This Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Casserole is a cozy dish that’s both hearty and healthy! With ground turkey and creamy sweet potatoes, it’s packed with yummy flavors.
I love how easy it is to make—just mix everything in a dish and bake! Plus, it’s a great way to sneak in some veggies without anyone noticing. Perfect for family dinners! 🥔🍗
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Sweet Potatoes: These are the star of the dish, providing natural sweetness and creaminess. If you’re out of sweet potatoes, you can use regular potatoes or even butternut squash as a substitute.
Ground Turkey: This lean protein makes the casserole hearty. If you’re not a fan of turkey, ground chicken or even plant-based ground meat works great here!
Onion and Garlic: They add a wonderful base flavor. If you’re short on time, you can use onion powder and garlic powder instead. However, fresh always has a better taste!
Mushrooms: These are optional but add great texture and umami flavor. If you skip them, consider adding a different vegetable like spinach or bell peppers instead!
Cheese: I prefer mozzarella for its melting qualities, but cheddar or even a mix can be delicious. For dairy-free options, use vegan cheese or nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor.
How Do I Cook Sweet Potatoes Perfectly?
Cooking sweet potatoes can be tricky if you want that smooth texture. Here’s how to do it right:
- Bring a pot of salted water to boil. Adding salt helps flavor the potatoes.
- Carefully add the cubed sweet potatoes and cook until they’re fork-tender, about 10-15 minutes.
- Drain them well and let them sit for a minute to release steam, which helps reduce moisture.
- For extra creaminess, consider mashing the sweet potatoes slightly before layering them, but if you want to keep them in chunks, that works too!
Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Casserole
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Casserole:
- 2 large sweet potatoes (about 2 pounds), peeled and cubed
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup mushrooms, finely chopped (optional)
- 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 tsp dried thyme (or 1 tbsp fresh thyme, chopped)
- 1/2 tsp dried sage
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 cup shredded cheese (mozzarella or cheddar works well)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Fresh thyme leaves for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious casserole will take about 15 minutes to prep and 25-30 minutes to cook, so plan for around 45-1 hour total. It’s easy to prepare, and your kitchen will smell wonderful as it bakes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preparing the Sweet Potatoes:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Then, fill a large pot with water and bring it to a boil. Add the cubed sweet potatoes and cook for about 10-15 minutes, or until they are tender enough to be easily pierced with a fork. Drain the sweet potatoes and set them aside to cool slightly.
2. Cooking the Turkey Mixture:
While the sweet potatoes are cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until they soften and become fragrant. Next, add the ground turkey to the skillet. Cook it while breaking it apart with a spoon for about 6-8 minutes or until it’s nicely browned and no longer pink. If you’re using mushrooms, add them to the skillet now and cook for another 3-4 minutes. Stir in the dried thyme, sage, salt, and pepper. Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth, and let everything simmer for about 5 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
3. Assembling the Casserole:
Take a greased casserole dish and start layering! First, spread half of the cooked sweet potatoes evenly on the bottom. Then, add the ground turkey mixture over the sweet potatoes. Next, layer the remaining sweet potatoes on top, pressing gently down to secure them. Finally, sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the entire top.
4. Baking and Serving:
Bake the casserole uncovered in your preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes or until the cheese is melted and slightly golden. Once it’s out of the oven, let it cool for a few minutes before serving. If you like, garnish with fresh thyme leaves for an added touch!
Enjoy this delicious and nutritious Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Casserole that’s perfect for a comforting family meal!
Can I Use Other Types of Meat in This Casserole?
Absolutely! While ground turkey is a lean option, you can substitute it with ground chicken, beef, or even a plant-based ground meat for a vegetarian version. Just adjust the cooking time as needed based on the type of meat.
What if I Don’t Have Sweet Potatoes?
No worries! You can use regular potatoes, butternut squash, or even cauliflower as a substitute. Keep in mind that cooking times may vary, so adjust accordingly to ensure they’re tender before layering.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. You can reheat individual servings in the microwave or warm the whole casserole in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.
Can I Make This Casserole Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole ahead of time. Assemble it up to the point before baking, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake, just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time to ensure it’s heated through.
