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To make this tasty dish, gather these ingredients: - 1 lb ground turkey - 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and diced into 1-inch cubes - 1 medium onion, finely chopped - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 bell pepper (red or yellow), diced - 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed - 1 cup corn (fresh or frozen) - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - 1 teaspoon ground cumin - 1 teaspoon chili powder - Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste - 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth - 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional, for topping) - Olive oil for sautéing - Fresh cilantro, chopped, for garnish (optional) You can switch some ingredients for similar flavors or dietary needs. Try these options: - Ground beef or chicken instead of turkey - Butternut squash in place of sweet potatoes - Red onion instead of yellow onion - Black-eyed peas instead of black beans - Vegetable broth for a vegetarian option - Nutritional yeast instead of cheese for a dairy-free choice This casserole is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients. Each serving has: - Calories: Approximately 320 - Protein: 25g - Carbohydrates: 40g - Dietary Fiber: 10g - Fat: 10g This meal gives you good protein and fiber, making it a healthy choice for dinner. Enjoy the balance of flavors while nourishing your body. {{ingredient_image_2}} To start, gather all your ingredients. You will need: - 1 lb ground turkey - 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and diced into 1-inch cubes - 1 medium onion, finely chopped - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 bell pepper (red or yellow), diced - 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed - 1 cup corn (fresh or frozen) - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - 1 teaspoon ground cumin - 1 teaspoon chili powder - Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste - 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth - 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional, for topping) - Olive oil for sautéing - Fresh cilantro, chopped, for garnish (optional) Next, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This step ensures the casserole cooks evenly. Chop the onion and bell pepper. Dice the sweet potatoes into 1-inch cubes. Mince the garlic. Rinse the black beans. Getting this done makes cooking easier. In a large skillet, heat a drizzle of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and bell pepper. Cook them for about 5 minutes until they soften. Next, add the minced garlic. Cook for another minute. The garlic should smell great but not burn. Now, add the ground turkey. Cook it for 6 to 8 minutes. Break it apart with a spatula as it cooks. Ensure there’s no pink left in the turkey. Sprinkle in the smoked paprika, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together. You want the spices to coat the meat and veggies well. Now, add the sweet potatoes, black beans, corn, and chicken broth. Mix thoroughly. Make sure all ingredients are well combined. Transfer the mixture into a greased 9x13-inch baking dish. Spread it evenly. Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil. Bake for 25 minutes. This helps the sweet potatoes soften. After 25 minutes, carefully remove the foil. If you like cheese, sprinkle it on top. Return the dish to the oven for another 10 to 15 minutes. The sweet potatoes will be fork-tender, and the cheese will melt nicely. Let the casserole rest for a few minutes after baking. This helps the flavors meld. If you want, garnish with fresh cilantro for color and taste. For serving, you can present it straight from the baking dish. Alternatively, scoop out individual portions. Serve with a side of mixed greens for a nice touch. Enjoy this hearty and flavorful dish! To make the best ground turkey sweet potato casserole, follow these tips: - Use fresh ingredients: Fresh sweet potatoes, onions, and peppers give great flavor. - Don’t rush the sautéing: Take your time to soften the onions and peppers. - Brown the turkey well: This adds depth to your casserole. Cook until no pink remains. - Cover while baking: Cover with foil for the first part of baking to keep moisture in. - Check for doneness: Ensure sweet potatoes are fork-tender before serving. To elevate the flavor of your casserole, try these ideas: - Add herbs: Fresh or dried herbs like thyme or oregano can boost taste. - Use spices: Feel free to mix in more spices like cayenne for heat or coriander for zest. - Experiment with cheese: Swap cheddar for pepper jack or feta for a different flavor. - Try different beans: Use pinto or kidney beans for a twist on texture and flavor. When serving your casserole, consider these options: - Garnish with cilantro: A sprinkle of fresh cilantro adds color and flavor. - Pair with greens: A simple green salad adds a fresh crunch to the meal. - Serve with crusty bread: Crusty bread complements the casserole’s hearty nature. - Offer hot sauce: For those who like heat, a splash of hot sauce can enhance the dish. Pro Tips Prep Your Ingredients: Before starting, chop all your vegetables and measure out your spices. This will make the cooking process smoother and more efficient. Enhance the Flavor: Add a squeeze of lime juice before serving to brighten the flavors of the casserole and complement the sweetness of the potatoes. Customize Your Veggies: Feel free to swap in your favorite vegetables or whatever you have on hand. Spinach, zucchini, or diced tomatoes would work great! Make it Ahead: This casserole can be assembled a day in advance. Just cover it tightly and refrigerate until you're ready to bake—it'll save you time on busy nights! {{image_4}} You can mix up your casserole by adding different veggies. Try using zucchini or carrots for a fresh twist. Spinach or kale can add a nice color and nutrition boost. You can also use butternut squash for a sweeter taste. Just chop them into small pieces, so they cook evenly with the sweet potatoes. If you want to switch proteins, ground chicken is a great choice. It cooks similarly and has a mild flavor. For a beefier taste, use ground beef or pork. If you prefer something lighter, shredded chicken works well too. You can even try plant-based ground meat for a meat-free option. To make this casserole gluten-free, ensure your broth and spices are gluten-free. Most ingredients fit well into a gluten-free diet. If you want a vegan version, swap the ground turkey for lentils or chickpeas. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can also skip the cheese or use a vegan cheese alternative. To store leftovers, first let the casserole cool. Then, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. You can also transfer it to an airtight container. This keeps the flavors fresh and prevents drying out. Leftovers can stay in the fridge for up to four days. When you’re ready to enjoy the casserole again, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the leftovers in an oven-safe dish. Cover it with foil to keep moisture in. Bake for about 20 minutes or until heated through. You can also use a microwave for quick reheating. Just place a portion in a microwave-safe bowl and heat for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through. To freeze the casserole, first let it cool completely. Then, cut it into portions for easy serving later. Wrap each piece in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag. Make sure to label the bag with the date. You can freeze it for up to three months. When ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Then, reheat as mentioned above. Enjoy your hearty meal anytime! Yes, you can prepare this casserole ahead. Cook it, then cool it down. Cover it and store it in the fridge for up to two days. You can also freeze it for longer storage. Just remember to thaw it in the fridge before baking. To heat it, bake covered at 375°F (190°C) for 25 minutes, then bake uncovered until hot. You can serve this dish with a side of mixed greens or a fresh salad. A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette complements the casserole's flavors well. You may also pair it with crusty bread for a hearty meal. For a fun twist, serve it with avocado slices or guacamole on the side. To add heat to your casserole, try these tips. You can mix in chopped jalapeños or diced green chilies. Adding extra chili powder or cayenne pepper gives it a kick. Another option is to use spicy cheese on top instead of regular cheddar. Adjust the spice level to suit your taste! This post covered key ingredients for your casserole and helpful cooking steps. You now have tips to enhance flavors and varied options for different diets. Additionally, we explored storage methods to keep your dish fresh. Remember, making this casserole can fit many tastes and needs. Enjoy experimenting with flavors and share this hearty meal with loved ones. Happy cooking!

Hearty Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Casserole

A comforting casserole featuring ground turkey, sweet potatoes, and a blend of spices, topped with cheese.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 6
Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb ground turkey
  • 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and diced into 1-inch cubes
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 bell pepper diced (red or yellow)
  • 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 cup corn (fresh or frozen)
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • to taste salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional, for topping)
  • for sautéing Olive oil
  • for garnish Fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)

Instructions
 

  • Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  • In a large, heavy-bottomed skillet, add a generous drizzle of olive oil and heat over medium heat. Once hot, add the chopped onion and diced bell pepper, sautéing for about 5 minutes or until they are softened and translucent.
  • Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, allowing the garlic to become fragrant without burning.
  • Add the ground turkey to the skillet with the sautéed vegetables. Cook for approximately 6-8 minutes, breaking it apart with a spatula as it browns. Ensure the turkey is cooked through and no pink remains.
  • Sprinkle in the smoked paprika, cumin, chili powder, along with salt and pepper to taste. Stir the mixture well to coat the meat and vegetables evenly with the spices.
  • Incorporate the diced sweet potatoes, rinsed black beans, corn, and chicken broth into the skillet. Stir everything together thoroughly until well combined, ensuring the sweet potatoes are evenly distributed throughout.
  • Carefully transfer the mixture into a greased 9x13-inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly across the base.
  • Cover the casserole tightly with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes to allow the sweet potatoes to begin softening.
  • After 25 minutes, carefully remove the foil, and if desired, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top. Return it to the oven and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the sweet potatoes are fork-tender and the cheese has melted and is bubbly.
  • Once cooked, remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. If you like, garnish with freshly chopped cilantro for a pop of color and flavor.

Notes

Serve with a side of mixed greens for a complete meal.
Keyword casserole, healthy, sweet potato, turkey