Ground Turkey and Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe

I absolutely love sharing this Ground Turkey and Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe with friends because it’s one of those dishes that feels cozy, hearty, and healthy all at the same time. The combination of lean ground turkey with sweet potatoes creates this incredible balance of flavors and textures you’ll find hard to resist—especially on cooler nights when you want something filling but not too heavy.

When I first tried this casserole, I was amazed at how the simple ingredients came together to make a dish that my whole family goes crazy for. It works wonderfully as a weeknight dinner, but also shines at potlucks or weekend meals where you want to impress without spending hours cooking. Trust me, once you make this Ground Turkey and Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe, it’s going to become a staple in your recipe rotation.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

I always say the magic of this Ground Turkey and Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe starts with fresh, quality ingredients—each one plays a role in the final flavor and texture. You don’t need anything fancy, but picking good sweet potatoes and lean turkey really makes a difference.

• Sweet Potatoes: Using fresh, firm sweet potatoes (orange, white, or even purple) will give the casserole a lovely sweetness and soft texture after baking.
• Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Adds healthy fat and helps roast the sweet potatoes beautifully with a subtle fruity flavor.
• Salt & Black Pepper: Simple seasonings to enhance natural flavors—don’t skimp!
• Garlic Powder: Lends a gentle garlic note without overpowering the dish.
• Dried Rosemary: Gives a fragrant, piney aroma that pairs perfectly with turkey and sweet potatoes.
• Lean Ground Turkey: I recommend 93% lean or higher so it cooks up moist but not greasy; you can sub with ground chicken or beef if you prefer.
• Yellow or White Onion: Provides a sweet and savory depth once sautéed with the turkey.
• Vegetable Broth: Adds moisture and flavor—plus it keeps things light; chicken broth works great too.
• Whole Milk or Half & Half: Keeps the casserole creamy and comforting without being too heavy.
• Basmati or Long Grain White Rice: The rice absorbs all the lovely liquid and flavors, making every bite satisfying.
• Shredded Cheddar Cheese: A melty, cheesy topping that brings everything together and locks in moisture.
• Chopped or Dried Parsley: Adds a fresh, herbaceous finish when sprinkled on before serving.

Variations

One of the things I love about this Ground Turkey and Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe is how easy it is to tweak and make your own. Whether you want to add veggies or swap proteins, it adapts beautifully.

• Protein Swap: I’ve made this with ground chicken when turkey wasn’t on hand, and it turned out just as good—sometimes a little milder in flavor.
• Veggie Boost: Adding sautéed mushrooms or spinach works great if you want to sneak in more greens without changing the dish much.
• Dairy-Free Option: Use almond milk and a vegan cheese substitute; it melts differently but still tasty and creamy.
• Spice it Up: If you like heat, toss in some chili flakes or a pinch of cayenne with the turkey for a smoky kick.

How to Make Ground Turkey and Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe

Step 1: Prep and Roast the Sweet Potatoes

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F. Peel and dice your sweet potatoes into roughly 1-inch cubes—that size ensures they roast evenly without turning mushy. Toss them in a 9 x 13” casserole dish with olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and rosemary, stirring well so every piece gets coated. Pop it in the oven and let them bake for 30 minutes. You’ll want to stir once halfway through if you remember, but no worries if you don’t; they’ll come out tender and fragrant.

Step 2: Brown the Ground Turkey and Sauté Onions

While the sweet potatoes are roasting, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add your ground turkey and break it apart with a spoon. Cook until it’s nicely browned with no pink spots left—that usually takes about 7-8 minutes. Add the diced onion and cook another 3-5 minutes until the onion softens and becomes translucent. This method really builds flavor, and the onions make the turkey extra juicy.

Step 3: Combine Everything and Bake Again

Once the sweet potatoes have roasted and your turkey mixture is ready, remove the casserole dish from the oven. Pour in the vegetable broth, milk, and uncooked rice directly into the dish with the sweet potatoes. Add the browned turkey and onions, then stir everything gently to combine. Return the dish uncovered to the oven and bake for 15 minutes. This step lets the rice absorb the liquids and flavors, so it becomes perfectly tender.

Step 4: Cheese Topping and Final Bake

After that initial 15 minutes, remove the casserole and sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top. Put it back in the oven for another 10 minutes or so just until the cheese melts and bubbles lightly. That golden layer makes this dish feel like a real treat and helps seal in moisture.

Step 5: Rest, Garnish, and Serve

Once out of the oven, let the casserole rest for 10-15 minutes. This resting time is key—it helps everything set up so you’re not serving soup! Just before serving, sprinkle chopped parsley or dried parsley flakes for a fresh color pop and flavor. Then dig in and enjoy!

How to Serve Ground Turkey and Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe

Garnishes

I love to garnish this casserole simply with fresh chopped parsley because it adds a burst of color and a subtle herbal brightness. Sometimes I add a pinch of smoked paprika on top for a little smoky touch that my family adores.

Side Dishes

Because this casserole is already packed with protein, starch, and veggies, I often keep sides light—something like a fresh green salad with a lemon vinaigrette, or roasted green beans. It pairs wonderfully with steamed broccoli or sautéed spinach for a complete and colorful meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday dinners or special dinners at home, I’ve served this casserole in individual ramekins for a fancy touch. You can also layer it like a lasagna in a deeper dish using thin slices of sweet potato to create pretty layers. Topping with extra cheese and broiling briefly adds a crisp golden crust that impresses guests every time.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and find they keep well for up to 4 days. When you reheat it, add a splash of milk or broth and cover it to keep the moisture locked in—this prevents the casserole from getting dry.

Freezing

This Ground Turkey and Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe freezes wonderfully. I let it cool completely, then portion into freezer-safe containers. It’s perfect for pulling out on busy nights when you need homemade comfort food fast. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

I like reheating leftovers in the oven at 350°F, covered with foil, for about 20 minutes or until warmed through. This preserves the cheesy topping better than the microwave, though the microwave is fine for a quick fix—just stir halfway for even heating.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Ground Turkey and Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe has become one of my go-to dishes for both busy weeknights and relaxed weekends. It’s simple enough to throw together quickly, yet comforting and satisfying enough to feel like a real treat. I truly hope you enjoy making it as much as I do, and that it brings warmth and smiles to your table. Give it a try—you might just find a new family favorite!

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