Wake up your taste buds with this delightful Turkey and Sweet Potato Breakfast Casserole! Featuring a harmonious blend of flavors from savory ground turkey and the delicate sweetness of sweet potatoes, this dish is a warm and comforting way to start your day. It’s easy to make and packed full of nutrients, making it the perfect addition to your morning routine.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Nutrient-Packed Delight: This casserole is loaded with protein from turkey and rich in vitamins from sweet potatoes and spinach.
- One-Pan Wonder: Minimal clean-up with a single dish cooking—perfect for busy mornings.
- Customizable: Easily adapt the ingredients to suit what’s in your pantry or cater to dietary preferences.
- Make-Ahead Wonder: Prepares beautifully in advance, giving you more time to savor your morning coffee.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering these simple, yet essential, ingredients will set you on the path to a hearty breakfast. Each ingredient plays a vital role in creating the distinct flavors and textures of the Turkey and Sweet Potato Breakfast Casserole. Let’s break it down!
- Ground Turkey: Provides a lean protein base that pairs wonderfully with spices.
- Sweet Potato: Adds a touch of natural sweetness and vibrant color.
- Eggs: Bind everything together with a creamy texture and are protein-rich.
- Baby Spinach: Brings a fresh, nutritious element, perfectly complementing the other flavors.
- Coconut Oil: Used for cooking and greasing—adds a subtle nutty flavor.
- Paprika and Garlic Powder: Season the turkey with these pantry staples to amplify its savoriness.
Variations
This recipe welcomes your creative touch. Whether you’re accommodating dietary needs or want to experiment with flavors, these variations will keep the Turkey and Sweet Potato Breakfast Casserole exciting every time you make it.
- Meaty Swap: Substitute ground turkey with pork sausage or ground beef for a richer flavor.
- Veggie Boost: Incorporate diced bell peppers or mushrooms for added texture and nutrients.
- Make it Cheesy: Sprinkle shredded cheese like cheddar or mozzarella atop the spinach before the final bake for a gooey, cheesy layer.
How to Make Turkey and Sweet Potato Breakfast Casserole
Step 1: Prepping Your Dish
Preheat your oven to 375℉. As it warms up, take a moment to grease a 9 x 9 baking dish with coconut oil, ensuring an easy release post-bake. Such simplicity will make you treasure using it for many recipes.
Step 2: Layering the Sweet Potatoes
Peel your sweet potato and slice it thinly into 1/4-inch rounds. Arrange these slices to cover the bottom of your dish in a single layer, overlapping slightly if needed—they’ll form the comforting foundation of your casserole.
Step 3: Cooking the Turkey
In a skillet, melt a tablespoon of coconut oil and add the ground turkey. Sprinkle with paprika and garlic powder, breaking up the meat as it cooks. Once the turkey is beautifully browned, layer it over the sweet potatoes.
Step 4: Creating the Egg Mixture
Whisk together your eggs until uniformly opaque, then pour this over the turkey layer. This step not only binds everything but also infuses the spices throughout.
Step 5: Baking the Casserole
Place your dish in the preheated oven and let it bake for 30 minutes. Partway through, layer on the baby spinach and continue baking until the center is set and firm, about 5 to 15 minutes more.
Pro Tips for Making Turkey and Sweet Potato Breakfast Casserole
- Sweet Potato Selection: Choose firm, medium-sized sweet potatoes for an even texture when baked.
- Perfect Layering: Keep your layers even and the potatoes thin for a casserole that’s perfectly cooked throughout.
- Egg Mixture Tip: Adding a splash of milk to the eggs can add extra creaminess.
- Adjust Bake Time: If you notice browning too soon, cover with foil and extend the cooking time by 5 minutes.
How to Serve Turkey and Sweet Potato Breakfast Casserole
Garnishes
Sprinkle a handful of freshly chopped herbs like parsley or chives just before serving to bring a fragrant and fresh quality to each bite.
Side Dishes
Pair your casserole with a light fruit salad or fresh bread, which will add both texture and complement the savory flavors effortlessly.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve in colorful ceramic dishes to make those vibrant layers pop or cut it into cute, bite-sized squares for a delightful brunch spread.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once your casserole is completely cool, cover it well and store it in the refrigerator. This can keep for up to four days, making it a fantastic option for meal prep.
Freezing
Freeze the cooked and cooled casserole for future enjoyment. Wrapped tightly, it can last up to four months. Thaw overnight in the fridge when you’re ready to reheat.
Reheating
For reheating, use an oven set to 350ºF, allowing your casserole to warm for 10-15 minutes, or microwave individual portions for a quick breakfast solution.
FAQs
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Can I use another vegetable instead of sweet potatoes?
Absolutely! Feel free to use sliced butternut squash or even zucchini for a different twist on this classic combo.
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What is the best way to ensure my eggs are fully cooked?
Check the center of the casserole for firmness. If the eggs jiggle, give it more time and perhaps cover with foil to prevent over-browning.
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How can I decrease the cooking time?
Pre-cooking the sweet potato slices slightly in the microwave can help speed up the entire baking process.
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Does this freeze well?
Yes, this casserole freezes beautifully! Divide it into portions for easy freezing and reheating later.
Final Thoughts
Why not give this Turkey and Sweet Potato Breakfast Casserole a whirl? It’s a delicious celebration of morning flavors, combining easy preparation with fantastic taste. I’m sure it’ll become a staple that you look forward to sharing with loved ones. Enjoy every nourishing bite!
Print
Ground Turkey and Sweet Potato Breakfast Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35-45 minutes
- Total Time: 50-55 minutes
- Yield: 4-6 servings
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This savory breakfast casserole combines tender sweet potato slices, flavorful ground turkey, and nutritious spinach, all baked to perfection with fluffy eggs. It’s a wholesome, make-ahead dish perfect for meal prep or a hearty brunch, offering a deliciously balanced and protein-packed start to your day.
Ingredients
For the Base
- 1 tablespoon Coconut Oil
- 1 lb Ground Turkey
- 1/2 teaspoon Paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon Garlic Powder
- 12 large Eggs
- 1 small Sweet Potato peeled and sliced thin
- 1 cup Baby Spinach
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×9 inch baking dish with coconut oil, ensuring the entire surface is coated to prevent sticking.
- Layer Sweet Potatoes: Peel and thinly slice the sweet potato into 1/4-inch slices. Arrange these slices evenly across the bottom of the prepared dish, overlapping slightly if needed, to create a uniform layer.
- Cook Ground Turkey: Melt 1 tablespoon of coconut oil in a medium skillet over medium heat. Add the ground turkey and season with additional spices like paprika and garlic powder if desired. Break apart the meat with a spatula and cook for about 3-5 minutes until browned. Drain excess fat and distribute the cooked turkey evenly over the sweet potato layer.
- Prepare Egg Mixture: In a medium bowl, whisk the eggs until fully combined. Add paprika, garlic powder, and salt and pepper to taste. Pour this mixture evenly over the ground turkey layer.
- Bake the Casserole: Place the dish in the oven and bake for 30 minutes. Carefully slide out the dish without removing it from the oven, and sprinkle the fresh spinach evenly over the top. Return to the oven and continue baking for another 5-15 minutes until the center is set and firm.
- Finish and Serve: Remove from oven and let it cool for a few minutes before slicing. Serve warm. If desired, cover with foil during baking to prevent excessive browning.
Notes
- Feel free to substitute ground meats like pork sausage, chicken, or beef for added variety and flavor.
- For individual servings, use a silicone muffin tin; these can be frozen for quick meals.
- Convert this casserole into a quiche by adding a homemade or store-bought crust before baking.
- If the top browns too quickly, tent with aluminum foil to prevent burning and extend baking time if needed.
- To ensure even cooking, check the center after 35 minutes and add additional time gradually as needed.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/6 of casserole)
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 300 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 14 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 18 g
- Cholesterol: 150 mg
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