheese is best for this recipe?
Cheddar cheese works nicely, but feel free to substitute your favorite melting cheese like mozzarella or monterey jack.
Conclusion
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!